Inspiration for this blend of Syrah (75%) and Grenache by Lake Chelan winemaker Kevin Brown and his wife/chef, Holly, stems from time at a Provence farmhouse kitchen — an auberge in French. They pulled these Rhône varieties from the Wahluke Slope, where ripeness is never a problem, resulting in aromas of macerated Bing cherries and brewed coffee. They lead to hedonistic flavors … [Read more...] about Siren Song Winery 2019 Auberge, Washington State $46
platinum awards
Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Le Coursier Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40
A year ago, our Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year picked up a Platinum for the 2012 vintage of Le Coursier, so it makes sense to see this Merlot-leaning blend emerge as one of the top-scoring proprietary reds of the judging. The nose brings thoughts of ripe cherries enrobed in dark chocolate, caramelized sugar and fresh-stripped cedar. It’s full-bodied, offering flavors of … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Le Coursier Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40
King Estate Winery 2021 Estate Domaine Biodynamic Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $35
Five times this Oregon icon has received a Platinum for a Pinot Gris as they continue to live up to “The Kings of Pinot.” This is emblematic of the Demeter certification they earned in 2016 — a crowning achievement of the King family’s ongoing sustainability initiatives. Its fruit-forward profile leads with honeydew melon and kiwi, joined by lemongrass, a slice of Key Lime pie … [Read more...] about King Estate Winery 2021 Estate Domaine Biodynamic Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $35
Palencia Wine Co. 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $22
Sure things include death, taxes and Victor Palencia winning a Platinum Award for an Albariño. Well, almost. This is the seventh time in eight years that his flagship expression of the Spanish white has capped the calendar year with a Platinum, and he’s quick to credit vineyards such as Evergreen and Spanish Castle in the Ancient Lakes for his success. Apricot and pear … [Read more...] about Palencia Wine Co. 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $22
Maan Farms Estate Winery NV Raspberry Dessert Wine, British Columbia $23
Best Buy! This Fraser Valley farming family scores its second Platinum with this fortified raspberry beauty, only this received a unanimous vote for gold from the judging panel — making it a Double Platinum. It’s unmistakable, beginning with ripe and smashed raspberries and a silky mouthfeel of caramel. Raspberry is a naturally tart fruit, so there’s ample acidity, and the … [Read more...] about Maan Farms Estate Winery NV Raspberry Dessert Wine, British Columbia $23