One of the "string of pearls" for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, this brand was developed three decades ago to produce some of the world's best examples of Merlot. Along the way, winemaker David Merfeld also has earned acclaim for his Cab program. A quick look at its pedigree shows that it is steeped in history. In fact, it could be labeled as "Cold Creek Vineyard Old Vine … [Read more...] about Northstar Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $41
Outstanding
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2016 Dampier Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley $48
Columbia Gorge vintner Robb Bell continues to fly in his hired gun from Sonoma, Michael Sebastiani, to orchestrate the wine program at Cathedral Ridge. In the case of this Pinot Noir, its story begins across the Columbia River from the Hood River, Ore., winery. Berries used for this reserve off Dampier Vineyard on Underwood Mountain are pulled from the easternmost rows, which … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2016 Dampier Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley $48
Watermill Winery 2017 Hallowed Stones Estate Syrah, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, $40
After a century of growing apples in the Walla Walla Valley, the Brown family started adding vineyards to its portfolio in 2001. Before long, they began producing both award-winning cider under its Blue Mountain Cider Company and wines under its Watermill Winery brand - a tip of the cap to its home of Milton-Freewater, Ore. Of their seven vineyards, Watermill Estate Vineyard … [Read more...] about Watermill Winery 2017 Hallowed Stones Estate Syrah, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, $40
Airfield Estates Winery 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley $15
Best Buy! This marks winemaker Travis Maple's second vintage as head winemaker for the Miller family at Airfield Estates in Prosser, Wash., and his work with Sauvignon Blanc from Airport Ranch flies high. The product of Washington State University's winemaking program presents clean lemon and grapefruit aromas with just a tiny whiff of smoke, then adds crisp falvors of lemon, … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates Winery 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley $15
Hamilton Cellars 2015 Weinbau Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley $35
Charlie Hoppes, one of Washington's most talented winemakers, crafts the wines for Russ and Stacie Hamilton, neighbors of his Fidelitas project on Red Mountain. This expression of Cabernet Franc comes from Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, one of the state's oldest and warmest sites. The turn of a peppermill, dusty rose petals and mocha describe the aromatic profile. Silky … [Read more...] about Hamilton Cellars 2015 Weinbau Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley $35