One of the top wineries in the Columbia Gorge, owner Robb Bell recently opened a tasting room in Dundee, Ore., and this suave blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Syrah offers a pleasant change of pace for those Pinot Noir tourists. The nose carries a theme of blackberry, Belgian chocolate and espresso, and that brambleberry flavor leads the entry. The midpalate features … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2009 Rock Star Red, Columbia Valley, $48
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Walla Walla Vintners 2009 Bello Rosso, Columbia Valley, $32
How did Myles Anderson celebrate his latest retirement from Walla Walla Community College's viticulture and enology program? With a summer trip to Italy. That's one example of the love he and co-owner Gordy Venneri have for Italian-themed wines and cuisine, and their Super Tuscan-style blend of Sangiovese (50%) from Kiona and Dwelley vineyards with Cabernet Sauvignon from … [Read more...] about Walla Walla Vintners 2009 Bello Rosso, Columbia Valley, $32
Elk Cove Vineyards 2010 Five Mountain Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $48
In 2005, two years before they earned Wine Press Northwest's Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year award, the Campbells purchased this Chehalem Mountains vineyard. It comes with views of five peaks in the Cascade Range and was first planted in 1978 by the Ponzi family. Their product from the 2010 vintage flashes aromas of strawberry jam, pie cherry and toast. The palate carries … [Read more...] about Elk Cove Vineyards 2010 Five Mountain Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $48
Treos Wines 2012 Dry Muscat, Willamette Valley, $21
It's nearly impossible not to smile when putting a nose to this brilliant blend of two historic varieties — Muscat Ottonel and Muscat of Alexandria, the latter is believed to be one of the oldest fruits on Earth. The young winery near Monmouth, Ore., sets the mood with gorgeous tropical aromas of mango, rosewater, orange oil, ginger and cardamom. And the fluid is elegant with … [Read more...] about Treos Wines 2012 Dry Muscat, Willamette Valley, $21
Two Mountain Winery 2009 Copeland Vineyard Estate Merlot, Yakima Valley, $22
There's no shortage of fruit, oak or structure in this bottling from the Rawn brothers' young Rattlesnake Hills vineyard. Aromas of vanilla, chocolate, red currant, honey ham, artichoke, cedar and leafiness get your juices flowing. Flavors are filled with hints of ripe red fruit such as cherry, raspberry, strawberry and currant, backed by dark chocolate and black olive with … [Read more...] about Two Mountain Winery 2009 Copeland Vineyard Estate Merlot, Yakima Valley, $22