This young winery in Kennewick, Wash., proudly promotes its French barrel program using Le Grand Porto pipes from Cognac. That oak, combined with fruit from the Andrews family, makes for a fun experience. The fruity aromas features black cherry and blackberry, backed by roasted coffee and dark chocolate. Light cherry flavors bring juiciness and are followed by sweet, chocolaty … [Read more...] about Sun River Vintners 2008 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Nebbiolo, Horse Heaven Hills, $20
Washington
William Church Winery 2010 2 Spires, Columbia Valley, $34
This small winery in Woodinville, Wash., is crafting some of the state's most consistently superb red wines, and this blend of Syrah (65%) and Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. Winemaker Marcus Rafanelli used large puncheon barrels to ensure the oak influences would be minimal and subtle. The result is a wine with aromas of cedar, strawberry, mint and cranberry, followed by … [Read more...] about William Church Winery 2010 2 Spires, Columbia Valley, $34
DiStefano Winery 2009 Domenica, Columbia Valley, $32
This red blend from a top Woodinville, Wash., winery is named for Domenica Paganelli, grandmother of co-owner Donna Newton. Domenica emigrated from Italy through Ellis Island in 1915. This is a blend that leads with Merlot (88%) and includes Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It opens with aromas of boysenberry, spicy oak, plum and pink peppercorn, followed by flavors of … [Read more...] about DiStefano Winery 2009 Domenica, Columbia Valley, $32
Forsyth Brio 2007 McKinley Springs Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $50
McKinley Springs is a vineyard in the southern Horse Heaven Hills whose legacy stretches back to before World War II, when the patriarch of the Andrews family cleared thousands of acres of sagebrush to prepare the region for farming. The vineyard was first planted more than 30 years ago and is one of the most respected in Washington. This single-vineyard Cab from winemaker … [Read more...] about Forsyth Brio 2007 McKinley Springs Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $50
William Church Winery 2010 Sur La Mer, Columbia Valley, $36
This Merlot-heavy blend also includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. It offers aromas of maple candy, raspberry, cedar and rosemary, followed by rich flavors of pomegranate, Rainier cherry and milk chocolate. It's all backed with assertive tannins that meld with the rich fruit flavors. Rating: Recommended Production: 323 cases Alcohol: … [Read more...] about William Church Winery 2010 Sur La Mer, Columbia Valley, $36