The combination of winemaker Scott Greer with Sheridan Vineyard continues to elevate the program at this longtime Seattle winery once known as Owen Sullivan. They’ve changed the scale of this program, dropping from 225 cases down to little more than two barrels of production, and the blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Merlot (15%) and Cabernet Franc shows beautiful integration. … [Read more...] about O•S Winery 2013 BSH Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $50
Washington
Washington Hills 2013 Chardonnay, Washington, $9
Best Buy! Precept Wine’s team in Walla Walla worked on this bargain Chardonnay that includes significant contributions from Rhône varieties Viognier (7%) and Roussanne (6%) and spent six months influenced by a blend of American and French oak. Those oak tones settle well behind aromas of dusty pear, starfruit and dried pineapple that include a touch of butterscotch and ghee. … [Read more...] about Washington Hills 2013 Chardonnay, Washington, $9
Smasne Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $35
Robert Smasne is set to open a tasting room/production facility in his home Yakima Valley at the former Olsen Estates in Prosser’s Vintners Village, and this Cab from a classic vintage in Washington state is beginning to enter its prime. Dark purple fruit aromas of plum, huckleberry, blueberry and pomegranate transition to rich flavors of toast and darker fruit. Nicely managed … [Read more...] about Smasne Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $35
Cloudlift Cellars 2013 Halcyon Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $30
The flagship wine for this young winery in Seattle’s Sodo district is a blend of Sagemoor Vineyards’ Bacchus Block 10 Cab - one of the state’s oldest plantings - rising star Elephant Mountain in Rattlesnake Hills and Alder Ridge in the dusty Horse Heaven Hills. The custom furniture craftsman select for a wood program of one-third new French oak - aged in perhaps the state’s … [Read more...] about Cloudlift Cellars 2013 Halcyon Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $30
Saggi 2013 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $45
Year in and year out, the Super Tuscan-themed release from Long Shadows Vintners ranks as perhaps the most immediately approachable and expressive red at Washington state's constellation of global wine stars. The Folonari family began making wine in Tuscany during the 18th century, and this 10th collaboration with Walla Walla winemaker Gilles Nicault features Sangiovese (59%) … [Read more...] about Saggi 2013 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $45