When Brian Carter was a kid growing up in Oregon, he decided to make a batch of blackberry wine. When the container he was making it in exploded - all over his mother's kitchen - he certainly caught grief. But he also caught the winemaking bug, and that has never stopped. His first job was making wine for Paul Thomas back in the 1980s, which led to a job at Washington Hills, … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2009 Tuttorosso, Yakima Valley, $34
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Smasne Cellars 2010 Lawrence Vineyard Block #3 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $44
This wine is consistently one of winemaker Robert Smasne's best, as prior vintages have won numerous awards and accolades. This new release is no different, earning our top rating. It comes from Lawrence Vineyard, which is a cool area of the Columbia Valley north of the Wahluke Slope. This opens as a classic Washington Syrah, offering aromas of leather, boysenberry and black … [Read more...] about Smasne Cellars 2010 Lawrence Vineyard Block #3 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $44
Koenig Vineyards 2010 Cabernet-Syrah, Snake River Valley, $25
Greg Koenig is one of the top winemakers in Idaho, and he produces wines not only for his eponymous winery but also for several other operators in the Snake River Valley. In addition, he and his brother also operate the state's first craft distillery, an operation that goes back more than a decade. This red blend is one of his finest efforts, as he used Cabernet Sauvignon from … [Read more...] about Koenig Vineyards 2010 Cabernet-Syrah, Snake River Valley, $25
Ross Andrew Winery 2009 Boushey Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley, $38
Few grow red wine grapes better than Dick Boushey. He has been farming wine grapes north of Grandview in the heart of Washington's Yakima Valley for three decades, and Syrah is especially superb. This wine by Ross Mickel, a Woodinville winemaker, takes full advantage of Boushey's prowess. This opens with aromas of orange zest, fresh plum, dark chocolate and oak. On the palate, … [Read more...] about Ross Andrew Winery 2009 Boushey Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley, $38
Gordon Estate 2010 Tradition Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $40
This 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is the top wine from this longtime Washington winery whose 100 acres of estate vineyards overlook the Snake River near Ice Harbor Dam east of Pasco. This big red has it all: fruit, oak and structure. It opens with aromas of cinnamon, vanilla bean, black pepper, cola and huckleberry. On the palate, it leads with a big, juicy entry … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate 2010 Tradition Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $40