National distribution is another reason why wineries enter judgings beyond the Pacific Northwest, and lofty scores for entries of Cabernet Sauvignon helped the Mercers and their winemaker Ashley Stephens, vice-chair of the Washington Wine Technical Group, to win winery of the year acclaim at the New York International Wine Competition. This is a classic expression of Horse … [Read more...] about Mercer Family Vineyards 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $25
platinum awards
Öömrang Hüs 2021 Estate Siegerrebe, Puget Sound $65
For the second straight year — and back-to-back vintages — Christine Stoecklein has proved to be one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier talents with the charming, food- friendly grape known in Germany as “victory wine.” Orange blossoms, yellow grapefruit and Lemonhead candy lead to a chain of flavors ranging from nectarine and apricot to cherry pepper and honeycomb — all … [Read more...] about Öömrang Hüs 2021 Estate Siegerrebe, Puget Sound $65
Rolling Hills Vineyard 2020 Sangiovese, Snake River Valley $35
Considering his surname and his focus, it’s natural for Mark Pasculli and his young brand to score gold medals in two international judgings for his Sangiovese and see it turn Platinum. This marks the fourth Platinum in three years for our 2023 Idaho Winery to Watch, and it’s an exemplary example of the variety. Aromatics include dried cherries, oregano, roasted tomatoes and … [Read more...] about Rolling Hills Vineyard 2020 Sangiovese, Snake River Valley $35
Sigillo Cellars 2020 Sangiovese, Yakima Valley $36
For years, the Morrell family at Lonesome Spring Ranch has collaborated with the Seals on their Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier programs, and this Italian red also has found an award-winning niche at the Sigillo tasting bars in Snoqualmie and Chelan. The winemaking talent is obvious, as Sangio becomes Sigillo’s fifth different red wine to earn a Platinum. Here, judges were … [Read more...] about Sigillo Cellars 2020 Sangiovese, Yakima Valley $36
The Bunnell Family Cellar 2018 Painted Hills Vineyard Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley $48
This past fall, Ron Bunnell boosted his career total of Platinum Awards to 23. Along the way, he’s added to the lofty status of Painted Hills by winning four Platinums with standalone bottlings of this inky Bordeaux red. Complex aromas of dark cherry, President plum, Herbes de Provence and Choward’s Violet Mints lead to a luxuriously full-bodied, tongue-coating serving of … [Read more...] about The Bunnell Family Cellar 2018 Painted Hills Vineyard Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley $48