Top 100 Domestic Wines of 2015

Top 100 Domestic Wines of 2015

I wanted to offer my warmest holiday greetings from Washington Wine Blog. I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful holiday season. It has been an absolutely fantastic year here at Washington Wine Blog. I want to wish you all of my deepest thanks for supporting the blog. A lot has happened for me professionally this year. I am now the associate editor at International Wine Report, reviewing wines for them primarily from Washington, Oregon and California. This has brought a lot of excitement to Washington Wine Blog. In 2015 I was able to meet and interview some incredible people in the wine industry and feature them on my blog. I have also been fortunate to review some exceptional wines this year from our incredible nation. This year I have chosen 100 exceptional domestic wines, as I have been able to sample many more exceptional wines and visit many more tasting rooms. Value wines are considered in my Top 100, and there are several incredible well-priced selections that I simply could not leave out.

The wines from Washington continue to impress and rise to the top of the list. At the top of the Top 100 is the 2012 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet. This exotic, intense and rich treat was an absolute delight to sip and savor in the glass. Hats off to the Golitzin family for producing an absolute stunner. The 2012 Quilceda Creek Cabernet is up there with the absolute best that estate has produced, including the incredible 2005 and 2006 Columbia Valley Cabernets. Thank you again for your support of Washington Wine Blog. Here’s to an even better 2016 for every one of you!

 

1)     2012 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet- The 2012 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from 97% Champoux Vineyard along with 3% Wallula Vineyard fruit. This displays a dark, opaque appearance, followed by lovely aromas of dark fruits, crème de cassis, anise and mocha folding in some graphite and hints of fresh bell pepper notes. This continues to impress on the palate with its rich and viscous mouthfeel backed by a remarkable silky texture which expands beautifully onto the long, layered finish. This level of Cabernet Sauvignon that is unparalleled in Washington, and although just about impossible to resist today, it is certain to improve even further with bottle age. This is Washington State Cabernet at its finest, as this wine is up there with the 2005 and 2006 in terms of the best Quilceda Creek Cabs I’ve had.  Best 2017-2030. – 99 $150.00

2)     2013 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Blanc- This impressive wine is a blend of 65% Sav Blanc and 35% Semillon. The rich aromatics include lemongrass, cantaloupe and mushroom with forest floor. The palate has bright acidity with flavors of Meyer lemon, cantaloupe, lemon lime flavors and incredible balance. Finish lingers. Drink 2015-2025. -95 $45.00

3)     2012 Woodward Canyon ‘Artists Series’ Cabernet- This is a wine that has 76% cabernet sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Peitit Verdot and 4% Syrah. It is sourced from the Woodward Canyon Estate, Champoux, Spring Creek, Mirage, Discovery, Sagemoor, Andrews, Summit View and Les Collines vineyards. There is a wonderful rich nose with graphite and cassis aromas. Dense wine with creme de cassis, blackberry and mocha. Incredible depth. Best 2015-2030. -95 $50.00

4)     2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echelas Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2012 is the second release of this wine from the esteemed Sur Echalas Vineyard, which has the highest density planting in the Walla Walla Valley. As this begins to unwind it releases incredibly rich aromas of smoke, wet stone, tarragon, lavender and bing cherry which are simply intoxicating. On the palate this leads to lush flavors of raspberry, cherry cola, essence of lavender, Mandarin orange rind and a wonderful effervescence. This continues to impress as the fruit just glides effortlessly onto the finish where it lingers on. This is a completely compelling and very memorable wine from Christophe Baron who is on top of his A game, as this represents the best of its kind that I have tried this year. Drink 2015-2030- 97 $90.00

5)     2014 Long Shadows Julia’s Dazzle- This is a Pinot Grigio rose with a splash of Sangiovese in there. Nose has strawberry, guava and white peach. Palate has vibrant minerality with flavors of strawberry, guava, pear and a long finish. Up there with the best rose in the state. Drink 2015-2018. -93 $15.00

6)     2012 Darioush Merlot- This wine combines 5% Cabernet and 5% Cabernet Franc for the blend. It is a monster of a Merlot, having aromas of cherry tomato, dill, and red cherry. There is a wonderful rich and smooth mouthfeel with flavors of black cherry, anise, and blackberry jam alongside moderate tannins. This is an opulent wine that will drink well for many decades to come. Drink 2015-2030. -95 $50.00

7)     2013 Chateau St. Michelle 'Cold Creek' Riesling- This aromatic wine begins with aromas of orange blossom, jasmine and pear in this perfumed nose. The palate has great minerality with flavors reminiscent of pear, starfruit and red delicious apple. Tasty wine that is an astonishing value. Drink 2015-2018.-92 $12.00

8)     2014 Long Shadows Poets Leap Riesling- Made famous by German winemaker Armin Diel. The wine opens with aromas of pear and red delicious apple followed by gravel on the aromatic nose. Delicious and lovely mineralogy through the mid-palate. Flavors of green apple, cantaloupe and green papaya. Lithe and expressive, one of the best made Washington Rieslings out there. Drink 2015-2022. -93 $20.00

9)     2012 Reynvaan ‘In The Hills’ Syrah- The 2012 'In the Hills' is a striking effort, made from 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier, a blend which is typical of the winemaking style in Côte-Rôtie. This incredible wine opens with rich and complex aromas of provencale herbs, gravel, green bell pepper, tar and blackberry which all take shape in the glass. It possesses wonderful minerality and elegance to the mouthfeel, combining fruit and citrus flavors, having cassis, blackberry, anise, raspberry alongside orange rind. This is a stunning wine that is one of the best from this stellar vintage. Best 2015-2025.- 96 $70.00

