A case can be made that the Clubbs’ young Ferguson Vineyard, bedded in fractured basalt that ran red-hot 15 million years ago, is on the path of becoming known as one of the Pacific Northwest's Grand Cru-type sites after producing a best of class Bordeaux-style wine at the 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards in London. This young blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (33%), … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Ferguson Vineyard Estate Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $64
Washington
Tsillan Cellars 2014 Estate Riesling, Lake Chelan, $18
Lake Chelan winemaker Shane Collins is among the most passionate Riesling producers in Washington state, and he’s a regular attendee of the international Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle. Each vintage for Dr. Robert Jankelson allows him to bottle that devotion and talent, and his 2014 Estate Riesling is only beginning to hit its stride. Lovely spice aromas of saffron, lavender … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2014 Estate Riesling, Lake Chelan, $18
Westport Winery 2015 Conner Lee Vineyard Shorebird Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $26
The Roberts family recently began to focus its efforts with Chardonnay on Conner Lee Vineyards, a site near Othello, Wash., established in 1980 with direction from Walter Clore. Of the 150 acres planted, more than 25 of those are devoted to Chardonnay, and Dana Roberts’ work with his allotment offers notes of buttered toast, baked apple with cinnamon and jasmine. There’s … [Read more...] about Westport Winery 2015 Conner Lee Vineyard Shorebird Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $26
Columbia Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $17
Canadian native Sean Hails has made more wine than most as a result of his years of work in California on behalf of Gallo. His latest release of Merlot for the Woodinville showpiece also ranks as one of the largest in Washington. It hints at dark currants and cherries in the aromas with lavender, jasmine and smoked meats - perhaps a sign of the Syrah (11%). There’s a match on … [Read more...] about Columbia Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $17
Baer Winery 2013 Star Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $34
A star serves as the logo for Baer Winery, and the latest release named for the North Star is a stellar and straight-forward blend of Merlot (59%) and Cabernet Franc, a style of wine that inspired the late Lance Baer. His family and winemamker Erica Orr focused on picturesque Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope and a 22-month program in 59% new Demptos and Saury … [Read more...] about Baer Winery 2013 Star Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $34