Horse Heaven Hills grower Mike Andrews created this reserve tier as a special showcase for his picturesque vineyard, and this Cab-based blend from a classic and balanced vintage is remarkably expressive. Components put together by Justin Michaud include Merlot (20%) and Petit Verdot (10%) with a worthy contribution from Mourdèvre (20%). Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and … [Read more...] about H/H Estates 2012 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Bozak Reserve Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills, $42
Latest wine reviews
Cadaretta 2013 Syrah Columbia Valley, $35
This year’s Celebrate Walla Walla festival spotlights Syrah, and Cadaretta’s program will be on display in its Glass House. This vintage under Brian Rudin’s leadership incorporates Mourvèdre (11%), Grenache (5%) and Viognier (2%), and it exudes aromas of chalkboard dust, white pepper, boysenberry, black currant and coconut. The texture of lush fruit, juicy acidity and sandy … [Read more...] about Cadaretta 2013 Syrah Columbia Valley, $35
Aubichon Cellars 2015 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $50
The latest releases of Pinot Noir by Jim Sanders under this second label for Willamette Valley producer Le Cadeau Vineyard continue the trend we are now accustomed to in terms of superb fruit and suave tannins. In this case, dark purple tones of blueberry and pomegranate include whiffs of cola, baking spice and graphite. There’s a match on the palate with a juicy profile and … [Read more...] about Aubichon Cellars 2015 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $50
Plaisance Ranch 2014 Merlot, Applegate Valley, $25
Joe Ginet’s roots in Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley reach back to the late 19th century with his French-born grandfather resurrecting an old orchard near Jacksonville. After decades as a dairyman, Joe transformed his ranch into a vineyard, and he’s planted Merlot in clay soil. Ripeness is not a problem in this valley, which shows in aromas of black currant and plum with … [Read more...] about Plaisance Ranch 2014 Merlot, Applegate Valley, $25
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2014 Grower Series Brut Sparkling Wine, Willamette Valley, $55
Jim Bernau has hired several consulting winemakers for his growing list of special projects, and he wisely retained the services of Andrew Davis and Radiant Sparkling Wine Co., for this young sparkling wine program. This debut effort with brut from estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is remarkable. Its complexity is apparent starting with the nose of banana taffy, nougat and … [Read more...] about Willamette Valley Vineyards 2014 Grower Series Brut Sparkling Wine, Willamette Valley, $55