Norm McKibben recruited Jean-François Pellet to the Walla Walla Valley with the goal of producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, which they’ve done since 1998. The vineyard named Pepper Bridge played a minor role in this bottling dominated by Seven Hills Vineyard, and Pellet’s blending skill is on display as the five classic Bordeaux grapes come together. His 19-month program … [Read more...] about Pepper Bridge Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $60
Wine of the Week
Sparkman Cellars 2013 Ruckus Syrah, Red Mountain, $52
Woodinville vintner Christian Sparkman deepens his reputation with Ruckus, a Côte Rôtie style of Syrah he began courting in 2006. The focus is on Ciel du Cheval on Red Mountain with Boushey Vineyard (8%) contributing the Viognier. Despite the 25 miles apart, both sites were harvested the same day — Sept. 13 — and his Sparkman's program of 33% new French oak makes for enticing … [Read more...] about Sparkman Cellars 2013 Ruckus Syrah, Red Mountain, $52
Owen Roe 2015 Sinister Hand Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $28
David O’Reilly gives us more of a good thing with his latest presentation of Sinister Hand. The Yakima Valley winemaker references this popular bottling after an Irish legend in which a member of the O’Neill clan severs his own hand and tosses it ashore toward the end of a rowing race in order to cleverly be the first to touch — and claim — a prized parcel of land ahead of the … [Read more...] about Owen Roe 2015 Sinister Hand Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $28
L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sèmillon, Columbia Valley, $21
It can be argued that the little schoolhouse near Walla Walla is the leader in Washington for its work with this white Bordeaux grape, and Mike Sharon’s latest collaboration with Stillwater Creek viticulturist Ed Keely on Sèmillon is predictably stunning. Charming aromas of starfruit, Lemonhead candy, marshmallow cream and smoked lemon pepper lead to a lemony and delicious … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sèmillon, Columbia Valley, $21
Panther Creek Cellars 2014 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $45
The Lumpkins, successful and proud University of Washington grads, established their 30-acre Lazy River Vineyard in 2000 on Mount Richmond near Yamhill, Ore. In addition to their own winery, they sell to a handful of premier producers in the Willamette Valley, and Tony Rynders gets to work with their fruit on behalf of Panther Creek. He applies a practice of less than a year in … [Read more...] about Panther Creek Cellars 2014 Lazy River Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $45