The Small family in the Walla Walla Valley continues to come up large in blind judging, and their flagship Cab - which they first produced in 1992 - again shows off the considerable skills of winemaker Kevin Mott. Using fruit from famed Champoux Vineyard, historic Sagemoor Vineyard, Spring Creek Vineyard and their own estate, Mott crafted a red that shows off black cherries and … [Read more...] about Woodward Canyon Winery 2016 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $59
Outstanding
Dunham Cellars 2016 Trutina Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $29
A Latin reference to balance, winemaker Robert Campisi achieves that in delectable fashion for Dunham Cellars with this Left Bank Bordeaux approach. Vineyard sources such as Lewis in the Yakima Valley, Double Canyon in the Horse Heaven Hills and the Kenny Hill Estate in the Walla Walla Valley combine for a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Merlot (40%), Malbec (12%) and … [Read more...] about Dunham Cellars 2016 Trutina Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $29
Lauren Ashton Cellars 2018 Rosé, Columbia Valley, $18
In the early days of his rosé program, Woodinville producer Kit Singh featured Sangiovese. Starting in 2013, he shifted his focus to Rhône varieties, and this low-alcohol blend of Grenache (41%), Mourvèdre (41%), Counoise (9%) and Cinsaut from Lonesome Spring Ranch is scintillating. It carries an alluring wardrobe of watermelon and leads to aromas of peaches and cream with … [Read more...] about Lauren Ashton Cellars 2018 Rosé, Columbia Valley, $18
Maison Bleue Winery 2016 Voyageur Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $50
At one point, Dr. Jon Meuret had no plans to produce wines from the 2016 vintage for his Maison Bleue project. Fortunately, the triathlete changed his mind, and his melange from Les Collines, Stone Valley and Yellow Jacket vineyards ranks among the best of his final efforts before leaving the Northwest after a decade of acclaimed winemaking and moving to Kansas to become a … [Read more...] about Maison Bleue Winery 2016 Voyageur Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $50
Wind Rose Cellars 2014 Omaggio Barbera, Red Mountain $33
Kansas native David Volmut credits his Italian heritage with his appreciation for wine, which began around his parents' dining table. As a result, he's made Italian varieties his focus at Wind Rose Cellars on the Olympic. He is a product of Yakima Valley College's wine program and trained in the Yakima Valley, and this work with Barbera from Red Heaven Vineyard ranks among the … [Read more...] about Wind Rose Cellars 2014 Omaggio Barbera, Red Mountain $33