Christopher Barnes makes wine in the middle of acclaimed Pinot Noir country near Carlton, Ore., yet five of the nine Platinum Awards won in the past three years by the self-described contrarian have been for work with Bordeaux varieties. He sources from the east side of the Cascades for this fragrant and well-structured Cabernet Franc, offering notes of sizzling bacon, a pine … [Read more...] about Chris James Cellars 2020 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley $42
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Chelan Ridge Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc, Lake Chelan $59
In the past two years, William and Candace Swayne have quickly racked up six Platinum Awards since their purchase of the estate in 2021, and Chelan Valley winemaker Jeff Crowder has played a key role in their wine company’s rapid rise to prominence. Here is the second consecutive vintage that a Cabernet Franc grown by founding winemaker Lynn Munneke has won a Platinum. The … [Read more...] about Chelan Ridge Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc, Lake Chelan $59
Convergence Zone Cellars 2019 Squall Line Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $33
Scott Greenberg recently moved east across the Cascades to Richland, Wash., where he’s now within an hour’s drive of the vineyards that have helped him to earn six Platinum awards in the past six years. And he’s now won a Platinum from back-to-back vintages for his Bordeaux-focused Squall Line program. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Malbec (35%), Petit Verdot (7%), … [Read more...] about Convergence Zone Cellars 2019 Squall Line Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $33
Chris Daniel Winery 2019 Syrah, Columbia Valley $32
A product of Washington State University’s winemaking program, Chris Stewart has now earned five Platinums for his work with red Rhône varieties. It’s a wine filled with red plums and dark cherry, classic notes of savory Kalamata olive, smoky leather and gunmetal, and supported by well-integrated tannins. Qualifying award: North Central Washington Wine Awards (gold) Rating: … [Read more...] about Chris Daniel Winery 2019 Syrah, Columbia Valley $32
Milbrandt Family Wines NV Lulu Méthode Contemporaine Brut Rosé, Washington State $20
Best Buy! A graduate of the University of California-Davis winemaking program, Kendall Mix has been a part of the Washington wine industry since 1993. His experience and ability to produce sparkling wine is on display with this young Lulu Wines label for the Milbrandt-owned Washington Wine Group. This fruit-forward, dry brut rosé with Syrah as the base has a sniff of candied … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Family Wines NV Lulu Méthode Contemporaine Brut Rosé, Washington State $20