The long-term joint effort in the Columbia Gorge by Sonoma hired gun Michael Sebastiani and erudite owner Robb Bell peeled off a career-best seven Platinum Awards this fall, and this work with Petit Verdot led the way. The bold Bordeaux red is intense with its bouquet of Hawaiian hibiscus, patchouli, cola and coconut, an assortment that leads to black currant, black cherry and … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2017 Last Best Wife Reserve Petit Verdot, Columbia Gorge $48
Oregon
Cardwell Hill Cellars 2019 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $40
The 2021 Oregon Winery of the Year again proved to be a standout during our year-end judging of gold medals, and this reserve release from Dan Chapel’s estate in Philomath was the highest-scoring Pinot Noir among the four Platinums he won. Here’s a blend of the four clones he grows — Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 115 and 777. The nose of woods, earth and cherry pie commands your … [Read more...] about Cardwell Hill Cellars 2019 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $40
Season Cellars 2018 Malbec, Southern Oregon $30
Scott and Jennifer Henry come from Southern Oregon wine royalty, and some of their famous neighbors in the Umpqua Valley have helped put Malbec on the map in the Northwest. This effort ranked near the top of the Platinum. It weaves a toothsome tapestry, starting with an incense of jamón Ibérico, hazelnut, Marionberry and plum that picks up eucalyptus and black pepper. The … [Read more...] about Season Cellars 2018 Malbec, Southern Oregon $30
Elevation Cellars 2014 Monolith Red Wine, Columbia Valley $41
Woodinville’s Steven Stuart earned a Platinum five years ago for Merlot. Here, the former competitive skier from Colorado leads with his Cabernet Sauvignon. The additions of Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (7%) touch off an avalanche of descriptions, starting with black cherry, dried plums and forest floor. That fruit makes its way to the finish line, … [Read more...] about Elevation Cellars 2014 Monolith Red Wine, Columbia Valley $41
Reustle Prayer-Rock Vineyards 2019 Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley $36
As much as Stephen Reustle is known for his Grüner program, the New Jersey transplant also has now earned seven Platinums for his work with estate Pinot Noir. It makes up 7 of his 40 acres and includes three Dijon clones, Pommard and Wädenswil. Judges applauded this entry for the palate delivering on the aromatics — dusty raspberry, bright cherry and pomegranate with … [Read more...] about Reustle Prayer-Rock Vineyards 2019 Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley $36