The father/daughter winemaking team of Rob Griffin and Megan Hughes have staked their claim to a sizable portion of the Crawford family’s popular Albariño grapes. And the results from this Yakima Valley site are predictably stellar. This hints at white peach on the nose with trimmed carnation stems, leading to a refreshing and mineral-driven palate of lemon pith, banana peel, … [Read more...] about Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $25
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Benedetto Vineyards 2021 Shipman Vineyard Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley $28
The Fitzgerald and Marshall families began planting Shipman Vineyard in 2018, starting with 2 acres of Gamay Noir, and they have wisely worked with veteran winemaker Steve Anderson of nearby Eola Hills Wine Cellars to launch their brand. The Oregon State University grad captured the hearts of judges at the 2023 Platinum Awards with his remarkable effort showcasing this charming … [Read more...] about Benedetto Vineyards 2021 Shipman Vineyard Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley $28
Brian Carter Cellars 2018 Le Coursier Bordeaux-Style Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40
Five of Brian Carter’s 39 career Platinum Awards have been earned by this blend, which is named for the French term for steed and inspired by Right Bank Bordeaux. And this melange of Merlot (58%), Cabernet Sauvignon (21%), Cabernet Franc (14%), Malbec (4%) and Petit Verdot emerged as the top-rated red blend of the 2023 Platinum Awards. Solstice Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2018 Le Coursier Bordeaux-Style Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40
Mercer Bros. 2020 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $24.99
Ashley Stephens is the latest in a string of Washington State University graduates to lead the winemaking for Mercer Wine Estates, and this bottling for the family with five decades of growing in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills ranked as the No. 1 Merlot from the 2023 Platinum Awards. It also ranks among the best values of the judging, with contributions from the Mercer clan's … [Read more...] about Mercer Bros. 2020 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $24.99
Spangler Vineyards 2019 Sundown Cabernet Franc, Southern Oregon $32
Patrick Spangler first won a Platinum for his Cabernet Franc program in 2006. This effort marks his sixth with Cab Franc, and its ranking as the top-scoring Cab Franc of the 2023 Platinum cements his reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest’s top talents with this sometimes-challenging variety. His traditional go-to-site has been Sundown Vineyard in the Medford suburbs, and … [Read more...] about Spangler Vineyards 2019 Sundown Cabernet Franc, Southern Oregon $32