10) 2012 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet- Another stellar showing from Quilceda Creek in 2012 is the Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2012 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the gravel soils and one of the hottest micro-climates in Red Mountain. As this opens in the glass it releases beautifully perfumed aromas and flavors of dark cherries, cassis, raspberry compote along with mocha, graphite, anise and pretty floral accents of rose petals. The viscous mouthfeel is rich and concentrated, backed by moderate tannins, ending with a long, mouth coating finish. This is an absolutely incredible Cabernet that is already absolutely delicious and also shows wonderful aging potential. This is the best Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet that I have tried since they first offered this bottling many years back. Drink 2017-2030. -98 $125.00

11) 2013 Leonetti Cellar Merlot- This wine comes from Loess vineyard, Mill Creek vineyard, Upland vineyard as well as Leonetti Old Block. This is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, with a higher percentage of Cab Franc than I have ever seen being used for this blend, as Cab Franc was most recently used in this blend from 2001-2003 and then in 2009. The wine saw 15 months in new and once filled French oak. The nose begins with aromas of black cherry, prune, cassis, and dill with lightly herbaceous aromatics. The palate has silky texture and wonderful weight. There are flavors of blackberry, red cherry, dill and black plum in this tremendous effort. Chris Figgins has created some serious juice is hard to resist now. Drink 2015-2030- 95 $80.00

12) 2013 Dunham Cellars ‘Shirley Mays’ Chardonnay- This excellent bottling is made from Lewis Vineyard fruit. The wine begins with aromas reminiscent of pear and honeysuckle on the nose. There is pear, golden delicious and oak with nice richness on the palate. This has a silky texture and is their best one yet. This impresses at this price point. Drink 2015-2022. -93 $25.00

13) 2012 Col Solare- The 2012 is a monster of a wine that will take some time to develop in the bottle. Composed of 85% Cabernet, 7% Cab Franc, 4% Merlot and 4% Syrah, this wine has rich aromas of cassis, anise and some oak. It possesses a velvety mouthfeel with flavors of mocha, creme de cassis and black cherry. Persistent, savory and rich wine that's drinking beautifully now but will also age gracefully. One of the best Bordeaux style wines from a great vintage. (Best 2016-2030)- 94 $75.00

14) 2012 Rasa ‘Creative Impulse’- This outstanding Bordeaux style red is a heavyhitter. Unlike the 2011 which was slightly Merlot dominant, this one is comprised of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot. The wine opens with a complex nose with red bell pepper, cherry pie and dill with sagebrush in this herbaceous and terroir driven nose. There are flavors of red cherry, cherry tomato, raspberry, blackberry and anise. This is a rockstar wine that is balanced, rich and has an incredible mouthfeel. This long ager has 152 cases made so grab some before it sells out. Drink 2015-2035-96 $95.00

15) 2014 L'Ecole No. 41 Chenin Blanc- This represents a tremendous value in Washington wine. The wine begins with pear, baked apple and cinnamon on the nose. Palate has red delicious, starfruit, pear and vibrant acidity. Delicious, as one of the best Washington value whites out there. Drink 2015-2019. -90 $15.00

16) 2012 Kosta Browne 'Keefer Ranch' Pinot Noir- The Keefer Ranch Vineyard spans 50 acres and was planted in 1988 by Marcy Keefer and her husband Robert. There are some Chardonnay plantings but the vineyard is mostly devoted to Pinot Noir. The vineyard is particularly known for early morning fog and Goldridge soils. Kosta Browne has absolutely nailed this wine from Keefer. The Pinot begins with dill, red cherry and red currant. This leads to rich flavors of cherry pie, raspberry and cranberry. There is lovely weight to the mouthfeel and the right amount of acid backbone. This strikes an absolutely delicious balance and is extremely hard to resist right now. Drink 2015-2030.- 94 $100.00

17) 2012 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Syrah – This lovely wine opens with aromas of black cherry, blackberry and blueberry. The palate has flavors of black olive, blackberry, black cherry and is open and delicious. This represents a wonderful value that combines fruit and terroir. Drink 2015-2022. -92 $28.00

18) 2013 Delmas Syrah- The wine is a blend of 91.9% Syrah and 8.1% Viognier from SJR Vineyard in the rocks region of Walla Walla. This was aged 14 months in French oak (65% new), prior to bottling. This compelling wine opens with aromas of wet stone, smoked meats, creosote and oak. There are rich flavors of milk chocolate, blackberry, cedar and smoked pork shoulder. This is mineral driven and is special wine made in this hot vintage. Aerate this for an hour before enjoying. Drink 2015-2025- 95 $70.00

19) 2012 White Rose ‘Winemakers Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- This Pinot comes from 5 vineyards and the winemaker thinks this is the best of the vineyards. Rich nose with pomegranate, red cherry, strawberry and mushroom. Palate has red cherry, pomegranate, mushroom, forest floor and raspberry. Delicious and layered wine that represents the best of the great vintage. Drink 2015-2030. -95 $100.00

20) 2012 Paul Hobbs ‘Nathan Coombs Estate’ Cabernet- This rich colored wine has wonderful aromatics on the nose, including anise and blackberry. The richness obtained is profound. There are flavors of milk chocolate, anise and blackberry with moderate tannins. Very serious. Drink 2018-2035. -95$250.00

21) 2012 Foxen Winery ‘Melville Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This wine begins with aromatics of mushroom, black cherry and black tea. This leads to flavors of black cherry, cola, raspberry, and vanilla. Nice weight and viscosity with the lingering finish. 125 cases made of this exceptional Pinot. Best 2015-2025. -94 $64.00

22) 2012 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet- This is an intense blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot comes from the Seven Hills vineyard, the Loess vineyard, Mill Creek vineyard, Upland vineyard and Leonetti Old Block. It saw 22 months in new and once used French oak barrels. The winemaker says this wine reminds him of the 2008 Cabernet. In the glass the wine explodes with ripe flavors of Turkish coffee, cassis, black olive and black cherry. There are flavors of anise, crème de cassis, blackberry and moderate tannin structure. The richness and mouthfeel is there. This seamless wine glides on with a long finish. This is a memorable wine. Drink 2015-2035-95 $100.00

23) 2012 Sixto ‘Rosa Hills’ Chardonnay- The Rosa Hills vineyard stands at 1350 feet and is a southern sloping bowl that sits on the southern slope of Rattlesnake Hills. There are aromas of brioche, lemon zest and pear. The wine has nice richness on the mouthfeel with flavors of creme brûlée, pear, golden delicious and a long, lingering finish that lasts for half a minute. This is an impressive bottling. Drink 2015-2025. -94 $45.00

24) 2012 Chalk Hill ‘William P. Foley’ Cabernet- This is Chalk Hill's most esteemed Cabernet wine. This is a dense Cabernet that will need a ton of time to fully come together. There are wonderful aromas of graphite and blackberry with creme de cassis. The depth and richness is there. Flavors reminscent of blackberry, graphite and creme de cassis persist. A sleeping giant. Drink 2019-2030 -95 $160.00

25) 2013 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay- This pale yellow colored wine has a bright and effusive nose. This spent 14 months in French oak (20% new). There are lovely aromas of tangerine, grapefruit and honeydew melon with a slight cut grass element. The palate is lithe and mineral driven. There are bright flavors of pear, white peach, pink grapefruit and Granny Smith apple. The finish is long and lingering. Serene is on top of their game with their last few years of Chard releases. Best 2015-2024- 94 $55.00

26) 2013 K Vintners ‘The Boy’ Grenache- This wine was sourced from Walla Walla Valley fruit (Northridge and River Rock vineyards) and they utilized 12% Syrah into the blend. This warm vintage wine stands in at 14.5% alcohol, as this wine was Charles Smith’s first non-Syrah wine that he made. Lovely aromatics with aromas of dill, gravel, orange peel, raspberry and red cherry. The mouthfeel is smooth as this seamlessly glides along. There are flavors of red cherry, Mandarin orange, gravel and raspberry. This is novel, terroir driven and simply delicious. Drink 2015-2028. -94 $50.00

27) 2012 La Jota ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Franc- This wine comes from a very small vineyard, the Winery Block Vineyard, planted next to the winery on Howell Mountain. It spent 20 months in French Oak (81% new) prior to bottling. The wine has intense aromas of red bell pepper, dill, red cherry and raspberry. There are flavors of red bell pepper, anise, red cherry and black olive. The minerality and acid scripture is impressive. This is very hard to resist right now but try to cellar this one for another year. Drink 2016-2030 -94 $80.00

28) 2014 Dunham Cellars Late Harvest Lewis Vineyard Riesling-Aged in stainless steel, the wine was released in May 2015 and weighs in at only 7% alcohol. This has lovely aromas of orange marmalade, Lemoncello, and jasmine in this compelling nose. This wine has 30% residual sugar and there is wonderful richness and balance. There are ripe aromas of pineapple, golden delicious apple, white raisin and creme brûlée. This is ripe, concentrated and delicious. Drink 2015-2030- 95 $25.00 (.187L)

29) 2012 Rasa Vox Populi ‘Monette’s Vineyard’ Mouvedre- This 100% Mouvedere wine opens with ripe fruit nose with blackberry, cassis and black olive alongside smoked meats. This is a rich and viscous palate, reminiscent of a great vintage. Wonderful depth with flavors of blackberry pie, creme de cassis, anise, cherry cola and red currant with a long, 20 plus second finish. This is the best WA Mouvedre I've had. Drink 2015-2030. -95 $55.00

30) 2012 Chalk Hill ‘Clone 17’ Chardonnay-This one is a winery only bottling that has a different, more earthy, nose than the Estate bottling. The aromas are reminiscent of has mushroom, and forest floor, alongside golden delicious and pear. Exceptional brightness in this mineral driven effort. Nice richness on the mouthfeel, leading to flavors of golden delicious, pear and a long cream finish. This is one of the best Sonoma Chardonnay bottlings I’ve sampled this year. Drink 2015-2022. -94 $75.00

31) 2013 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah- This is a Bouchey Vineyard Syrah with no blending involved, sourced from old blocks of the vineyard. 15% whole cluster fermentation which adds to the complexity of the wine. Perfumed nose of rose petals, bacon fat and smoked pork shoulder. Incredible mouthfeel, smooth and silky texture that glides into flavors of black cherry, black olive, raspberry and smoke. You can tell this comes from a very warm vintage. This has a long finish that lingers, as this is one of the best 2013 Washington Syrah's I've sampled this year. Hard to resist now but could improve with another year in the bottle. Drink 2015-2025. -95 $50.00

32) 2012 Ridge ‘Home Ranch’ Cabernet- Ridge is known for beautifully balanced wines, and year after year the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is an overachiever. There is certainly no exception in 2012. Ridge sources the 76% Cabernet Sauvignon along with 24% Merlot from the esteemed Monte Bello vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The wine itself offers gorgeous perfumed aromas of freshly crushed blackberry and raspberry woven together with graphite and anise. On the palate this is well balanced with wonderful polish and acidity which lead to the flat-out delicious finish. Overall this is a sensational effort from legendary winemaker Paul Draper along with Eric Baugher and the winemaking team at Ridge Vineyards. Drink 2015-2030 – 93 $50.00

33) 2012 Gramercy Cellars ‘The Deuce’ Syrah- This Syrah wine is blended from two sources in the Walla Walla Valley and sees 100% French oak with only 14% new. Deep, glass staining purple color. The wine opens up with aromas of smoked meats, bacon fat and black plum with black tea. Delicious and lithe on the mouth, with rich viscosity. There are flavors of crème de cassis, blackberry, anise, black cherry and nice minerality. This has an intriguing combination of being a rich and mineral driven wine. An excellent effort, one of the best of its kinds and this thing begs for a slow roasted shortrib. Drink 2015-2025. -94 $66.00

34) 2012 Long Shadows Pedestal-Famed wine consultant Michel Rolland makes one of the best Washington Merlots in the country. Made of 81% Merlot with the rest Cab, Cab Franc and Petite Verdot. Nose has black cherry, dill and black olive. Rich and viscous wine with flavors of mocha, black cherry, black olive and wonderful mouthfeel throughout. This is delicious wine for a special occasion. Drinking incredibly now but will have a long life. Drink 2015-2030 -94 $75.00

35) 2012 B. Leighton Syrah- This has a dark and inky color. The wine begins with  impressive aromas of smoked meats, white pepper and blackberry. There is a rich mouthfeel with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, mint, black olive and vibrant minerality. This generous wine is simply delicious. Drink 2015-2030. -95 $45.00

36) 2013 Columbia Crest H3 Chardonnay- This value white wine begins with aromas of butter with mushroom and cut grass. Light and lithe palate with green apple, pear, minerals and limited oak flavors. The new Washington style Chard. One of the best value whites from WA out there. Drink 2015-2020. -90 $12.00

37) 2013 Abeja Chardonnay- This wine impresses each year. The Chard opens in the glass with aromas reminiscent of mushroom golden delicious and pear. There are flavors persistent of butter, pear, red delicious and star fruit. The mouthfeel is full and fat. The winemaker talks about the attention to detail with the pressing of this wine. You can really taste the richness and choicest fruit selected into this wine. Drink 2015-2022. -93 $40.00

38) 2013 Woodward Canyon ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay- Woodward Canyon has crafted another wonderful and dense Chard, following up their excellent 2012 effort. The Washington State bottling has has bright and rich aromas of banana and oak, followed by flavors of vanilla, red delicious and starfruit. There is a long finish that lingers. One of the best Chards in the state. Drink 2015-2022. -93 $40.00

39) 2013 Fidelitas 'Klipsun Vineyard Optu White'- This wine was made from Klipsun Vineyard fruit. It opens in the glass with aromas of butter, pear, honeysuckle, and cantaloupe. Lovely fruit and structure. Palate has white peach, pear, red delicious, butter, and vanilla. The finish lingers. This is up there with the best Optu Blanc that Fidelitas has made in the past 10 years. Drink 2015-2022. -93 $32.00

40) 2013 Airfield Estates Late Harvest Riesling- This impressive bottling is made from frozen grapes and has 20% Residual sugar and only 9.6% alcohol. This wine required twice the typical amount of yeast, due to the high sugar levels. There are rich aromas of pineapple, golden delicious and ripe Bartlett pear. This has a wonderful texture and richness, leading to flavors of white raisin, nectarine, golden delicious apple and honey. Viscous and mineral driven wine that's serious. I would easily pay double the price for this. Drink 2015-2025-94 $15.00 (.187L)

41) 2012 Michael David Petite Petite- This value wine is a blend of 75% Petite Sirah and 25% Petite Verdot. The wine begins with a perfumed nose of blueberry pie, nutmeg and oak. This leads to dense flavors of blueberry, coffee, blackberry and tar. The wine has nice richness and concentration, as this hedonistic wine represents a tremendous bargain in California red wine. Drink 2015-2020. -91 $15.00

42) 2013 Dutton-Goldfield 'Dutton Ranch' Chardonnay- Dutton Ranch farms over 80 vineyards in Sonoma. The vineyards selected for this wine include 75% of old vine Chardonnay, over 30 years of age and includes the Mill Station, Walker Hill and Rued vineyards. The wine opens with aromas of buttered popcorn and mango with pear on the nose. Palate has mushroom, pear, golden delicious and vibrant minerality. This is classic Dutton Ranch in the hedonistic style. Drink 2015-2022. -92 $40.00

43) 2012 Amavi Syrah- This is the follow up to the impressive 2011 bottling. There is a rich nose with mocha, blackberry, and cigar box. Lovely mouthfeel with flavors of boysenberry, smoked meats, black cherry and black olive. Rich and layered, as this wine represents a wonderful value in Washington Syrah. Drink 2015-2022- 92 $25.00

44) 2009 Cote Bonneville ‘Carriage House’- One of my perennial favorite red blends, this year follows up the excellent 2008 bottling. This wine has rich aromas of boysenberry preserves, strawberry and red cherry.  This leads to dense flavors of red cherry, blackberry, anise, Christmas spice and is open and polished. Nice weight and balance to this elegant and rich wine. Drink 2015-2025. -93 $50.00

45) 2012 Januik Reserve Red Blend- This wine has a rich mouthfeel and has dense aromas of blackberry, anise and black cherry. Palate has nice richness with blackberry, anise, black olive and tar. Mike Januik has been hitting his stride. Drink 2015-2030. -94 $80.00

46) 2012 Stags' Leap Petite Sirah-This is a unique blend of 75% Petite Sirah, 12% Syrah, 8% Grenache, 2% both Carignane and Mouvedre with a splash of Viognier. This spent 12 months in American oak (25% new) prior to bottling. This opens with aromas of milk chocolate, roasted figs, and black pepper with coffee grounds. Leading to flavors of blueberry, anise, cassis, in this mineral driven effort. Not for the weary. Drink 2015-2025- 92 $42.00

47) 2012 Rasa ‘Principia’ Reserve Syrah- This beautiful Syrah was sourced from the Les Collines, and Seven Hills vineyards, weighing in at 15.1% alcohol – but you wouldn’t know it from the mid-palate. It opens with a smoky nose with smoked meats, bacon fat, blackberry, in this expressively aromatic wine. This is amazing acid structure and has flavors of black olive, blackberry, black cherry and anise. Wonderful terroir and balance. Drink 2015-2025-95 $75.00

48) 2012 Evening Land ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- This is fruit taken from the esteemed Gap’s Crown vineyard. The wine opens with a perfumed nose of raspberry, red cherry, and strawberry. The palate has great acid structure, leading to flavors of cherry cola, raspberry, and guava. The finish keeps going. The wine really needs two plus years for fruit to integrate. Drink 2017-2025.-93 $45.00

49) 2012 Baer Star- This wine saw 22 months in French oak and is a blend of 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc. A softer style of wine with a plush mouthfeel. Flavors of black cherry, black tea and black olive. Deep and rich with a long life ahead of it. Drinking nicely now but can improve. Drink 2017-2028. -93$30.00

50) 2012 Foley-Johnson ‘Rutherford’ Cabernet- This Cabernet wine is sourced from two Rutherford vineyards, the the Peral Vineyard, having heavier soils and gravel and the Main Vineyard which is more loamy soil of gravel, clay and sand. It weighs in at 14.6% alcohol and is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot. After 19 months of aging in French Oak barrels (35% new) the wine was bottled July 2014. This wine opens with aromas of anise, black plums, red bell pepper and cassis. There are flavors of creme de cassis, anise, black cherry, mocha and graphite. Lovely weight on the mouthfeel, this dense and delicious Cabernet that improves with an hour of aeration. Hard to resist now but this beauty for two more years. Drink 2017-2035.- 93 $75.00

51) 2013 Tenet ‘The Pundit’-The wine is made from 94% Syrah, 3% Grenache, 2% Mourvèdre, 1% Viognier that’s cofermented with Viognier. The wine was aged 12 months in 61% neutral oak with 23% new French oak and 16% new American oak. The resultant Columbia Valley Syrah has an super dark color. There are lovely aromatics of smoked meats, tar, black olive and black cherry. Flavors of blackberry, cloves, black olive and smoked meats. Lovely smooth finish as this one glides. This open and polished dense wine is one to pair with a juicy ribeye and is strikingly familiar to the Ethos style of Syrah. Drink 2015-2022. -92 $20.00

52) 2012 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Rouge- The wine opens with a lovely bouquet of red cherry and red currant with oak in the nose. Palate has ripe layers of red cherry, cherry tomato, blackberry and anise. This is incredible juice now and can benefit from 2-5 years of cellaring. This special occasion wine is one of the best DeLille red wines, if not the best that I’ve had in 10 years. Drink 2017-2040. -95 $80.00

53) 2012 Spring Valley ‘Fredrich’- This wine is a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot. The wine opens with an herbaceous nose with blackberry, anise and oak. The palate brings flavors of blackberry, anise, oak and mocha flavors. This is serious and masculine, yet balanced. Drink 2015-2028. -93 $45.00

54) 2012 Chimney Rock Elevage Blanc- Weighing in at 14.2% alcohol, the grapes saw 6 months in French oak (33% new, 33% used) and stainless (33%).  This wine has been bottled for more than two years and it is showing beautifully. This is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (57%) and Sauvignon Gris (43%). There are aromas of pear and cut grass, as well as red delicious apple. The palate is smooth and viscous, as the wine offers a silky mouthfeel. There are flavors of ripe pear, star fruit and red delicious with vibrant minerality. This is a very serious Bordeaux style white wine. Drink 2015-2022. -93 $45.00

55) 2012 Chateau St Michelle 'Indian Wells' Cabernet- This value wine impresses for the price. The nose begins with anise, smoke and oak. The palate is viscous with flavors of anise, blackberry liqueur, black cherry and a long finish. This is the rockstar out of the 15 and under Cabernet category. Run to the store and grab a case of this juice. Drink 2015-2022. -92

56) 2012 Stolpman Vineyards ‘Orignals’ Syrah- This wine has a rich and smoky nose. There is bacon fat, Provencale herbs, and lavender aromatics. The palate has incredible depth, richness and terroir with flavors of smoked meats, minerals, blackberry, anise and black cherry and black olive. This wine is delicious now but will also have a long life in the cellar. Drink 2015-2030.-94 $40.00

57) 2013 Gard ‘Freyja’- Made from 81% Viognier and 19% Rousanne. The nose opens with aromas reminiscent of lychee and jasmine. This leads to flavors of pear, red delicious and starfruit. The wine represents incredible complexity for the price. Drink 2015-2018. -90 $12.00

58) 2013 Chateau St. Michelle Gewürztraminer- This is one of the best value white wines out there. The wine opens with aromas of honeysuckle and orange blossom on the nose. The palate has ginger, lemon zest and starfruit flavors. Excellent wine for an incredible price, hats off to Bob Bertheau and the St. Michelle winemaking team on this one. Drink 2015-2017. -89 $8.00

59) 2012 Caymus Cabernet- Iconic wine and iconic vintage that delivers. This dense wine has aromas of blackberry jam, cassis and violets, followed by flavors of creme de cassis , blackberry and mocha. Dense and round, this thing is ready to drink and expresses the best of this wonderful vintage. Drink 2015-2030. -94 $60.00

60) 2012 Colene Clemens 'Margo' Pinot Noir- This wine opens with lovely rich aromas of strawberry and raspberry. Cherry pie, raspberry and cola on the palate. This wine is drinking somewhat more Cali than Willamette in terms of fruit flavor profiles. Delicious juice that is meant for enjoyment now. Drink 2015-2025. -93 $35.00

61) 2012 Tranche Slice of Pape Blanc- This effort follows up the highly impressive 2011 bottling. Nose has honeydew, pear and red delicious. Palate has pear, red delicious and star fruit. Nice richness and density. One of the best new world Rhone style whites out there. Drink 2015-2022. -93 $35.00

62) 2013 Melville Pinot Noir ‘Block M’- Classic nose that is more on the earthy side with cranberry, mushroom, and red cherry. This yields flavors of raspberry, cherry cola and minerals with mushroom. The Pint is a rich and layered wine that will have a long life but is hard not to drink now. Drink 2015-2025- 93 $60.00

63) 2012 Doubleback Cabernet- This wine is made by Chris Figgins and follows up the impressive 2011 bottling. The wine opens with an herbaceous nose with red bell pepper and anise. The palate has nice density with mocha, blackberry flavors, alongside heavy tannins. This will need a few years for the fruit to fully integrate. Drink 2017- 2030. -94 $100.00

64) 2012 La Rata- Elizabeth Bourcier, Cayuse’s assistant vigneronne, was inspired by Clos Erasmus wines and crafted this blend. She chose to use Grenache from Armada Vineyard and Cabernet from En Cerise Vineyard. The wine was named “The Rat.” And then Spanglish-cized:  La Rata. The name connects with Elizabeth, as her zodiac sign is the rat and despite being assistant winemaker at Cayuse, she still considers herself a cellar rat. The wine opens with prototypical Walla Walla rocks aromas of wet stone, smoke, provencale herbs, red currant, dill and blackberry. There is wonderful balance and texture to this wine. The blend has flavors of blackberry, anise, blueberry, red currant and prune. This is just a delicious and vibrant wine with a strong minerality. Kudos to Bourcier. Drink 2015-2025- 94 $75.00

65) 2012 Figgins Estate Red- This wine is sourced from the Figgins Estate vineyard and is a mystery blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. 70% was aged in few French oak (22 months), while 30% was aged in second fill French oak (also for 22 Months) prior to bottling. This wine was released in September 2015 and is showing beautifully right now. Speaking to winemaker, Chris Figgins, at the release, he mentions the purity of fruit from this fantastic vintage. This wine is considerably more open than the '11 Figgins Red upon release. The wine begins with aromas of blackberry, mocha, roasted figs and cassis. There are flavors reminiscent of blackberry, mocha, smoked meats, black olive and black plum. This is a rich and open wine with a lively mouthfeel. This wine gets better and better with every sip. A tremendous effort from a great vintage.- 94 $85.00

66) 2009 Boudeaux Cellars Merlot- This ripe wine opens with aromas reminiscent of rose petals, black cherry, anise and raspberry preserves. This is a rich and full bodied wine with flavors of black cherry, boysenberry and mocha. Delicious, seductive and impressive rendition of Merlot. Drink 2015-2025- 92 $50.00

67) 2014 Liquid Farm 'Bien Bien' Chardonnay- This is a blend of Bien Naciedo and Soloman Hills Chardonnay. This has aromas of lemon meringue, banana and golden delicious apple. There are flavors of red delicious apple, nutmeg with a long finish. There is nice weight and richness to this wine. This is very terroir driven and Burgundian. Drink 2015-2025- 93 $65.00

68) 2013 Acacia Pinot Noir- Made from Carneros fruit. Strawberry and rapsberry on the palate with dried herbs. Palate has cherry pie, raspberry, strawberry and guava flavors. Balanced, with nice minerality. This is an impressive value for the price. Drink 2015-2020. -91 $20.00

69) 2012 Lauren Ashton Rousanne- This wine impresses for the price. The wine begins with aromas of honeydew melon and pear on the nose. This leads to flavors of cut grass, stardust and pear. Viscous and tasty wine that has a wonderful mineral streak. -92 $25.00

70) 2012 Seven Hills ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet- This is a wine that has been impressing for the price. This 2012 version picks up where it left off with the fantastic ’11 release. The nose has aromas of cherry cough syrup, anise and blackberry. The palate has blackberry, black cherry and anise with mocha. Delicious and rich wine that needs a bit more time to develop in the bottle. Drink 2016-2025. -92 $21.00

71) 2013 DeLille Cellars Rousanne- The wine has aromas of cantaloupe and pear with light spice on the nose. The palate has flavors of pear, starfruit, honeydew and vanilla. Nice balance of flavors and structure here. This is up there with the best Washington Rousanne I’ve tried this year. Drink 2015-2019. -93 $35.00

72) 2013 Alexandria Nicole ‘Crawford Vineyard’ Viognier- The wine opens with a perfumed nose of orange blossoms, white peach, and honeysuckle. Almost like enjoying the aromatics of a gardenia on the nose. The palate has good structure and light saccharin flavors with ripe pear and red delicious apple. Drink 2015-2019. -90 $20.00

73) 2012 Belle Pente ‘Belle Pente Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This wine comes from the east side of the estate. There are ripe aromas reminiscent of red cherry, raspberry and cinnamon. The palate is ripe with flavors of red cherry, raspberry, guava and a long finish. This will drink better in a few years. Drink 2017-2025. -92 $44.00

74) 2011 Zaca Mesa ‘Mesa Reserve’ Syrah- This rich wine has a smoky nose with red currant, black olive, blackberry and black cherry. This leads to flavors reminiscent of blueberry, blackberry, and dried herbs. Nice minerality. This is a solid and sturdy effort that is meant for short term consumption. Drink 2015-2020. -92 $50.00

75) 2012 HALL ‘Jack’s Masterpiece’ Cabernet- This wine has a somewhat subdued nose of blackberry and black olive. There is nice viscosity and richness, indicative of the fantastic vintage. The palate has rich flavors of black olive, blackberry and coffee. This is one for the cellar and the patient wine drinker. Drink 2018-2040- 94 $100.00

76) 2012 Merry Edwards ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Merry has taken this Pinot from the coolest vineyards she sources from. Powerful nose with red cherry and cranberry with cinnamon. Palate has ripe cherry, cranberry, raspberry and black tea. Very impressive from this wonderful vintage. Drink 2015-2028. -93 $42.00

77) 2013 Tensley Syrah- This Syrah is made from a blend of 5 vineyards. There is a rich, smoky nose with smoked meats, blackberry, anise and oak. Palate has blackberry, cran-cherry, coffee and blueberry. This is a balanced Syrah that will drink nicely for many years. Drink 2015-2025. -93 $30.00

78) 2011 Northstar 'Premier' Columbia Valley Merlot- This colder vintage Merlot needs a one hour decant to open up. In the glass there are aromas of milk chocolate, roasted figs, stewed prune and anise. Lovely minerallity and rich mouthfeel that is very right bank Bordelaise. There are flavors of black cherry, black olive, mocha and cassis. This delicious and dense effort begs for another sip as its of the best Merlots from this vintage. Drink 2015-2028. -93 $75.00

79) 2012 Lancaster ‘Nicole's Red’- This is a special cuvee made by the winemaker. There is a herbaceous nose with dill and red bell pepper. The palate has nice richness and viscosity. Blackberry, blueberry and crème de cassis flavors, with striking minerality. Drink 2017-2030. -93 $115.00

80) 2009 Cougar Crest Anniversary Cuvée- This winery has the nice tendency to hold their wines back. This release comes from an exceptional year. The wine begins with anise, spice box and red cherry on the nose. The palate has anise, red bell pepper, red cherry and light tannins. Drink 2015-2022.-92 $25.00

81)  2012 Cristom ‘Matriarch Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- This high end bottling has a wonderful dark color which leads to flavors of clove, black cherry, raspberry and oak. There are flavors of blackberry, black cherry, raspberry and guava, with nice minerality and balance. The dark fruit profiles are novel, but this will improve with a year in the bottle. Drink 2016-2025. -94 $75.00

82) 2009 Bunnell Family Cellars ‘Alex’ Syrah- These guys have the wonderful ability to hold their wines back. This wine has a perfumed nose of blackberry, anise, black cherry and oak. There are wonderful ripe and dense fruit flavors on the palate, alongside wonderful mineral backbone. Flavors of black cherry, anise, crème de cassis and mocha persist. This wine is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2015-2022. -94 $48.00

83) 2012 JM Cellars ‘Klipsun Vineyard’ Syrah- This rich wine opens with aromas of smoked meats, black cherry and blackberry on the nose. This leads to flavors of blackberry, anise, black cherry and black olive. This is a dense and delicious wine that is hard to resist right now. Drink 2016-2025.  -93 $50.00

84) 2010 Five Star Merlot-This winery has a lovely tendency to hold back their releases. The Merlot wine is blended with 4% Malbec. This has a highly perfumed nose of red cherry and red tomato. The Merlot has dense flavors of red cherry, raspberry and blackberry. Harmonious and smooth wine that is nearly impossible to resist right now. Drink 2015-2022. -93 $25.00

85) 2012 Barnard Griffin Cabernet- This tremendous value wine opens with violets, oak and blackberry on the nose. Palate has nice minerality with blackberry, black olive, black cherry and anise. Excellent juice for the price. Drink 2015-2020. -90 $10.00

86) 2012 Chateau Montelena- The 2012 Montelena Cabernet is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The wine was aged 14 months in French & Eastern European Oak (16% new). It opens with aromas of red bell pepper, dill, blackberry and milk chocolate. This leads to flavors of blackberry, black cherry, black olive and cloves. Lovely mouthfeel and mineral backbone. Done in the open style, this is approachable right now and is delicious right out of the bottle. (Drink 2015-2025)- 91 $50.00

87) 2013 Stonestreet 'Estate' Chardonnay- The Chard had monthly lees stirring and was aged 10 months in 47% new French oak prior to bottling. This wine opens with aromas of brioche, pear and golden delicious apple. There are flavors of nutmeg, ripe pear, and creme brulee. Delicious and rich wine that is impossible to resist right now. Drink 2015-2022- 92 $35.00

