Richard Batchelor’s winemaking has lifted Maryhill atop the all-time Platinum leaderboard, but of the record 111 Platinums won, this is only his third for Merlot. Historically, the sources for Merlot under their entry-level “Classic” tier have included three go-to sites for many Washington wineries — Elephant Mountain in the Rattlesnake Hills, McKinley Springs in the Horse … [Read more...] about Maryhill Winery 2020 Classic Merlot, Columbia Valley $26
Latest wine reviews
Quiddity Wines 2020 Block 14 Audentes Syrah, Rattlesnake Hills $39
More than a dozen wines with Elephant Mountain Vineyard on the label have won a Platinum during our judging’s history. Even though Greg Peiker doesn’t list Joe Hattrup’s stellar site above the Yakima Valley on the front, 95% of that fruit is inside this bottle, co-fermented with 5% Viognier from Hattrup’s lower-elevation Sugarloaf Vineyard. Brambleberries, Italian herbs and … [Read more...] about Quiddity Wines 2020 Block 14 Audentes Syrah, Rattlesnake Hills $39
Revelry Vintners 2019 Range Grenache/Syrah, Columbia Valley $46
Avid fly fisherman Jared Burns reels in his second career Platinum Award for this Châteauneuf-du-Pape-inspired blend of Grenache and Syrah. Grenache has rightfully been a key driver in this Walla Walla winery’s rosé program, and Syrah from historic Weinbau Vineyard on the warm Wahluke Slope deserves its place in any Rhône blend. In order to keep the focus on that beautiful … [Read more...] about Revelry Vintners 2019 Range Grenache/Syrah, Columbia Valley $46
Mellisoni Vineyards NV Bollincini Brut Bubbly Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $60
Italian-themed Mellisoni Vineyards along the south shore of Lake Chelan takes inspiration for this sparkling wine project from the Veneto region where Prosecco is made with Glera grapes. The work here with Chardonnay is just as lively and festive, starting with daisies in a summer rain and light caramel. Its concentrated and fun bubbles blast in support of Granny Smith apples … [Read more...] about Mellisoni Vineyards NV Bollincini Brut Bubbly Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $60
Tucannon Cellars 2022 Estate Rosé of Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley $31
In 2022, Kevin and Carol-Lynn denHoed purchased this showpiece along the western shoulders of Red Mountain overlooking the ambling Yakima River. They wisely hired Victor Palencia to get them started down a path that has included their first Platinum Award. Fanciful aromas of Rainier cherry, Granny Smith apple and jicama usher this rosé into a flirty and juicy palate of … [Read more...] about Tucannon Cellars 2022 Estate Rosé of Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley $31