Pharmacist/winemaker Deborah Hansen proudly promotes the concept of “woman made, woman owned” at the four tasting rooms she operates throughout the Northwest — Walla Walla, Woodinville, Spokane and Lake Oswego, Ore. While she and her husband have Merlot planted at two of their three vineyards, this bottling has focused on their Cougar Hills Vineyard, their original planting. … [Read more...] about Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2018 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley $36
Washington
Long Shadows Vintners 2019 Pirouette Red Wine, Columbia Valley $70
Among the first recruits by the late Allen Shoup to his Long Shadows project in Walla Walla was Quintessa founder Agustin Huneeus Sr. and that Napa brand’s winemaker — Philippe Melka. They established the Meritage style that Gilles Nicault continues to follow with impeccable craftsmanship, weaving Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (33%), Cabernet Franc (6%), Malbec (3%) and … [Read more...] about Long Shadows Vintners 2019 Pirouette Red Wine, Columbia Valley $70
Tsillan Cellars 2021 Estate Merlot, Lake Chelan $46
Merlot was first planted by Dr. Bob Jankelson in his Lakeside Vineyard in 2001, and then a decade later within his Mountain View Vineyard. This bottling signals the first Platinum for Merlot. It’s redolent of plum, cassis, toast, pepper steak and savory black olive as smooth and rich tannins make for a long and soft finish of cranberry/raspberry. Qualifying awards: North … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2021 Estate Merlot, Lake Chelan $46
Whitman Hill Winery 2020 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley $25
For a second straight year, vintner Scott Whitman receives a Platinum from our panel for his work with a red Bordeaux variety. Last year, it was for a sophisticated 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. Here, it’s a stylish Cabernet Franc, an effort that lines up alongside those produced by his neighbors in this higher-elevation portion — 1,400 feet — of the Yakima Valley American … [Read more...] about Whitman Hill Winery 2020 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley $25
Hamilton Cellars 2019 Estate Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain $40
The Wine Boss winemaking team in downtown Richland, Wash., worked with the Hamilton estate Bel Tramonto block, and for a second straight vintage, it earned a Platinum. And it came into this year’s judging as one of the most-decorated Cabernet Francs in the field. Think of blackberry cobbler, fresh Aussie black licorice, a wisp of applewood smoke, pencil shavings and cured meat, … [Read more...] about Hamilton Cellars 2019 Estate Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain $40