The Hightowers have racked up seven Platinums in the past four years, and three of their 11 career Platinums have been for Merlot. Historically, they’ve leaned on clone 15 fruit from their estate vineyard for the standalone bottlings of Merlot, which they first made in 2000. It’s fabulous and fun from start to finish in its theme of strawberry compote, cherry blossom and tanned … [Read more...] about Hightower Cellars 2020 Merlot, Red Mountain $38
platinum awards
King Estate Winery 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $28
One of the Oregon wine industry’s quintessential examples of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir finishes the 2023 calendar year by adding to its necklace of gold with a Platinum for the King family. Winemaker Brent Stone and longtime viticulturist Ray Nuclo, who racks up miles driving to check on the array of vineyards, play key roles each year in this bottling. Biodynamic estate … [Read more...] about King Estate Winery 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $28
Intrigue Wines NV I Do Rosé Sparkling Wine, Okanagan Valley $24.95
For several reasons, British Columbia is producing some of the Pacific Northwest’s best sparkling wines, and this is Roger Wong’s fifth Platinum in recent years for his bubbles. His time with Gray Monk Estate Winery and Riesling-focused Tantalus helps explain his stunning success for this frizzante- style pinkish blend of Riesling, Gewürztramer and Merlot. It comes with a … [Read more...] about Intrigue Wines NV I Do Rosé Sparkling Wine, Okanagan Valley $24.95
Palencia Wine Co. 2020 El Viñador Carménère, Red Mountain $40
Cab is king on Red Mountain, so it makes sense that Carménère would grow a following there, too. Efforts such as this one by Victor Palencia should inspire others to ask vineyard owners to plant more. Classic aromas of sage, dried fig and cherry carry through to the palate, along with plum, black pepper, hints of chili pepper, leather and tobacco. Its medium acidity and … [Read more...] about Palencia Wine Co. 2020 El Viñador Carménère, Red Mountain $40
SCORIA Vineyards 2022 Grüner Veltliner, Snake River Valley $18
Best Buy! James Nederend of Koenig Vineyards also crafts the wines for the Williamson family, who earned a double gold medal at the 2023 Great Northwest Invitational in early October for the Grüner they grow, so it makes sense that judges would think so highly of the Grüner under his own label. The Williamsons picked it Oct. 7 at nearly 23 Brix, and it’s a classic example of … [Read more...] about SCORIA Vineyards 2022 Grüner Veltliner, Snake River Valley $18