Owner/grower/winemaker Mike Andrews crafted this stunning rosé from Barbera, a high-acid Italian variety he grows at his estate vineyard a few miles north of the Columbia River. This opens with intriguing aromas of sandalwood, spice, strawberry, apple and light berry. On the palate, it reveals flavors of watermelon, blood orange, Lemonhead candy and clove. This is a perfect … [Read more...] about Coyote Canyon Winery 2011 Life is Rosé, Horse Heaven Hills, $18
Outstanding
Dusted Valley Vintners 2010 Wallywood, Columbia Valley $42
Few in the Northwest are as talented and as imaginative as winemaking brothers-in-law Chad Johnson and Corey Braunel. They named this relentless GSM-style blend of Syrah (65%), Grenache (18%), Mourvèdre (8%) and Petite Sirah by blending the location of their two tasting rooms - Walla Walla and Woodinville. A snootful of aromas range from blueberry, boysenberry, blackberry and … [Read more...] about Dusted Valley Vintners 2010 Wallywood, Columbia Valley $42
Forsyth Brio 2006 McKinley Springs Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $50
For years, David Forsyth has enjoyed sourcing the Horse Heaven Hills to create some of Washington's best Cabernet Sauvignon for Hogue Cellars and Mercer Estates. This bottling marks the debut of his own boutique label, and he's served up a properly aged red wine for his devotees. There's a tiny tinge of brick to the color, followed by attractive and mature aromas of cordial … [Read more...] about Forsyth Brio 2006 McKinley Springs Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $50
Saviah Cellars 2008 Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, $35
McClellan Vineyard figured into a number of the top wines from Wine Press Northwest's 2009 "Bordeaux Gems" judging. Fruit of that quality in the hands of someone as talented at Richard Funk produces something as marvelous as this. He invested 100% new French oak barrels into this, which helps account for dense aromas of Marionberry, blueberry, white chocolate and vanilla. The … [Read more...] about Saviah Cellars 2008 Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, $35