Walla Walla’s Holly Turner capitalizes on a stellar vintage from four of the Northwest’s top sites for Bordeaux varieties — Sagemoor and Gamache for her Malbec, Klipsun for Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Seven Hills for Petit Verdot (10%). Malbec is a particular passion for Turner, who worked in Argentina prior to arriving at Three Rivers in 2010, and her skill shows with this … [Read more...] about Three Rivers Winery 2012 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $29
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Auclair Winery 2012 96 Cedars Red Wine, Red Mountain, $26
Woodinville winemaker Charlie Auclair uses his 96 Cedars tier as his second label, yet his declassified blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (42%), Cabernet Franc (23%), Petit Verdot (8%) and Merlot serves as a remarkable introduction and a bargain alongside many Bordeaux blends from Red Mountain. Alluring and sweet oak aromas join ripe red currant, dark plum and dried strawberry, … [Read more...] about Auclair Winery 2012 96 Cedars Red Wine, Red Mountain, $26
Hat Ranch Winery 2014 Hat Trick White, Snake River Valley, $19
Ohio State aerospace engineering grad Tim Harless continues to show a flair for working with Idaho's high-elevation vineyards in this low-alcohol blend of unoaked Chardonnay (65%) and Viognier (20%) that includes some of his estate Muscat. There’s an enjoyable vibe from start to finish as it features hints of Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice, tangerine, piña colada … [Read more...] about Hat Ranch Winery 2014 Hat Trick White, Snake River Valley, $19
Helix by Reininger 2012 StoneTree SoRhô, Columbia Valley, $40
Chuck Reininger’s crew picks out these wines in the cellar by the chalk marks "STSORHO" on the barrels, and longtime fans of this Walla Walla showpiece have grown to know the potential Southern Rhône-style blends in Washington, especially those from Tedd Wildman’s remarkable StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. As is Reininger's tradition with this bottling, it carries no … [Read more...] about Helix by Reininger 2012 StoneTree SoRhô, Columbia Valley, $40
Bunnell Family Cellar 2011 Fête BDX Red Wine, Snipes Mountain, $38
Ron Bunnell’s winemaking talents go well beyond Rhône varieties, and while this blend’s name would suggest it is dedicated to Bordeaux grapes Malbec (40%) and Merlot (20%), there’s still a surge of Syrah — all from the Newhouse family’s Upland Vineyards. It ranks among the most expressive recently released wines our panel has come across this summer, and the experience starts … [Read more...] about Bunnell Family Cellar 2011 Fête BDX Red Wine, Snipes Mountain, $38