In recent years, Andrew Wenzl’s work with Grenache has earned considerable praise — whether it be his stunning rosé or the Barrel Select program. The transition from vineyard to cellar in 2014 began Oct. 7 at the ripeness level of 25 Brix, which seems to be customary for standalone bottlings of this Rhône variety. The 100% neutral French oak program keeps the focus on juicy … [Read more...] about Abacela 2014 Barrel Select Estate Garnacha, Umpqua Valley, $29
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Wind Rose Cellars 2014 Lonesome Spring Ranch Malbec, Yakima Valley, $25
David Volmut learned at Yakima Valley College and trained at Olsen Estates in Prosser, Wash., prior to launching his own winery on the Olympic Peninsula. Those Yakima Valley roots show with this Malbec that was grown at Lonesome Spring Ranch. This youthful example offers aromas of Jolly Rancher grape candy, blueberry and Chukar Cherry enrobed in bittersweet chocolate. Inside, … [Read more...] about Wind Rose Cellars 2014 Lonesome Spring Ranch Malbec, Yakima Valley, $25
Angel Vine 2013 Primitivo, Columbia Valley, $24
Oregon winemaker Ed Fus creates a blend of this Italian grape from two of Washington state’s top sites — StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope and Coyote Canyon Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills — for a 16-barrel cuvée of Primitivo. Tedd Wildman’s StoneTree lot came off Sept. 20, and Mike Andrews pulled these grapes on Sept. 22. The barrel program creates engaging spice of … [Read more...] about Angel Vine 2013 Primitivo, Columbia Valley, $24
Martinez and Martinez Winery 2013 César Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills, $26
At some point, the Martinez family will begin to price their red wines commensurate to their quality. This father/son team uses estate Horse Heaven Hills fruit and produces their wines at Prosser’s Winemakers Loft, and in recent years they’ve been flexible with their proprietary César blend. Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) remains the core, but now Carménère (20%) and Petit Verdot … [Read more...] about Martinez and Martinez Winery 2013 César Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills, $26
Cinder Wines 2014 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $29
The promise of Syrah grown in the high-elevation of Idaho’s Snake River Valley helped lure Melanie Krause back home to launch her own winery, and her continued excellence with this Rhône variety provides proof. She works with three of the region’s top sites for Syrah — Sawtooth, Skyline and Williamson — and co-ferments with Viognier (5%). There’s also 10 percent of the lot … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2014 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $29