Here’s yet another release from the stunning 2014 vintage in Oregon by Stephen Cary and venerable McMinnville producer Yamhill Valley Vineyards. It also serves as a marker for the balance and yields off those estate vines in 2014. In 2012, they were farmed at 2.3 tons per acre by Oct. 14. In 2014, Cary brought the fruit in from the Hilltop and Morning Light blocks by Oct. 9 and … [Read more...] about Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $40
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Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Evergreen Vineyard Traditions Sweet Katherine White Wine, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $13
Best Buy! Two decades ago, 1997, the Milbrandts began to establish their vineyards along the Wahluke Slope and the Ancient Lakes. Evergreen Vineyard is arguably their most prized planting, and the Milbrandt brothers named this off-dry Riesling for their late mother — Katherine Leone Milbrandt. Few Rieslings from famed Evergreen are made in a sweet style, but this one is … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Evergreen Vineyard Traditions Sweet Katherine White Wine, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $13
Chateau Ste Michelle 2015 Indian Wells Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $18
Interest in Chardonnay continues to grow, and Chateau Ste. Michelle is proceeding accordingly by increasing production by 6,000 cases of its pleasing, oak-influenced Indian Wells tier that relies on Wahluke Slope grapes. It is indeed luscious, yet fruity and balanced after six months of barrel aging. White winemaker David Rosenthal dialed down the new wood involved from 35% to … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste Michelle 2015 Indian Wells Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $18
Owen Roe 2014 Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $28
Behind most Owen Roe wines is a fascinating story shared by Yakima Valley grower/winemaker David O'Reilly. In this case, there are two historical references, starting with Drumlane Abbey on the label. The O'Reilly clan controlled land near the abbey in the 17th century until the Irish Rebellion of 1641. And sadly, Owen Roe O'Neill died at the abbey in 1649 while battling … [Read more...] about Owen Roe 2014 Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $28
Cinder Wines 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Malbec, Snake River Valley, $29
Each vintage, Boise winemaker Melanie Krause and her husband, Joe Schnerr, offer one blended wine within their core tier at Cinder Wines. That they didn't create a proprietary name for their Bordeaux blend doesn’t make you guess about the components. The warm 2013 vintage allowed Krause to boost the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (67%) from previous years. Merlot (19%) is … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Malbec, Snake River Valley, $29