Norm McKibben recruited Jean-François Pellet to the Walla Walla Valley with the goal of producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, which they’ve done since 1998. The vineyard named Pepper Bridge played a minor role in this bottling dominated by Seven Hills Vineyard, and Pellet’s blending skill is on display as the five classic Bordeaux grapes come together. His 19-month program … [Read more...] about Pepper Bridge Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $60
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Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $30
The Sullivans continue to grow their program in Idaho’s Snake River Valley, and they doubled production of their dark and savory Syrah off Sawtooth Vineyard for the 2014 vintage. The fragrant nose of mocha, salted caramel and cola includes black olive, sandalwood and toast - signs of the 20 months in French oak. Its pleasing structure of dark blue fruit, akin to black currant, … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $30
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling, Columbia Valley, $16
Few producers use the phrase “old vines” on their Riesling labels, but the phrase applies to Cold Creek Vineyard, one of the most historic sites in Washington state and more than 40 years old. And that Riesling thrives in the same vineyard as Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the successful versatility of the Columbia Valley. Bob Bertheau has produced vineyard-designate wines … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling, Columbia Valley, $16
Eternal Wines 2015 Sunshine Viognier, Walla Walla Valley, $35
Sommelier-turned-winemaker Brad Binko trained at Walla Walla Community College, and he worked with Morrison Lane grapes for this fanciful Viognier. The Morrisons established Viognier on their four-generation farm in Walla Walla, and Viognier historically has been the only white grape they grow in the 20-year history. Beautiful aromas of piña colada include banana chips, … [Read more...] about Eternal Wines 2015 Sunshine Viognier, Walla Walla Valley, $35
Winter’s Hill 2015 Reserve Estate Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills, $29
An early autumn harvest in 2015 of his family’s 35-acre estaste allowed Russell Gladhart to expand his reserve Pinot Gris program from the 2014 vintage, and he’s done a remarkable job with this release that blends some juice from neutral French oak barrels with stainless steel fermentation. It creates a theme of lemon bar and tutti frutti notes with bright, lively and long … [Read more...] about Winter’s Hill 2015 Reserve Estate Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills, $29