Mark Garvin takes a Meritage approach to this five-vineyard blend of five Bordeaux varieties — Merlot (50%), Malbec (17%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Petit Verdot. Two rising star vineyards — Quintessence on Red Mountain and Double D in the Rocky Reach — are joined by the Antoine Creek, Dry Lake and Native River site. Aromas and flavors of ripe … [Read more...] about Tipsy Canyon Winery 2020 Mélange Noir Red Wine, Washington State $55
Washington
Bayernmoor Cellars 2018 Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $60
From the start, attorney/winemaker Larry Harris has been focused on historic Washington state vineyards while his own estate plantings of Burgundy varieties have come into their own. Few spots in the Pacific Northwest can match the legacy of Klipsun, which the Gelles family planted in 1984 and sold to the Chicago-based Terlato Wine Group in 2017. Aromas of Chukar Cherries, … [Read more...] about Bayernmoor Cellars 2018 Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $60
Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2022 Estate Viognier, Walla Walla Valley $24
The Hansen family has Viognier planted at two of its three vineyards — Cougar Hills and Noble Rock — and their program with this Rhône variety ranks among the best on the West Coast. That’s exemplified by the essentially annual return of a gold medal or better from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in Sonoma. Scents of white peach, nectarine and orange Creamsicle … [Read more...] about Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2022 Estate Viognier, Walla Walla Valley $24
Skagit Crest Vineyard & Winery 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $28
Two years ago, Chuck Jackson went Platinum in consecutive vintages for work with Pinot Noir. Here, the product of the Boeing Wine & Beer Club followed up his 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon with a unanimous vote of Platinum for their one-barrel bottling of Martinez Vineyard old-vine Cab from the 2019 vintage. Its profile is complex, layered and fun as strawberry shortcake, cherry … [Read more...] about Skagit Crest Vineyard & Winery 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $28
Spoiled Dog Winery 2021 Carménère, Yakima Valley $30
Second-generation winemaker Jake Krug and his mother, Karen, the founding winemaker, won a Platinum two years ago for their 2018 Carménère, which featured Hattrup-farmed Sugarloaf Vineyard. This vintage went Double Platinum, ranking among the best in the Northwest. Classic notes of cassis, tobacco leaf, green pepper, oregano and prosciutto are presented with a full-bodied … [Read more...] about Spoiled Dog Winery 2021 Carménère, Yakima Valley $30