Art den Hoed is one of the biggest characters in the Yakima Valley, and he’s also among the best growers in the state. A longtime pal of Prosser winemaker Gordon Taylor, den Hoed established this block of late-ripening Mourvedre in 2003, and Daven Lore began producing a vineyard-designate Mourvèdre — thanks to den Hoed — in 2011. The latest edition is a fun, lively and spicy … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2013 Arthur’s Vineyard Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley, $35
Washington
Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $25
Precept Wine CEO Andrew Browne launched this brand in 2005 with just 150 cases, and it’s developed within a decade into a decorated 10,000-case project that’s a worthy tribute to his remarkable grandfather. This is a stunning Cab created by Waterbrook winemaker John Freeman as part of the new Heritage line created and priced for restaurants. He pulled from Precept’s estate … [Read more...] about Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $25
Love That Red Winery 2014 Stakes Race Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $36
Horse racing supporter Terry Wells, a recent addition to the Woodinville Warehouse District, breaks from a different gate for this latest edition of his Stakes Race Syrah. Rather than the wide-ranging 2013 debut from the Columbia Valley, here he focused on two Walla Walla Valley vineyards - Les Collines and Patina — and it charges out with an inviting nose of chocolate brownie, … [Read more...] about Love That Red Winery 2014 Stakes Race Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $36
Tsillan Cellars 2015 Estate Dry Riesling, Lake Chelan, $18
One of the most underrated growing regions in the Northwest also is among the most scenic, and Tsillan Cellars benefits from both. Riesling devotee Shane Collins gets to work with estate fruit from the south shore of Lake Chelan to create aromas of Granny Smith apple, Asian pear, ginger, orange Pixy Stix and yerba mate. Those orchard fruit tones make their way to the palate in … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2015 Estate Dry Riesling, Lake Chelan, $18
Wit Cellars 2013 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $45
Some of Washington state’s best examples of Malbec come from Gamache Vineyard, and this blend of Bordeaux varieties by Flint Nelson and Cat Warwick showcases Malbec (61%) from that planting near historic Sagemoor Vineyard. It’s backed by Petit Verdot (21%) and Cabernet Sauvignon from Wahluke Slope Vineyard. Aromas of sweet herbs, black cherry, blueberry and toast include anise … [Read more...] about Wit Cellars 2013 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $45