Horan Estates launched in 2003 using grapes primarily from the Royal Slope area of the Frenchman Hills. With a tasting room in the town of Cashmere, Horan sells most of its wine directly to consumers. This beautiful Merlot offers aromas of cedar, mint and raspberry, followed by elegant flavors of Rainier cherry, red plum and raspberry. It’s all backed by bright acidity and mild … [Read more...] about Horan Estates Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $24
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Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Roussanne, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25
This longtime winery overlooks the Columbia River next to the world-famous Gorge Amphitheater (which was founded by Cave B’s owners). Roussanne still is a bit unusual in Washington, but the white Rhône Valley grape is revealing great promise in arid Eastern Washington. This is a beautifully crafted wine with hints of unsweetened ice tea and spiced pear, followed by flavors of … [Read more...] about Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Roussanne, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25
Tsillan Cellars 2013 Estate Syrah, Lake Chelan, $30
Shane Collins is the longtime winemaker at this showcase winery above the south shore of Lake Chelan, where he works exclusively with estate grapes. This provides him with the opportunity to know exactly what he’s getting each harvest and provides a level of focus and control. The results are obvious with this delicious Syrah, which opens with aromas of blueberry, juniper, sage … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2013 Estate Syrah, Lake Chelan, $30
Rio Vista Wines 2014 Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley, $42
Rio Vista is north of Lake Chelan along the Columbia River - making it perhaps the only winery where you can show up via boat or seaplane. It also now has a tasting room on the north shore of Lake Chelan in the town of Manson. This elegant Pinot Noir provides notes of mint, Rainier cherry and a hint of violet on the nose, followed by succulent flavors of raspberry, cherry and a … [Read more...] about Rio Vista Wines 2014 Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley, $42
VanArnam Vineyards 2013 Melange Red Wine, Yakima Valley, $30
Rattlesnake Hills grower/winemaker Kent VanArnam produced a stellar Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2013 harvest, and this proprietary blend is dominated by that estate Cab (73%), with contributions of Malbec (21%) and Cabernet Franc. It offers aromas of black raspberry, cherry and blueberry, backed by lavender, horseradish, cinnamon and caramel. It follows with smooth flavors of … [Read more...] about VanArnam Vineyards 2013 Melange Red Wine, Yakima Valley, $30