The Hightowers have racked up seven Platinums in the past four years, and three of their 11 career Platinums have been for Merlot. Historically, they’ve leaned on clone 15 fruit from their estate vineyard for the standalone bottlings of Merlot, which they first made in 2000. It’s fabulous and fun from start to finish in its theme of strawberry compote, cherry blossom and tanned … [Read more...] about Hightower Cellars 2020 Merlot, Red Mountain $38
Washington
Palencia Wine Co. 2020 El Viñador Carménère, Red Mountain $40
Cab is king on Red Mountain, so it makes sense that Carménère would grow a following there, too. Efforts such as this one by Victor Palencia should inspire others to ask vineyard owners to plant more. Classic aromas of sage, dried fig and cherry carry through to the palate, along with plum, black pepper, hints of chili pepper, leather and tobacco. Its medium acidity and … [Read more...] about Palencia Wine Co. 2020 El Viñador Carménère, Red Mountain $40
Siren Song Winery 2019 Auberge, Washington State $46
Inspiration for this blend of Syrah (75%) and Grenache by Lake Chelan winemaker Kevin Brown and his wife/chef, Holly, stems from time at a Provence farmhouse kitchen — an auberge in French. They pulled these Rhône varieties from the Wahluke Slope, where ripeness is never a problem, resulting in aromas of macerated Bing cherries and brewed coffee. They lead to hedonistic flavors … [Read more...] about Siren Song Winery 2019 Auberge, Washington State $46
Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Le Coursier Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40
A year ago, our Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year picked up a Platinum for the 2012 vintage of Le Coursier, so it makes sense to see this Merlot-leaning blend emerge as one of the top-scoring proprietary reds of the judging. The nose brings thoughts of ripe cherries enrobed in dark chocolate, caramelized sugar and fresh-stripped cedar. It’s full-bodied, offering flavors of … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Le Coursier Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40
Palencia Wine Co. 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $22
Sure things include death, taxes and Victor Palencia winning a Platinum Award for an Albariño. Well, almost. This is the seventh time in eight years that his flagship expression of the Spanish white has capped the calendar year with a Platinum, and he’s quick to credit vineyards such as Evergreen and Spanish Castle in the Ancient Lakes for his success. Apricot and pear … [Read more...] about Palencia Wine Co. 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $22