Chris Peterson and Marty Taucher in Woodinville continue to excel with their Right Bank blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Merlot (44%) and Cabernet Franc from historic sources such as Bacchus, Dionysus, Boushey, Klipsun and Red Willow. The expressive nose of 50% new French oak broadcasts hints of Bing cherry and fig with dark chocolate, cola, black pepper and ground savory. … [Read more...] about Avennia 2013 Gravura, Columbia Valley, $35
Washington
Dolan & Weiss Cellars 2015 Julia’s Dazzle Rosé, Horse Heaven Hills, $16
Long Shadows winemaker Gilles Nicault crafts one of the Northwest's best pink wines annually, and his latest creation from The Benches site is beautiful. Aromas of pear, rhubarb-strawberry jam and clove lead to flavors of Honeycrisp apple, Rainier cherry and a hint of ripe pear. It's all backed by bright acidity. This won best rosé at the fourth annual Walla Walla Valley Wine … [Read more...] about Dolan & Weiss Cellars 2015 Julia’s Dazzle Rosé, Horse Heaven Hills, $16
Skyfall Vineyard 2014 Red Blend, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! Seattle-based Precept Wine continues to grow its Skyfall Vineyard project overlooking the Yakima River near Red Mountain, and the early releases mean solid returns for consumers. The Red Blend gathers up Merlot (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%), Syrah (16%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Sangiovese to create a nose of cherry jam and dusty red currant. Its flavors are juicy … [Read more...] about Skyfall Vineyard 2014 Red Blend, Columbia Valley, $14
Convergence Zone Cellars 2013 Storm Front Red Wine, Red Mountain, $26
Scott Greenberg’s flagship wine is this Right Bank-style blend of Merlot (50%), Petit Verdot (28%), Malbec (20%) and Cabernet Franc from E&E Shaw, Scooteney Flats, Heart of the Hill and Kiona Vineyard, respectively. And this ranks among the best efforts by this Woodinville vintner since launching his 1,100-case winery in 2008. The nose of blackberry, blueberry and raspberry … [Read more...] about Convergence Zone Cellars 2013 Storm Front Red Wine, Red Mountain, $26
Tamarack Cellars 2015 Rosé of Mourvèdre, Wahluke Slope, $15
Best Buy! The popularity of Northwest-made rosé continues to rise, and Tamarack Cellars offers yet another example of why. Danny Gordon continues to source this from Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, and it’s quite a serious offering. The peach color leads to generous aromas of dried strawberry, light cherry and lime peel with a pinch of dried oregano. Inside, it’s an … [Read more...] about Tamarack Cellars 2015 Rosé of Mourvèdre, Wahluke Slope, $15