88) 2012 Pendulum Red- This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Grenache, Petit Verdot, and Mourvedre. The wine begins with aromas of stewed strawberry and blackberry on the nose with some oak. Palate has blackberry, anise, plum and Christmas spice. Delicious now, this represents a well-balanced effort. Drink 2015-2018. -90 $10.00

89) 2013 Les Trouves Red- This is an unknown blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre that the winery leaves as a mystery to the consumer. Based on my testing, I’d speculate a higher percentage of Grenache, rather than Syrah, as this has lovely finesse and is slightly on the feminine side. Made from declassified barrels from around the state, this wine has a light red color with a brownish hue. Lovely nose with provencale herbs, anise and raspberry. The mid palate offers a polished mouthfeel that asks for another glass. The flavors of raspberry, spicecake, and vanilla cherry. The winery owner views as a crack and pour. Delicious now, drink-2015-2021- 91 $20.00

90) 2013 Archery Summit ‘Arcus Estate’ Pinot Noir- This vineyard site is 39 acres and name of this wine translates to 'bow' in Latin. There are many microclimates to this vineyard, as there's a 400 foot elevation change in the vineyard. Some of the vines predate to 1973. Aged 19 months in French oak (50% new) prior to being bottled in August 2014. This has aromas of black truffle, red raspberry and oak. There are flavors reminiscent of cran-raspberry, Tangerine rind, Bing cherry and vanilla. This has tremendous weight and texture. Drink 2017-2030- 94 $100.00

91) 2013 Etude ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- This wine is sourced from Grace Benoist Ranch fruit that saw 12 months in French oak (25% new). This wine has aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, forest floor and raspberry. This delicious and open style wine has flavors of cherry cola, mushroom, orange peel, and a long and lingering finish. This is a rock solid entry level bottling. Over 22,000 cases made. (Best 2015-2025)- 92 $40.00

92) 2012 Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay- This is a rich and layered Chard that is one of the best of its kind out there. It opens with aromas of buttered toast and creme brûlée on the nose. The palate has flavors of banana, golden delicious and butter. Delicious and complex Chard that is hard to put down now. Drink 2015-2025. -93 $40.00

93) 2012 Willakenzie Estate ‘Emery’ Pinot Noir-The Pinot Noir is named after the owner’s grandfather. This is a perennial value wine out of Oregon. There are lovely soft aromas of raspberry, nutmeg and red cherry. Palate has raspberry, red cherry, guava and vibrant minerality with a long finish. Drink 2016-2025. -92 $30.00

94) 2012 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc- This Sav Blanc is blended with 17% Semillon. The wine begins with aromas of cut grass, lemongrass and dried herbs on the nose. Palate is bright and acidic. Gooseberry, pear, minerals, and light cream finish. The finish lingers. Drink 2015-2018 -92 $30.00

95) 2012 Maison Bleue ‘Voyageur’ Syrah- 100% Syrah wine that impresses for the price. The wine opens with aromas of smoked meats, tar and black cherry. The palate has nice depth, as well as a nice mineral streak. Black cherry, anise, smoked meats in this plush wine. Layered. Drink 2015-2022. -93 $55.00

96) 2012 Groth Reserve Cabernet- This rich wine, coming from the 28 acre Reserve Block at the Estate vineyard, was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, utilizing Vernou, Sylvain, Quintessence coopers. This also had over a year of bottle-aging prior to its recent release. The impressive bouquet opens with aromas of mocha, cassis and blackberry. There are boysenberry preserves, mocha, figs, graphite, and creme de cassis. Drinking beautifully now but this will be a long-ager. Try to resist popping the cork on this one for at least another year. Drink 2016-2035-94 $125.00

97) 2012 Merryvale Malbec- This impressive wine was sourced from a high elevation vineyard on the Mayacamas Mountains. This is the first Merryvale Malbec ever made. Fruit was hand picked and double sorted before going under cold soak. The wine opens with a dense nose of dark chocolate and blackberry. Palate has nice density with blackberry, mocha and graphite. Very impressive wine and one of the best pure Napa Malbecs I’ve had this year. Drink 2015-2027 -93 $75.00

98) 2012 Le Cadeau ‘Merci’ Reserve Pinot Noir-This winery is known for earthy and terroir driven Pinots. They absolutely nailed this effort from a fantastic vintage. The wine begins with aromas reminiscent of mushroom, forest floor, wild blackberry and raspberry. There are flavors of cherry pie, raspberry and sage. Layered and rich effort with a striking mineral edge. The mouthfeel is silky throughout, leading to a long and lingering finish. Drink 2015-2023- 93 $80.00

99) 2012 Buty ‘Redviva of the Stones’- This fascinating blend is comprised of 79% Syrah, 13% Cabernet and the rest Mouvedre. The wine has aroms of green olive, black pepper, smoked meats and blackberry. This leads to delicious flavors of wet stone, anise, blueberry and blackberry. There is a silky mouthfeel and a long finish. What a wonderful bottling. Drink 2015-2025- 94 $50.00

100) 2013 Argyle 'Nuthouse' Pinot Noir- Southeast facing, at 250-400 ft. elevation, the Lone Star vineyard is known for producing some of the best Pinot in the valley. On September 18th, the crew at Argyle picked the best blocks of Lone Star Pinot Noir fruit prior to the torrential rains, which was hugely important in capturing the rich fruit flavors of this wine. This impressive Pinot begins with aromas of black truffle, black cherry and raspberry. Flavors of cran-cherry, pomegranate, crimini mushroom and blackberry combine for this silky textured treat. This is absolutely beautiful Burgundian style Pinot. Drink 2015-2025- 93 $50.00

 

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