Our Platinum Awards program continues to reaffirm what other regional and national judgings have identified, that the Burgundy- inspired portfolio of Neil and Sue Shay is elite. They’ve won nine Platinums in the past four years, and here’s their first for Pinot Gris. Bluebird Hill Vineyard in the Coast Range foothills south of Corvallis is blended with Walnut Ridge Vineyard in … [Read more...] about Bluebird Hill Cellars 2021 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $25
Oregon
Zerba Cellars 2019 Cockburn Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla $40
One of the Pacific Northwest’s most decorated wineries used this Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Brent Roberts to close in on its 50th career Platinum. This is the third time in four years for the Milton-Freewater, Ore., producer to earn a Platinum for one of its Cabs, and Roberts used contributions of Syrah (11%), Merlot (9%) and Cabernet Franc (5%) to showcase his knack for … [Read more...] about Zerba Cellars 2019 Cockburn Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla $40
Capital Call Vintners 2020 Windhorse Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Gorge $42
This project took root in the Columbia Gorge with acclaimed wine-country geologist Alan Busacca and has grown via collaborations with storied winemakers Rich Cushman (Oregon) and Joshua Maloney (Washington) and Midwest entrepreneurs Steve and Nikki Bruere. Their delicious Cushman-crafted Syrah from this scenic site near the confluence of the Deschutes and Columbia rivers should … [Read more...] about Capital Call Vintners 2020 Windhorse Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Gorge $42
Chris James Cellars 2020 Barbera, Columbia Valley $45
A decade ago, Christopher and Bethany Barnes began planting their vineyard on the outskirts of Carlton, Ore., and producing wine under their Artem Wine Co., brand. While the Barnes family releases delicious estate wines from Italian varieties they tend near famous Panther Creek, they’ve used Barbera grown in the Walla Walla Valley to win gold medals. This time, that program has … [Read more...] about Chris James Cellars 2020 Barbera, Columbia Valley $45
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2021 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $25
Recently retired Oregon State University professor Neil Shay shares the winemaking credit for this Platinum-winning Chardonnay with OSU fermentation science grad Nick Cheatham, who spent several vintages at Bluebird Hill. One of two Platinum winners for white wine, this is a blend of their Monroe estate, nearby Stroda Vineyard and Sunrise Vineyard northwest of Eugene. Inviting … [Read more...] about Bluebird Hill Cellars 2021 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $25