The warmest vintage in a decade set the table for storied Mike Januik’s work with Stillwater Creek Vineyard on behalf of Tom Alberg, who named his vineyard as a tribute to the Latin phrase in novale novello — “In virgin ground I plant young vines.” Planting began in 2000, and the site in Washington’s Frenchman Hills serves as a bright example of a cool-climate Syrah. A program … [Read more...] about Novelty Hill 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley, $28
Washington
Côtes de Ciel 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $50
For decades, the Holmes family has been growing powerful, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon for some of Washington’s top winemakers. This marks the second vintage in which they are doing the same under their own flag on Red Mountain. Their latest release is focused on clone 8 Cab via the University of California-Davis, harvested Sept. 29 from a block planted in 2000, a span of 25 … [Read more...] about Côtes de Ciel 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $50
Kestrel Vintners 2015 Falcon Series Estate Pinot Grigio, Yakima Valley, $17
It used to be that Washington winemakers wouldn’t start pulling in fruit until after enjoying their Labor Day weekend. In the past few years, they couldn’t afford that luxury, and such was the case with this Aug. 28 harvest of Pinot Gris. The perfumy nose includes hints of Ambrosia Salad with pear, apple, grapefruit and even a pinch of spearmint. On the palate, it comes across … [Read more...] about Kestrel Vintners 2015 Falcon Series Estate Pinot Grigio, Yakima Valley, $17
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2015 Hyatt Vineyards Muscat Canelli, Rattlesnake Hills, $11
Best Buy! In 1982, Spokane winemaker Mike Conway used Muscat Canelli to help launch Latah Creek. Now, it’s his daughter, Natalie Barnes, heading up the program and using Hyatt Vineyards in the Yakima Valley. This grape remains Mike’s favorite, and it’s easy to see why - starting with its early arrival (Aug. 30) into the winery. Beautiful aromas include lychee nut, Bartlett … [Read more...] about Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2015 Hyatt Vineyards Muscat Canelli, Rattlesnake Hills, $11
Beginner’s Luck 2011 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $11
Best Buy! The Claar Wine Group is a small, multi-generation company north of Pasco, Wash., with a large Salmon Safe estate vineyard behind it. Its farming practices overlooking the Columbia River, combined with the work of veteran winemaker Joe Hudon, allows it to produce award-winning wines at a variety of price points, including their Beginner’s Luck brand. This blend of … [Read more...] about Beginner’s Luck 2011 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $11