Billed as Tacoma's first meadery, KVLT goes beyond straightforward honey wine with a kaleidoscope of styles that seem inspired by a mixologist. Each starts with Washington clover honey, and in this case, Brian Sprouse builds complexity with blackcurrant and blackberry, then adds a few Ugandan vanilla beans and a spot of cold-brewed joe from Valhalla Coffee Co. Blackberry and … [Read more...] about KVLT Mead NV Speedwheel Burning Blackcurrant Blackberry Honey Wine with Vanilla and Coffee, Washington, $35
Outstanding
Eye of the Needle Winery NV The Eye, Columbia Valley, $18
Woodinville vintner Bob Bullock hits the bull’s eye again with his remarkable red that leads with Cabernet Sauvignon and blends in Merlot and Petit Verdot. The nose and structure reveal its pedigree with high-toned black and blue fruit, inviting spices, a scrape of dark chocolate and a finish of lovely, smooth tannins. A non-disclosure agreement prevents the Bullocks from … [Read more...] about Eye of the Needle Winery NV The Eye, Columbia Valley, $18
Domaine Serene 2017 Yamhill Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $52
Yamhill County in Oregon's North Willamette Valley is home to three American Viticultural Areas that factor into this delicious blend that's so appropriately labeled. The Evenstad family works with six vineyards, three of them estate plantings near the winery in the Dundee Hills, Jerusalem Hill in the Eola-Amity Hills (just north of Polk County) and the warmer Abbey Oaks in … [Read more...] about Domaine Serene 2017 Yamhill Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $52
Maryhill Winery 2019 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $17
One of Washington state's largest family-owned wineries has created one of the region's most successful rosé programs, and the Leutholds have used the Italian grape Sangiovese to nearly double their production since 2016. Perfume and peonies fill the nose with a hint of baker's spice at the end. An almost off-dry entry brings the berry component of this wine to life, joined by … [Read more...] about Maryhill Winery 2019 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $17
Passing Time Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $85
The May family's Discovery Vineyard, which grew the Syrah in 2016 that topped the 2020 Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition, also made the largest contribution to this remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon for winemaker Chris Peterson and retired NFL quarterbacks Brock Huard and Dan Marino. It's indeed an all-star lineup of sites sourced as Champoux and Klipsun, and the … [Read more...] about Passing Time Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $85