The viticulture and enology program of Yakima Valley College has used Merlot to win four of its 15 career Platinums. This project under the tutelage of educators Trent Ball and the since-retired Brad Smith takes a unique approach with an extended maceration on the grape skins of 10 months prior pressing and spending time in French oak. (Think of Ste. Michelle’s INTRINSIC … [Read more...] about Yakima Valley Vintners 2019 Super Senior Merlot, Columbia Valley $28
Latest wine reviews
Winescape Winery 2021 Riesling, Yakima Valley $25
The reigning Washington Winery to Watch reaches into venerable Lewis Vineyard near Prosser and incorporates the German approach of süssreserve — reserving some unfermented juice post-fermentation — to precisely arrive at the level of sugar/acid balance desired by Spokane microbiologist/winemaker Phil Butterfield. Fanciful aromas of a cotton candy shop, Juicy Fruit gum and … [Read more...] about Winescape Winery 2021 Riesling, Yakima Valley $25
Chandler Reach Vineyards 2019 Chandler Reach Vineyard H. Len Parris Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley $55
Len Parris established his vineyard near Chandler Butte in the Horse Heaven Hills, and it’s proved to be an ideal spot for Bordeaux varieties — which he has grown on his estate near Benton City, Wash., since 2003 and sold there and in Woodinville for the past decade. It’s redolent of black currant, macerated cherries and dark plum with notes of buttered popcorn, sliced eggplant … [Read more...] about Chandler Reach Vineyards 2019 Chandler Reach Vineyard H. Len Parris Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley $55
Areté 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $50
This reserve tier for Iris Vineyards focuses on special lots of Pinot Noir from proprietor Pamela Frye’s Chalice Estate Vineyard, which is surrounded by forest southwest of Eugene. Longtime winemaker Aaron Lieberman selects from lots of clones of Wädenswil, Dijon 115 and Pommard. Classic scents of cherry cola and leather funnel into a palate of Bing cherry and smoked white … [Read more...] about Areté 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $50
Aquilini Wines 10,000 Hours 2019 Red Blend, Red Mountain $35
One of Washington state’s premier talents with red wines, Joshua Maloney, developed this Bordeaux blend in the style of the Left Bank — built with a foundation of Cabernet Sauvignon (63%) — for a density to be enjoyed slowly and savored. The 20 months in a barrel program of 35% new French oak provides a sense of espresso behind the pronounced aromas of black currant, black … [Read more...] about Aquilini Wines 10,000 Hours 2019 Red Blend, Red Mountain $35