This work with the noble white Bordeaux grape reflects Scott Henry IV’s eighth career Platinum, and it’s another reason why Season Cellars remains a go-to source in Southern Oregon for those seeking aromatic white wines. Its theme of Granny Smith apple, ripe pineapple, marzipan, ginger and lemon zest makes for a vivacious and balanced expression of Sauvignon Blanc. The winery’s … [Read more...] about Season Cellars 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Southern Oregon $24
platinum awards
Tsillan Cellars 2022 Dolce Donna White Wine, Columbia Valley $28
The first vintage for Garrett Grubbs as head winemaker at Tsillan Cellars resulted in back-to-back Platinums awards for Dr. Bob Jankelson’s Dolce Donna blend of Muscat (80%) and Riesling in a rare wine made with grapes beyond their Lake Chelan estate. There are pronounced apricot notes on the nose with Red Delicious apple, guava and candied fruits. The profile is predictably … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2022 Dolce Donna White Wine, Columbia Valley $28
Van Westen Vineyards 2020 V Red Wine, Naramata Bench $40
Viticultural advancement, climate changes and winemaking talent by Rob Van Westen are all reflected in this Platinum-winning Right Bank Bordeaux-inspired blend of Merlot (47%), Cabernet Franc (25%), Malbec (12%), Cabernet Sauvignon (8%) and Petit Verdot. It’s the 12th vintage for his Roman 5 blend, dating to 2007, with the plantings of Petit Verdot and Malbec — and most of the … [Read more...] about Van Westen Vineyards 2020 V Red Wine, Naramata Bench $40
Basalt Cellars 2020 Rick’s Red Wine, Washington State $30
Of his 25 career Platinums from Great Northwest Wine, five of those earned by Rick Wasem have been in the past seven years for GSM Rhône blends, including this formulation of Grenache 50%, Syrah 30% and Mourvèdre. This example by the Clarkston, Wash., producer offers delicate aromas of blackberry, cranberry and tomato leaf, followed by a rich reward of black currant, … [Read more...] about Basalt Cellars 2020 Rick’s Red Wine, Washington State $30
Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2018 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley $36
Pharmacist/winemaker Deborah Hansen proudly promotes the concept of “woman made, woman owned” at the four tasting rooms she operates throughout the Northwest — Walla Walla, Woodinville, Spokane and Lake Oswego, Ore. While she and her husband have Merlot planted at two of their three vineyards, this bottling has focused on their Cougar Hills Vineyard, their original planting. … [Read more...] about Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2018 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley $36