Summer has sadly come and gone. The rainy season brings on some good things including swapping Rose for dense Syrahs. I wanted to highlight some recently reviewed Washington red wines for the cooler weather which have impressed. This is only a short list that is listed in order of varietal weight (lighter to heavier wines) as a more comprehensive report that I’ve created for International Wine Report is coming very soon. Be sure to check out the amazing values at the $20 and under section! Cheers from Washington Wine Blog!
Under $20:
2013 Market Vineyards 'Derivative' Red Wine- A blend of 40% Cabernet, 40% Cab Franc and 20% Merlot this silky wine was aged in 30% new oak prior to bottling. The wine has an aromatic profile of cedar, black cherry, black plum and spicebox. Forward and appealing, the wine has rich flavors of red cherry, Turkish coffee, cassis and milk chocolate. The feminine side from the Cab Franc really makes this wine sing. While this will cellar well into the next decade is hard to resist right now. Drink 2016-2026- 92
2014 NxNW Red Blend- Weighing in at 13.7% alcohol with just a touch of residual sugar, this wine opens with aromas of black plum, sandalwood, red cherry and Turkish coffee. There are flavors of black olive, black cherry, blackberry jam and mocha. While the mild sugar content is there, this is a well-made, great value out of the Columbia Valley. The plush mouthfeel brings you back to the glass. Drink 2016-2022- 90
2013 Maryhill 'Winemaker's Red' Red Wine- This intriguing blend was sourced from more than 25 Columbia Valley vineyards. The wine starts with aromatics of black cherry, black olive, coffee grounds and blackberry jam. There are flavors reminiscent of black cherry, black raspberry, cassis and milk chocolate. Forward and rich, this is an excellent effort for the price. Drink 2016-2022-89
2014 Dunham ‘Three Legged Red’ Red Wine-The wine begins with aromatics of smoked brisket, creosote, black cherry and anise. This leads to flavors reminiscent of red cherry, anise, red currant and black olive. Lithe and polished, this red wine is a fantastic value with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2016-2021-90
2014 Columbia Crest 'H3' Cabernet-Columbia Crest has gained a sterling reputation for outstanding values out of Washington State, and this wine is no exception. This excellent Cabernet is blended with 16% Merlot. Immediately you’ll notice the aroma of cherries and blackberries bursting out of the glass. The wine continues to exude more ripe berries and cherry pie on the palate with the subtle addition of leather and even a hint of tobacco. The Cabernet finishes with a moderate tannic structure and a smooth, ripe fruit ending with a slight mineral streak in the background. This Cabernet would pair beautifully with most red meats, but the Cabernet also has potential to pair nicely with chocolate focused desserts. While the blend of the Columbia Crest 'H3' Cabernet changes from year to year (typically it’s well over 90% Cabernet), the winemaking has resulted in a remarkably consistent wine and if you’ve enjoyed H3 Cabernet in past years, you’re sure to enjoy the 2014 as well. Drink 2026-2022- 90 (S.L)
Over $20
2013 W. T. Vintners ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah- The wine starts with aromas of smoked meats, white pepper, thyme, wet rock and red currant. There are dense flavors of black cherry, blackberry cobbler, wet rock and leather. This wine is layered and intense, yet maintaining a Rhone feel. With a lithe minerality, I can see this cellaring very well. Drink 2016-2026- 93
2014 Rotie Cellars ‘Northern Blend’ Red Wine- The 2014 'Northern Blend' is a gorgeous new release wine by Rotie Cellars and superstar head winemaker Sean Boyd. A traditional Cote Rotie style wine, this has 5% Viognier blended into the Syrah. Needing a one hour decent to fully display itself, as the wine settles in the glass it starts to bring smoky aromas of creosote, provencale herbs, smoked brisket, and suggestions of cayenne dark chocolate. The inky colored Syrah wine has flavors reminiscent of blueberry puree, bacon fat, wild blackberry jam, milk chocolate and sagebrush. There is a lot to love here. This Syrah is plush, round and impossible to resist right now. Drink 2016-2025- 93
2014 Rasa Vineyards ‘Living in the Limelight’ Petit Verdot- One of the best of its kind in Washington state, the 2014 'Living in the Limelight' Petit Verdot is a monster new release wine from Rasa Vineyards. The wine was sourced from the Bacchus Vineyard and opens with aromatics of black tea, sage, black olive and black cherry. There are deep flavors of black cherry, black olive, black cherry, thyme and sage. Hugely balanced, with a striking minerality, the wine needs at least another year for the fruit flavors to develop and tannins to dissipate. It is safe to say that I have never sampled a better 100% Washington Petit Verdot. Drink 2017-2030- 94
2013 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Randy Dunn crafts this 100% Cabernet wine. I see this as his his best effort in 10 years of trying this wine. The Cabernet begins with aromas of red bell pepper, red raspberry and red cherry. Absolutely amazing richness and depth with mouthwatering acidity. Layered flavors of anise, creme de cassis, red bell pepper and a long and persistent finish. The tannins are evident but are not overwhelming at this juncture. Absolutely decadent, as this will be a very long ager. Don't drink this gorgeous wine for at least another year. Drink 2017-2030- 96
2013 Fidelitas ‘Red Mountain’ Malbec- This is a blend of 3 vineyards on Red Mountain. This wine starts with aromas of black plum, coffee grounds, roasted dates and milk chocolate. There are flavors of blackberry preserves, mocha and roasted figs. This is a simply gorgeous wine with lovely weight and structure that is up there with the best Malbec in the state. Drink 2016-2025- 93