Cornell grad Joshua Maloney’s background in Washington state includes a long list of acclaimed red wines for behemoths Chateau Ste. Michelle and the Milbrandt brothers, but his young eponymous project is tiny and focused. The latest in his single-vineyard series highlights the work of viticulturist Damon Lalonde and Scooteney Flats, a site established in 2007 on Red Mountain. … [Read more...] about Maloney Wine 2013 Scooteney Flats Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $65
Washington
Skyfall Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $16
Yakima Valley vintner David Minick rose to fame with his Willow Crest brand in Prosser before heading up the viticulture program for Precept Wine. He shifts some of his focus to this new brand named for Precept's young and expanding Skyfall Vineyard near Red Mountain. It’s a collaboration with Connecticut-based Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, and their youngest Cab is quite … [Read more...] about Skyfall Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $16
Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 The Estates Malbec, Wahluke Slope, $26
The Milbrandts sourced from their Northridge Vineyard (56%) and Clifton Bluff Vineyard for this inky and insistent Malbec under their consistently superb Estates tier. Baker’s chocolate, blueberry and dark mulberry aromas include mint, dried sage and Californian pepper. Inside are huge flavors of blackberry with cherry skins tannins, capped by mint, Earl Grey tea, chocolate and … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 The Estates Malbec, Wahluke Slope, $26
Forsyth Brio 2011 Kiona Vineyard Mourvèdre, Red Mountain, $35
David Forsyth has earn respect throughout his career in the Washington wine industry both in terms of research and winemaking for some of the state’s most important wineries. His own boutique project focuses on small lots - no more than three barrels - from a single vineyard. And they aren't rushed out to market. In this case, he pulls this late-ripening Rhône grape off warm … [Read more...] about Forsyth Brio 2011 Kiona Vineyard Mourvèdre, Red Mountain, $35
Walla Faces 2013 Janice Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $49
Owner/winemaker Rick Johnson relies on Cabernet Sauvignon harvest Oct. 25 from Faces Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley’s Mill Creek district for this balanced red that includes Merlot (10%) and Petit Verdot (10%). The use of 50% new French oak helps make for lovely cola, Bing cherry and blueberry tones with hints of minerality. Its structure leads with bright cherry … [Read more...] about Walla Faces 2013 Janice Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $49