This Walla Walla Valley winery near the stateline laced their annual tribute to Grandpa Vernon Rhodes with a significant dose of Petit Verdot (15%) among the gathering of fruit from Dionysus, Olsen and the Middleton family’s Southwind planting west of Milton-Freewater, Ore. Alluring aromas of blackberry, cherry fruit leather, mocha and minerality lead to bright and juicy … [Read more...] about Dusted Valley Vintners 2013 V.R. Special Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $60
Washington
Auclair Winery 2013 96 Cedars Red Wine, Red Mountain, $26
Charlie Auclair in Woodinville's Warehouse District takes a different angle with his latest vintage of 96 Cedars as Merlot (39%) moves into the foreground when compared with the 2012 edition. The blend of Bordeaux varieties comes from both Artz Vineyard and Heart of The Hill Vineyard on Red Mountain, and the use of French oak leads to a perfumy notes of lavender, lilac and rose … [Read more...] about Auclair Winery 2013 96 Cedars Red Wine, Red Mountain, $26
Waitsburg Cellars 2014 Three White Blend Grenache Blanc-Marsanne-Picpoul, Columbia Valley, $17
Waitsburg Cellars of Walla Walla, Wash., blended three rather exotic whites from Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley into its 2014 "Three" blend of Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Marsanne. The result is aromas of subtle spice, melon, apple, then flavors of honeydew melon, apples and a little tropical fruit element in its finish. Pair it with shellfish or chicken. This earned a … [Read more...] about Waitsburg Cellars 2014 Three White Blend Grenache Blanc-Marsanne-Picpoul, Columbia Valley, $17
Columbia Crest 2012 Wautoma Springs Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $35
A classic vintage from this young vineyard within the Cold Creek District achieved optimal ripeness on Oct. 6 and then spent 18 months in French oak. Fruit off this site is routinely a candidate for Columbia Crest’s famous Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon program, and that shows early on with aromas of chocolate-covered espresso bean, French vanilla and plum with ripe cherry, dark … [Read more...] about Columbia Crest 2012 Wautoma Springs Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $35
Nefarious Cellars 2013 Defiance Vineyard Estate Syrah, Lake Chelan, $35
Dean Neff takes the lead on the red wines at this stunning, decade-old property along the south shore of Lake Chelan, and he pulls this Syrah from 4 1/2 acres of vines near his winery. Enticing aromas of cherry jam and black raspberry pick up notes of sweet spices and chocolate mousse. Inside, there comes a plush entry of Marionberry pie, black currant and elderberry, backed by … [Read more...] about Nefarious Cellars 2013 Defiance Vineyard Estate Syrah, Lake Chelan, $35