One of Washington's largest offerings of Sangiovese continues to rank among the most delicious, and it begins with some vineyards that co-founders Myles Anderson and Gordy Venneri nurtured relationships with prior to selling their winery to Scott and Nici Haladay in early 2017. This blend of venerable Sagemoor (33%), historic Seven Hills (26%) and Kiona (24%) includes … [Read more...] about Walla Walla Vintners 2017 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $24
Outstanding
Raptor Ridge Winery 2016 Folin Vineyard Tempranillo Reserva, Rogue Valley, $40
During this stellar vintage for Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, the Shulls added to their string of fascinating work with the bold Spanish red Tempranillo and Folin Vineyard near the Southern Oregon town of Medford. And the timing of this harvest — two days after Labor Day — showcases one of the reasons why early-ripening Tempranillo is favored by both growers and winemakers. The … [Read more...] about Raptor Ridge Winery 2016 Folin Vineyard Tempranillo Reserva, Rogue Valley, $40
LOVE THAT RED Winery 2016 Deadheat Syrah, Columbia Valley, $36
This full-bodied entry by Woodinville's Terry Wells - with a pedigree of Ciel du Cheval on Red Mountain, Clifton Hill on the Wahluke Slope and Elephant Mountain Vineyard near the top of the Rattlesnake Hills - comes out of the chute with an inkiness that's beautiful to look at in the glass. The high color saturation suggests a big full-bodied wine and it does not disappoint. … [Read more...] about LOVE THAT RED Winery 2016 Deadheat Syrah, Columbia Valley, $36
Argyle Winery 2018 Master Series Nuthouse Riesling, Eola-Amity Hills, $30
Traditionally, Argyle has dubbed Riesling as its "most age-worthy variety," and there's no reason to doubt that claim as Nate Klostermann continues to shepherd the tradition set down by longtime mentor Rollin Soles. This latest release from prized Lone Star Vineyard is astoundingly floral with orange blossom, peach, alyssum and elderflower. The remarkable mouthfeel is a … [Read more...] about Argyle Winery 2018 Master Series Nuthouse Riesling, Eola-Amity Hills, $30
L’Ecole No. 41 2016 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee, Walla Walla Valley $55
Marty Clubb's inaugural Pepper Bridge Vineyard-focused Apogee stemmed from the 1993 vintage — a decade after his in-laws - iconic figures in the Walla Walla Valley — founded L'Ecole No. 41. And history looks back as the '93 Apogee as the first wine to emerge from Norm McKibben's now-famous vineyard. This Left Bank-inspired approach was farmed at 3.2 tons per acre and carries an … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2016 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee, Walla Walla Valley $55