Coastal winemaker Dana Roberts, a product of Washington State University’s certificate program, adjusted his Swimmer program in 2014, shifting to Olsen Brothers Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and including enough Syrah (26%) to the blend that it prohibits them from labeling this Petite Sirah - as Westport had in the past. Regardless, this Swimmer still touches the wall in … [Read more...] about Westport Winery Garden Resort 2014 Swimmer Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $31
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Forsyth Brio 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $50
Central Washington University grad David Forsyth made the No. 1 wine that in 2013 capped Great Northwest Wine’s top 100 list, and it will be interesting to see where this suave Cabernet that focused on venerable Sagemoor Vineyard finishes on this year’s ranking. Introductory aromas of blackberry and blueberry come with clove, milk chocolate, tar and charcuterie. The tannin … [Read more...] about Forsyth Brio 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $50
Love & Squalor 2014 Riesling, Willamette Valley, $20
Not only is there a renewed movement in Oregon with Chardonnay, but Matt Berson also is at the forefront of the renaissance surrounding Riesling in the Willamette Valley. His combination of Roncali Vineyard in West Eugene with Sunnyside in Salem and Cuddihy in Yamhill-Carlton is presented with crystalline acidity (2.92 pH) and scant sugar (0.7%). It offers aromas of ginger with … [Read more...] about Love & Squalor 2014 Riesling, Willamette Valley, $20
Martinez & Martinez 2015 May Mae Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $20
Three generations of the Martinez family are represented in this fun pink wine — owner/grower Sergio, son/winemaker Andrew and granddaughter Mayli Mae. It’s almost unthinkable that fruit from one of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon plantings in this famous neighborhood of the Horse Heaven Hills would be used for rosé, but its beautiful hot pink color and splash of sweetness make … [Read more...] about Martinez & Martinez 2015 May Mae Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $20
Panther Creek Cellars 2014 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $45
The Lumpkins, successful and proud University of Washington grads, established their 30-acre Lazy River Vineyard in 2000 on Mount Richmond near Yamhill, Ore. In addition to their own winery, they sell to a handful of premier producers in the Willamette Valley, and Tony Rynders gets to work with their fruit on behalf of Panther Creek. He applies a practice of less than a year in … [Read more...] about Panther Creek Cellars 2014 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $45