For the second straight year, Woodinville, Wash., winemaker Brian Carter reeled in a Platinum for the Petit Verdot-led blend he names for a French reference to 30 years. Tedd Wildman’s StoneTree Vineyard along the upper reaches of the Wahluke Slope contributes the lion’s share of the Petit Verdot, which makes up 57% of the finished wine, followed by Merlot (18%), Cabernet … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2018 Trentenaire Bordeaux Style Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $50
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Veer Wine Project 2021 Mataro, Snake River Valley $34
In a relatively short time, Will Wetmore has developed into one of Idaho’s most decorated winemakers. Veer is his own ultra-boutique brand, and this work with Mourvèdre is the first Platinum that he didn’t make for one of his clients. It’s a two-barrel reflection of Block 71 at historic Sawtooth Vineyard, and the juice spent 11 months in 50% new American oak. The results … [Read more...] about Veer Wine Project 2021 Mataro, Snake River Valley $34
Brian Carter Cellars 2022 Abracadabra Rosé, Columbia Valley $25
Sangiovese ranks among Brian Carter’s most favored grapes, contributing to red wines, a new sparkling wine project and his growing rosé program. His 2021 vintage earned a Platinum, and he expanded his rosé program by more than 300 cases for this bottling from the 2022 vintage. It’s a remarkable example of blending — 10 varieties! — but led by Sangiovese (58%). Aromas and … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2022 Abracadabra Rosé, Columbia Valley $25
Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2018 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $55
Rock Bottom Vineyard and nearby Cougar Hills Vineyard both are home to plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon by these proud products of Washington State University, and the 2003 vintage marked the debut of the Hansen family’s reserve Cab program. Syrup-soaked blueberry pancakes, a cinnamon stick and melted butter introduce a huge palate of cherry tobacco, sun-dried tomatoes, … [Read more...] about Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2018 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $55
Mt. Hood Winery 2019 Pinnacle Red Wine, Columbia Valley $44
Hood River native Rich Cushman continues his push up the all-time career Platinum honor roll, having earned 11 of them in the past five years. Two of those were with standalone bottlings of Merlot, so here’s another example of the Columbia Gorge winemaker’s versatility, his first Platinum with an all-Bordeaux blend — a Left Bank-style approach with Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), … [Read more...] about Mt. Hood Winery 2019 Pinnacle Red Wine, Columbia Valley $44