Richard Batchelor has done it again for Maryhill, earning another gold medal. This red blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 9% Malbec 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot adds one more honor for a run of excellence. On the nose, it's fruit forward with bright Bing cherries, red florals and warm spice. On the palate, it's big cherries, loganberries, then a kiss of red … [Read more...] about Maryhill Winery 2013 Proprietor’s Reserve Serendipity Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $36
Washington
Skylite Cellars 2012 Malbec, Yakima Valley, $32
Skylite Cellars of Walla Walla reached west to Verhey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley for the grapes in this 100% Malbec. Those who love to ponder the difference between winemakers should seek out the Smasne Cellars from the same vineyard. Both share the intense color and deep black fruit aromas of Malbec and their vineyard, but on the palate, the Skylite seems a bit bigger, … [Read more...] about Skylite Cellars 2012 Malbec, Yakima Valley, $32
H/H Estates 2010 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Big John Cab Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $42
John Gabriel’s winemaking helped establish the Coyote Canyon Winery on the map in Prosser, Wash., and grower/rancher/owner Mike Andrews continues to honor the memory of a prized bull - Big John - with this reserve-tier H/H Estates brand. There’s classic maturity showing with aromas of Bing cherry, plum and cola with coffee, pipe tobacco, rose hips and black pepper from the … [Read more...] about H/H Estates 2010 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Big John Cab Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $42
Wind Rose Cellars 2012 Nebbiolo, Columbia Valley, $30
University of Kansas grad David Volmut grew up in an Italian family, and the love and lure of wine led him to Washington state and a second career as a vintner. He’s now anchored on the Olympic Peninsula coastal town of Sequim, relying on grapes from the Columbia Valley for his Italian-themed wine program. In this case, the Nebbiolo came from the Gilbert family’s 24K Vineyard … [Read more...] about Wind Rose Cellars 2012 Nebbiolo, Columbia Valley, $30
Mercer Estates 2014 Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $20
One of Washington’s most promising sites - Spice Cabinet Vineyard - is featured in this sizable and affordable offerings of this Bordeaux variety that continues to grow in popularity. The dense nose broadcasts plump blueberries, Jolly Rancher grape candy and toasted granola with dark chocolate. It lays heavy on the palate with more of those dark purple fruits - black cherry, … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates 2014 Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $20