Matt Huse nailed the carpentry program at Walla Walla Valley Community College three years prior to entering the college’s winemaking school as part of its first class of students in 2001. In time, he took over at the winery founded by his father, Dave, and the key to their success from the start stems from the relationships with the two vineyards featured in this Merlot - … [Read more...] about Five Star Cellars 2012 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $34
Washington
Dunham Cellars 2014 Lewis Vineyard Riesling, Columbia Valley, $20
Daniel Wampfler was the Dunham Cellars winemaker until leaving late last year for another Walla Walla producer. This superb Riesling will remain part of his legacy. Elegant aromas of apple, minerality and spice lead to flavors of pear and a hint of lemon. It's all backed with stunning acidity that balances the residual sugar of 1.4% and leads to a long finish. This earned best … [Read more...] about Dunham Cellars 2014 Lewis Vineyard Riesling, Columbia Valley, $20
Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Dwelley Vineyard Dolcetto, Walla Walla Valley, $24
This Italian grape is rare in the Northwest, and Walla Walla Vintners winemaker William vonMetzger shows a deft touch with it. The fact that it comes off Dwelley Vineyard is no surprise considering our panels have awarded high marks to several wines made from this site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the past few months. Aromas of caramel, red cherry and plum spill … [Read more...] about Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Dwelley Vineyard Dolcetto, Walla Walla Valley, $24
Smasne Cellars 2012 Upland Vineyard Tempranillo, Snipes Mountain, $36
Perhaps only Upland vineyard owner/manager Todd Newhouse knows this portion of the Yakima Valley better than Robert Smasne, who works this warm site for several wineries - including his own. This grape that’s native to the Iberian Peninsula performs well on this hot and rocky mountain, revealing aromas of plum, wild strawberry and rhubarb pie with barrel toast, earthiness and … [Read more...] about Smasne Cellars 2012 Upland Vineyard Tempranillo, Snipes Mountain, $36
Balancing Act 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $18
Ron Coleman of Tamarack Cellars in Walla Walla helped pave the way for Northwest-made proprietary blends more than a decade ago with his remarkable Firehouse Red, and he and winemaker Danny Gordon take the next step of their business by launching this second label in what they refer to as “hyper-negoçiant” style. There’s a theme of dark purple fruit from start to finish, … [Read more...] about Balancing Act 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $18