Woodinville's Woodhouse Wine Estates winemaker Jean-Claude Beck, a native of Alsace, brought in these grapes grown by the late Fred Artz on Red Mountain. The longtime former Klipsun Vineyard manager passed away in 2015, and this vineyard-designate Cab Franc serves as a wonderful living tribute, opening with red currant, fresh rosemary, brown sugar and California peppercorns. … [Read more...] about Kennedy Shah 2012 Artz Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain, $45
Washington
Eagle Creek Winery 2014 Gewürtztraminer, Columbia Valley, $19
Eagle Creek was among the first wineries to recognize the opportunity that awaits in the tourist town of Leavenworth. Today, the Bavarian-themed community is home to more than a dozen tasting successful tasting rooms. This superb Gewürztraminer opens with gorgeous aromas of apple and rose petals, followed by flavors of honey, clove and white blossoms. There is a bit of … [Read more...] about Eagle Creek Winery 2014 Gewürtztraminer, Columbia Valley, $19
Bunnell Family Cellar 2013 Painted Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $48
Bunnell Family Cellar, perhaps best known for its outstanding work with Syrah, shows a deft touch here with Cabernet Sauvignon as well. The Prosser winery team, led by Ron Bunnell, brought in grapes from Painted Hills Vineyard, which overlooks the Yakima Valley, and the result is a wine rich in aromas and deep flavors of blackberries, plums and cassis. It finishes long and … [Read more...] about Bunnell Family Cellar 2013 Painted Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $48
Silvara Vineyards 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $32
Vintner Gary Seidler is taking his Leavenworth winery to new levels, particularly with his red wines. This remarkable Merlot uses grapes from Candy Mountain, a hill in the eastern Yakima Valley that is similar to nearby Red Mountain. It opens with aromas of toasted oak, bright berry and red cherry and hints of vanilla. This leads to complex flavors of black cherry, ripe … [Read more...] about Silvara Vineyards 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $32
Ginkgo Forest Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $30
Owner Mike Thiede grows his fruit and makes his wine along the Columbia River near the dusty town of Mattawa on the Wahluke Slope. In the past few years, Ginkgo Forest has developed into one of the best little wineries in region, and this delicious Cab Franc is another example of why. Aromas of cedar, red currant and black cherry lead to flavors of blueberry, dried herbs and … [Read more...] about Ginkgo Forest Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $30