Two of Washington state’s most scenic vineyards — Quintessence on Red Mountain and Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope — come together in this stately blend at Tom Alberg’s showpiece winery in Woodinville. Quintessence supplied the Cabernet Sauvignon (57%) while Alberg’s estate planting contributed the Merlot (41%) and Malbec. Graceful tones from the 22 months in 50% … [Read more...] about Novelty Hill 2013 Cascadia Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $50
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Hells Canyon Winery 2012 Artists Conservation Series Cabernet Sauvignon. Snake River Valley, $30
Puget Sound illustrator Fred W. Thomas may be best-known for drawing the iconic smiling Eskimo on Alaska Airlines aircraft, but his work on behalf of hunters and anglers fits beautifully on the bottles of longtime Idaho vintner Steve Robertson. Here, the featured painting is Summer Rise. Hells Canyon Vineyard near Ste. Chapelle is a prized site, and this estate-produced … [Read more...] about Hells Canyon Winery 2012 Artists Conservation Series Cabernet Sauvignon. Snake River Valley, $30
Valley View Winery 2013 Anna Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Rogue Valley, $22
The prior vintage by longtime Southern Oregon winemaker John Guerrero earned a spot on the New York Times Reserve Wine Club, and Valley View’s current release stacks up alongside its older sister. It brings a classic nose of gooseberry and lime, notes joined by starfruit, peach skin and a hint of oak. There’s complexity on the palate, starting with a creaminess of banana before … [Read more...] about Valley View Winery 2013 Anna Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Rogue Valley, $22
Daven Lore Winery 2013 Arthur’s Vineyard Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley, $35
Art den Hoed is one of the biggest characters in the Yakima Valley, and he’s also among the best growers in the state. A longtime pal of Prosser winemaker Gordon Taylor, den Hoed established this block of late-ripening Mourvedre in 2003, and Daven Lore began producing a vineyard-designate Mourvèdre — thanks to den Hoed — in 2011. The latest edition is a fun, lively and spicy … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2013 Arthur’s Vineyard Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley, $35
Hat Ranch Winery 2013 Unoaked Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $22
Sunnyslope Wine District winemaker Tim Harless showcases the elegance of Chardonnay from Sawtooth Vineyard's Block 52 with this delicious unoaked presentation. Its fresh nose features tropical tones along with white peach, nectarine and jasmine. The drink offers a blend of rich peach and Asian pear flavors, bringing plenty of acidity for food and a lip-smacking finish of … [Read more...] about Hat Ranch Winery 2013 Unoaked Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $22