Best Buy! The late-ripening vintage of 2022 set the stage for winemaker Joe Hudon’s Oct. 10 harvest of Phelps clone Syrah off Kamiak Vineyard that was destined for this rosé program. There’s a hint of Provence with the salmon color that brings aromas of pink strawberry, Rainier cherry, hibiscus and a cedar-lined chest of drawers. Dusty cherry and white strawberry flavors are … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate 2022 Rosé, Columbia Valley $20
Washington
Sigillo Cellars 2020 Carménère, Wahluke Slope $40
The Seal family has earned five Platinum Awards in the past four years, each for a red wine. Here, they work with historic Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope for Carménère, and there’s some Cabernet Sauvignon for added texture. Aromas range from dried cherries and figs to mild baking spices, a hint of vanilla and a slice of bell pepper. On the palate, it’s plummy with a … [Read more...] about Sigillo Cellars 2020 Carménère, Wahluke Slope $40
Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $25
The father/daughter winemaking team of Rob Griffin and Megan Hughes have staked their claim to a sizable portion of the Crawford family’s popular Albariño grapes. And the results from this Yakima Valley site are predictably stellar. This hints at white peach on the nose with trimmed carnation stems, leading to a refreshing and mineral-driven palate of lemon pith, banana peel, … [Read more...] about Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $25
Brian Carter Cellars 2018 Le Coursier Bordeaux-Style Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40
Five of Brian Carter’s 39 career Platinum Awards have been earned by this blend, which is named for the French term for steed and inspired by Right Bank Bordeaux. And this melange of Merlot (58%), Cabernet Sauvignon (21%), Cabernet Franc (14%), Malbec (4%) and Petit Verdot emerged as the top-rated red blend of the 2023 Platinum Awards. Solstice Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2018 Le Coursier Bordeaux-Style Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40
Mercer Bros. 2020 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $24.99
Ashley Stephens is the latest in a string of Washington State University graduates to lead the winemaking for Mercer Wine Estates, and this bottling for the family with five decades of growing in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills ranked as the No. 1 Merlot from the 2023 Platinum Awards. It also ranks among the best values of the judging, with contributions from the Mercer clan's … [Read more...] about Mercer Bros. 2020 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $24.99