Vintage after vintage, this Super Tuscan-style approach — which emerged from the friendship that Long Shadows founder Allen Shoup forged with Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari of Ruffino fame — ranks among the most popular from the star-studded lineup. And production of Saggi has increased more than 20 percent since 2014. By its nature, there's complexity to the Sangiovese-driven … [Read more...] about Long Shadows Vintners 2017 Saggi Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $60
Wine of the Week
Mercer Bros. 2017 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $20
Jeremy Santo returned home to Prosser, Wash., and took over the winemaking for the 2017 vintage — just in time to help launch this stylish brand for brothers Rob and Will Mercer. Merlot from Zephyr Ridge and Dead Canyon Vineyard near famed Champoux Vineyard gets a heady boost of Syrah (14%) off Spice Cabinet Vineyard near Crow Butte Park along the Columbia River. The 20 months … [Read more...] about Mercer Bros. 2017 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $20
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2017 Merlot, Lewis-Clark Valley, $28
These days, it seems Merlot does not receive as much love as it should, particularly in the Northwest where the big red native to Bordeaux remains a workhorse and the backbone for many blends. It's no coincidence that one of our region's most decorated wineries — Clearwater Canyon Cellars in Lewiston, Idaho - has bottled one of the best Merlots in the Pacific Northwest. Coco … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2017 Merlot, Lewis-Clark Valley, $28
Elk Cove Vineyards 2017 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $32
Heather Perkin and second-generation winemaker Adam Campbell blended lots featuring each of the Campbell family’s six vineyards in the North Willamette Valley. Their work with Mount Richmond, Five Mountain, Clay Court, Goodrich, Windhill and vines surrounding the Gaston, Ore., tasting room brings hints of warm spices, cherry and a bit of pomegranate in its aromas. In the mouth, … [Read more...] about Elk Cove Vineyards 2017 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $32
2Hawk Vineyard & Winery 2017 Grenache, Rogue Valley, $32
Southern Oregon winemaker Kiley Evans worked with some of the Northwest's top Grenache during his time at famed Abacela in the Umpqua Valley. Now, he's showing a flair with grapes grown an hour to the south by Ross Allen, a third-generation farmer who also oversees 1,400 acres of nut orchards in the Central Valley of California. Evans keeps the focus on the fruit with his brief … [Read more...] about 2Hawk Vineyard & Winery 2017 Grenache, Rogue Valley, $32