orthwOne of the Northwest’s top winemaking partnerships is that of Kirkland vintner Robert Delf and Prosser winemaker Robert Smasne, and this two-barrel production from Dick Boushey’s block of Mourvedre offers the Rhone grape’s signature of black pepper. Those dashes are met with aromas and flavors of dark purple fruitiness akin to blueberry and black currant. There’s a wealth … [Read more...] about Northwest Cellars 2013 Boushey Vineyard Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley, $28
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Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Boushey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $35
Boise winemaker Earl Sullivan focuses his work with Bordeaux varieties on Washington’s Columbia Valley, and he’s forged relationships with some of the region’s top growers, including Dick Boushey. The additional investment in a 20-month program of French oak allows for an alluring nose of cassis and Van cherries with sweet herbs and eucalyptus. On the palate, it offers nice … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Boushey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $35
Valley View Winery 2013 Anna Maria Viognier, Applegate Valley, $22
One of Oregon’s most established winemaking families continues to shine with Viognier in the historic Applegate Valley, and John Guerrero crafts this into a fun and festive white. There’s no oak involved, and the theme is of tropical aromas and flavors of pineapple, orange sherbet and jasmine tea. It’s available in Costco stores throughout the state, wine merchants and grocers … [Read more...] about Valley View Winery 2013 Anna Maria Viognier, Applegate Valley, $22
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Verhey Vineyard Malbec, Washington, $28
Coco Umiker earned her doctorate in food science at Washington State University, and portions of her research helped deepened her knowledge of vineyards throughout the state. This marvelous Malbec bottling involves three vineyards — Verhey (95%) in the Rattlesnake Hills, the Verheys' young Roosevelt site along the Columbia River (4%) and Phinny Hill in the Horse Heaven Hills, … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Verhey Vineyard Malbec, Washington, $28
Aubichon Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $35
Jim Sanders’ work with Burgundy varieties in the Willamette Valley continues to impress, and this reserve approach with a single-vineyard Chardonnay from young Terry Family Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA provides skillful balance. He opted for 16 months of barrel aging in predominantly neutral oak, which allows for a golden color with aromas of light toast, lemon curd, … [Read more...] about Aubichon Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $35