Dear Friends,
I want to offer my warmest holiday greetings from Owen Bargreen. We are very humbled by your support and following. 2020 has been a year of challenges throughout America, as the wine industry has also suffered dearly. I have been working hard to promote the industry through hosting roughly 100 comprehensive interviews on Instagram Live. This has been an exciting year of rebranding for me from Washington Wine Blog to my name, Owen Bargreen, as I am now completely independent and freelance for Decanter.
Over the past year we have contributed hundreds of articles that focus on Washington, Oregon and California wine and wineries. We held our third annual Washington Wine Blog Critic’s Choice of Washington event in February 2020, which featured some of the Washington's best wineries including Cayuse Vineyards, Reynvaan and Quilceda Creek at the beautiful Columbia Tower Club in downtown Seattle. Thank you to all of the attendees, it was an honor having you there and seeing so many familiar faces. 2020 has brought many challenges to peoples’ budgets and this year I have chosen 100 exceptional domestic wines to comprise my Top 100 for 2019, including many highly collectable wines but also more value wines than ever before.
This year left me no doubt what wine I should choose for our Washington Wine Blog #1 wine of 2020. Superstar vigneron Christophe Baron has produced a scintillating range of wines and none more so than his 2018 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache which is nothing short of perfection in a bottle. This wine is not only the best Grenache wines made in North America, but rivals anything in the world.
I want to offer my deepest thanks for all of your support and I want to wish you all the absolute best during this holiday season and as we usher in the new decade I hope 2021 brings you all great joy and prosperity, with beautiful wines in your glass.
1) 2018 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $120 I 100 Points
The 2018 ‘Sur Echalas Grenache is a blockbuster wine that shows complexity impossible to attain in North America. Undergoing nearly all whole cluster fermentation, the Grenache was then stored entirely in used demi-muids prior to bottling botting. Right away a dusting of white pepper and Umami tones deftly combine with shades of green olive tapenade, wet stones, guava puree and Linzer torte. The sense of finesse and tension in the wine is nothing short of impeccable. The wine is utterly seamless. Layers of ripe red currants and cranberries, deftly combine with suggestions of bulls blood, rose water and pomegranate seed flavors. As you dig in, more notes Nori emerge with green peppercorns, Mandarin orange zest, black truffle shavings, salted charcuterie, damp stones and wild blackberry compote. I have yet to find a wine this year that offers this degree of flavor complexity. Quite simply, the 2018 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache is a monumental wine from this vintage that is drinking magically now and will provide drinking enjoyment for the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 100
2) 2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $100.00 | 99 Points
Primarily Grenache based, the 2017 ‘God Only Knows’ is a spellbinding, one of a kind effort by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. The nose shows remarkable range from pretty red rose petals to green olive tapenade and charcuterie alongside wet stone and roasted figs that all meld in the glass. The palate shows an incredible verve and tension. Layers of bright guava and orange zest collide with smoky minerals, Umami, peat moss and salted prosciutto ham. The exceedingly long finish lingers. A complete wine, the 2017 ‘God Only Knows’ is absolutely scintillating in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade to come. Drink 2020-2030- 99
3) 2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $175.00 | 99 Points
It has now been six months since I first visited the scintillating 2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that exudes both elegance and decadence. The wine spent 20 months in 100% new French oak and was sourced from the Champoux, Lake Wallula, Palengat, and Wallula Vineyards. One remarkable thing that I continue to notice about this wine is despite its use of 100% new French oak, the oak influence in the wine is quite minor and is very well-integrated to the fruit and non-fruit flavors. Following a three hour decant, the wine shows high-toned violets with shades of sagebrush, milk chocolate covered Bing cherry, creme de cassis and anise tones that all sing in harmony in the glass. The palate is rich and layered, yet extremely polished, with a pillowy texture. Deep layers of espresso bean, Black Forest Cake, blueberry compote, graphite and sandalwood in this highly complex range of flavors. The length of this wine is truly outstanding, as is the silky texture which makes the wine effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. Generous and approachable at this juncture with a long decant, the 2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Try to resist this beautiful wine for at least two more years. Drink 2022-2040- 99
4) 2017 HALL ‘Sacrache Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $350.00 | 100 Points
The famed ‘Sacrashe Vineyard’ is the HALL estate vineyard located in the hills above Rutherford. I am absolutely enamored by this very special new release Cabernet Sauvignon from 2017 that is one of the finest wines I have sampled over the past year. Once on the nose, the ‘Sacrashe Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows alluring blackberry compote, creme de cassis, mocha and creosote tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush, showing incredible depth, concentration and gobs of mouth-watering acidity that makes this particularly gratifying to savor in its youth. Violets and creme de cassis artfully combine with chocolate covered espresso bean, loganberry cordial, blueberry compote, Earl Grey tea, exotic spices on the palate. Tasted over more than one day, this becomes even more complex and delicious. Seamless, rich and elegant, this Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is nothing short of perfection in a bottle. Drink 2020-2045- 100
5) 2019 Kobayashi ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Marsanne
Washington | Yakima Valley | $55.00 | 96 Points
The 2019 ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Marsanne is nothing short of an insanely good effort by superstar winemaker Travis Allen. Needing a one hour decant to be fully expressive, once aroused this takes the lead with layers of lychee and cinnamon infused baked apple tones that combine with roasted pineapple and nutty undertones on this gratifying bouquet. The palate is sinfully good, with a silky texture, rich mouthfeel and bright beam of acidity that provides exquisite balance. Rich buttercream tones combine with damp earth, honeydew melon, Pazazz apple and copious minerals on the palate. While showing plenty of weight, this is extremely light on its feet, this deftly walks the tightrope giving this a very Hermitage Blanc feel. Utterly sensational in its youth, this will cellar well for a decade or more to come. Drink 2020-2030- 96
6) 2018 FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ Red Wine
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $55.00 | 96 Points
Literally translated as ‘daughter’ in Italian, the 2018 ‘Figlia’ is a seductivie blend of Petit Verdot and Merlot all sourced from the Figgins Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. Aged in French oak for 23 months before bottling, this inky colored wine shows classic green bell pepper tones from the Petit Verdot, alongside pencil lead, blackberry coulis and creme de cassis tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is deep and seductive, with a massive degree of concentration but plenty of bright, mouth-watering acidity. Layers of blueberry pie, blackberry compote, mocha, creosote and exotic spices come together on the palate. The novelty here is really impressive. Deep and seductive, simply put this is like nothing made in Washington State. Gorgeous in its youth, be sure to give the 2018 ‘Figlia’ a two hour decant if savoring in its infancy. Drink 2021-2040- 96
7) 2018 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $85.00 | 97 Points
Truly one of the unique wines in Washington State, the ‘Foothills Reserve’ is sourced from the Reynvaan ‘Foothills In The Sun Vineyard’ in the lower edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Needing an hour decant to be fully expressive, the 2018 ‘Foothills Reserve’ opens with white peppercorns and cigar box aromatics that mingle with sagebrush, gunpowder, exotic spices, and blackberry compote. This unique aromatic display is really enchanting. Once on the palate, the freshness and finesse of the wine is truly outstanding. Rich and fat on the mouth, layers of huckleberry and green peppercorns are woven together with Umami, smoked meats and a light dusting of salinity. This literally screams terroir. Fantastic to enjoy in its youth, this novel and captivating new Syrah will provide drinking enjoyment for another decade. Give this another year in the bottle if you can somehow resist. Drink 2021-2030- 97
8) 2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘Veritas Sequitur’ Syrah
Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $95.00 | 97 Points
The 2016 ‘Veritas Sequitur’ is a stunning wine that is truly one of a kind Syrah from the famed ‘SJR Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. Fermented in puncheons, the perfumed nose is snippy incredible with horse manure, white truffle, green olive tapenade, bacon fat and gobs of Umami that all sing in harmony in the glass. The aromatic range is truly profound and takes you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is silky smooth and seamless, as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Showing great texture, verve, weight and elegance, this wine truly has it all. Smoky and damp earth tones combine with seaweed, blood orange zest, smoked pork shoulder, and a core of red and dark fruits on the palate. The aromatic and flavor range is nothing short of magical. Sinfully good in its youth, this beautiful wine will provide drinking enjoyment for another decade. This is ‘wow factor’ stuff. Drink 2020-2028- 97
9) 2017 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $65.00 | 95 Points
The 2018 ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay is another scintillating wine from the talented Michael Fay of Domaine Serene. Poached pear, lemon zest and shades of vanilla cream, as well as toasty brioche all make their way aromatically. The palate shows a silky texture and wonderful vein of salinity, as mouth-watering acidity and rich orchard fruits provide plenty of appeal. The length of this wine is really gorgeous, showing an exceedingly long, vanilla cream and mineral-laced finish. Despite the obvious challenges with the massive heat spikes that tormented this vintage, the 2018 ‘Evenstad Reserve’ is a remarkable achievement that has tremendous freshness and verve as well as texture and opulence. Fantastic to enjoy in its youth, the 2018 ‘Evenstad Reserve’ will cellar well for at least another decade — but is really hard to resist right now. Drink 2020-2032- 95
10) 2017 Beringer Vineyards ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay
California | Napa Valley | $45.00 | 95 Points
The 2017 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay is an utterly fabulous effort by the talented Mark Beringer. Sourced from the Gamble Ranch Vineyard closely located to the town of Yountville, in the Oakville AVA. This was aged for ten months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling, as the Chardonnay shows ripe pineapple with vanilla cream and mango and nutty tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is fresh, vibrant and seamlessly glides through the drinking experience. Layers of vanilla creme brulee, roasted pineapple, bananas foster and baking spices all brilliantly combine with the wonderful veil of tension. This is highly elegant, yet has great weight and acidity. Stunning to enjoy in its youth, the 2017 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay will have an exceedingly long life ahead of it, picking up lovely nutty and earthy tones as it ages gracefully. Drink 2020-2033- 95
11) 2018 Saviah Cellars ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $75.00 | 96 Points
The 2018 ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah is a stunning follow-up to one of last year’s best wines of North America. Aged in only 20% new French oak, once on the nose this takes on gobs of wet stone that mingle with ripe blueberries, cigar ash, nori, smoked BBQ beef ribs and espresso bean tones, giving off serious aromatic complexity. The palate is soft and inviting with its generous texture and marvelous length. The wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate, delivering a rich core of dark fruits that collide with wet stone, rose water, anise, Hoisin sauce and Umami tones. Utterly sensational in its youth, this marvels new Syrah bottling will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 96
12 ) 2017 K Vintners ‘Royal City’ Syrah
Washington | Columbia Valley | $125.00 | 96 Points
Truly one of the iconic Washington wines, the 2017 ‘Royal City’ Syrah is sourced from the ‘Stoneridge Vineyard’ located in the new Royal Slope AVA and owned by the Davis family. The vineyard is home to a massive array of soils, from sandy loam and malaga cobble to Quincy fine sand. Translucent in the glass, the 2017 ‘Royal City’ Syrah shows incredible range on the nose from salted meats to green olive tapenade alongside shades of huckleberry and beef fat with green peppercorns that all meld in the glass. The palate is fresh, with plenty of stuffing. The mouthfeel is downright luxurious. Layers of red currants dance with smoky minerals, cigar ash, stony terroir, Kalmata olive, red cherry candy and Mandarin orange rind. The flavor range here is sensational. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this outstanding new wine will provide drinking enjoyment over the next eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 96
13) 2016 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $22.00 | 93 Points
The 2016 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc by St. Innocent is arguably the best of its kind in North America. The wine was aged on the lees for eight months before bottling in June 2017. The freshness and wonderful texture entices as beeswax and nutmeg infused Challah bread flavors mingle with minerals, honeydew melon and a lovely sense of viscosity. Gorgeous now to enjoy, I can see this cellaring well over the next seven years. This is not only a downright steal at a mere twenty two dollars and is every bit stunning by superstar winemaker and Oregon wine pioneer, Mark Vlossak. Drink 2020-2027- 93
14) 2019 Massican ‘Annia’ White Wine
California | Napa Valley | $32.00 | 95 Points
A blend of Tocai Friulano (53%) with Ribolla Gialla (39%) and just a touch of Chardonnay (8%), the ‘Annia’ was aged in a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel prior to bottling. Right away you are impressed by the high-toned orange blossom tones that brilliantly mingle with shades of baking spices, brioche and starfruit tones on the nose. The palate is silky smooth as this effortlessly glides through the entire experience. Layers of kiwi, gooseberry and Japanese pear mingle with nutmeg infused sourdough bread and nutty undertones on the palate. Hugely complex and novel, this one of a kind, masterpiece of a white wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 95
15) 2017 Leonetti Cellar ‘Reserve’ Red Wine
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $150.00 | 98 Points
The 2017 Leonetti Cellar ‘Reserve’ Red Wine is a thrilling, dense, monster of a wine from superstar winemaker Chris Figgins. Judging only from the color and the weight of this wine, it is no surprise that there is a massive amount of Petit Verdot blended in as the wine checks in at 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Petit Verdot and 10% Malbec. Needing a two hour decant to be fully expressive, once aroused the ‘Reserve’ slowly unveils layers of dark fruits with green bell pepper, sagebrush and blueberry compote tones that all march together in the glass. The palate is dense, seamless and downright hedonistic. Medium tannins line the core of blueberry pie, mocha, Asian spices and silty undertones with a gorgeous combination of mouthfeel and tension. Truly one of a kind in the state, the 2017 Leonetti ‘Reserve’ will cellar well for decades to come. Try to resist this scintillating new release for at least two to three more years. Drink 2023-2045- 98
16) 2018 Frank Family Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay
California | Napa Valley | $70.00 | 95 Points
Not for the weary, the 2018 Frank Family Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay is a stunning new bottling that is flat out sensational to enjoy even at this stage in its development. Once on the nose the toasty tones artfully combine with ripe pineapple, kumquat zest and vanilla cream that all mingle together in the glass. The palate has a great veil of tension, with beautiful minerality and length. Layers of buttercream, bananas foster and Meyer lemon curd combine with the minerals and great texture of the wine. A total heavyhitter, the 2018 ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay by Frank Family Vineyards will be exceedingly long lived. Drink 2020-2035- 95
17) 2018 Delmas Syrah
Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $75.00 | 96 Points
The 2018 Delmas Syrah is the highly anticipated release that follows the 2017 edition which was one of the top wines that I tasted last year in North America. The wine is a blend of 91.3% Syrah and the remainder Viognier. They added a touch more Viognier this year which they have noted has increased in quality. The wine was aged in 50% new oak (half 500L puncheons) prior to bottling. Tasted over several hours, this Syrah impresses with shades of bulls blood and seaweed deftly combine with the black truffle and wild blackberry compote tones aromatically. The palate is silky smooth, giving this an err of opulence. Layers of pretty red fruits greet you, with shades of rose water, Umami, bulls blood, white truffle shaving and Mandarin orange rind and gobs of mouth-watering acidity on the palate. This is a big wine but it shows great elegance and length. While sensational to savor in its youth, the 2018 Delmas Syrah has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2029- 96
18) 2018 Darioush ‘Darius II’ Cabernet Sauvignon (pre-release) ($250.00)
California | Napa Valley | $250.00 | 98 Points
Named after the famed Persian ruler, the 2018 ‘Darius II’ is a masterpiece by the Darioush winemaking team. Aged for 20 months in 100% new oak, once on the nose this shows off exotic spices and blueberry compote, woven together with creme de cassis, anise, and earthy terroir tones that sing in unison. The palate is rich and viscous with incredible tension. Firm tannins line the core of dark currants and Turkish coffee tones that deftly combine with creme de cassis, blueberry cordial and suggestions of dried herbs on this exotic palate. The exceptional finish provides the resounding crescendo as this simply glorious wine will enjoy decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2045- 98
19) 2019 Devium ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Roussanne
Washington | Columbia Valley | $34.00 | 94 Points
Keith Johnson does not submit his wines for review but he afforded me the opportunity to review his brand new Roussanne from the ‘WeatherEye Vineyard.’ Showing off its golden core, the 2019 Devium Roussanne embodies class. The nose shows seriously good range from baking spices to oyster shell alongside nutty and damp earth tones as well as ripe honeydew melon that all dance in unison. The texture is insanely good as layers of beeswax and kiwi collide with minerals, smoke, Shitaki mushroom and an exceedingly long finish. Novel and complex, this outstanding new Roussanne will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2028- 94
20) 2017 Larkmead ‘Solari’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $275.00 | 97 Points
Elegant and classy, the 2017 ‘Solari’ is a stunning wine from 2017. Entirely comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, shades of potpourri and exotic spices build with the core of dark fruits and menthol tones on the nose. The palate shows really good power and elegance, effortlessly walking the tight rope. Graphite, leather, loamy terroir and a deep core of dark fruit flavors with shades of espresso bean all combine brillaintly. The exceedingly long finish of black fruits and minerals really add to the enjoyment here. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2017 Larkmead ‘Solari’ Cabernet Sauvignon will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Drink 2022-2045- 97
21) 2018 Big Table Farm ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $48.00 | 95 Points
The gorgeous 2018 ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is another thrilling effort by superstar winemaker Brian Marcy. On the nose this entices with shades of white truffle and Hoisin sauce, alongside a rich core of red and dark fruits, giving the wine a distinctly Umami edge. The palate is plush and generous, unveiling a seamless texture that makes this effortlessly glide once on the attack. Ripe red cherry and boysenberry flavors collide with minerals, blood orange zest, peat moss and shades of seaweed on this wonderfully expressive palate. The ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir deftly walks the tight rope between richness and balance, as this effort is best enjoyed over the next ten to fifteen years, picking up earthy tertiary tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2033- 95
22) 2017 Cadence ‘Tapteil Vineyard’ Red Wine
Washington | Red Mountain | $45.00 | 94 Points
The 2017 ‘Tapteil Vineyard’ Red Wine by superstar winemaker Ben Smith is a stunning new effort and a seriously good value at $45.00. A blend of near equal parts Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (29%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (43%), this unveils layers of toasty oak and bright red florals woven together with black cherry cordial, menthol and smoky undertones on this complex, downright intoxicating bouquet. Once on the mouth you are greeted to a seamless texture and wonderful poise. Exceedingly elegant and seamless, yet having a good mid-palate density, this impressive effort is gorgeous to savor in its youth and has a long life ahead of it. Be sure to give this at least two hours in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2022-2038- 94
23) 2018 The Eyrie Vineyards ‘Estate’ Pinot Gris
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $20.00 | 93 Points
Right away you are drawn to the bright pear and nectarine tones on the nose with damp earth and nutty accents playing second fiddle. The palate shows gobs of minerality and a silky texture that really entices. Rich, yet having great structure, pretty melon tones collide with minerals, wet stone and shades of Welches white grape juice on the palate. The long finish lingers. Sensational at this stage in its development, this has at least another ten years to go. Drink 2020-2030- 93
24) 2017 Force Majeure ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Red Mountain | $125.00 | 97 Points
The 2017 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Force Majeure is a stunning showing from this estate vineyard high up on Red Mountain. Aged for 80% new French oak for 22 months, this opens with tar and Turkish coffee aromatics that meld with shades of blackberry pie and shades of black tea and exotic spices that all mingle together in the glass. The voluptuous mouthfeel eagerly coats the mid-palate. The wine has moderate tannins that line an intense and highly gratifying core of dark fruits that combine with black licorice, cigar box and creme de cassis flavors. Combination of elegance and rich dark fruit flavors really impress. Sensational in its youth, give this at least a two hour decant prior to enjoying. Drink 2022-2045- 97
25) 2017 Avennia ‘Sestina’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $100.00 | 95 Points
The ‘Sestina’ by Avennia is another sensational bottling from this famed Woodinville winery. A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon with small portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the wine needs a two hour decant before enjoying. After some air the wine slowly unveils black currant aromatics that dances with nutmeg and cloves alongside tar and mocha tones that all meld in the glass. The palate shows marvelous freshness and richness, delivering layers of coffee grounds, tar, blackberry compote and black tea flavors. Sensational in its youth, the 2017 ‘Sestina’ will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2040- 95
26 ) 2017 Corison ‘Kronos Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $150.00 | 96 Points
Planted in 1971 on St. George rootstock, the ‘Kronos Vineyard’ is one of the older vineyards still standing which is known for its tiny, concentrated berries. This benefits from a one hour decant, as the ‘Kronos Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead with gorgeous violet rose petals and orange blossom tones that mingle with asphalt, black cherry cordial and mocha tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Rich layers of creme de cassis, anise, violets and tar all impress without being heavy or over-concentrated. This is Napa elegance at its best as the gorgeous 2017 ‘Kronos Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well for more than twenty years. Drink 2021-2040- 96
27) 2016 ROCO ‘RMS’ Rose Sparkling Wine
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $65.00 | 94 Points
The 2016 ROCO ‘RMS’ Rose Sparkling Wine is a simply magical new Rose Sparkling Wine that rivals anything of its kind. The wine is a simply stunning release by famed winemaker Rollin Soles that will have a long life ahead of it in the cellar. Once on the nose you are awoken to bright cranberry and citrus zest aromatics that combine with suggestions of teaberry and white pepper that all meld together in the glass. The silky mousse entices as bright red fruits collect momentum with mineral and citrus rind accents the all sing in harmony on the palate. Bright and dense, with a silky mouthfeel, the 2016 ROCO ‘RMS’ Rose Sparkling Wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 94
28) 2018 Liminal ‘High Canyon’ Syrah
Washington | Columbia Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
The 2018 Liminal ‘High Canyon’ Syrah was stored for sixteen months in 25% new French oak and 50% 500L puncheons before bottling. Smoky tones and soy sauce aromatics combine with wild blackberry cordial, garrigue and shades of smoked brisket that all mingle in the glass. The palate is soft, round and generous as this effortlessly glides throughout. Rich dark figs and blackberry compote collide with Korean BBQ beef ribs, Umami and sagebrush tones on the palate. Utterly sensational right now to savor, this ‘wow’ factor Syrah has another decade of life to go. Drink 2020-2032- 95
29) 2016 Cardinale Red Wine
California | Napa Valley | $250.00 | 97 Points
The 2016 Cardinale Red Wine is a thrilling blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot crafted by superstar winemaker, Chris Carpenter. The wine was aged in 100% French oak (93% new) for twenty months before bottling. The stunning aromatics almost catch you off guard. Deep aromatics of creme de cassis, graphite, creosote, and blackberry compote all come together seamlessly in the glass. The freshness and intensity of the wine is gorgeous, as the silky mouthfeel makes the wine effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. Deep dark fruits collide with chocolate covered espresso bean, tar and anise flavors all marvelously sing in unison on the palate. A truly stunning heavyhitter of a wine, the 2016 Cardinale Red Wine will be very long-lived. Drink 2022-2050- 97
30) 2014 Chateau Ste Michelle ‘Eroica Gold’ Riesling
Washington | Columbia Valley | $33.00 (.500L) \ 94 Points
The 2014 ‘Eroica Gold’ Riesling by Chateau Ste. Michelle is a gorgeous new wine that shows great richness, texture and sense of weight. Wet stone and Pazazz apple combine with shades of cardamon and lemon rind on the nose. The palate is unctuous showing a soft texture and wonderful sense of mouthfeel. Layers of candied lemon, mango and ginger combine with earthy undertones and bright acidity on the palate. Rich and layered, with a seamless sense of texture, this beautiful new wine will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2040- 94
31) 2017 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Westside Farms Vineyard’ Chardonnay
California | Sonoma County | $70.00 | 95 Points
Simply spellbinding even in its youth, the 2017 ‘Westside Farms Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a glorious new wine by legendary producer David Ramey. Bright and intense aromatically, this takes on layers of salted pear that are woven together with peat moss and wild mushroom tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is marvelously textured, with a silky mouthfeel. Layers of bananas foster and damp earth combine with minerals, and poached pear with lemon zest all sing on the palate. The freshness of the wine continues to impress with gobs of mouth-watering acidity and tension The length of the wine adds to the enjoyment, as ttys stunning wine is only an infant right now and will provide drinking enjoyment for years to come. Drink 2020-2035- 95
32) 2018 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine
California | Paso Robles | $55.00 | 96 Points
Always a Mourvedre dominant wine, the 2018 ‘Espirit de Tablas’ red wine is a sensational new release. A blend of 40% Mourvedre with 27% Syrah and smaller parts Grenache, and Counoise, the 2018 ‘Espirit de Tablas’ shows really good aromatic range from white pepper and dried Provencale herbs to wild blackberries and shades of charcuterie on this gorgeous bouquet. Once on the the attack the wine is silky and highly elegant, seamlessly gliding across the mid-palate. Ripe red currants dance with minerals, huckleberry, smoked meats, green olive tapenade and white pepper with a light saline steak throughout the drinking experience. Complex and magical to enjoy in its youth, with a great combination of weight and finesse, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2020-2038- 96
33) 2018 Liquid Farm ‘White Hill’ Chardonnay
California | Santa. Barbara County | $75.00 | 95 Points
The ‘White Hill’ Chardonnay is Liquid Farm’s ‘Chablisesque’ bottling, sourced from several sites in the Santa Rita Hills AVA. Aged for eleven months in neutral oak before bottling, the terroir-driven Chardonnay shows wonderfully flinty tones on the nose with shades of Meyer lemon oil diatomaceous soils and shades of baking spices and wild mushroom that all march in unison in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a silly texture. The length of the wine is truly astounding with its minute-long finish that does not stop. Do not miss out on this silky, highly Burgundian bottling that will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 95
34) 2016 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot
California | Napa Valley | $80.00 | 95 Points
The 2016 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot is a simply gorgeous effort by superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter that impresses now at the four year mark. The complex and hedonistic aromas entice with sandalwood tones that are woven together with kirsch cordial, cassis and graphite with chocolate covered espresso bean that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft, seamless and very elegant, as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. A deep core of dark fruits collide with minerals, pipe tobacco, loamy terroir and suggestions of coffee grounds on the palate. Rich and layered, with tremendous aging potnetial, the 2016 Mt. Brave Merlot will cellar well for decades to come. Be sure to give this at least an hour decant if enjoying in its flamboyant youth. Drink 2020-2038- 95
35) 2018 Lingua Franca ‘Sisters’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $95.00 | 95 Points
The 2018 ‘Sisters’ Chardonnay is a sensational new wine by Lingua Franca. Named after Larry Stone’s mother and her sister, the 2018 ‘Sisters’ shows bright Challah bread and lemon zest tones that mingle with shades of wet stone on this fantastic bouquet. The texture is insanely good. Lemon oil infused sourdough bread and vanilla cream mingle with minerals and flinty undertones on the palate. Seamlessly textured, this finishes exceedingly long. Gratifying to enjoy in tis youth, this will provide drinking enjoyment for another ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 95
36) 2015 Corliss Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $100.00 | 95 Points
The 2015 Corliss Red Wine is a beautiful melange of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Aged for 28 months in French oak, the wine takes on heady kirsch cordial, smoke, baking spices and creme de cassis tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is deep, seductive and highly gratifying. Layers of toasty oak wrap around espresso bean, blueberry pie, sagebrush and cassis flavors on the palate. The amalgamation of verve, weight and length is really outstanding. This becomes even more silky and complex following several hours of air. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least two hours in the decanter to fully show its potential. Drink 2020-2038- 95
37) 2016 Andrew Will ‘Sorella’ Red Wine
Washington | Horse Heaven Hills | $85.00 | 96 Points
Sourced from the famed ‘Champoux Vineyard’ in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the ‘Sorella’ is a barrel selection wine made by superstar winemaker Will Carmada. Nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) with small portions Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this shows off mocha, tar, creme de cassis and shades of black cherry cordial that all meld in the glass. The palate is elegant and rich, showing a great combination of viscosity, tension and range. Dark chocolate covered espresso bean flavors with blueberry pie, anise, sagebrush and shades of fresh dark currants all meld in the glass. Complex and hedonistic yet showing a wonderful err of elegance, this classy effort will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this a three plus hour decant. Drink 2020-2040- 96
38) 2018 Alexana ‘Revana Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $55.00 | 95 Points
The famed ‘Revana Vineyard’ is located in the Northwestern corner of the Dundee Hills AVA. Amazingly this site has 18 different soil types as well as ten different clones of Pinot Noir. Needing a two hour decant to be fully aroused, the wine leads with a massive core of dark fruits with shades of Earl Grey tea, Asian spices, orange zest and peat moss tones that round out this exotic bouquet. The palate is dense and chewy with a vibrant sense of minerality. The weight of the wine almost takes you to Sonoma with its dark kirsch tones and lighter cola and damp earth accents. A light salinity mingles with the deep fruits and the long finish entices. Truly gratifying in all of its rich splendor, this warm vintage Pinot Noir is utterly sensational to savor right now and will provide drinking enjoyment for two decades. Drink 2020-2036- 95
39) 2018 Merry Edwards ‘Russian River Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc
California | Russian River Valley | $35.00 | 94 Points
One of the consistently great Sauvignon Blanc wines made in North America, this latest edition is a resounding success by winemaker Heidi von der Mehden. The texture is gorgeous, as this comes off fat and unctuous on the tongue. Layers of kiwi and gooseberry are woven together with baking spices and sourdough bread on the palate. With great length, this generous and rich effort will cellar well over the next eight to ten years, picking up earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2028- 94
40) 2018 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $48.00 | 95 Points
The ‘X Novo Vineyard’ by Walter Scott is a scintillating new wine from this storied estate that is up there with the best in the state. This Eola-Amity Hills bottling opens with wonderful wet gravel and smoky tones that mingle with bright nectarine and pear aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate is flat out delicious, showing a dusting of diatomaceous earth, with serious length and tension that cuts through the core of the wine. Fresh, vibrant and marvelously earthy, this highly Burgundian effort will enjoy a long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 95
41) 2018 Sleight of Hand ‘The Psychedelic’ Syrah
Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $65.00 | 95 Points
The thrilling 2018 ‘The Psychedelic’ Syrah is another impressive wine made by the superstar winemaking team of Trey Busch, Keith Johnson and Jerry Solomon. Sourced from the ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA, the stem included wine spent 16 months in 23% new French oak prior to bottling. Once on the nose this takes on layers of green olive tapenade and bacon fat that combine with iron, bulls blood and high-toned red fruits, providing a wonderful range of complexity. The soft and silky mouthfeel offers an err of elegance here as the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Charcuterie and green olives are woven together with wild blackberry, Umami and satsuma orange on the palate. Fresh and vibrant, yet beautifully textured, with great length, this is one of the great bottling of ‘The Psychedelic’ that has been made. While glorious in its youth, this has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 95
42) 2017 Doubleback ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Walla Walla |$150.00 | 97
The 2017 Doubleback ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep, hedonistic monster of a wine. Massive, brooding dark fruits invade the nose with black currants, black forest cake and creosote that all take shape in the glass. The sense of balance mid-palate is gorgeous. Even better is the seamless quality of the wine that effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. While obviously intense, the lifted, pillowy effect induced on the palate is seriously good. Dark chocolate covered espresso bean, tar, creme de cassis and suggestions of blackberry compote with light smoky and herbal undertones complete this scintillating Cabernet Sauvignon. This finishes extremely long. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this massive wine at least a two hour decant. Try to let this sit at least another year. Drink 2021-2045- 97
43) 2017 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
Released in Fall 2020, the 2017 ‘Laurene’ is a magical new bottling that has decades to go in the cellar. Not needing a decant, right out of the gate this lively wine opens with lovely black truffle and damp earth tones that meld with red raspberry cordial and shades of cinnamon and clove that all take shape in the glass. The palate is artfully balanced, with scintillating length and texture. Rich dark fruits combine with the peat moss and damp earth tones on the palate. Marvelous in its youth, the 2017 ‘Laurene’ will have a long life ahead of it. Try to give this at least 1-2 years of bottle age before enjoying. Drink 2022-2040- 95
44) 2018 Ayoub Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $45.00 | 94 Points
The 2018 Ayoub Chardonnay is a gorgeous new bottling by the talented Mo Ayoub. Bright and showing tons of tension and minerality, the light dusting of salinity entices. Ripe Pazzaz apple and nutmeg alongside minerals and damp earthy tones all collide in the glass. The combination of freshness and viscosity is stunning. Vibrant and full of life, the 2018 Ayoub Chardonnay will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 94
45) 2017 Cobb Wines ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
California | Sonoma Coast | $75.00 | 96 Points
The ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ is a small, 6-acre parcel that is set on Goldridge sandy loam with volcanic ash. The dusting of volcanic ash is quite evident on the nose, with white pepper and bright red fruits and shades of blood orange zest that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant, showing incredible stony, volcanic terroir. Layers of bright guava and wild strawberry are woven together with smoky minerals, kumquat zest and suggestions of peat moss and black truffle crudo. Complex, elegant and sinfully good even in its youth, the utterly sensational 2017 ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will continue to evolve for decades to come. Drink 2020-2040- 96
46) 2019 Child’s Play Rose
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $20.00 | 91 Points
Brightly colored once in the glass, the 2019 Child’s Play Rose shows pretty red cherry candy and watermelon tones that mingle with the wet stone and earthy undertones one the wine. The palate has a kiss of sweetness and wonderful verve, with medium bodied red fruit flavors that meld with minerals and a touch of blood orange zest. I love the range here. Fantastic right now, the beautiful Pinot Noir Rose will cellar well for another seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
47) 2017 Goldeneye ‘Ten Degrees’ Pinot Noir
California | Anderson Valley | $150.00 | 95 Points
Goldeneye was founded nearly twenty five years ago and the ‘Ten Degrees’ is a barrel selection wine that is crafted from lots that especially stood out to winemaker Katey Larwood. Aged for sixteen months in 100% new French oak, this shows pretty red rose petals woven together with tea leaf, cran-pomegrante and shades of blood orange zest on this fantastic nose. The palate is silky smooth with a seamless sense of mouthfeel. Bright red fruits dance with damp earth, Mandarin orange rind and shades of cola, with a light dusting of salinity. The wonderful texture and great sense of balance makes this really sing. Every bit outstanding in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 95
48) 2018 Block Wines ‘Ankleroller Block Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $55.00 | 94 Points
This is the first soiree into the famed ‘Stones Speak Vineyard’ for Block Wines. The ‘Stones Speak Vineyard’ are relatively young vines of Syrah which were planted by Walla Walla legend Richard Funk. On the nose the Syrah has seriously god range from Hoisin sauce to Umami and bacon fat tones alongside ripe wild blackberry and suggestions of Satsuma orange zest. The gorgeous aromatics take you back to the glass for more hedonistic delight. The palate has a silky texture and wonderfully plush mouthfeel, with great length and amazing range mid-plate. The core of red fruits and Umami tones combine with the great verve and long finish of the wine. While this is enticing in its youth, I can see this cellaring well for another decade, picking up more earthy, tertiary tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2027- 94
49) 2018 Valdemar Estates ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Chardonnay
Washington | Yakima Valley | $45.00 | 93 Points
The 2018 ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Chardonnay is an awesome wine by the talented Marie-Eve Gilla. The soft texture and wonderfully rich mouthfeel really makes this sing. Layers of toasted brioche and lemon zest combine with melon and wet stone tones on the palate. This is utterly sensational to enjoy in its youth as this beautiful wine will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93
50) 2017 Orin Swift ‘Abstract’ Red Wine
California | Napa Valley | $38.00 | 94 Points
Consistently one of the great values in California wine, the 2017 ‘Abstract’ is a proprietary blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah and Syrah that was aged for only eight months in mostly used oak before bottling. The nose smells like Grenache and Petite Sirah with its high tones (red rose petals, red cherry candy and guava) from the Grenache and the deep, brooding blueberry and tar tones from the Petite Sirah. The palate is plush with a great sense of decadence and mouthfeel. Layers of blueberry compote, mocha, tar and kirsch cordial all collude with minerals and a great acid backbone. With light tannins and good length, this gorgeous, generous wine will provide drinking enjoyment for more than a decade. Drink 2020-2033- 94
51) 2017 Cote Bonneville Chardonnay
Washington | Yakima Valley | $50.00 | 94 Points
Sourced from their estate DuBrul Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, the 2017 Cote Bonneville Chardonnay is nothing short of a magnificent effort by superstar winemaker Kerry Shiels. Once on the nose, layers of creme brûlée and ripe banana collide with smoky undertones and shades of nectarine rind, with citrus rind accents on this evocative bouquet. The palate is silky smooth, showing a seamless sense of texture and mouthfeel. They exceedingly long finish continues to impress, as this elegant and rich wine, with a strong veil of tension, has a long life ahead of it. This is truly one of the best of its kind in Washington. Drink 2020-2030- 94
52) 2017 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $225.00 | 96 Points
The 2017 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a remarkable wine from what was for some a challenging vintage in the Napa Valley. A blend of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (89%) with small portions Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the wine was aged in 60% new French oak for twenty months before bottling. Needing a two hour decant to fully be aroused, once unveiled this shows off layers of kirsch cordial and creme de cassis aromatics with loamy soils, graphite and shades of dark chocolate shavings that all meld in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, showing an incredibly pillowy texture. Ripe dark currants mingle with minerals, dark chocolate covered espresso bean, creosote and shade of pipe tobacco and crushed mint that all march in unison. The long finish adds to the drinking enjoyment as the sense of finesse here is sensational. Gratifying to savor in its youth, this has at least twenty years of drinking enjoyment ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 96
53) 2017 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Southwest Facing’ Sauvignon Blanc
Washington | Yakima Valley | $37.00 | 94 Points
One of the great sauvignon Blancs produced in Washington State, the 2017 ‘Southwest Facing’ was entirely aged in concrete tanks for 18 months before bottling. The cornucopia of aromatics that hit you really take you back, ranging from buttered brioche to beeswax and ripe pineapple alongside melon tones that all sing in unison. The texture is simply stunning, as the silky mouthfeel effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Layers of honeydew melon and Pink Lady apple connect with salted macadamia nut and suggestions of Japanese pear that all gain momentum on the palate. Showing marvelously in its youth, the 2017 ‘Southwest Facing’ Sauvignon Blanc will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 94
54) 2016 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $75.00 | 96 Points
The 2016 ‘Pedestal’ is a monumental effort from this famed Walla Walla house. A blend of 75% Merlot with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, this was aged in 85% new French oak barrels for 22 months before bottling. The nose is hedonistic and gratifying with layers of toasty oak that wrap around the core of kirsch cordial, chocolate covered espresso bean and tobacco leaf tones that all meld in the glass. The mouthfeel is both pillowy and voluptuous as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Chocolate covered cherries, pipe tobacco and Turkish coffee flavors mingle with garrigue and creosote undertones on this complex palate. The generous length adds to the enjoyment. While enchanting to savor in its youth, the 2016 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ has another two decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 96
55) 2017 Opus One Red Wine
California | Napa Valley | $350.00 | 96 Points
The 2017 Opus One is a seamless, impeccable effort from this somewhat challenging vintage in the Napa Valley. A gorgeous blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Merlot and 1% Malbec, the wine shows rich creme de cassis and mocha tones, woven together with violets and sweet pipe tobacco tones on this compelling bouquet. Once on the attack fine grained tannins frame this densely packed wine that seamlessly glides across the mid-palate. Gorgeous layers of creme de cassis and Turkish coffee combine with minerals, menthol and lighter garrigue undertones. Simply magical after a one hour decant, the highly elegant and gratifying 2017 Opus One will have decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2040- 96
56) 2017 DuMOL ‘Meteor Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $140.00 | 95 Points
Sourced from the Coombsville AVA in the Napa Valley, the 2017 ‘Meteor Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a simply stunning new bottling from this storied site in the Napa Valley. The nose is classic Napa with its creme de cassis, red bell pepper, cigar box and boysenberry cordial tones that combine in the glass. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more delight. Viscous and rich, showing an err of decadence, the wine seamlessly glides across the mid-palate. Mocha, asphalt and creme de cassis flavors meld with the blueberry compote and silty earth tones on the palate. The long finish lingers. A true heavyhitter, the 2017 ‘Meteor Vineyard’ will be singing for decades to come. Drink 2022-2040- 95
57) 2017 Benon ‘Les Deux Freres’ Red Wine
California | Paso Robles | $65.00 | 95 Points
The ‘Les Deux Freres’ is a compelling blend of mainly Grenache (56%) with smaller portions Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged for eighteen months in French oak prior to bottling. The gorgeous aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment, as layers of sandalwood and Bing cherry preserves mingle with the chocolate, damp earth and coffee ground tones on the nose. The palate has great freshness and verve, with a serious tension that runs through the core of the wine. Spicecake and shades of black licorice and blood orange zest are woven together with mocha, anise and creme de cassis on the palate. The combination of freshness and tension in the wine is sensational. While a delight to enjoy right now, the 2017 ‘Les Doux Freres’ Red Wine will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 95
58) 2017 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot
Washington | Columbia Valley | $50.00 | 94 Points
Sourced from a host of great vineyards this wine was aged in 48% new oak for nineteen months prior to bottling in May 2019. The tones of red bell pepper and milk chocolate covered Bing cherry sing with tobacco and sandalwood accents on this fantastic nose. The palate is silky smooth and remarkably textured, as this seamless wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Layers of red and dark fruits combine with coffee grounds and chocolate tones with sagebrush accents on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2017 ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot is a spectacular wine by a very talented winemaking team at Abeja. Be sure to give this a one hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2035- 94
59) 2017 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Stones’ Syrah
Washington | Walla Walla AVA | $55.00 | 94 Points
The ‘Some Days Are Stones’ is sourced from the esteemed ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. The wonderfully stony character really impresses as pretty red currants dance with blood orange rind, Umami and green olive tapenade on this seductive nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and elegant, with a soft mouthfeel and silky texture. Wild blackberry and Yakima cherry flavors connect well with the wet stone, Hoisin sauce and charcuterie tones on the palate. The mouthfeel and finish really provide an added layer of decadence, as this gorgeous new Syrah is singing at the three year mark and will provide drinking enjoyment for another eight plus years. Drink 2020-2028- 94
60) 2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Lot 3’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia. Valley. | $75.00 | 96 Points
The 2017 ‘Lot 3’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous new effort with serious aging potential. Sourced from Red Mountain, once on the nose this shows high toned potpourri and mocha that mingle with blueberry compote and sagebrush on this evocative nose. The palate is silky smooth with incredible verve and elegance. Obviously concentrated, the weightless feeling really makes this tick. Gorgeous violets and blackberry compete flavors mingle with milk chocolate and sagebrush tones with hints of blueberry pie on the palate. The range here is sensational as this outstanding new wine will enjoy another twenty years of life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 96
61) 2017 Stoller ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $55.00 | 93 Points
The 2017 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir is another beautiful wine from this storied Dundee Hills AVA estate. Once on the nose this takes on rich red and dark fruits that mingle with baking spices and suggestions of blood orange zest on this evocative bouquet. The palate is well-rounded with a good combination of weight and tension that lines the core of dark fruits and damp earthy tones. Seamless, with a silky mouthfeel, this glorious new wine will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2033- 93
62) 2016 PerUs ‘Alessio’ Red Wine
California | Napa Valley | $295.00 | 96 Points
The 2016 ‘Alessio’ is a stunning wine comprised of 50% Merlot from Sugarloaf Mountain, 25% Cabernet Franc from Sugarloaf Mountain and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon from Tench Vineyard that was crafted by superstar winemaker Russell Bevan. The gorgeous bouquet impress with layers of Arabica coffee bean, red cherry preserves, mocha, tar and sweet pipe tobacco that all take shape in the glass. The palate is dense and plush, showing a seamless quality that makes this effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. Layers of cocoa powder dusted red cherry, cigar box, blackberry compote and espresso bean flavors, with loamy undertones compete this gorgeous wine. The long, black fruit and mineral-driven finish, lingers long on the tongue. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2016 ‘Alessio’ will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2040- 96
63) 2017 VIADER Red Wine
California | Napa Valley | $200.00 | 94 Points
A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc, the wine is sourced from this famed site high above the Napa floor at 1200 feet. On the nose the rich bouquet impress with damp soil and pretty red rose petals that combine with the core of dark fruits and chocolate undertones. The pillowy texture really entices as this elegant wine shows off a silky sense of mouthfeel. Layers of black currants and blackberry compote combine with espresso bean and tar tones with violets on the palate. Showing really good length and tension, this beautiful wine has many years to go in the cellar. Try to resist this beautiful wine for at least two more years. Drink 2020-2040- 94
64) 2017 Sea Smoke ‘Ten’ Pinot Noir
California | Santa Barbara County | $90.00 | 94 Points
The 2017 Sea Smoke ‘Ten’ Pinot Noir is a sensational effort from this enticing vintage in the Santa Rita Hills. Aged for sixteen months in largely new French oak barrels (68%), the wine slowly unveils layers of red fruits that combine with shades of wild mushroom, salted Marcona almond and Satsuma orange zest that all meld together in the glass. The palate is intense, round and generous, revealing a silky mouthfeel that really impresses. The length of the wine surprises, as bright Bing cherry, cran-pomegrante, orange rind and diatomaceous earth tones flood the palate. The mouth-watering acidity and tension of the wine is seriously good. Fantastic in its youth, the ‘Ten’ Pinot Noir will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Drink 2020-2038- 94
65) 2017 Swiftwater Cellars ‘Reserve’ Syrah
Washington | Columbia Valley | $45.00 | 93 Points
The 2017 ‘Reserve’ Syrah is a gorgeous new wine by the talented Andrew Wisniewski. Sourced almost entirely from the Boushey Vineyard, the ‘Reserve’ shows lovely damp earth tones that connect with bacon fat, roasted figs and shades of milk chocolate on this exotic bouquet. The freshness, tension and soft mouthfeel is gorgeous. Black tea, exotic spices, bacon fat and shades of black olive tapenade flavors give this a savory edge, and are deftly woven together with the dense core dark fruits. Appealing now for its verve, the 2017 ‘Reserve’ Syrah will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2033- 93
66) 2017 Audeant ‘Luminous Hills Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $60.00 | 93 Points
The ‘Luminous Hills Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is an outstanding new release by Audeant. Bright Bing cherries and peat moss tones jump right out of the glass, with citrus rind accents rounding out this expressive nose. The palate shows vibrant acidity with a silky mouthfeel and wonderful texture. The seamless quality of the wine is apparent. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 93
67) 2017 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Horse Heaven Hills | $85.00 | 95 Points
The 2017 ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a thrilling blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Merlot (7%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). Right away you are greeted with the fresh sage and milk chocolate tones that connect with the deep core of dark fruits on this expressive nose. The palate is silky smooth, showing a delightful mouthfeel that entices. Black licorice and spice box flavors mingle with suggestions of Black Forest Cake and black olive tapenade, offering a light beam of salinity across the mid-palate. Rich and generous, with a strong acid backbone, this wine delights in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Drink 2021-2040- 95
68) 2017 Brittan Vineyards ‘Gestalt Block’ Pinot Noir
Oregon. | Willamette Valley | $48.00. | 94 Points
The Gestalt Block is located on a western facing hillside that is set on broken basalt. Showing a deep core, the 2017 ‘Gestalt Block’ by Brittan opens with layers of rose water and pretty red fruits that are woven together with suggestions of cinnamon and cloves, alongside some damp stone tones on the nose. The palate has wonderful bright acidity and a silky texture that truly entices. Deep red fruits dance with citrus rind accents, peat moss and the stony terroir on the palate. Truly gratifying to enjoy in its youth, the gorgeous, 2017 ‘Gestalt Block’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94
69) 2018 Hazelfern ‘Prime Cut’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $69.00 | 94 Points
The 2018 ‘Prime Cut’ is a barrel selection wine which was aged for fifteen months in 55% new French oak prior to bottling. The aromatic range is gorgeous, from red rose petals to bright strawberry and citrus rind accents that mingle with exotic spices on this evocative nose. The palate is silky smooth as the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Copious red fruits and blood orange zest flavors mingle with minerals and the wonderful damp earth tones of the wine. Seamless and showing off a very soft texture, the wine brings you on a journey — all leading to the exceedingly long finish. This is a remarkable new Pinot Noir by the talented Bryan Liang, as the ‘Prime Cut’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94
70) 2018 Sanguis ‘Amor Fou No. 5’ Rose
California | Santa Barbara County | $55.00 | 94 Points
The 2018 ‘Amor Fou No. 5’ is nothing short of a masterpiece by the hands of Matthias Pippig. This shows slightly better warmed up a bit. Showing off its unique brown and yellow tones, the Rose needs an hour decant to fully evolve. Damp earth tones combine with shades of red currants an red cherry preserves on the nose. The palate is exceedingly gratifying with excellent weight, acidity and a sensational finish as the crescendo. The salty and savory undertones of the wine add to the enjoyment. As it grasps for more air, the texture comes on even stronger becoming downright pillowy. Truly sensational in its youth, the ‘Amour Fo No. 5’ Rose will have a long life in the cellar, picking up earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2028- 94
71) 2016 Den Hoed ‘Andreas’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $75.00 | 94 Points
It has now been more than a decade since this esteemed Wallula Vineyard bottling has been made by Giles Nicault. This edition brings plenty of ripe dark fruit aromatics that mingle with shades of cloves, tar and sagebrush undertones on this exceedingly good bouquet. The palate is dense and generous with a silky mouthfeel. Layers of creme de cassis, anise, sandalwood, graphite and shades of underbrush all come together seamlessly on the palate. The long finish lingers. A sensational wine even in its youth, be sure to give this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon at least an hour decant if enjoying in its nascent phase. Drink 2020-2038- 94
72) 2017 Evening Land ‘Sumum’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $95.00 | 95 Points
The 2017 ‘Summum’ was sourced from fourteen rows of vines in the ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ as this name means ‘upmost’ in Latin. Aged in a combination of French oak puncheons and stainless steel, the ‘Summum’ opens with nutmeg infused brioche and roasted hazelnut tones that combine with Pink Lady apple and shades of damp earth and wet stones that take shape in the glass. The palate shows incredible verve and texture with a light dusting of salinity that runs through the wine. The long finish lingers as this scintillating new Chardonnay will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 95
73) 2018 Granville Wine Company ‘Holstein Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $55.00 | 93 Points
Sourced from the Holstein Vineyard located in the Dundee Hills AVA, the day fruit tones really sing aromatically with damp volcanic earthy accents. The palate has gobs of mouth-watering acidity and freshness, showing deep layers of wild blackberry and huckleberry flavors with citrus rind and forest floor tones that entice. The silky mouthfeel accentuates this great new wine. Drink 2020-2030- 93
74) 2016 Caymus ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $175.00 | 95 Points
The 2016 Caymus ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon is nothing short of a massive and dense hedonistic beast that needs some air to tame. On the nose this takes on ripe blueberries alongside blackberry pie, creme de cassis and anise tones that all are woven together in the glass. Once on the palate you get a great sense of mouthfeel and really exceptional length. Utterly fantastic and flamboyant, layers of toasty oak combine with tar, espresso bean and blueberry compote. Massive and dense, yet showing a great sense of acidity and verve, this beautiful wine will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 95
75) 2018 Goodfellow ‘Durant’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $35.00 | 94 Points
Planted high above the Dundee Hills AVA, the ‘Durant Vineyard’ is a downright awesome site for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A whiff of volcanic earth falls upon suggestions of cloves and ripe melon tones on the nose. The palate reveals a sparkling sense of tension, with gobs of mouth-watering acidity, flinty accents and gorgeous, fleshy (almost unctuous) texture. The long finish provides the appropriate crescendo. A stunning new Chardonnay to savor in its youth, the 2018 ‘Durant’ Chardonnay will enjoy fifteen years or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 94
76) 2017 Brooks ‘Vitae Springs’ Riesling
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $30.00 | 93 Points
The ‘Vitae Springs Vineyard’ dates back to 1978 and is set on volcanic basalt-Nekia and Jory soils. The feeling of weight and tension is seriously good mid-palate as gobs of acidity and a silky texture greets you alongside the green apple, kumquat zest and petrol tones. A sensational new wine to savor in its youth, the thrilling 2017 ‘Vitae Springs’ Riesling will enjoy a long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2033- 93
77) 2017 Soos Creek ‘Artis Series #17’ Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $30.00 | 92 Points
A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 ‘Artist Series #17’ shows wonderful red bell pepper tones that meld with choclate, sagebrush and creosote on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with great acidity and light tannins, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 92
78) 2019 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay
Washington | Columbia Valley | $20.00 | 92 Points
Consistently one of the great Chardonnay wines for the price, the 2019 edition leads with baking spices and toasted brioche tones that meld with shades of tropical fruits and Pink Lady apple on the nose. The palate is fresh and beautifully textured with layers of Meyer lemon cream woven together with nutmeg and clove infused sourdough bread and baked apple tones. Really good in its youth, showing good verve and length, the 2019 L'Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay will cellar well for the next seven plus years. Drink 2020-2027- 92
79) 2018 Rochioli ‘River Block’ Chardonnay
California | Russian River Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
The 2018 ‘River Block' Chardonnay is a stunning new effort from Rochioli. On the nose shades of wet stone and wild mushroom artfully meld with the core of orchard fruits and creme brûlée tones that all sing in unison in the glass. The palate has gobs of acidity with a silky mouthfeel and wonderful veil of tension. Bright lemon zest combines with vanilla cream, ripe pineapple and mango tones, with light salinity and nutty accents. A complete wine, the 2018 ‘River Block' Chardonnay is thrilling to enjoy in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2020-2035- 95
80) 2018 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $125.00 | 95 Points
The ‘Family Reserve’ is a bottling reserved for only what winemaker James Frey considers to be his top barrels. Needing a two hour decant to be fully awoken, once aroused this silky wine shows bright red fruits with shades of blood orange rind, peat moss, wet sand and shades of cloves on this complex bouquet. The palate is silky smooth as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. The combination of weight and elegance is nothing short of sensational. Layers of bright red fruits dance with wild mushroom, peat moss, wild blackberry compote and sandalwood tones alongside hints of salted meats. The exceeding long finish caps what is the fitting crescendo, as this gorgeous new wine will have decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 95
81) 2017 Geodesy ‘Sage Ridge VIneyard’ Red Wine
California | Napa Valley | $175.00 | 94 Points
The 2017 Geodesy ‘Sage Ridge Vineyard’ Red Wine is a gorgeous effort from Napa. Dark chocolate shavings and Turkish coffee tones with red rose florals combine with the deep core of dark fruits aromatically. The palate is dense yet well-balanced. Layers of chocolate covered espresso bean and sagebrush combine with black currant cordial and tar on the palate. The length and elegance of this wine is really impressive, as the 2017 ‘Sage Ridge Vineyard’ Red Wine will enjoy another fifteen to twenty years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 94
82) 2013 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine
California | Carneros | $105.00 | 95 Points
Always 100% Chardonnay, the 2013 ‘Le Reve’ is a tour de force from this storied Carneros house. The mousse here is highly refined. Salted biscuit aromatic tones grab your attention with Meyer lemon zest and shades of wild mushroom and toasted hazelnuts all take shape in the glass. The silly mousse is downright incredible. Bright kumquat zest and sourdough bread tones mingle with macadamia nut and suggestions of white truffles on this complex palate. This is salty and savory California sparkling wine at its best. Beautifully textured, with great length, this stunning new bottling will enjoy a very long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 95
83) 2017 a’Maurice Cellars ‘Owl and Crown’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $75.00 | 94 Points
A barrel select wine, the 2017 ‘Owl and Crown’ shows intense creme de cassis and red bell pepper aromatics woven together with crushed mint, coffee grounds and the deep core of dark fruits. The beautiful bouquet brings you back to the glass for more delight. Once on the mouth you are met with a pillowy mouthfeel, as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Layers of blackberry compote, black licorice and dark chocolate shavings collide with minerals and the dusty terroir of the wine. Sensational in its youth, be sure to give this a two hour decant before enjoying. Drink 2020-2038- 94
84) 2017 Kapcsandy ‘Rhapszodia’ Cabernet Franc
California | Napa Valley | $300.00 | 97 Points
‘Rhapszodia’ is Hungarian for a great musical composition as this magical Cabernet Franc wine is truly a masterpiece in a bottle. The 2017 ‘Rhapzodia’ shows incredible aromatics of red bell pepper, cassis, anise, dark cherry compote and shades of damp earth that all take shape in the glass. The palate is remarkably elegant with its silky texture as the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Layers of red and dark fruits with a light dusting of of cocoa powder, anise and black currant jelly all marvelously combine on the palate. The combination of acidity and gorgeous weight really make this sing. Get ready for the exceedingly long finish that drives home like a 50 yard field goal. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least a two hour decant. Drink 2022-2045- 97
85) 2017 Clos Solene ‘Hommage A Nos Pairs’ Red Wine
California | Paso Robles | $98.00 | 95 Points
Essentially a Syrah wine with just a hint of Grenache and Viognier, this wine pays tribute to those who have inspired winemaker Guillaume Fabre. The wine was aged in 50% new oak (320L barrels) for 21 months. prior to bottling. Gobs of blueberry compote and blackberry pie greet you on the nose, with espresso bean, tar and dark chocolate tones playing second fiddle. The palate is dense and plush, but also shows a wonderfully vibrant acidity and loads of lip-smacking acidity. A faint dusting of kumquat zest combines with dark cherry cordial, Turkish coffee, roasted figs and suggestions of chocolate cake on this simply gorgeous palate. Simply outstanding to savor in its youth, the 2017 ‘Hommage A Now Pairs’ will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 95
86) 2018 Prospice Wines ‘Resurgent Vineyard’ Syrah
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $60.00 | 93 Points
This Walla Walla Valley vineyard is known for its stony terroir. The wine underwent 50% whole cluster fermentation and also was aged in natural oak and puncheons for sixteen months before bottling. The terroir here is quite apparent. Hoisin sauce and smoky pork shoulder collide with green olive tapenade and charcuterie tones on the nose. The aromatic range is gorgeous. The palate shows a wonderful feel of balance with light stony terroir. The flavor range is gorgeous from bacon fat to wild blackberry cobbler and smoky tones. Great to enjoy now, the 2017 ‘Resurgent Vineyard' Syrah will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93
87) 2016 Chimney Rock ‘South Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $100.00 | 94 Points
The 2016 ‘South HIll’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another beautiful new bottling by Elizabeth Vianna. The wine is sourced from a twenty year old block that is planted to clone 337. On the nose this is dense and highly performed, delivering layers of Turkish coffee, Asian spices and black fruits that are woven together with the damp loam tones on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous, with a sensational mouthfeel and wonderful feel of acidity. Layers of Black Forest Cake, tar, mocha and anise all come together magically on the palate. Decadent and plush, showing a vibrant minerality, the ‘South Hill’ will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 94
88) 2017 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $28.00 | 93 Points
The 2017 ‘Trutina’ Red Wine is a gorgeous new release by Dunham Cellars. A blend of nearly all Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the nose is quite perfumed with red bell pepper, cocoa powder, blackberry compote and shades of black licorice. The palate is silky smooth revealing a gorgeous texture and wonderful length. The working pieces of the wine really impresses, as this has a great feel of elegance.Gorgeous to enjoy right now, the 2017 ‘Trutina’ will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 93
89) 2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Yakima Valley | $50.00 | 94 Points
One of the great sites in the Yakima Valley AVA, the ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ is one of the most famous sites for Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon in the state. The sagebrush tones entice on the nose with red bell pepper giving this a very Bordelaise feel aromatically. The palate is fresh, vibrant and silky smooth. Medium to full-bodied dark fruits mingle with cocoa powder and dried sage undertones. A complete wine, this elegant Cabernet Sauvignon has a very long way to go in the tank. Drink 2020-2035- 94
90) 2016 Beaulieu Vineyard ‘Georges de Latour’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $145.00 | 96 Points
The downright thrilling new 2016 ‘Georges de Latour’ is nothing short of a masterpiece by superstar winemaker Trevor Durling. Needing a two hour decant to fully evolve, this beautiful wine slowly begins to unveil black tea and Asian spices that meld with rich dark currants, cigar ash and dusty terroir that show their appeal. The palate is plush, wonderfully dense, as the strong vein of tension races through the core of chocolate covered dark cherry, mocha and creme de cassis flavors, with graphite and earthy undertones also brilliantly singing in unison. A complete wine, and showing a fantastic sense of freshness, weight and elegance, this gorgeous effort will enjoy an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 96
91) 2018 W.T. Vintners ‘Rainmaker’ Chardonnay
Washington | Columbia Valley | $35.00 | 93 Points
The 2018 ‘Rainmaker’ is the first Chardonnay that winemaker/somm extraordinaire, Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen has ever made. The aromatics are quite delicate with white rose and nectarine aromas that meld with shades of wet rock and cantaloupe that all come together in the glass. The texture is really good, as bright minerals mingle with Pink Lady apple, apricot and banana flavors with melon and wet stone undertones. A complete wine, this beautifully textured new ‘Rainmaker’ with a very Burgundian feel, will have a long life left in the cellar. Just wait for the long finish. Drink 2020-2029- 93
92). 2017 Chappellet ‘Pritchard Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $250.00 | 95 Points
The 2017 ‘Pritchard Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a sensational effort from this somewhat challenging vintage in the Napa Valley. Right away a whiff of volcanic earth really entices as layers of cocoa powder dusted espresso bean, sweet pipe tobacco and creme de cassis tones all meld together on the bouquet. Once on the mouth, the lively acidity really entices, as layers of dark fruits are woven together with creosote, smoky minerals and shades of menthol. The long finish lingers. Exceedingly good even at the three year mark, the gorgeous 2017 ‘Pritchard Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon has more than a decade of life ahead of it. Be sure to give this beauty at least a one hour decant if enjoying in this nascent phase. Drink 2020-2038— 95
93) 2016 Yao Family Wines ‘Family Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $225.00 | 95 Points
The 2016 Yao Family Wines ‘Family Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning new bottling that is one of the best that I have tasted from this estate. The nose is downright hedonistic with its massive core of dark currants, dark raspberry compote, creosote and Black Forest cake that all meld in the glass. The palate is rich and layered, yet shows a wonderful err of elegance and finesse. Turkish coffee, baking spices and creme de cassis flavors are woven together with smoky minerals and shades of tar on the palate. A delight to savor now at the four year mark, this expressive new Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy decades of life ahead of it. Try to resist this beauty for at least a couple of years. Drink 2022-2040- 95
94) 2018 Sparkman ‘Holler’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $32.00 | 92 Points
The 2018 ‘Holler’ by Sparkman Cellars is a superb value at around thirty dollars retail. On the nose the sagebrush and tobacco leaf tones meld nicely with a dusting of cocoa powder and blackberry compote that all sing in unison. The palate is silky smooth, reveling a soft texture and great sense of mouthfeel. A light veil of salinity runs through the core of chocolate cake, coffee grounds and rich cassis tones on the palate. Delightful to savor in its youth, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 92
95) 2019 Echolands Grenache
Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $38.00 | 93 Points
Sourced from the Riviera Galets Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA, this shows a light dusting of white pepper with guava puree, red cherry cordial and shades of wet stone with green olives that all mingle in the glass. The palate is lithe and very pure. Beautiful layers of red fruits meld with orange peel, green peppercorns and shades of Umami. Gorgeous now, this will provide drinking enjoyment for the next eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 93
96) 2019 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Artist Collection’ White Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $40.00 | 93 Points
A compelling blend of mainly Marsanne (65%) with the remainder Roussanne, this shows lovely brioche and apricot tones alongside shades of orange blossom and nutty undertones on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a wonderful sense of mouthfeel. Layers of banana and salted Macadamia nut combine with green papaya and white peach flavors on the palate. This has serious depth and concentration, yet remains light on its feet. Great to enjoy now, ‘The Artist Collection’ White Wine is best enjoyed over the next six to eight years. Drink 2020-2027- 93
97) 2019 Sojourn Cellars ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir
California | Sonoma County | $42.00 | 93 Points
The 2019 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir delivers lovely sour red fruits with salty soils and citrus rind tones on the nose. The palate is soft and refined, with a gorgeous sense of minerality and texture. Layers of ripe red fruits combine with kumquat zest and salty tones on the palate. This is gorgeous terroir-driven Pinot Noir that will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93
98) 2018 J. Bookwalter ‘2nd Edition’ White Wine-
Washington | Columbia Valley | $ 45.00 | 94 Points
Thrilling, rich and viscous, the 2018 ‘2nd Edition’ is an incredible, one of a kind, Bordeaux style white wine utilizing a higher percentage of Muscadelle than its ‘1st. Edition.’ Once on the mouth, the unctuous character of the wine really shines. Pretty pink grapefruit blossom and ripe pear collide with starfruit, clove infused Challah bread and earthy undertones. Complex and sinfully good, this highly decadent white wine will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 94
99) 2018 EFESTE ‘Eleni’ Syrah
Washington | Yakima Valley | $75.00 | 94 Points
The 2018 ‘Elini’ is sourced from the esteemed ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ in the Yakima Valley. Wonderful blueberry cordial and mocha tones mingle with smoky minerals on the nose. The palate is dense and highly gratifying. Layers of rich dark fruits collide with minerals, smoked brisket, blueberry pie and dark chocolate shavings. The long finish provides the perfect crescendo. Highly gratifying in its youth, this will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 94
100) 2018 DAMA Wines ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $50.00 | 93 Points
Sourced from this famed site in the Walla Walla Rocks District, the 2018 ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah shows great aromatic range from potpourri and orange rind tones to shades of green olive tapenade and smoked meats on this complex bouquet. The palate is plush, showing a beautifully silky texture. The purity of fruit is really killer, with ripe dark currants and wild blackberry tones alongside the savory, salty and stony undertones. This is elegant Rocks District Syrah that has another eight to ten years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 93