Oregon Pinot Noir grapes also make fine rosé wines, a number of winemakers have discovered, including Van Duzer Vineyards of Dallas, Ore. Burgundy native Florent-Pierre Merlier made this a showy number with aromas of grapefruit, rhubarb and kiwi fruit, then flavors of yellow grapefruit and strawberry. It ends with a crisp, tart finish ideal for foods with a little fat like rich … [Read more...] about Van Duzer Vineyards 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley, $20
Wine of the Week
Saviah Cellars 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $45
Saviah Cellars of Walla Walla used local fruit for its 2012 reserve, creating an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas and flavors of blackberries and black currants, followed well-managed tannins and a closing touch of black tea and dark chocolate. This is yet another marvelous wine by owner/winemaker Rich Funk, one of the most talented folks in the Walla Walla Valley. This … [Read more...] about Saviah Cellars 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $45
JoieFarm 2015 Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley, $23
Pinot Blanc is most often found in the Alsace region of France, and it is a beautiful white wine that does well in cooler parts of the Pacific Northwest. The grape is a genetic mutation of Pinot Noir (as is Pinot Gris), and it tends to be a bit fuller in style than Pinot Gris. This gorgeous example from British Columbia's Okanagan Valley is one of the best made. Aromas and … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2015 Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley, $23
Purple Star Wines 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $19
Winemaker Kyle Johnson came to our attention when he made superior wines for Olsen Estate in the Yakima Valley community of Prosser. Now he is just east of there along the Yakima River crafting delicious wines for his own label. This stunning Syrah opens with aromas of smoked meats, blackberry cobbler and black licorice, followed by flavors of black currant, crushed herb and … [Read more...] about Purple Star Wines 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $19
William Church Winery 2013 Tres Bien Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $36
This small producer in Woodinville's warehouse district has a well-earned reputation for distinctive red wines, and the quality of this Cab Franc further burnishes that renown. It opens with aromas of luscious chocolate syrup, a hint of toasted oak and ample dark fruit, particularly blackberry and black currant. On the palate, it reveals flavors of olive, black licorice, plum … [Read more...] about William Church Winery 2013 Tres Bien Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $36