Earlier this year, owner/winemaker Mark Vlossak mourned the passing of his father and inspiration John Innocent Vlossak, a longtime admirer of this 30-year-old vineyard near the Oregon state capital in the Coastal Range foothills. The nose carries classic hints of Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley with Marionberry, Bing cherry and touches of earthiness, saddle leather and … [Read more...] about St. Innocent Winery 2012 Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $42
Outstanding
Long Shadows Vintners 2014 Poet’s Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley, $20
Famed German producer Armin Diel and Walla Walla's affable and talented Gilles Nicault continue to prove they have Riesling dialed in for Allen Shoup’s star-studded program on Frenchtown Road. The vineyard sourcing remains consistent with Sonnet Vineyard at The Benches (47%) in the Horse Heaven Hills, Phil Church Vineyard (25%) in the Yakima Valley and Dionysus Vineyard (20%) … [Read more...] about Long Shadows Vintners 2014 Poet’s Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley, $20
Jones of Washington 2012 Wahluke Slope Estate Vineyards Merlot, Wahluke Slope, $15
Best Buy! The wizardry of Wahluke Slope winemaker Victor Palencia continues with this complex, robust, affordable and food-friendly Merlot. Aromas of black currant and red cherry are joined by a whiff of cured meat, light toast and rich red pizza sauce with Italian seasoning. It’s a mouthfilling drink of cherry juice and cassis capped by tantalizing acidity, cola and … [Read more...] about Jones of Washington 2012 Wahluke Slope Estate Vineyards Merlot, Wahluke Slope, $15
Adelsheim Vineyard 2012 Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $60
David Paige is well into his second decade of making the wines for co-founder David Adelsheim, and this edition — the 29th of their flagship Pinot Noir — earns our highest mark for the second straight vintage. That skillful consistency is especially noteworthy considering the contrast between the growing seasons, and the balanced use of medium-toast, 31% new French oak doesn’t … [Read more...] about Adelsheim Vineyard 2012 Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $60
14 Hands Winery 2013 Hot To Trot White Blend, Washington, $12
Best Buy! One of America’s hottest running brands proves that its famous Hot to Trot Red is no one-trick pony. Keith Kenison, who helped expand the white wine program at Columbia Crest, shows he hasn’t lost a step with this wide-ranging blend that leads with Chardonnay and Riesling. This sweet nose offers complexity with hints of apricot jam, lychee, pineapple and Honeycrisp … [Read more...] about 14 Hands Winery 2013 Hot To Trot White Blend, Washington, $12