Yesterday I had the opportunity to sample some of the region’s best food and wine at the Taste of Washington. This is my favorite annual food and wine event, and this year did not disappoint. The participating wineries showcased their best talent, including some unusual, winery only wines that were poured. Here are some of my favorite Washington wine selections (including those that offer good value) that I was able to sample at the Taste of Washington. For more information about the participating restaurants and wineries, check out http://tastewashington.org/#
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2013 Dunham Cellars ‘Shirley Mays’ Chardonnay- This is their best Chard that I’ve sampled from them, having tasted every previous vintage. Pear and honeysuckle on the nose. Pear, golden delicious and oak on the palate. The wine is balanced and delicious. -93
2011 Dunham Cellars Cabernet- This wine has oak and black fruits on the nose with a palate of anise, sage, blueberry and blackberry. Delicious and open but can also benefit from 1-2 years of cellaring. -93
2011 Dunham Cellars ‘Pursued By Bear’ Cabernet- This is a partnership between Kyle McLaughlin and Dunham. Plush nose with anise and black cherry. Palate has blackberry, anise, smoke and black cherry. Delicious now. -93
2012 Doubleback Cabernet- Herbaceous nose with red bell pepper and anise. Palate is dense and has mocha, blackberry and is heavily tannic. Drink in two plus years. -94
2009 Cote Bonneville ‘Carriage House’- This Red blend made from Cab, Merlot and Can Franc has red fruit profile and nice ripeness on the nose. Palate is plush with red cherry, pomegranate and blackberry flavors. Delicious now. -93
2012 Col Solare- This wine is a sleeping giant. Shut down nose with anise and blackberry. Palate has blackberry, mocha and crème de cassis. Dense and viscous, this wine is going to be a monster in two plus years. -94
2013 Chateau St. Michelle ‘Cold Creek Vineyard’ Riesling nose has orange blossom, jasmine and pear in this perfumed nose. Palate has great minerality. Pear, starfruit and red delicious. Tasty, drink now. -92
2012 Chateau St. Michelle ‘Cold Creek Vineyard’ Merlot- red cherry and blackberry on the nose. Palate has red cherry, prime, and is plush and open. Slightly tannic and delicious, drink now. -93
2012 Chateau St. Michelle ‘Canoe Ridge Vineyard’ Cabernet- plush wine with blackberry, anise and red cherry flavors. Drink now. -92
2012 Chateau St. Michelle ‘Canoe Ridge Vineyard’ Merlot- Perfumed nose with red fruits. Red cherry, prune and open. Plush. Drink now. -92
2009 Boudreaux Cellars Cabernet- Nose has red cherry, prune and blackberry. Palate has blackberry, anise and cherry cough syrup. Viscous and intense. Drink now. -93