Richard Funk, a winemaker and grower along the state line in the Walla Walla Valley, focuses much of his attention on three nearby vineyards - Dugger Creek, Watermill and his own Funk Estate. All three come into play on this expression of Tempranillo, which also includes an influence from Iberian Peninsula varieties Syrah (12%) and Grenache (6%). This barrel program of 17 … [Read more...] about Saviah Cellars 2013 Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley, $38
Latest wine reviews
Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Amatino Red Blend, Snake River Valley, $25
Martin Fujishin works behind the scenes on a number of Idaho brands, but he focuses on Rhône varieties for his own red program on the Sunnyslope Wine District. This marks the third vintage for the Rhône-inspired blend of Syrah (60%), Petite Sirah (35%) and Viognier as the influence of PS continues to climb. The work with Polo Cove Vineyard, a high-elevation site near acclaimed … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Amatino Red Blend, Snake River Valley, $25
Owen Roe 2014 Ex Umbris Syrah, Yakima Valley, $21
David O’Reilly’s entry level into his Owen Roe red program is remarkable on many levels, but a look at the vineyards explains the quality. DuBrul, Red Willow and two estate sites — Outlook and Union Gap — give him the components. His program of 14 months in French oak develops attractive aromas of plum, sugared blackberry, cola and lavender. Those are mirrored on the palate … [Read more...] about Owen Roe 2014 Ex Umbris Syrah, Yakima Valley, $21
Daven Lore Winery 2015 Lonesome Spring Ranch Muscadelle, Yakima Valley, $23
Reportedly, there’s only about 5 acres of Muscadelle in Washington state, and Colin Morrell at Lonesome Spring Ranch grows about a third of the white Bordeaux grape. Last year, he pulled the fruit off his 1.3 acres on Sept. 16 at a hedonistic 30 Brix. Its beautifully tropical nose of dragonfruit and lychee includes orange zest. On the palate, it’s a brunch wine with flavors of … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2015 Lonesome Spring Ranch Muscadelle, Yakima Valley, $23
Martin-Scott Winery 2015 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Although it’s not referenced on the label, Columbia Valley vigneron Mike Scott grows the Viognier on his Needlerock Vineyard overlooking the Columbia River and bottles it at his East Wenatchee, Wash., estate. The enticing nose offers tropical hints that lead with lychee and are followed by fig, melon and peach. Its flavor profile opens nicely with sweet peach as it … [Read more...] about Martin-Scott Winery 2015 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $15