When the late Lance Baer launched his Woodinville , Wash., winery while working at DeLille Cellars, his proprietary Arctos blend — based on Cabernet Sauvignon — became the second wine in his portfolio. His sister, Lisa Baer, their father, Les, and winemaking talent Erica Orr continue to honor those wishes. Stillwater Creek Vineyard, the estate planting for acclaimed Novelty … [Read more...] about Baer Winery 2013 Arctos Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $43
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Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Petite Sirah, Washington, $28
The Verhey family’s young Roosevelt Vineyard just downstream from the Horse Heaven Hills along the Columbia River quickly has become a prized spot for the Umikers. And while not all practical, but they could almost transport these grapes by boat to their winery in Lewiston, Idaho, not far from the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. The nose of sweet oak, coffee, … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Petite Sirah, Washington, $28
Telaya Wine Co. 2015 Boushey Vineyards Sémillon, Yakima Valley, $25
Dick Boushey’s acclaimed vineyard in Yakima Valley is one of five Washington sites that Idaho winemakers Earl and Carrie Sullivan work with. Their example of Sémillon is a brisk style of this stylish white Bordeaux grape, offering aromas and flavors of lime, gooseberry and lemongrass. Its structure brings mouthwatering acidity and a nibble of starfruit skin that’s capped by … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2015 Boushey Vineyards Sémillon, Yakima Valley, $25
Browne Family Vineyards 2013 Tribute Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $30
Precept CEO Andrew Browne, a native of Spokane, Wash., continues to work with Waterbrook winemaker John Freeman on the flagship wine for the Browne family brand. It’s built on the shoulders of Merlot (38%), Cabernet Sauvignon (32%) and Malbec (11%), primarily from estate sites such as Alder Ridge, Canyon Vineyard Ranch, Skyfall and Waterbrook Estate, with contributions from … [Read more...] about Browne Family Vineyards 2013 Tribute Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $30
Armonéa Wines 2014 Russell Grooters Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $35
Dave Grooters and Robin Russell, longtime friends of Ken Wright, planted their 23-acre vineyard along Savannah Ridge in 2003, and it is the focus of Grooters’ Carlton Cellars Cape Lookout program. That RGV fruit radiates here in the hands of Armonea winemaker Alberto Alcazar, Wright’s longtime cellarmaster. Its light cherry color doesn’t mislead, bringing aromas of dusty Bing … [Read more...] about Armonéa Wines 2014 Russell Grooters Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $35