A fascinating white variety, Madeleine Angevine is a cross of Madeleine Royale and Precoce de Malingre. It's also a parent to Siegerrebe, and one reason both "Mad Ange" and Siegerrebe excel near Friday Harbor is because of the cool climate. For example, when it reaches into the mid-80s in Seattle, the temperature in Friday Harbor often will just touch 70 degrees. The nose of … [Read more...] about San Juan Vineyards 2012 Estate Madeleine Angevine, Puget Sound, $17
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Chester-Kidder 2009 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $50
Allen Shoup collaborates with several world-famous winemakers for his renowned project, but this red blend — named for his grandfather and grandmother — tends to be our favorite Long Shadows release year after year. His long-time friend and lieutenant in Walla Walla, French-born winemaker Gilles Nicault, casts a spotlight on Candy Mountain near Richland, Wash., for much of the … [Read more...] about Chester-Kidder 2009 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $50
Pendulum 2011 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $18
This mid-tier brand is part of Precept's Vineyards & Estates program and stitched together by Waterbrook winemaker John Freeman. The profile built upon Cabernet Sauvignon (68%) and Merlot (25%) hits on notes of blueberry shake and a rhubarb-raspberry jam with bittersweet chocolate, making for a juicy, straight-forward wine with late tannins that add to its … [Read more...] about Pendulum 2011 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $18
San Juan Vineyards 2010 Cabernet-Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, $14
Best Buy! This Puget Sound winery near Friday Harbor relies on Eastern Washington fruit for its red program, and this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Cabernet Franc (30%) and Merlot from Coyote Canyon, Destiny Ridge and Alder Ridge vineyards. It opens with aromas of boysenberry, plums, black cherry, coffee, vanilla bean and black pepper. The entry is bold with flavors … [Read more...] about San Juan Vineyards 2010 Cabernet-Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, $14
Grantwood Winery 2010 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $15
Best Buy! Walla Walla natives Joe Grant and Doris Wood don't stray from their valley for grapes, and they work with tiny lots from top vineyards. Somehow, these retirees continue to offer their wines at jaw-dropping prices compared to the majority. This Merlot from Les Collines is a big wine with many layers, starting with a nose of dark chocolate, plum, blueberry, nutmeg, … [Read more...] about Grantwood Winery 2010 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $15