Once again, from the cellar of Jarrod Boyle comes perhaps the Northwest’s most delicious expression of a white Rhône blend, an argument made because this is the fourth time it has gone Platinum. Here, the blend named for symbols left on rocks in the Horse Heavens by early sheepherders is Roussanne (55%), Marsanne (30%) and Viognier. Hints of white peach and honeydew melon made … [Read more...] about Alexandria Nicole Cellars 2022 Destiny Ridge Vineyard Shepherds Mark, Horse Heaven Hills $28
platinum awards
Ferraro Cellar 2018 Gunkel Vineyards Hellsgate Canyon Block Zinfandel Columbia Valley $32
Willamette Valley winemaker Dick Ferraro grew up within an Italian neighborhood in Walla Walla, and some of his early efforts were inspired by time spent at Walla Walla Vintners. Three years ago, his first Platinum came with Barbera from the Columbia Gorge. Zinfandel from this vineyard — raised into prominence by Maryhill Winery — returns Ferraro his second Platinum. The two … [Read more...] about Ferraro Cellar 2018 Gunkel Vineyards Hellsgate Canyon Block Zinfandel Columbia Valley $32
Domaine Holesinsky 2022 Gertschen Vineyard Rosé of Syrah, Idaho $14
Best Buy! The Holesinskys manage and harvest this 2-acre Syrah vineyard planted 20 years ago near Twin Falls by longtime Sun Valley wine merchant Bob Gertschen. This bottling represents the second straight year that the Holesinskys have turned those grapes into a Platinum rosé. Light strawberry, white peach, passion fruit and hyacinth aromas are followed by a flavorful mix of … [Read more...] about Domaine Holesinsky 2022 Gertschen Vineyard Rosé of Syrah, Idaho $14
Holesinsky Vineyard & Winery 2021 40% Viognier 40% Sémillon 20% Muscat White Blend Wine, Snake River Valley $22
Second-generation grower/winemaker James Holesinsky uses Muscat from his vineyard planted at nearly 3,800-feet elevation to add considerable charm to this delightful wine that resulted in his eighth Platinum during the past four years. The dried apricot, honeycomb and gardenia nose leads to flavors of hula berry and cantaloupe that are married with a flirty squirt of Meyer … [Read more...] about Holesinsky Vineyard & Winery 2021 40% Viognier 40% Sémillon 20% Muscat White Blend Wine, Snake River Valley $22
Iris Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $25
Oregon State University grad Aaron Lieberman scored Platinums with two bottlings of Pinot Noir from the 2021 vintage, the reserve tier under the Areté label and this flagship release for Iris Vineyards. It’s a blend of four distinct growing regions and includes the Chalice Estate (36%) and underrated Methven (27%) in the Eola-Amity Hills. The nose includes Rainier cherry, … [Read more...] about Iris Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $25