Five years ago, the Seattle-based Ackley Beverage Group made a splash in the Pacific Northwest wine industry with its investment in the Marchesi family's organic-driven Montinore Estate west of Portland. They followed that with the purchase of what it has rebranded as Tidalstar Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton and the launch of Landlines Estates, a luxury brand that involves … [Read more...] about Cataclysm Wine Co. 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $16
Wine of the Week
Eleven Winery 2019 “The Deputy” Mourvèdre, Washington, $45
Bainbridge Island cyclist-turned-winemaker Matt Albee has made Mourvèdre from renowned Elephant Mountain Vineyard in the Yakima Valley a focus of his portfolio. This young effort — it's not yet released — proves that he’s riding on the right path, producing the top example in the judging. There’s ample fruit on the nose with hints of blackcurrant and cassis joined by complex … [Read more...] about Eleven Winery 2019 “The Deputy” Mourvèdre, Washington, $45
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2019 Hefeabzug Estate Selection Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley, $26
Stephen Reustle, the guru of Grüner in the United States and the first to plant the popular Austrian varietal here commercially, has done it again competition. This time, it's with his estate Hefeabzug, an Austrian reference for surlie aging. Lime, lemon, grapefruit and white pepper aromas waft from the glass. Lime dominates its fellow citrus fruit on the palate, where the … [Read more...] about Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2019 Hefeabzug Estate Selection Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley, $26
Wautoma Springs 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $17
Jessica Munnell's ability to produce bright whites helped Mercer Estates earn Washington Winery of the Year from Wine Press Northwest in 2016. Now, she's working with vineyards overseen by acclaimed grower Tom Merkle, who is Munnell's partner in Wautoma Springs. This superb Sauvignon Blanc reflects the growth of their brand timed with their stylish young tasting room within the … [Read more...] about Wautoma Springs 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $17
Telaya Wine Co. 2018 Syrah, Snake River Valley $34
Boise-area winemaker Earl Sullivan sources Syrah from premier vineyards in Washington state and Idaho's Snake River Valley, which includes this work off Sawtooth's Block 46. Wine Press Northwest's 2016 Idaho Winery of the Year earned two gold medals in the Syrah category at the 2021 Cascadia International Wine Competition, and this went onto to win best of class, Best Red and … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2018 Syrah, Snake River Valley $34