There are some spectacular expressions of this white Bordeaux grape in Washington, including this delicious parting gift from white winemaker Wendy Stuckey as she prepared for her return to Australia. While most of this Sèmillon was fermented in stainless steel, 30 percent was aged on the lees in neutral oak for five months. That combination leads to charming aromas of lemon … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Limited Release Sémillon, Horse Heaven Hills, $24
Washington
Tamarack Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $30
Ron Coleman is closing in on 20 years of winemaking in the Walla Walla Valley, and he’s focused Tamarack Cellars' latest release of Cabernet Franc on Weinbau Vineyard, a historic site within one of Washington state’s hottest growing regions. That helps to explain why there is just a touch of mint in this Cabernet Franc that's focused on lots of rich fruit amid a balanced … [Read more...] about Tamarack Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $30
L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $37
Marty Clubb, Mike Sharon and the winemaking team at L’Ecole No. 41 offer their continued exploration of their fascinating Ferguson site with this Estate Merlot, a 50/50 blend with stately Seven Hills Vineyard. There’s a strong sense of Ferguson with the aromatic notes of minerality and cracked basalt alongside black raspberry, ripe cherries and plums, joined by vanilla and … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $37
Cairdeas Winery 2013 Consonance Red Wine Blend, Yakima Valley, $39
Lake Chelan winemaker Charlie Lybecker took Syrah (38%) and co-fermented it with Petite Sirah (38%), Mourvedre (10%), Grenache (9%) and Roussanne for a tangy and delicious Rhône blend sourced from the cradle of the Washington wine industry. Dusty plum, macerated cherries and blueberry taffy aromas are joined by coffee. Boysenberry and blueberry dominate the bright structure … [Read more...] about Cairdeas Winery 2013 Consonance Red Wine Blend, Yakima Valley, $39
Davenport Cellars 2012 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $28
Jeff and Sheila Jirka set up Davenport Winery in Woodinville's Warehouse District in 2007 after going through South Seattle Community College's winemaking program. Together, they craft wines of excellence. This luscious Syrah is a great example, thanks to aromas and flavors of smoked sausage, dried herbs, ripe Bing cherry and dark chocolate shavings. On the palate, this is a … [Read more...] about Davenport Cellars 2012 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $28