Best Buy! A graduate of the University of California-Davis winemaking program, Kendall Mix has been a part of the Washington wine industry since 1993. His experience and ability to produce sparkling wine is on display with this young Lulu Wines label for the Milbrandt-owned Washington Wine Group. This fruit-forward, dry brut rosé with Syrah as the base has a sniff of candied … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Family Wines NV Lulu Méthode Contemporaine Brut Rosé, Washington State $20
Washington
Brian Carter Cellars 2018 Trentenaire Bordeaux Style Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $50
For the second straight year, Woodinville, Wash., winemaker Brian Carter reeled in a Platinum for the Petit Verdot-led blend he names for a French reference to 30 years. Tedd Wildman’s StoneTree Vineyard along the upper reaches of the Wahluke Slope contributes the lion’s share of the Petit Verdot, which makes up 57% of the finished wine, followed by Merlot (18%), Cabernet … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2018 Trentenaire Bordeaux Style Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $50
Brian Carter Cellars 2022 Abracadabra Rosé, Columbia Valley $25
Sangiovese ranks among Brian Carter’s most favored grapes, contributing to red wines, a new sparkling wine project and his growing rosé program. His 2021 vintage earned a Platinum, and he expanded his rosé program by more than 300 cases for this bottling from the 2022 vintage. It’s a remarkable example of blending — 10 varieties! — but led by Sangiovese (58%). Aromas and … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2022 Abracadabra Rosé, Columbia Valley $25
Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2018 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $55
Rock Bottom Vineyard and nearby Cougar Hills Vineyard both are home to plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon by these proud products of Washington State University, and the 2003 vintage marked the debut of the Hansen family’s reserve Cab program. Syrup-soaked blueberry pancakes, a cinnamon stick and melted butter introduce a huge palate of cherry tobacco, sun-dried tomatoes, … [Read more...] about Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2018 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $55
Orenda Winery 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley $30
This wine was in barrel when winemaker/co-owner Samantha Kent and her husband, Xander, were selected as the 2020 Washington Winery to Watch by the Great Northwest Wine staff. And they've recently rebranded as Alveare in tribute to Xander's beekeeping across their Snoqualmie Valley estate. Their work with this Merlot began at historic Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal … [Read more...] about Orenda Winery 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley $30