The Hamiltons have earned acclaim for their Cabernet Franc off Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, but here the Wine Boss tandem of Charlie Hoppes and Mitch Venohr focused on Bel Tramonto — the Hamilton estate vineyard — for this gorgeous effort. It begins with vanilla and spice from the oak, backed by cherry and chocolate notes that all meet on the palate, which is smooth … [Read more...] about Hamilton Cellars 2018 Estate Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain $40
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Bayernmoor Cellars 2018 Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $60
Patent law attorney Larris Harris nurtures a 6-acre vineyard of Pinot Noir at his estate near Stanwood, but he’s also developed a fondness for Cabernet Sauvignon. That explains his attraction to historic Klipsun, a 120-acre vineyard planted in 1982, and he uses this coveted Red Mountain site to produce a classic Cab. Its baseline is one of steady notes that hit on cassis, black … [Read more...] about Bayernmoor Cellars 2018 Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $60
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2018 Estate Reserve Red Wine, Red Mountain $65
The third generation of winemakers is firmly entrenched at Kiona with Tyler Williams now running the cellar. His father, Scott, has shifted his focus to managing the family’s vineyards, so he deserves plenty of credit for this blend that’s heavy with Red Mountain Cab, but there’s some Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot at play, too. With input from enologist Melissa Whitaker, they … [Read more...] about Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2018 Estate Reserve Red Wine, Red Mountain $65
VineLine Dispatches from Harvest 2019
Harvest 2019 is running full steam. Throughout the Great Northwest wine community, grapes are being picked, transported, crushed and stored. It’s the height of activity so where better to send photojournalist Richard Duval but to a different region each week to capture slices of this most frantic of seasons. Last week, he roamed the Yakima Valley and Red Mountain for … [Read more...] about VineLine Dispatches from Harvest 2019
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2016 Kiona Vineyard Petite Sirah, Red Mountain $40
Lake Chelan winemaker Judy Phelps sources grapes from the trailblazing Williams family on Red Mountain to craft this massive Petite Sirah. It opens with beautiful aromas of blackberry and blueberry jam that lead into flavors of black cherry, more blueberry and blackberry and a touch of black pepper. Its tannins are sturdy yet do not go overboard. While approachable now with a … [Read more...] about Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2016 Kiona Vineyard Petite Sirah, Red Mountain $40