Owner/winemaker Keith Pilgrim planted his Côte Rôtie clone of Syrah to develop this style, and he achieved success. Bacon and gaminess leap out of the glass in front of blackberry and raspberry aromas, backed by black pepper and bittersweet chocolate. The flavors are rich, dark and luscious with more purple fruit and chocolate, smooth tannins and juicy acidity for balance. … [Read more...] about Terra Blanca Winery 2009 Signature Series Block 8 Syrah, Red Mountain, $42
Outstanding
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2011 Four Vineyards Merlot, Columbia Valley, $18
This Spokane Valley showpiece was one of Washington state's first second-generation wineries, and winemaker Kristina Mielke-van Löben Sels used this quartet of four historic sites — Bacchus, Conner Lee, Dionysus and Klipsun — to make a Merlot that sings. Tantalizing aromas of cherry and plum gather up milk chocolate and black pepper. On the palate, the melody is one of bright … [Read more...] about Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2011 Four Vineyards Merlot, Columbia Valley, $18
Gordon Estate 2010 SIX Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $41
The Gordon family, longtime supporters of Washington State University, also are proud to proclaim it is the oldest winery in the state to use only estate-grown fruit. The focus of this bottling is clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon, hence the name, and the rewarding journey begins with gorgeous aromas of black cherry, vanilla, licorice and toasted walnut. It is an elegant drink from … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate 2010 SIX Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $41
Masquerade Wine Company, 2011 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $25
As a biochemist who was educated at Cal-Berkeley and served on the Human Genome Project, winemaking must seem like child's play for Bill Kimmerly. He's developed his decade-old wine project in Bellingham, Wash. — near his childhood home in Vancouver, B.C. — but he relies on the Columbia Valley for his fruit. This lot of Syrah, co-fermented with Viognier (3%), is from venerable … [Read more...] about Masquerade Wine Company, 2011 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $25
Brian Carter Cellars 2012 Oriana, Yakima Valley, $22
One of Washington state's most acclaimed winemakers, Brian Carter's blending house in Woodinville annual crafts one white — a rather dry combination of Viognier and Roussanne with a touch of Riesling. The name is derived from the Latin term "golden lady." It yields aromas of pineapple, pear and apple pie, with notes of clove, anise and lemon. The palate steers toward Granny … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2012 Oriana, Yakima Valley, $22