Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Doug Gore launched this brand with the 2010 vintage, and Seven Falls Cellars is now led by winemaker Reid Klei, a biology graduate of Eastern Washington University who grew up in the Tri-Cities. His Merlot off the warm Wahluke Slope from the historically hot 2015 vintage opens with plum, red currant, leafy green herbs and vanilla bean. The palate … [Read more...] about Seven Falls Cellars 2015 Merlot, Wahluke Slope, $18
Outstanding
Mt. Hood Winery 2018 Estate Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge, $34
Rich Cushman grew up in Hood River, Ore., on his way to becoming one of the most skilled winemakers in the Willamette Valley. More than a decade ago, he returned home and the Columbia Gorge wine industry has benefited. For the Bickford family, he’s produced a Pinot Noir with aromas of coffee, toasted oak and cherry, followed by flavors of bright cherry and coffee, then … [Read more...] about Mt. Hood Winery 2018 Estate Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge, $34
Columbia Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! The Gallo family purchased Columbia Winery in 2012 and moved Canadian winemaker Sean Hails from one of their key production facilities in California's Central Valley to take over the historic Washington state brand. Hails has proven to be a quick study. Those who visit the Woodinville tasting room or join the wine club can experience his stellar small-lot bottlings, … [Read more...] about Columbia Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $14
Rain Dance Vineyards 2018 Grand Oak Vineyard Estate Riesling, Chehalem Mountains, $24
Oregon’s North Willamette Valley shines with cool-climate varieties, which the efforts with Riesling by their winemakers go overlooked much too often. Bryan Weil, an emerging star for Alexana in the Dundee Hills, skillfully splits his time with Rain Dance and the Austin family. His work here with the vineyard established by Nick and Sheila Nicholas is alluring with whiffs of … [Read more...] about Rain Dance Vineyards 2018 Grand Oak Vineyard Estate Riesling, Chehalem Mountains, $24
Anne Amie Vineyards 2018 Cuvée A Amrita Sparkling White Wine, Willamette Valley $15
Earlier this year, Thomas Houseman earned the equivalent of double gold medal at a Wine Press Northwest magazine tasting for his 2017 Cuvée A Amrita. This fall, his 2018 edition of Amrita merited a gold medal at The Invite. The wide-ranging work, which included an increase in production of nearly 50 percent, leads with Riesling (28%), followed by Pinot Blanc, Müller-Thurgau, … [Read more...] about Anne Amie Vineyards 2018 Cuvée A Amrita Sparkling White Wine, Willamette Valley $15