Best Buy! Sommelier-turned-winemaker Ross Andrew Mickel offers this consumer-minded Cabernet Sauvignon that includes a significant contribution from Merlot (20%). Aromas of dried plum and fig lead to cherry juice, crushed tobacco and anise. Inside, it’s a nicely balanced drink of black currant and black cherry with resolved tannins and lingering blackberry acidity. Rating: … [Read more...] about Ross Andrew Winery 2013 Glaze Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $15
Washington
Forgeron Cellars 2013 Zinfandel, Columbia Valley, $35
Founding winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla used Zinfandel to launch her Walla Walla winery in 2001, and she takes this lot from Alder Ridge Vineyard down a deep path. The influence of Primitivo (17%) from sultry StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope helps create aromas of black currant, blackberry, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Roca, black pepper, pipe tobacco and Horse Heaven Hills … [Read more...] about Forgeron Cellars 2013 Zinfandel, Columbia Valley, $35
Silver Totem Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $20
The talented team at Pacific Rim Winemakers in West Richland, Wash., developed this young brand and approachable Cab by starting with fruit from the Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla Valley, including contributions of Malbec and Syrah. They help account for the striking dark purple hue and aromas of black currant, plum sauce, caramel and crushed green peppercorns. On the … [Read more...] about Silver Totem Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $20
Smasne Cellars 2012 Seven Hills Vineyard Carménère, Walla Walla Valley, $44
Yakima Valley vintner Robert Smasne furthers his reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest’s leaders with Carménère, now offering two vineyard-designated examples of this red Bordeaux variety that had been lost to the world for decades. His work with one of Oregon’s most acclaimed vineyards begins with aromas of sweet and dusty herbs, red raspberry, blueberry, orange cream … [Read more...] about Smasne Cellars 2012 Seven Hills Vineyard Carménère, Walla Walla Valley, $44
Daven Lore Winery 2013 Tempranillo, Snipes Mountain, $29
Canadian-born winemaker Gordon Taylor made it to the 18th hole of last year’s U.S. Open with his 2012 Tempranillo - poured in the Washington State Wine Commission tent. His latest bottling from grapes picked Sept. 28 off the Newhouse family’s Upland Vineyard offers a nose of Bing cherry, dark boysenberry and cocoa powder with touches of vanilla, sarsaparilla, fresh dill and … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2013 Tempranillo, Snipes Mountain, $29