This young brand in Woodinville with estate vines near Stanwood, Wash., has earned three Platinum awards in the past two years with Burgundy varieties from Celilo Vineyard — a 50-year-old site on Underwood Mountain across the Columbia River from Hood River, Ore. Winemaker/co-owner Larry Harris’ work with Wente clone Chardonnay planted in 1990 is reminiscent of orchard fruit, … [Read more...] about Bayernmoor Cellars 2020 Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge $30
woodinville wine country
Bayernmoor Cellars 2022 Bayernmoor Vineyard Estate Clone Précoce White Pinot Noir, Puget Sound $35
For just the second time in its 24-year history, our panel has awarded a Platinum to a white Pinot Noir, and it resulted in winemaker Larry Harris’ second Platinum for white wine in 2023. The hand-harvesting on Oct. 20 and fermentation program of stainless steel and French oak casts out notes of jasmine, white wedding cake and lemon chiffon. Qualifying awards: Sunset … [Read more...] about Bayernmoor Cellars 2022 Bayernmoor Vineyard Estate Clone Précoce White Pinot Noir, Puget Sound $35
Brian Carter Cellars 2020 Byzance Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $45
When it comes to the Platinum Awards, Brian Carter’s most decorated wine is his Rhône-inspired red — and the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape continue to drive his style. This GSM-ish blend of Grenache (53%), Syrah (20%), Mourvèdre (16%), Cinsaut (6%) and Counoise from the 2020 vintage delivered a Platinum for the eighth time. Lonesome Spring Ranch west of Red Mountain has been his … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2020 Byzance Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $45
Tinte Cellars 2022 Viognier, Columbia Valley $38
One of the top sites in the Northwest for Viognier is Gamache along the White Bluffs, and Noah Reed Fox blends those grapes with those from historic Conner Lee for one of the category’s few Platinum winners in 2023. Aromas are led by hints of honeydew melon, nectarine, almond and orange zest. On the palate, there’s lemon zest and green apple with a burst of pink grapefruit to … [Read more...] about Tinte Cellars 2022 Viognier, Columbia Valley $38
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