Scott Greenberg recently moved east across the Cascades to Richland, Wash., where he’s now within an hour’s drive of the vineyards that have helped him to earn six Platinum awards in the past six years. And he’s now won a Platinum from back-to-back vintages for his Bordeaux-focused Squall Line program. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Malbec (35%), Petit Verdot (7%), … [Read more...] about Convergence Zone Cellars 2019 Squall Line Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $33
platinum awards
Chris Daniel Winery 2019 Syrah, Columbia Valley $32
A product of Washington State University’s winemaking program, Chris Stewart has now earned five Platinums for his work with red Rhône varieties. It’s a wine filled with red plums and dark cherry, classic notes of savory Kalamata olive, smoky leather and gunmetal, and supported by well-integrated tannins. Qualifying award: North Central Washington Wine Awards (gold) Rating: … [Read more...] about Chris Daniel Winery 2019 Syrah, Columbia Valley $32
Milbrandt Family Wines NV Lulu Méthode Contemporaine Brut Rosé, Washington State $20
Best Buy! A graduate of the University of California-Davis winemaking program, Kendall Mix has been a part of the Washington wine industry since 1993. His experience and ability to produce sparkling wine is on display with this young Lulu Wines label for the Milbrandt-owned Washington Wine Group. This fruit-forward, dry brut rosé with Syrah as the base has a sniff of candied … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Family Wines NV Lulu Méthode Contemporaine Brut Rosé, Washington State $20
Veer Wine Project 2021 Mataro, Snake River Valley $34
In a relatively short time, Will Wetmore has developed into one of Idaho’s most decorated winemakers. Veer is his own ultra-boutique brand, and this work with Mourvèdre is the first Platinum that he didn’t make for one of his clients. It’s a two-barrel reflection of Block 71 at historic Sawtooth Vineyard, and the juice spent 11 months in 50% new American oak. The results … [Read more...] about Veer Wine Project 2021 Mataro, Snake River Valley $34
Brian Carter Cellars 2022 Abracadabra Rosé, Columbia Valley $25
Sangiovese ranks among Brian Carter’s most favored grapes, contributing to red wines, a new sparkling wine project and his growing rosé program. His 2021 vintage earned a Platinum, and he expanded his rosé program by more than 300 cases for this bottling from the 2022 vintage. It’s a remarkable example of blending — 10 varieties! — but led by Sangiovese (58%). Aromas and … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2022 Abracadabra Rosé, Columbia Valley $25