Red winemaker Brian Mackey signed off on this dense and opulent Syrah from StoneTree Vineyard, one of the Northwest wine industry’s most prized plantings. The barrel regimen of 58% new French oak yields aromas of heavy toast, dark-roast coffee and white chocolate on top of black cherry. On the rich palate, dark berries take the lead with blackberry and blueberry flavors amid a … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Limited Release StoneTree Vineyard Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $36
Washington
Pirouette 2013 Red Wine Columbia Valley, $60
Napa icon Agustin Huneeus Sr., was the first winemaking luminary to sign on for the Long Shadows Vintners project, and the Quintessa vintner continues his collaboration with Philippe Melka for this Left Bank-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (20%), Petit Verdot (12%) and Cabernet Franc. Red Mountain fruit and Sagemoor’s 40-year-old block combine for the backbone … [Read more...] about Pirouette 2013 Red Wine Columbia Valley, $60
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2015 Message in a Bottle, Yakima Valley, $27
Last year, the Roberts family shifted its rosé program from Syrah to Grosso clone Sangiovese, and they collaborated with their friend - Mike Sauer of vaunted Red Willow Vineyard in the eastern foothills of Mount Adams on this continuing project. Its light cherry/dark salmon color opens the window to aromas of watermelon, Rainier cherry and red licorice with sweet herbs, … [Read more...] about Westport Winery Garden Resort 2015 Message in a Bottle, Yakima Valley, $27
Tucannon Cellars 2012 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $35
Phil Warren continues to make friends among those touring the slopes of Red Mountain, and this example of Cabernet Franc is rather friendly, too. Some examples of this Bordeaux variety offer an abundance of leafy herbal tones, but his blended barrel program of French (25%) and American presents aromas of sweet herbs, cassis, dark raspberry and green peppercorns. It’s a bright … [Read more...] about Tucannon Cellars 2012 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $35
Daven Lore Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $29
The 2012 growing season may well go down as one of the classic vintages of the Washington wine industry in the 21st century, Prosser winemaker Gordon Taylor produced a delicious snapshot by relying on Alder Ridge Vineyard. While he labeled it as Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), there are thoughtful contributions of Cabernet Franc (10) and Petite Sirah (2%) as well as Lonesome Spring … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $29