How many bridges can Jill and Kevin Ross and winemaker Bob Switzer see from their young Portland, Ore., winery? Seven, and this stunning Merlot is from their second commercial vintage. One reason why growers and winemakers in the Northwest appreciate Merlot is that it can ripen early, and harvest came Sept. 19 from Golden Ridge Vineyard, a Walla Walla Valley site nurtured by … [Read more...] about Seven Bridges Winery 2009 Golden Ridge Vineyard Reserve Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $35
Oregon
Leah Jørgensen Cellars 2012 Tour Rain Vin Rouge, Oregon, $25
Leah Jorgensen's early wines as a solo winemaker could portend great things ahead. Jorgensen has worked in nearly every aspect of the wine industry during her young life. Less than a decade ago, she arrived in Oregon to work for Erath. When that winery was purchased by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, she moved to Washington state, then returned to Oregon to work for Adelsheim and a … [Read more...] about Leah Jørgensen Cellars 2012 Tour Rain Vin Rouge, Oregon, $25
Chehalem Wines 2011 Three Vineyards Riesling, Willamette Valley, $24
Second-generation winemaker Wynne Peterson-Nedry steps into one of the Northwest's top Riesling programs, and this release marks Chehalem's largest production from Corral Creek, Ridgecrest and Stoller vineyards. It was also the latest harvest, stretching into the second week of November. Aromas are reminiscent of tree-ripened Bartlett pear, Gala apple, sugared grapefruit with … [Read more...] about Chehalem Wines 2011 Three Vineyards Riesling, Willamette Valley, $24
Trisaetum Vineyards 2012 J&A Frey Vineyards Estate Riesling, Ribbon Ridge, $24
Riesling worshippers realize some of the Northwest's top producers established vineyard sources in the region's smallest appellation, and Trisaetum rapidly achieved cult status beyond Newberg, Ore., for its work with this noble white grape. James Frey creates two styles from each of his three estate sites, and here's his off-dry version. It kicks off with whiffs of apple … [Read more...] about Trisaetum Vineyards 2012 J&A Frey Vineyards Estate Riesling, Ribbon Ridge, $24
Brandborg Vineyard & Winery 2009 Riesling, Umpqua Valley, $16
Old World-style Rieslings are not often produced and promoted in the Northwest, but Terry Brandborg is doing just that in Elkton, Ore., with old vine fruit from neighboring Bradley Vineyard, planted in 1983. Classic aromas of petrol and baked apple also come with hints of banana taffy and dried pineapple. The palate is fascinating from start to finish, starting with a crisp … [Read more...] about Brandborg Vineyard & Winery 2009 Riesling, Umpqua Valley, $16