This red Bordeaux variety that for decades was believed to be “lost” to the world, has found another home aside from Chile in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills. And it makes sense that this family with decades of growing Cab on its estate near Champoux/ Phinny Hill and tending vines at Alder Ridge achieves success with Carménère. The nose curated by Prosser winemaker Andrew … [Read more...] about Martinez & Martinez Winery 2019 Dion Carlo Carménère, Horse Heaven Hills $43
Washington
Julian Margot Winery 2021 Nettie Red Wine, Columbia Valley $40
A trip to Niagara inspired clinical laboratory scientist Leah Kellogg to pursue winemaking, and her path to the Washington wine industry led her to work at acclaimed JM Cellars for John Bigelow. This one-barrel effort with 100% Merlot from storied Boushey Vineyards is a product of the second commercial vintage for Julian Margot, and it’s named for a beloved canine. There are … [Read more...] about Julian Margot Winery 2021 Nettie Red Wine, Columbia Valley $40
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2022 Lonesome Spring Vineyard Orange Moscato, Yakima Valley $17
Best Buy! Second-generation winemaker Natalie Conway-Barnes reached rarified air during our latest judging by scoring a Platinum for the same aromatic variety from the same second-generation vineyard with back-to-back vintages during the same Platinum Awards tasting. The Morrell family has two blocks planted five years apart, and the Spokane Valley winery captures a great deal … [Read more...] about Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2022 Lonesome Spring Vineyard Orange Moscato, Yakima Valley $17
Tsillan Cellars 2022 Dolce Donna White Wine, Columbia Valley $28
The first vintage for Garrett Grubbs as head winemaker at Tsillan Cellars resulted in back-to-back Platinums awards for Dr. Bob Jankelson’s Dolce Donna blend of Muscat (80%) and Riesling in a rare wine made with grapes beyond their Lake Chelan estate. There are pronounced apricot notes on the nose with Red Delicious apple, guava and candied fruits. The profile is predictably … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2022 Dolce Donna White Wine, Columbia Valley $28
Basalt Cellars 2020 Rick’s Red Wine, Washington State $30
Of his 25 career Platinums from Great Northwest Wine, five of those earned by Rick Wasem have been in the past seven years for GSM Rhône blends, including this formulation of Grenache 50%, Syrah 30% and Mourvèdre. This example by the Clarkston, Wash., producer offers delicate aromas of blackberry, cranberry and tomato leaf, followed by a rich reward of black currant, … [Read more...] about Basalt Cellars 2020 Rick’s Red Wine, Washington State $30