Winemaker Byron Dooley crafted this red wine in a Bordeaux style, a blend of Merlot (47%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Cabernet Franc (18%). It opens with aromas of mint, strawberry jam and pomegranate, followed by big, juicy flavors of red cherry, raspberry and cranberry. It's all backed with sturdy tannins. Rating: Recommended Production: 196 cases Alcohol: … [Read more...] about Chateau Figareaux 2011 Tradition, Columbia Valley, $25
Oregon
Abacela 2012 Albariño Roble, Umpqua Valley, $25
Earl and Hilda Jones have made Albariño a signature white wine at Abacela in Southern Oregon's Umpqua Valley for the past 12 years. This year, Abacela produced two versions, with this fermented in new American oak. The oak never really shows up for us, with aromas of cantaloupe, dried pineapple and spearmint, followed by flavors of slate, apple and pineapple on the palate. It … [Read more...] about Abacela 2012 Albariño Roble, Umpqua Valley, $25
Apolloni Vineyards 2011 Dolce Vino Viognier, Oregon, $22
We've noticed a trend over the past decade that Viognier tends to make a superb dessert wine - a bit surprising considering it has naturally low acidity. Yet here's another classic example from a Willamette Valley winery that's deliciously sweet at 16% residual sugar. It opens with aromas of rosewater, baked peach pie and orange biscuit, followed by yummy flavors of orange, … [Read more...] about Apolloni Vineyards 2011 Dolce Vino Viognier, Oregon, $22
Cooper Mountain Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
One of the Pacific Northwest's most environmentally conscientious wineries, Gilles de Domingo works with fruit from certified biodynamic vineyards. He's referred to this densely colored wine as "the face of a woman without any makeup," and the oak program speaks to that. The mere 15 percent new oak barely powders her nose, which hints at a Beaujolais with its Hawaiian Punch … [Read more...] about Cooper Mountain Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
Kings Ridge 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $18
Ryan Harms founded Union Wine Co., in 2010, and he hired Greg Bauer soon after to take over the winemaking. They've recast this former Rex Hill brand and relaunched it as the mid-level tier under the umbrella they've created within an industrial park in Tualatin, Ore. Despite a challenging vintage, this falls under the fresh and fruity category, starting in the nose with hints … [Read more...] about Kings Ridge 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $18