Winemaker Marty Clubb has been working with Grenache from Alder Ridge for several years, using it in his Columbia Valley Syrah. In recent years, he has recognized it for its potential as a pink wine, and this is the delicious result. It opens with aromas of lemon, dried strawberry and red currant, followed by flavors of ripe pie cherry, fresh plum and rich strawberry, all … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2012 Alder Ridge Vineyard Grenache Rosé, Horse Heaven Hills, $20
Washington
Andrew Will Winery 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $25
This nicely priced Cab comes from Chris Camarda, one of Washington's most successful and acclaimed winemakers. He launched Andrew Will in 1989 and moved it from Seattle to nearby Vashon Island in 1994. This opens with aromas of oak, toast, blackberry and cherry, followed by rich flavors of walnut, black cherry and chocolate. Pair with pizza or grilled flank steak. Rating: … [Read more...] about Andrew Will Winery 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $25
Harbinger Winery 2009 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Sangiovese, Rattlesnake Hills, $30
Elephant Mountain is one of Washington's highest-elevation vineyards and is in the northern Yakima Valley. Joe Hattrup started planting the vineyard in the 1990s and has developed it into one of the state's top locations. This Sangiovese by winemaker Sara Gagnon shows how well this signature Italian grape can fare in Washington. It opens with aromas of oak, black cherry, black … [Read more...] about Harbinger Winery 2009 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Sangiovese, Rattlesnake Hills, $30
Harbinger Winery 2012 Rosé of Lemberger, Red Mountain, $17
Lemberger is a red Austrian grape that has been at home in Washington state for four decades. In fact, Walter Clore, "the father of Washington wine," was a big fan of the variety and how well it could do in the warm climes of the arid Columbia Valley. This winery west of Port Angeles has turned it into a rosé - albeit one that is somewhat dark in color - that is smooth and … [Read more...] about Harbinger Winery 2012 Rosé of Lemberger, Red Mountain, $17
Andrew Will Winery 2010 Champoux Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, $60
Owner/winemaker Chris Camarda is one of four winery partners in Champoux, arguably the top vineyard in Washington. He joined grower Paul Champoux in 1996 to buy this longtime vineyard, which was first planted in 1972. This is a red blend of Merlot (42%), Cabernet Franc (32%) and Cabernet Sauvignon. It opens with aromas of dusty plum, cherry and oak spice, followed by flavors of … [Read more...] about Andrew Will Winery 2010 Champoux Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, $60