Deborah Hansen launched her winery with the 2001 vintage, and her Cab from that season would ultimately earn best-of-class honors at the Los Angeles County Fair — the largest judging in the U.S. at that time. Here’s her second Platinum of this year’s judging for Cabernet Sauvignon, an effort that brings brambleberries, dark chocolate, vanilla, toasted hazelnuts and cracked … [Read more...] about Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $40
platinum awards
Quiddity Wines 2020 Cur Non Mourvèdre, Columbia Valley $39
The Latin phrase that translates to “why not?” makes sense for having received a Platinum considering that Woodinville Warehouse District winemaker Greg Peiker’s GSM-inspired blend — Amore — featured Mourvèdre and also won a Platinum. The Oct. 16 pick from Joe Hattrup’s Sugarloaf Vineyard yielded aromas and flavors of red rose petals, President plum, toasted allspice and … [Read more...] about Quiddity Wines 2020 Cur Non Mourvèdre, Columbia Valley $39
Spoiled Dog Winery 2021 Malbec, Yakima Valley $30
For the second time in four years, the Whidbey Island son/mother winemaking team of Jake and Karen Krug pulled down a Platinum for their Malbec made with grapes they trucked via ferry from Crawford Vineyard near Prosser — their breadbasket for most of their work with red Bordeaux varieties. Alluring notes of cranberry sauce, orange grove blossoms and freshly brewed coffee are … [Read more...] about Spoiled Dog Winery 2021 Malbec, Yakima Valley $30
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2019 Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley $40
Directly across the Columbia River from this scenic Hood River, Ore., winery’s tasting room and patio is Underwood Mountain, the setting for Dampier Vineyard and the source of multiple Platinum medals for Robb and John Bell’s Pinot Noir program. Those rows at 1,100 feet of elevation in the Columbia Gorge contribute fruit to this melange that includes the Bell family estate and … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2019 Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley $40
How to qualify a wine for the Platinum Awards
Great Northwest Wine follows more than 50 competitions across the world to chart the progress of wines made with Pacific Northwest fruit. Qualifying judgings include: All-Canadian Wine Championships - Prince Edward County, Ontario, June 4-6American Fine Wine Competition - Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jan. 13-15Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival - Astoria, Ore., … [Read more...] about How to qualify a wine for the Platinum Awards