Syrah is the third-most-popular red wine grape in Washington, and it continues to gain traction even as Syrah sales have slowed internationally. This is a delicious example that should have no trouble attracting wine lovers, thanks to aromas of spice, cedar, blueberry and blackberry. On the palate, it is a rich, complex red with notes of mocha, black licorice, vanilla extract … [Read more...] about Malaga Springs Winery 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $24
Washington
Roller Girl 2013 Jammer Red, Walla Walla County, $18
College Cellars alumna Tanya Woodley recently doubled production for SuLei Cellars, and the success of her entry-level Roller Girl Jammer Red is powering much of that growth. She admits that her goal for this blend of Merlot (43%), Cabernet Franc (31%) and Cabernet Sauvignon is one of approachability. It finds the mark, thanks in part to vineyards Les Collines and Lodmell. The … [Read more...] about Roller Girl 2013 Jammer Red, Walla Walla County, $18
Kiona Vineyards & Winery 2012 Carménère, Red Mountain, $35
The Williams family grows 5 acres of this little-known red Bordeaux variety on its Heart of the Hill Vineyard, and it makes for one of Washington state’s largest bottlings. This balanced vintage creates classic Carm aromas of sweet herbs and moist potting soil with fruity notes of Marionberry, black currant and spicy chocolate. And it carries Red Mountain character with black … [Read more...] about Kiona Vineyards & Winery 2012 Carménère, Red Mountain, $35
Airfield Estates 2015 Sweet Riesling, Yakima Valley, $15
Best Buy! Marcus Miller, a product of Walla Walla Community College’s winemaking school, grows 27 varieties across nearly 900 acres of vines on his family’s estate near Prosser, Wash. That gives him the flexibility to develop Riesling in a variety of ways, including this in an off-dry style the German classify as Kabinett. It’s low-alcohol, low pH (2.8), lofty total acidity … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2015 Sweet Riesling, Yakima Valley, $15
Gordon Estate 2013 Tempranillo, Columbia Valley, $35
One of Washington state’s oldest farming families began offering Tempranillo with the 2007 vintage, establishing the plantings in 2005 back when this brand was known as Gordon Brothers. It’s full of dark, spice and toasty tones of blackberry, black cherry and roasted coffee with bittersweet chocolate and vanilla bean. The influence of American oak, 35% new, carries onto the … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate 2013 Tempranillo, Columbia Valley, $35