Patriotism runs deep at Mercer Estates, starting with owner Rob Mercer, who reenlisted in the Marine Corps after the 9/11 attacks. His vineyard manager, John Derrick, had a friend who lost his life as a passenger helping to save others on United Flight 93. Upon returning home, Rob and John took 911 vines of Cabernet Sauvignon and created a prized 1-acre parcel within their … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates 2013 Cavalie Vineyard Block 93 Eagle & Plow Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $100
Washington
Jones of Washington 2015 Pinot Gris, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! A year ago, the Jones family raked in gold medals along the West Coast for the 2014 edition of Pinot Gris made by talented Victor Palencia. His recently released work from 2015 off the estate 2 Gun Vineyard near Winchester, Wash., in the Columbia Basin is on par, earning our top rating for the second straight vintage. The style leans toward orchard fruit with enticing … [Read more...] about Jones of Washington 2015 Pinot Gris, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $14
Lauren Ashton Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $50
Two of Kit Singh’s favorite vineyards - Ambassador and Quintessence - come together for this unusually hedonistic Cabernet Sauvignon off Red Mountain. It shows the 28 months in French oak barrels with the nose of roasted coffee and toasted cedar with lots of plum and blackberry aromas. Pleasing flavors offer a plush approach of ripe plum and blueberry, backed by rounded … [Read more...] about Lauren Ashton Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $50
L’Ecole No. 41 2014 Frenchtown Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $23
At one point in the winemaking history of this little Walla Walla Valley schoolhouse, a charming iteration of this blend was known as Recess Red. Last year, Marty Clubb purchased the Frenchtown brand from Dunham Cellars, just in time for the centennial celebration of the Lowden building in Washington state school district No. 41. The wine is 70 percent Bordeaux varieties and 30 … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2014 Frenchtown Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $23
JM Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $38
John Bigelow of Woodinville has crafted a lovely example of Chardonnay combining grapes from two stellar sites in the Columbia Basin with a reputation for shining with whites - Conner Lee and Stillwater Creek. It opens with an oak and lemon overlay of aromas, followed by lemon, tart apple and pineapple on the palate. A tart nip of acidity makes for a lingering finish. It earned … [Read more...] about JM Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $38