This Malbec-based blend stole the show at the North Central Washington Wine Awards and it continues to shine under blind conditions. Gary Seidler, vintner at this scenic winery in Peshastin, Wash., worked with renowned Red Mountain winemaker Charlie Hoppes to get fruit from nine vineyards — including Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun. The trip begins with rich and dark aromas of … [Read more...] about Silvara Vineyards 2010 Quartette, Columbia Valley, $42
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Airfield Estates 2010 Merlot, Yakima Valley, $20
The Miller family's vineyard program began 45 years ago, and they cropped this block of Merlot to 3.3 tons per acre as a result of the cool and problematic 2010 summer. Smoky oak produces aromas of white chocolate in front of notes of plum, saffron threads, rose hips, green peppercorn and Weetabix biscuit. Plum, black cherry and lavender arrive on the palate with sandy tannins … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2010 Merlot, Yakima Valley, $20
L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Perigee, Walla Walla Valley, $50
This historic little schoolhouse in Lowden, Wash., is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Marty Clubb's proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Malbec (10%) and Petit Verdot also is built for the long haul. Heady aromas of fresh boysenberry, cherry preserves, lavender, lilac and cedar are transformed into a creamy entry of plum sauce … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Perigee, Walla Walla Valley, $50
Airfield Estates 2011 Mustang, Yakima Valley, $28
The Miller family's wine tribute to the fighter-bomber that helped the U.S. claim air supremacy in World War II is a winning blend of Rhône varieties. The Syrah (72%) comes from their Blackrock Vineyard, supported by Grenache (18%) and Mourvèdre. There's a spicy and savory theme to the nose of ripe strawberry, blueberry, cocoa powder, bay rum and sage, followed by flavors of … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2011 Mustang, Yakima Valley, $28
O•S Winery 2010 Red, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! The winemaking Bill Owen and his business partner Rob Sullivan began setting the standard for Seattle's urban wine scene in 1997, and they continue to operate the winery in an industrial park across the Duwamish Waterway from Boeing Field. The blend of Bordeaux varieties leads with Cabernet Franc (45%), which helps explain aromas of fresh-picked cherry, fresh … [Read more...] about O•S Winery 2010 Red, Columbia Valley, $15