Walla Walla winemaker Brian Rudin, now with famed Duckhorn, handed this project off to Kendall Mix, a veteran of more than 20 vintages in Washington state alone. The winemaking transition appears as seamless as the wine. Four respected sites for Cab — Obelisco, Red Mountain Vineyard, Alder Ridge in the Horse Heaven Hills and Heather Hill in the Walla Walla Valley — received … [Read more...] about Cadaretta 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $50
Latest wine reviews
L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sèmillon, Columbia Valley, $21
It can be argued that the little schoolhouse near Walla Walla is the leader in Washington for its work with this white Bordeaux grape, and Mike Sharon’s latest collaboration with Stillwater Creek viticulturist Ed Keely on Sèmillon is predictably stunning. Charming aromas of starfruit, Lemonhead candy, marshmallow cream and smoked lemon pepper lead to a lemony and delicious … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sèmillon, Columbia Valley, $21
Novelty Hill 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley, $28
The warmest vintage in a decade set the table for storied Mike Januik’s work with Stillwater Creek Vineyard on behalf of Tom Alberg, who named his vineyard as a tribute to the Latin phrase in novale novello — “In virgin ground I plant young vines.” Planting began in 2000, and the site in Washington’s Frenchman Hills serves as a bright example of a cool-climate Syrah. A program … [Read more...] about Novelty Hill 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley, $28
Bitner Vineyards 2012 Reserve Petit Verdot Merlot, Snake River Valley, $32
Longtime Idaho grower Ron Bitner works with Sunnyslope winemaker Greg Koenig to craft this delicious Bordeaux-style red blend that leads with Petit Verdot and backed by Merlot (40%) from the vines planted along Plum Road. Bold, dark, dense aromas of molasses, plum and black cherry are backed by flavors of red fruit, tobacco and a hint of oak. Ample acidity and well-managed … [Read more...] about Bitner Vineyards 2012 Reserve Petit Verdot Merlot, Snake River Valley, $32
3 Horse Ranch Vineyards 2014 Merlot Cabernet Franc, Washington, $21
Idaho vintner Gary Cunningham continues to sell more wine than he can get grapes for in the Snake River Valley, so he works with Sunnyslope winemaker Greg Koenig to blend Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%) from Washington’s Columbia Valley for this delicious bottling. Aromas of red cherry, crushed raspberry and fresh strawberry lead to flavors of bright red fruit along with … [Read more...] about 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards 2014 Merlot Cabernet Franc, Washington, $21