Best Buy! Each year, Bob Bertheau’s team brings another remarkable — and massive — representation of Cabernet Sauvignon made in Washington. The bountiful 2014 vintage from Ste. Michelle’s growers, which include their own Canoe Ridge Estate, Cold Creek and Indian Wells vineyards, allowed for an additional 112,000 cases — an increase of 34%. Those 14 months resting in oak make … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $15
Latest wine reviews
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2015 Riesling “J”, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! One of the Northwest’s premier producers of Riesling recently began labeling its medium dry Riesling as “J” - as in “just right” with regards to the sugar/acid balanced. The packaging remains large the same with the dark orange screwcap and the phoenix circling behind the geisha girl. Beautiful tropical aromas include peaches, rosewater and mint. Those are echoed with … [Read more...] about Pacific Rim Winemakers 2015 Riesling “J”, Columbia Valley, $12
Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17
The Milbrandt team harvested the Cabernet Sauvignon in the second half of October for for its screw-capped Traditions program, and the influence of 20% new American oak shows early and throughout, starting with aromas of blueberry chocolate cake and toast, yet minearlity still filters through. Its texture is redolent of dark purple fruit, akin to plum with pomegranate and a … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17
Isenhower Cellars 2015 “i” Holiday Paintbrush Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $20
It’s rare to find wines from a Walla Walla Valley producer at this price, yet here is a wide-ranging, youthful and approachable red from Brett Isenhower. And he brought in fruit from such vineyards at Dineen, Olsen Ranch and Upland from the Yakima Valley, Wallula in the Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla plantings Les Collines and Seven Hills. Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Petit … [Read more...] about Isenhower Cellars 2015 “i” Holiday Paintbrush Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $20
William Church Winery 2014 PJ’s Vintage Bishop’s Blend Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $25
More wineries in Washington are finding that Syrah is an ideal component for blending, and the Balsleys work with Woodinville winemaker Noah Fox Reed for their flagship red bottling of Bordeaux varieties that include a significant amount of Syrah (19%). Impeccable fruit sources such as Dineen and Les Vins de Marcoux in the Yakima Valley with Northridge Vineyard on the Wahluke … [Read more...] about William Church Winery 2014 PJ’s Vintage Bishop’s Blend Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $25