Dear Friends,
I want to offer my warmest holiday greetings from Washington Wine Blog. We are very humbled by your support and following. I hope you all are enjoying a marvelous holiday season with your loved ones. We have enjoyed a wonderful 2018 here at Washington Wine Blog, which marked my fourth year as senior editor at International Wine Report, reviewing wines for them primarily from Washington, Oregon and California. Our WWB editors, Dr. Stephen Lee and Dr. Jae Hong, continue to contribute Washington wine reviews, editing and consulting. I have been steadily increasing the number of interviews and winery features and more than 100 interviews which we will continue to improve. In February 2018 we held our first Washington Wine Blog Critic’s Choice of Washington event, which featured some of the state’s best wineries at the beautiful Columbia Tower Club in downtown Seattle. I would love to see you all at our next spectacular event, the 2nd Annual Washington Wine Blog Critic’s Choice of Washington event on Saturday February 16th from 4-7PM at the Columbia Tower Club, featuring past Washington Wine Blog wineries of the year, Quilceda Creek and Cayuse Vineyards.
I have had the great pleasure and challenge of selecting 100 exceptional domestic wines to comprise my Top 100 for 2018. With a strong focus from my Oregon and Washington Reports. For our 2018 Top 100 we have several good value wine selections, as well as many collectable wines. Choosing our top wine was hugely challenging as many wines towards the top of our list were well-deserving of the top honor. Matt Reynvaan continues to be one of the state’s best winemakers and crafts a truly extraordinary lineup of red and white wines. His 2016 Reyvaan Family Vineyards ‘Stoneessence Syrah’ (WWB, 97) which is a head-turning wine that shows insanely good poise, terroir and richness. This heavyhitting wine is beautiful in its youth but will continue to evolve over the next decade. I want to offer my deepest thanks for all of your support of Washington Wine Blog. I want to wish you all the absolute best during this holiday season and I hope 2019 brings you all great joy and prosperity, with beautiful wines in your glass.
1) 2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Stonessence’ Syrah
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $95 I 97 Points
The 2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Stonessence’ Syrah is a simply gorgeous effort by this storied estate. The nose is rather intoxicating with horse manure, blood orange, red cherry cola, and black tea with a touch of green olive tapenade. The minerality and freshness of the wine is simply astounding as is the wonderful mouthfeel. Wet stone, wild blackberry, Umami, and satsuma orange flavors all come together in the glass. The mouth-watering acidity makes this stunner nearly impossible to put down right now. A remarkable wine, this will cellar marvelously for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2028
2) 2015 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington I Columbia Valley I $200.00 I 98 Points
The 2015 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is the best red wine that I have sampled from this vintage in Washington. The wine was sourced from the Champoux (roughly 70% of the fruit), Palengat, Wallula and Lake Wallula Vineyards. While this has the Columbia Valley AVA on the bottle, it is primarily a Horse Heaven Hills wine. The wine shows creme de cassis, pencil lead and black tea with a touch of red cherry compote on the nose. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more pleasure. The palate is silky smooth and marvelously coats the mouth. Lightly tannic, the wine slowly unveils blueberry compote, blackberry cobbler, mocha, and creme de cassis flavors that build in the glass. The minerality, weight and overall presentation of the wine is simply astounding, as is the long and lingering black fruit and mineral driven finish. There is a seamless quality to this wine really shines through with every lingering sip. This is a truly monumental effort in a vintage that was challenging due to severe heat spikes throughout the summer growing season. Drink 2018-2035
3) 2015 HALL ‘Rainin’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California I Napa Valley I $350.00 I 99 Points
Located at the northern end of Napa Valley on Diamond Mountain, this 8 acre vineyard is located on a hillside with conifer trees. Rocky red soils set this vineyard. The ‘Rainin’ is a barrel select from this vineyard. The nose is scintillating, currently displaying Turkish coffee, creme de cassis, dusty terroir, red bell pepper and red cherry compote. The insanely good mouthfeel coats the mid-palate as the entry is insanely decadent. The texture to this wine is downright ethereal. Creme de cassis, red bell pepper, creme de cassis, sour black cherry compote, mocha and Asian spice with tea leaf flavors all impress. The seamless quality of this wine is simply amazing. This is near perfection in the bottle. Drink 2019-2045
4) 2015 Hors Categorie Syrah
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $250.00 I 98 Points
Hors Categorie translates to ‘a thing of its own’ in French. Christophe first discovered this site in 2004 as Syrah was planted on extremely steep slopes near where the north fork of the Walla Walla River meets with the Walla Walla River. Slopes are up to a 60% grade at some places. The Hors Catégorie Syrah is a stunning effort that shows a wonderful stony character with smoked meats, bulls blood, blood orange zest and red cherry candy. The silky mouthfeel is simply incredible. The range of flavors entices the senses with red cherry preserves, blood orange, bulls blood, white truffle oil, black pepper and green olive tapenade. With mouth-watering acidity and a wonderful lifted character, this is a simply stunning effort by Christophe Baron. Drink 2018-2040
5) 2015 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $90.00 I 97 Points
The ‘La Pacencia Vineyard’ was planted over the course of three years (Grenache, Syrah and Tempranillo, three acres each). This wine was aged in a combination of neutral oak and stainless steel prior to bottling. The nose is completely intoxicating with blood orange, wild strawberry, horse manure, guava puree, forest floor and black tea. The palate shows an insane range of flavors. Blood orange rind, forest floor, white truffle, red currant jelly and Umami. The saline and savory aspect of this wine makes your mouth water. Drink 2018-2028
6) 2015 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $100.00 I 97 Points
The 2015 ‘God Only Knows’ by Cayuse Vineyards is a stunning effort from this storied estate. The nose takes on some insanely impressive range, showing potpourri, white rose, white truffle, and Umami. Silky, showing an incredible mouthfeel, the wine reveals a wonderful combination of red and dark fruits. Silky smooth through the palate, there is an incredible purity of fruit with guava puree, wild blackberry, blood orange, wet stone, Umami and gobs of mouth-watering acidity. There is a wonderful combination of freshness and weight at play. A head-turner, this is best enjoyed in the last decade. Drink 2018-2028
7) 2016 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $65.00 I 95 Points
The 2016 ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay is a stunning new wine by the superstar winemaking team at Domaine Serene let by Michael Fay. The toasty oak element creeps in immediately. There is remarkable complexity aromatically with toasted hazelnut, brioche, lemon oil, and white peach. The palate shows amazing complexity and range. Mango, white peach, vanilla creme brulee, Meyer lemon zest and starfruit flavors all marvelously mingle together in the glass. The acidity and viscosity of the wine is simply incredible. Enjoy this great wine over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2018-2033
8) 2016 Delmas Syrah
Oregon I Walla Walla Valley I $70.00 I 96 Points
Following up the stunning 2015 bottling, the 2016 Delmas Syrah is a head-turning wine that takes its seat at the high table in Syrah. Sourced from the highly acclaimed SJR Vineyard, the Syrah connected with 7.25% Viognier in the co-ferment and saw limited new oak prior to bottling. Straight out of the glass, the wine exudes heady aromas of red currant jelly, cigar ash, blood orange rind, horse manure, crushed wet gravel and Asian spices. This stunning nose brings you back to the glass for more pleasure. The palate is silky smooth and seductive. Cran-pomegranate, Mandarin orange, red cherry candy, peat moss and Umami flavors round out the palate. This has incredible range, precision, purity and focus. A heavyhitter of a wine, this lifted and stunning Syrah by superstar winemaker, Billo Naravane, will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2028
9) 2014 Rasa Vineyards ‘Veritas Sequiter’ Syrah
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $95.00 I 96 Points
Weighing in at 13.5% alcohol, the 2014 ‘Veritas Sequiter’ will be released in November 2018, the wine is sourced from the famed SJR vineyard. The wine underwent 100% whole cluster fomentation and was aged in 80% new oak for 27 months prior to bottling. Distinctly Walla Walla Rocks AVA, this has bacon fat, horse manure, seaweed and Umami aromatics that bring you back to the glass for more. The palate is highly compelling and has marvelous weight and tension. The wine shows wonderful Umami, black licorice, green olive and bacon fat flavors that collide with marvelous minerality. The balance and complexity of this wine is truly amazing. Drink 2018-2030
10) 2016 Del Dotto ‘The Beast’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California I Napa Valley I $N/A I 98 Points
The 2016 Del Dotto ‘The Beast’ Cabernet Sauvignon is every bit as good as their 2015 bottling and is one of the best wines that I have sampled all year. ‘The Beast’ is a barrel selection that sources from a host of great vineyards in four different Napa Valley AVAs. Inky dark in the glass, the nose is intense and aromatically gorgeous, currently displaying a dazzling level of complexity with creme de cassis, mocha, Turkish coffee, Asian spice, anise and a touch of toasty oak. The weight and mouthfeel to this wine is simply stunning with creme de cassis, mocha, anise, black tea, leather and black cherry cordial flavors all slowly building in the glass. This is a head-turning combination of bright acidity and fruit weight on the palate that makes it nearly impossible to resist right now. Intense and lively, this has an extremely long life in the cellar. Drink 2018-2040- 98
11) 2013 MTR Productions ‘Memory Found’ Syrah
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $90 I 96 Points- The 2013 ‘Memory Found’ by superstar winemaker, Matt Reynvaan, is a head-turning and seductive new release Syrah. On the nose this shows massive range from Hoisin sauce to peat moss to wet stone and citrus rind to brandied dark cherry. Despite its age and obvious heat of the vintage, the palate is lithe and youthful, showing a wonderful tension and purity of fruit. Pipe tobacco, chocolate covered dark cherry, roasted fig, wet stone and blood orange zest with Umami flavors all marvelously combine. The salinity of the wine also adds to the discussion. Lithe, rich and showing insanely good range, this is a stunner that is best enjoyed within the next five to ten years. Drink 2018-2028
12) 2015 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $100.00 I 97 Points- The 2015 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache is a highly memorable effort that is one of the best of its kind in the state. White truffle and peat moss aromatics you immediately on the nose with earthy undertones that impress. Red fruits and citrus qualities come into the nose as well, as this shows some serious aromatic range in the glass. The palate shows striking intensity, verve and tension. The range of flavors is insanely good, as the wine unveils seductive flavors of white truffle crudo, red currant jelly, cran-orange, peat moss, wet stone and white pepper. The range of flavors makes this absolutely impossible to put down right now. This is a complete wine. Drink 2018-2028
13) 2015 La Rata Red Wine
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $75.00 I 95 Points
The 2015 ‘La Rata’ Red Wine is a blend of 54% Grenache with 26%Cabernet and 10% Syrah. Inspired by the top wines of Priorat, Elizabeth Bourcier decided to make a small tank of co-fermented Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. The name was called ‘La Rata’ based on Spanglish and the resulting red blend ended up a remarkable success. This year displays a slightly darker color than previous vintages, likely due to the addition of the Syrah. The nose takes on some stunning aromatics with horse manure, red cherry candy, guava puree, teaberry, black truffle oil and Umami. Seriously perfumed, the intoxicating bouquet brings you back to the glass for more. The texture to this wine entices and beautifully coats the mouth. The savory and saline quality to this wine is quite striking, showing charcuterie with red cherry puree, cran-guava, white truffle, and Umami flavors. A downright stunner, this gorgeous wine will cellar well over the next decade but is impossible to resist right now. Drink 2018-2028
14) 2015 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc
California I Napa Valley I $40.00 I 95 Points
2016 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc- The 2016 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc is a revelation. The nose embarks poached pear, toasty brioche and marzipan. The palate shows amazing richness and tension. Tangerine soaked pear, green bell pepper, white peach and Welches white grape juice flavors all amazingly mingle. This is a simply spectacular effort that dazzles now but will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2033
15) 2016 Big Table Farm ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $62.00 I 95 Points
The 2016 ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is another marvelous effort by Big Table Farm. They have made this wine starting with the 2011vintage. The Pinot Noir shows beautiful aromatic range on the nose from blood orange, to peat moss to guava and beautiful bing cherry. The mouthfeel is seductive as the wine shows a similarly striking range on the palate. Black fruits, red fruits, citrus rind and earthy tones all marvelously weave together in the glass, and combine with stunning tension and minerality. A long ager, this is another complete wine made by the talented team at Big Table Farm. Drink 2018-2033
16) 2014 Cardinale Red Wine
California I Napa Valley I $295.00 I 96 Points
The massive wine is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. This wine opens with a bouquet of coffee grounds, creme de cassis and dried herbs with a touch of blueberry cordial. This has a marvelous tension and weight. Creme de cassis, anise, mocha, blueberry compote and sandalwood flavors show impressively. The combination of weight and tension is marvelous here. Try to resist this gorgeous wine for at least another year. Drink 2019-2035
17) 2016 Robert Biale 'Varozza Vineyard' Zinfandel
California I Napa Valley I $52.00 I 95 Points- This historic Napa vineyard was first farmed by the Varozza family since 1913. The Zinfandel shows an intriguing translucence and starts off with cigar ash, cran-cherry, coffee ground and wild blackberry pie aromatics. I am in love with the purity of fruit here and seamless texture. Milk chocolate, crushed mint, black cherry cordial and roasted date flavors all impress. This stunning bottling is truly one of the best in California. Drink 2018-2030
18) 2016 Sleight of Hand ‘The Psychedelic’ Syrah
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $60.00 I 95 Points
The best wine in the new outstanding Sleight of Hand lineup, ‘The Psychedelic’ Syrah is a head-turning wine sourced from the esteemed Stoney Vine Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. The Syrah was aged in 25% new French oak for 16 months prior to bottling. The terroir on the nose is evident, ranging from wild blackberry to orange zest and green olive tapenade to smoked brisket and wet stone. The silky mouthfeel invites you to take the next delicious sip. There is a wonderful energy and tension to this wine as well that impresses. Blackberry pie, cigar ash, wet stone, Mandarin orange rind and Hoisin sauce all combine marvelously on the palate. Given an hour of air the flavors become even more impressive as the texture evolves to be wonderfully mouth-coating. While this is delicious now, the wine will continue to evolve over the next decade — but it is nearly impossible to resist right now. Drink 2018-2026
19) 2015 Kongsgaard Chardonnay
California I Napa Valley I $100.00 I 96 Points-
The 2015 is another absolutely sensational showing for this iconic Napa Valley Chardonnay. This opes to inviting aromatics of vanilla crème brûlée, bright lemon, brioche and freshly sliced red apples all taking shape in the glass. The palate is exceedingly plush, while maintaining wonderful tension and balance. It continues to impress with its beautifully concentrated flavors of crème brûlée, butterscotch, bananas foster and roasted pineapple, which all lead up the long, complex finish, which complete this remarkable wine. Seamless and memorable, this is another astonishing wine made by the utterly talented winemaker John Kongsgaard. Drink 2018-2030
20) 2017 L’Ecole No. 41 ’Columbia Valley’ Semillon
Washington I Columbia Valley I $18.00 I 92 Points
This has pear aromas with marzipan and toasted brioche on the nose. The palate is wonderful with mouthwatering acidity and a wonderful richness. Brioche, Japanese pear and Macadamia nut flavors all mingle nicely together in the glass. This is a simply outstanding value. Drink 2018-2024
21) 2016 Ayoub Chardonnay
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $40.00 I 94 Points
The 2016 Ayoub Chardonnay is a standout wine from this exciting vintage that throughly impresses. This immediately starts off with inviting aromatics of lemon oil, baked apple and suggestions of apricot jelly. The palate is lithe and luscious, revealing lemon merriange, banana and roasted pineapple flavors. Exotic and layered, this Chardonnay from winemaker Mo Ayoub is simply stunning. Drink 2018-2028
22) 2016 Kerloo Cellars ‘Upland Vineyard’ Grenache
Washington I Columbia Valley I $40.00 I 94 Points
The wine underwent 50% whole cluster fermentation. IT was 100% fermented in concrete. The wine shows a wonderful pretty aromatic profile with very good range. Rose petals, red cherry candy and cran-guava aromas show nicely. The palate has a silky texture and a wonderfully satisfying mouthfeel. The freshness shows beautifully as does the range of flavors from red fruits to citrus. This is just an insanely good effort that shows great tension and poise in this warm vintage. Drink 2018-2028
23) 2015 Melka Estates ‘Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California I Napa Valley I $175.00 I 97 Points
The Jumping Goat Vineyard is located in the Spring Mountain AVA near Spottswoode which was planted in the mid-1990s. This inky colored wine is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Petit Verdot that was aged for 21 months in French barrels. A glass-staining purple, this starts off with intense aromas of rose petals, creme de cassis, Turkish coffee and black olive tapenade with lighter earthy tones of damp earth. The mouthfeel is intense and highly viscous with creme de cassis, mocha, anise, sandalwood and espresso bean. The range and mouthfeel here is insanely good. This stunning wine will cellar marvelously for decades. Drink 2018-2040
24) 2015 Darioush ‘Signature’ Merlot
California I Napa Valley I $50.00 I 95 Points
The 2015 Darioush ‘Signature’ Merlot is a blend of 94% Merlot 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec all sourced from the Mt. Veeder, Oak Knoll and estate property. Everything was harvested separately and then blended before bottling.This takes on Hoisin sauce, black tea, green bell pepper and cassis on the nose. The palate is lifted and shows tremendous weight, yielding some super bright acidity. Red cherry compote, red bell pepper, wild blackberry and black tea flavors all beautifully combine. A long ager, showing some amazing range, this is a tremendous wine that will cellar well over the next two decades. This is an insanely good value here by Darioush. Drink 2018-2035
25) 2015 Tendril ‘The Pretender’ White Pinot Noir
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $75.00 I 94 Points
This unique bottling from Tony Rynders, who first brought this style of making Pinot Noir to North America, opens with an intense bouquet of candied white peach, Welches white grape juice and a touch of vanilla cream. The silky texture is refined and connects with the wonderful balance in the wine, which excites considering the heat of the vintage. Meyer lemon cream, marzipan and Pink Lady apple flavors complete this absolutely stunning wine. Enjoy this over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2018-2030
26) 2017 Cristom ‘Estate’ Pinot Gris
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $20.00 I 92 Points
This outstanding Pinot Gris shows kiwi, orange zest and wet earth aromatics. The palate has a wonderful texture and minerality, revealing starfruit, kiwi and citrus zest flavors. Downright delicious, this needs a hot summer day. The wine is a perfect match for sweet Kushi oysters and is a downright steal at this price point. Drink 2018-2024
27) 2015 Kapcsandy Family Winery ‘Grand Vin’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California I Napa Valley I $400.00 I 97 Points
The 2015 Kapcsandy ‘Grand Vin’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine by this storied estate. This wine was aged in 88% new French oak prior to bottling and utilizes a touch of Hungarian oak. The nose imparts creme de cassis, Wild blackberry and chocolate aromas. The mouthfeel is simply marvelous and coats the mid-palate. Wild blackberry pie, huckleberry compote, black tea and anise flavors all beautifully combine in the glass. The bright acidity and salinity of the wine impresses as well. A stunner, this will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Drink 2018-2040
28) 2013 Rhys Vineyards ‘Alpine Vineyard’ Chardonnay
California I Santa Cruz Mountains I $100.00 I 95 Points
Already with some bottle age, the 2013 Rhys Vineyards ‘Alpine Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a stunning rendition. The densely planted, steep sloped, ‘Alpine Vineyard,’ lies ten miles from the Pacific Ocean. This cool site is known for constant fog. The nose gathers a wonderful opulence and salinity. Smoke, ripe pear, butterscotch and salted praline aromas come to mind. Silky smooth through the palate, the wine shows wonderful intensity with Meyer lemon oil, vanilla creme brûlée and Challah bread flavors beautifully combining in the glass. The dazzling minerality here is simply astounding. A complete wine, this will cellar well for decades, but is irresistible right now. Drink 2018-2033
29) 2016 Block Wines ‘Golden Block Boushey Vineyard’ Grenache
Washington I Yakima Valley I $35.00 I 93 Points
This sexy, translucent colored wine starts off with aromas of smoke, wet rock, rose petals and citrus rind. There is really nice aromatic range here. Silky, with a gorgeous texture, the wine unveils rich red currant jelly, red raspberry, orange rind and bulls blood flavors. Almost resembling Walla Walla Rocks AVA Grenache, this stunning wine is best enjoyed in the next eight years while the brightness remains. Congrats to the talented Morgan Lee on this outstanding effort. Drink 2018-2026
30) 2015 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah
Washington I Columbia Valley I $35.00 I 93 Points
The 2015 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah was largely aged in puncheon (40% new) as it is sourced from the Lewis, Phinney Hill Vineyards as well as the Kenny Hill Vineyard. This starts off with smoked pork shoulder, blueberry compote and cocoa powder. This is truly outstanding Syrah that is drinking beautifully now but will continue to evolve well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028
31) 2015 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington I Red Mountain I $100.00 I 95 Points
A massive and decadent Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Force Majeure shows off its inky color in the glass. Needing two hours to breathe in the decanter, the wine slowly starts to unveil ultra-rich aromas of sweet pipe tobacco, creme de cassis, graphite and blackberry cobbler with dark chocolate shavings. The mouthfeel is highly viscous and smooth, delighting the senses. Creme de cassis, loganberry cordial, black forest cake and cigar box flavors all combine with mouth-watering acidity. A complete wine, this decadent treat will cellar well for decades but is completely irresistible right now. Drink 2018-2040
32) 2016 Sojourn Cellars ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
California I Sonoma County I $65.00 I 93 Points
This ruby colored Pinot starts with cherry cola and raspberry cordial aromatics that mingle with wild thyme and wet stone. The palate is silky smooth, showing ripe red cherry, guava purée and blood orange flavors. The freshness, weight and intensity of this wine is gorgeous. Enjoy this over the next decade or so. Drink 2018-2028
33) 2017 Toil Rose
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $30.00 I 93 Points
Following up the sterling 2016 Rose, the 2017 Toil Rose is another spectacular effort by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins. This shows off a beautiful orange-pink hue with rose petal, blood orange rind and a touch of honeysuckle on the nose. The mouthfeel is simply gorgeous, as the wine reveals wonderful rose water, red cherry puree, guava and cran-orange flavors. Delicate, refreshing, and downright delicious, this is up there with the best Rose wines in the northwest and is nearly impossibly to resist right now. Drink 2018-2024
34) 2014 Robert Mondavi ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California I Napa Valley I $175.00 I 97 Points
The 2014 ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Robert Mondavi Winery is a stunning wine that has a ton of cellaring potential. The wine shows incredible range of aromatics on the nose from ripe plum to spice cake to blackberry cobbler and mocha. The palate dazzles with the incredible combustion of weight, minerality and texture as the wine reveals a silky mouthfeel. The feeling of balance is amazing here as this glides through the mid-palate. Mildly tannic, this is surprisingly approachable right now. Enjoy this stunning wine one the next two plus decades. Drink 2018-2040
35) 2015 Col Solare ‘Collector’s Society’ Red Wine
Washington I Red Mountain I $100.00 I 95 Points
One of the great wines made from this estate, the 2015 Col Solare 'Collector's Society' Red Wine is a massive wine. Intensely dark, this begins with dark fruits, anise and black tea on the nose. The palate has wonderful viscosity showing blackberry compote, mocha and anise flavors. Gorgeous and layered, this is a total stunner and should cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2018-2035
36) 2015 Goldeneye ‘Gowan Creek Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
California I Anderson Valley I $85.00 I 94 Points
A southwestern facing vineyard, the Gowan Creek Vineyard is planted to a host of Pinot Noir clones. This starts off with wild mushroom and damp earth and red cherry. The palate is lithe and intense, showcasing a wonderful salinity. Dark cherry preserves, roasted dates and black raspberry cordial flavors with spice box complete this excellent bottling. Smooth and rich, this gorgeous wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2030
37) 2017 Mark Ryan ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Chardonnay
Washington I Yakima Valley I $30.00 I 93 Points
Showing off a bright hue, this begins with aromas of toasty oak, lemon zest and banana. The texture to this wine is simply marvelous as the mouthfeel entices. Vanilla cream, Pink Lady apple and bananas foster flavors all beautifully combine in the glass. This is just a stunning effort by Mark Ryan that artfully combines tension and opulence. Drink 2018-2028
38) 2015 Va Piano ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $45.00 I 93 Points
The 2015 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is an absolutely killer new wine by Justin Wylie. Blackberry jam and roasted figs with chocolate mark the seductive nose. The texture is gorgeous as the wine shows off dark fruits with mocha flavors. Drink 2018-2028
39) 2015 Doubleback ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $130.00 I 96 Points
The 2015 Doubleback ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine is a simply stunning effort from a very warm vintage in the Walla Walla Valley. Needing more than a two hour decant to fully come together, this inky and brooding in colored wine begins with heady aromatics reminiscent of cigar ash, graphite, creme de cassis, black olive tapenade and Turkish coffee. The stunning aromas bring you back to the glass for more. There is a marvelous sense of place to this wine, as the purity of fruit shines through. Black tea, blackberry pie, mocha and sagebrush accents complete this marvelous wine. With moderate to heavy tannins, this wine will cellar marvelously over the next 20 plus years. Another feather in the cap to the uber-talented Josh McDaniels. Drink 2019-2033
40) 2016 Orin Swift ‘Machete’ Red Wine
California I Napa Valley I $45.00 I 94 Points
You are immediately drawn to the highly compelling aromatics of this wine. Sweet pipe tobacco, dark chocolate molten cake, and blueberry compote aromas come to mind. Despite obviously high alcohol, this is highly poised wine as the tension shines through. Deep mocha, anise, creme de cassis and blueberry pie flavors impress. Seductive and intense, give this beauty at least a two hour decant before enjoying in its youth. Delicious now, this wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028
41) 2017 Child’s Play Rose
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $20.00 I 91 Points
Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this outstanding wine shows off red currant, red cherry and guava puree aromatics. Beautifully balanced and slightly sweet, this shows a dazzling minerality with bright red fruit flavors and a touch of orange rind towards the back end. Superstar winemaker Tony Rynders has absolutely nailed this Rose. Grab this by the case while you can. Drink 2018-2022
42) 2016 Cobb ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
California I Sonoma Coast I $75.oo I 95 Points
The Rice-Spivak vineyard, owned by Russell Rice, is a six acre vineyard located in the Sonoma Coast AVA. There is an usually large amount of volcanic ash in the vineyard soils. The 2016 ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a stunning wine that takes on very pretty aromatics with ripe plum, red cherry compote, cran-pomegranate and white truffle oil. The aromatic range is wonderful and takes you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The minerality and weight of the wine is truly outstanding, as is the strong salinity and lip-smacking acidity. Cran-pomegranate, blood orange zest, volcanic earth and peat moss flavors all show some insane range. While this is drinking marvelously right now, the wine will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Drink 2018-2033
43) 2015 Kobayashi Cabernet Franc
Washington I Yakima Valley I $75.00 I 94 Points
This outstanding new release has a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in sourced from Red Willow Vineyard, the David Lake block. Years ago Red Willow Vineyard Manager, Mike Sauer, planted an experimental block of Bordeaux varietals and this block has three Cabernet Franc clones included. The ‘David’s Block’ Cabernet Franc wine was natively fermented and the wine was hand-destemmed by friends and family and then fermented on neutral oak puncheons. There were no punchdowns or pumpovers as the wine barrels were actually spun instead. The wine was also frequently stirred prior to racking which has obviously brought out the marvelous textural elements to the wine. The wine begins with aromas of anise, creme de cassis, milk chocolate, with pretty rose water aromatics coming into play. The palate shows wonderful richness and a smooth mouthfeel, as the wine unveils ripe dark and red berry flavors with milk chocolate and silky smooth tannins. There is a wonderful seamless quality to this wine as well as an evident purity of fruit. This finishes extremely long with dark fruits and chocolate. Only 25 cases made of this incredible wine. Kudos to the uber-talented Travis Allen. Drink 2018-2028
44) 2015 Frank Family ‘Lewis Vineyard Reserve’ Chardonnay
California I Napa Valley I $75.00 I 94 Points ($75.00)- Even richer hued than their regular bottling, the 2015 Frank Family ‘Lewis Vineyard Reserve’ Chardonnay offers an fantastic aromatic range of butterscotch, toasty oak, marzipan and baking spices. Beautifully textured and ripe, this shows off roasted pineapple, banana, Pink Lady apple and nutmeg flavors alongside nice minerality. The near minute long finish is simply exceptional. Drink 2018-2028
45) 2015 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $100.00 I 94 Points
The ‘Family Reserve’ is sourced from the three estate vineyards across the Willamette Valley and rounds out this outstanding Trisaetum portfolio of wines. Needing more than an hour in the decanter to fully arouse, the wine gradually awakens, dawning black tea, Asian spice, clove and forest floor aromatics. The silky texture glides across the mid-palate, revealing peat moss, guava, black cherry compote, black olive tapenade and smoked pork flavors. The long finish delights the senses. Superstar winemaker, James Frey has absolutely nailed this warm vintage Pinot Noir. Drink 2018-2033
46) 2015 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $75.00 I 94 Points
The 2015 ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah saw 5% Viognier co-fermened into the Syrah. The nose is distinctly stony, with wet stone taking the lead, followed by black olive tapenade, horse manure, blackberry cobbler and Umami. The palate is silky smooth, showing off ripe blackberry pie, black tea, Asian spice and Umami flavors. Intense, yet showing a nice elegance, this is an exceedingly good bottling from the talented hands of superstar winemaker Richard Funk. Drink 2018-2028
47) 2015 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot
California I Napa Valley I $80.00 I 94 Points
The Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot is a stunning wine crafted by superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter. This takes on tar, mocha and anise with blackberry compote on the nose. The palate is plush, showing a marvelous texture and mouthfeel. Coffee grounds, anise, creme de cassis, red bell pepper and blackberry cobbler flavors all nicely mingle in the glass. This is a remarkable Merlot that is best enjoyed following a two plus hour decant. Drink 2018-2035
48) 2015 St. Innocent ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $40.00 I 94 Points
Sourced from the esteemed Shea Vineyard, this wine shows off a beautiful combination of red and black fruits on the nose with a touch of spicebox. Elegant and seductive, this knockout wine shows off black plum, black truffle, black cherry liquor and a touch of forest floor flavors. The range and intensity of this wine is top shelf. Drink 2018-2028
49) 2015 DuMOL ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir
California I Sonoma Valley I $40.00 I 93 Points
This outstanding Pinot Noir was sourced from 58% Dutton Ranch, 24% Hanna and 18% DuMOL Estate. This wine opens with a classic Sonoma Pinot Noir nose of cherry cola, baking spices and suggestions of orange rind. The mid-palate has a great combination of lift and astringency. Black and red fruits intermingle with spice notes and blood orange zest. Downright delicious, enjoy this outstanding wine over the next decade. Drink 2018-2027
50) 2015 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine
California I Paso Robles I $65.00 I 94 Points
The 'Espirit de Tablas' is a wonderful showing which delivers expressive aromas of red cherries, dried sage, red currant and a touch of blood orange that soar from the glass. The aromatics continue to become even show more range and expression with air contact. On the palate the astringency and poise is fantastic and sets the tone for a wonderful combination of red and dark fruits. The light, flinty quality to the wine adds to the drinking enjoyment. Dense and chewy this is a wonderful wine by Tablas Creek. Drink 2018-2030
51) 2015 Ramey ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay
California I Carneros I $65.00 I 94 Points
The 2015 Ramey ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a simply gorgeous new wine that is one of the best of its kind by superstar winemaker, David Ramey. Set on clay loam the marine influenced Hyde Vineyard has gained an international reputation for producing outstanding Chardonnay grapes. This Carneros bottling shows nutmeg, vanilla creme brulee, macadamia nut and heavy whipping cream flavors that impress. Lithe and rich, this gorgeous bottling will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2018-2033
52) 2013 Iron Horse ‘Wedding Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine
California I Sonoma Valley I $45.00 I 93
Weighing in at 13.5% alcohol this wine is a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and the remainder Chardonnay. Showing a brilliant near salmon color, the wine shows ripe pear with brioche and hints of wild strawberry that fill the nose. I love the mid-palate weight of the wine but despite the sturdy backbone this comes off remarkably refreshing. The palate shows a remarkable tension and salinity, yielding a wonderful range of flavors, from kumquat to Japanese pear to sourdough bread. Lithe and rich, this will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2030
53) 2016 Terra d’Oro ‘Deaver Vineyard’ Zinfandel
California I Amador County I $30.00 I 92 Points
Sourced from 135 year old vines, the Deaver Vineyard is one of California’s most historic vineyards. Bacon fat, Umami, candied red cherry and strawberry puree aromas fill the glass. The palate shows a silky smooth texture, as there is wonderful refinement to this outstanding Zinfandel. Balanced, with good richness, this red and dark fruit dominated wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 92
54) 2017 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc
Washington I Yakima Valley I $25.00 I 91 Points
Sourced from the Rothrock Vineyard located 855 feet above sea level with a 15% slope, this wine which underwent native yeast fermentation opens with aromatics of bright pear, starfruit and honeysuckle. The acidity is marvelous here with bright starfruit, kiwi and kumquat flavors with a touch of Pazzaz apple. More mineral driven than previous bottlings, the astringency shines through Drink 2018-2022- 91
55) 2015 Spring Valley ‘Katherine Corkrum’ Cabernet Franc
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $75.00 I 94 Points
This wine was named after Katherine Williams who came to the United States and later married Uriah Corkrum in 1897. The nose is highly herbal with lovely blue and black fruits that mingle on the nose. The palate reveals good freshness and intensity with blackberry cobbler, blueberry compote, coffee grounds and anise. Complex and downright delicious, this seductive effort is drinking marvelously now but will continue to evolve over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2018-2030
56) 2014 EFESTE ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington I Columbia Valley I $80.00 I 94 Points
Aged in 100% new French oak for 28 months this great wine is sourced from the most south-westerly vineyard in Red Mountain, right south of Upchurch Vineyard. This deep colored wine begins with aromas of mocha, creme de cassis and suggestions of black tea. The palate is both lithe and plush, showing off blackberry cobbler, crush4ed mint, black tea and anise flavors. The combination of texture and weight is awesome here. Drink 2018-2033
57) 2016 Kistler ‘Les Noisetiers’ Chardonnay
California I Sonoma Coast I $60.00 I 94 Points
Set on Gold Ridge soils, the 2016 ‘Les Noisetiers’ Chardonnay by Kistler has the lovely saline streak from the diatomaceous earth that builds on the nose alongside lighter Marcona almond and vanilla cream tones. White peach, candied grapefruit and vanilla creme brill complete the palate. The salinity and minerality of this wine is truly stunning. The near minute long finish completes this special Burgundian style Sonoma Coast bottling. Drink 2018-2030- 94
58) 2016 Ridge Vineyards ‘Estate’ Chardonnay
California I Santa Cruz Mountains I $45.00 I 93 Points
All sourced from the Monte Bello Vineyard, this starts off with aromas of butterscotch, honeysuckle and suggestions of baking spices. The palate is both rich and lithe, showing an exotic edge with roasted pineapple, creme brutes and a touch of apricot jelly. This show stopping Chardonnay will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028
59) 2015 Melville ‘Estate’ Chardonnay
California I Santa Rita Hills I $28.00 I 93 Points
The ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is a stunning new wine by Melville. The nose takes on smoky and flinty undertones with ripe tree and citrus fruits that impress. The palate has a silky mouthfeel and a rather unctuous texture. Showing good weight, salinity and viscosity the wine reveals Pink Lady apple, kumquat and nectarine flavors that all combine marvelously. A stunning new bottling, enjoy this over the next decade as tertiary notes will develop. I can imagine that this will be even better at the ten mark. Drink 2018-2028
60) 2016 Amavi Semillon
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $22.00 I 92 Points
The 2016 Amavi Semillon was largely sourced from the Les Collines Vineyard as well as the Goff and Seven Hills Vineyard. The wine was stored 100% used oak prior to bottling. This begins with aromas of butter, cut grass and wet rock with cantaloupe. The palate is lithe as the wine shows off white peach, pink grapefruit, butter and brioche flavors. The minerality is lovely as is the slightly oily texture. This is just an awesome value by Amavi Cellars. Drink 2018-2022
61) 2015 Passing Time 'Horse Heaven Hills' Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington I Columbia Valley I $75.00 I 94 Points
The 2015 'Horse Heaven Hills' Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding wine from this hot vintage in Washington. This gorgeous wine starts off with intense aromatics of red bell pepper, black currant jelly and blackberry jam. The palate is both lithe and rich, showcasing black tea, sagebrush and mocha flavors that sit alongside really good tension. Delicious and forward, this is an outstanding wine by Passing Time and superstar winemaker Chris Peterson. Drink 2018-2030
62) 2017 DeLille Cellars Rose
Washington I Columbia Valley I $30.00 I 93 Points
This Rose wine is an outstanding pre-release by DeLille Cellars. Bottled in March 2018, the wine is a blend of 53% Grenache with the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault. This pale colored Rose wine starts off with aromas of rose water, watermelon, guava puree and citrus blossom. The pretty nose brings you back to the glass for more. The palate is lithe and the texture is marvelous here. Red cherry, orange peel, red raspberry puree mark the palate. The richness to this wine and acidity shines through. This is a marvelous effort by DeLille that is truly one of the best in the state. Drink 2018-2024
63) 2016 Leonetti Cellar Merlot
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $85.00 I 95 Points
Aged for fifteen months in barrel, the wine was sourced from Mill Creek Upland, Loess and Figgins vineyards. This deep colored wine begins with a gorgeous bouquet. Dark cherry candy, mocha and creme de cassis fills the nose. There is wonderful tension int he wine as the it slowly reveals deep dark cherry, blackberry cobbler, and mocha flavors. This finishes extremely long with dark fruits and minerals. Superstar winemaker Chris Figgins has crafted another stunning release here that is up there with the best in the state. Drink 2019-2035
64) 2015 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California I Napa Valley I $100.00 I 95 Points
The 2015 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Corison is a spectacular effort in this warm vintage. Sourced from the Saint Helena AVA, the nose shows wonderful range from coffee grounds to creme de cassis to black olive and crushed mint. Lighter smoky tones round out the compelling aromatics. Once in the mouth, the wine has a wonderful sense of place. The silky mouthfeel provides spectacular balance here. Cassis, anise, black tea, and lighter blubbery compote tones with cigar ash flavors complete this spectacular wine. While it is showing marvelously right now, this will continue to evolve gracefully for decades. Drink 2018-2040- 95
65) 2015 Hartford Court ‘Fog Dance Vineyard’ Chardonnay
California I Sonoma County I $55.00 I 94 Points
The Fog Dance Vineyard has a strong influence from the Pacific Ocean and is set in the Green Valley. The wine shows a beautiful golden hue and opens with a bright bouquet of brioche, butterscotch and Meyer lemon cream. The palate has a wonderful seamless quality, with a lifted approach. Kumquat, poached pear, lemon meringue and creme brûlée flavors connect with the lovely tension. This is a stunner by Hartford Court and will continue to pick up lovely tertiary elements as it ages into the next decade. Drink 2018-2030
66) 2015 Côte Bonneville Chardonnay
Washington I Yakima Valley I $45.00 I 93 Points
The wine was aged for 17 months in French oak prior to bottling, as the wine saw extended battonage. This starts off with heady aromatics of brioche, toasty oak and butterscotch. The texture to this wine is truly outstanding. Showing nice poise the wine unveils bright pear, Pazzaz apple, starfruit and nutmeg flavors. This shows really good balance considering the heat of the vintage. Drink 2018-2028
67) 2015 Tranche ‘Estate’ Chardonnay
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $40.00 I 93 Points
The 2015 ‘Estate’ Chardonnay by Tranche is sourced from their estate owned Celilo Vineyard, known for cool climate and mineral-driven Chardonnay. A wonderful bouquet of toasty oak with marzipan and butterscotch with Pink Lady apple greets you. The palate shows good freshness and intensity yet is also highly viscous. Papaya and roasted pineapple flavors give this an exotic edge. The finish is nearly a minute long. This is an exceedingly good effort by the talented Andrew Trio. Drink 2018-2026
68) 2016 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Pinot Noir
California I Sonoma County I $75.00 I 95 Points
The 2016 ’Bob’s Ranch’ by WALT is a glorious effort. Bob’s Ranch has 50 acres of Pinot Noir are planted on this property and I am becoming a big fan of the fruit coming off this exciting estate vineyard. The wine is deeply colored and begins with intense aromas of cherry cola, sassafras, black tea and Asian spice with wet terroir. This shows an insanely good mouthfeel and texture. A downright stunner, black fruits dominate with cola character also shining brightly. Silky smooth, this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2018-2030
69) 2017 Figgins Family Wines Riesling
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $35.00 I 93 Points
The 2017 Figgins Family Wines Riesling is a dazzling bottling by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins. It is truly one of the best of its kind in the state and shows how Chris continues to have a tight grip on this varietal. Showing off a golden hue, this begins with lovely petrol aromatics with white flowers, honeydew melon and candied pineapple coming through in the glass. Once in the mouth the wine delivers vibrant minerality. White peach, lemongrass, roasted pineapple and smoky undertones on the palate complete this complex and delicious Riesling. Drink 2018-2026
70) 2014 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $80.00 I 94 Points
This lithe and mineral driven wine is another stunning wine made by the talented Veronique Drouhin. The 2014 ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir needs two hours in the decanter to slowly unveil itself. Once aroused it starts off with a bouquet of red cherry, rose petals and smoky tones. The sterling minerality really drives this wine. Black tea, white pepper, wild blackberry jelly and forest floor flavors beautifully mingle. Distinctly Dundee Hills, the terroir adds to the complexity of this thrilling Pinot Noir. Try to resist this wine for at least another year. Drink 2019-2035
71) 2014 Hyde Vineyards Pinot Noir
California I Carneros I $50.00 I 94 Points
Showing off a really nice, dark core, the 2014 Hyde Vineyards Pinot Noir begins with a bright aromatic profile of nutmeg, cigar shavings, black cherry and wild mushroom. The salinity and mouthfeel of this wine is seriously good as the lip-smacking acidity brings you back to the glass for more. Black and red fruits dance with a touch of citrus rind and earthy tones. A complete wine, this gorgeous Pinot Noir will cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2017-2033- 94
72) 2014 Kontos Cellars ‘Alatus’ Red Wine
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $65.00 I 93 Points
The ‘Alatus’ is named after the famed sailboat that the Kontos brothers’ grandfather owned. The wine is a proprietary blend that is Cabernet and Merlot dominant.This year is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 17% Malbec. This gorgeous wine begins with creme de cassis, anise, blackberry cobbler and black olive aromas. The wine has marvelous tension and poise showing black tea, Asian spice, leather and creme de cassis with coffee ground flavors. Layered and polished this is downright delicious wine. Drink 2018-2030- 93
73) 2014 Den Hoed ‘Andreas’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington I Columbia Valley I $75.00 I 94 Points
The 2014 ‘Andreas’ by Den Hoed is sourced from the esteemed Wallula Vineyard. This shows off beautiful floral notes on the nose with dark fruits and chocolate all marvelously building in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, as this glides through the mid-palate. Black Forest cake, roasted fig, toffee and black tea flavors all combine to create a stunning Cabernet bottling. The combination of mid-palate richness and smoothness creates a wonderful effect. Drink 2018-2033
74) 2014 Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California I Napa Valley I $450.00 I 97 Points
The 2014 Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a tour de force in Napa wine. The wine is a barrel selection blend of the three Hundred Acre single vineyards. The ‘Wraith’ starts off with a hugely compelling nose of mocha, creme de cassis, black olive tapenade and smoky undertones. Once in the mouth, there is serious viscosity as the silky wine glides through the mid-palate. Cigar ash, Black Forest cake, creme de cassis and Turkish coffee flavors all beautifully amalgamate. Lightly tannic, his is thrilling Cabernet Sauvignon that is best enjoyed after a few more years of bottle age. Drink 2020-2045
75) 2015 Lingua Franca ‘Mimi’s Mind’ Pinot Noir
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $75.00 I 94 Points
Named after the vineyard manager, the wine is Sourced from ten year old vines in the Eola-Amity Hills the wine begins with a nice herbaceousness and forest floor accents with dark fruits on the nose. The palate shows a good salinity with wild blackberry, orange zest and black tea flavors. This has wonderful length and richness. Drink 2018-2033
76) 2015 Yao Family Wines ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California I Napa Valley I $85.00 I 93 Points
The 2015 Yao Ming ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a silky blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, all aged in 100% French oak (65% new) for 18 months. Once in the glass the wine begins to slowly unveil creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, tar and spicebox aromatics that impress. The palate is silky smooth, delivering a really good combination of tension and mouthfeel. Black fruits dance with licorice and allspice flavors on the palate. Seductive, yet mineral driven, this will cellar marvelously over the next two decades. Drink 2018-2035
77) 2015 Sea Smoke ‘Southing’ Pinot Noir
California I Santa Barbara County I $75.00. I 93 Points
The ‘Southing’ by Sea Smoke is an outstanding new effort sourced from their south facing estate vineyard. Once opened, this beautiful Pinot Noir needs more than an hour decant to fully develop. Once aroused the nose evokes really range from blood orange to smoky tones to red cherry preserves. The palate reveals a velvety texture and a soft mouthfeel. Gobs of mouth-watering acidity great you and connect with a strong salinity as the salty terroir here is brilliant. Black cherry cola, mulberry, black tea and Asian spice flavors all parade together in the mouth. This is seriously delicious right now but the Pinot Noir will age gracefully for at least another decade. Drink 2018-2030
78) 2015 Brewer-Clifton ‘Machado’ Pinot Noir
California I Santa Barbara County I $75.00 I 95 Points
The 2015 Brewer-Clifton ‘Machado’ Pinot Noir is a simply sensational effort from this storied property. A saline whiff comes connected with the delightful feminine aromatics of rose petals and red cherry candy on the nose. Substantial on the palate, with a gorgeous salinity, the wine shows wonderful poise, richness and terroir. A long aged, this has the stuffing to cellar over the next fifteen years. Drink 2018-2033
79) 2017 Gard ‘Freyja’ White Wine
Washington I Columbia Valley I $16.00 I 91 Points
This shows off deeply perfumed aromas of lychee, lemongrass and cantaloupe on the nose. The palate has a wonderful freshness as the wine reveals bright pear, kumquat, and green papaya flavors that give this an exotic edge. This is just a stunning value by Gard. Drink 2018-2022
80) 2014 Purple Star Syrah
Washington I Columbia Valley I $20.00 I 90 Points
Kyle Johnson crafts this deeply colored wine was sourced from the Columbia Valley AVA.The nose is really lovely with dark fruits and a touch of milk chocolate creating a lovely bouquet. Decadent and rich, this showcases lovely dark fruits with dark chocolate cake and nutmeg flavors that connect with the good tension. The is really good stuff considering the price. Drink 2018-2024
81) 2015 W.T. Vintners ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $40.00 I 93 Points
One of the great values at 40 dollars, the 2015 Stoney Vine Vineyard shows a bright bouquet of hoisin sauce, blood orange zest, wild mushroom, and red cherry purée. The palate shows wonderful intensity and freshness with citrus rind, white truffle, red raspberry cordial and peat moss. The range here is insanely good. Drink 2018-2028
82) 2016 Rotie Cellars ‘Northern Blend’ Red Wine
Washington I Columbia Valley I $40.00 I 94 Points
The 2015 ‘Northern Blend’ by superstar winemaker Sean Boyd shows a plethora of aromatics including Asian spice, cigar box, lychee and damp earth with lighter wet stone tones. The hedonistic character on the nose brings you back to the glass for more. The palate is both lithe and rich, showing a marvelous texture that coats the mid-palate. Umami, Hoisin sauce, cigar ash and blackberry cobbler flavors beautifully mingle in the glass. Seductive, with marvelous tension, this is a stunning wine by Rotie Cellars. Drink 2018-2028
83) 2015 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ’S.L.V.’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California I Napa Valley I $175.00 I 95 Points
The 2015 ‘SLV’ by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is an incredible new release that is amongst the best that I’ve had from this storied estate. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine was aged in 95% French oak for 21 months prior to bottling. Upon arousal the seductive nose shows beautiful sandalwood, mocha, anise and creme de cassis aromas. The mouthfeel and texture to this wine is simply fabulous. Flavors of blueberry compote, blackberry cobbler, mocha and anise impress. Delicious now this is Cabernet Sauvignon that will have a long life. Drink 2018-2033
84) 2016 Ardor Cellars ‘Quarternarium’ Syrah
Washington I Columbia Valley I $75.00 I 94 Points
The 2016 Ardor Cellars ‘Quarternarium’ Syrah is up there with the best that I have seen from this estate. This great wine was aged for 19 months in French oak prior to bottling. This shows wonderful aromatics that show some serious range. Milk chocolate, smoked brisket, black tea and anise come to mind. The palate shows really good range with black tea, crushed mint, smoked pork shoulder and a touch of stony terroir. This is seriously good. Drink 2018-2028
85) 2016 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir
Oregon I Willamette Valley I $75.00 I 94 Points
The 2016 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir follows up a line of exceedingly good ‘Nuthouse’ bottlings from this estate. This rendition is every bit as good as any ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir that I have sampled in the past fifteen years. Needing a one hour decant, this shows beautiful range on the nose, from cran-cherry to forest floor to cigar ash. Once in the mouth this wine reveals a gorgeous texture that glides through the mid-palate. Sour cherry, boysenberry cordial, peat moss and a touch of milk chocolate flavors all complete this beautiful, complex Pinot Noir. Drink 2018-2033
86) 2011 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine
California I Carneros I $110.00 I 94 Points
The 2011 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ comes from a cold vintage that saw a very cool summer. Now seven years of age, this golden hued sparkling wine begins with brioche, wild mushroom and Pink Lady apple. This shows a nice astringency on the palate with wonderful weight, poise and texture. This outstanding wine shows a range of citrus and tree fruit flavors that entice and create some mouth-watering acidity. The long cream and mineral driven finish lingers. This is a show-stopping sparkling wine. Drink 2018-2033
87) 2017 Lauren Ashton Riesling
Washington I Columbia Valley I $22.00 I 92 Points
This bright colored Riesling starts off with a bouquet of white grapefruit, Granny Smith apple and cut grass with a touch of wet stone. Tree and citrus fruit flavors fill the palate. The texture to this wine is silky smooth, as is the finish that rounds out this wine marvelously. This is just an exceptional effort by superstar winemaker Dr. Kit Singh. Drink 2018-2024
88) 2017 Woodward Canyon ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay
Washington I $42.00 I 93 Points
Woodward Canyon has gained a national reputation for producing high quality Chardonnay. This great new release, the 2017 Woodward Canyon ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay, is sourced from a host of great vineyards across the state. The wine was aged in a small percentage of new French oak prior to bottling. Ironically the wine was bottled on my birthday in May, 2018. The nose takes on a ton of appeal with roasted pineapple, toasty oak, Pink Lady apple and brioche aromatics. The palate shows a wonderful tension, astringency and richness. Gravenstein apple, brioche, and Meyer lemon creme brûlée flavors all strut their stuff in the glass. This is a gorgeous wine that has some good cellaring potential. Drink 2018-2028
90) 2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Canoe Ridge Estate’ Chardonnay
Washington I Columbia Valley I $20.00 I 92 Points
This is a terrific effort by Chateau Ste. Michelle. The wine shows bright pear and vanilla creme brûlée on the nose. The palate shows a wonderful viscosity. Ripe pineapple, vanilla creme brûlée and white peach with butterscotch flavors all impress. Enjoy this over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028
91) 2017 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc
Washington I Columbia Valley I $20.00 I 91 Points
The nose is reminiscent of pear, gooseberry and freshly cut grass. The palate has a wonderful texture and a lithe mineraity with poached pear, starfruit and vanilla cream towards the back end. This is just a stunning value. Drink 2018-2023
92) 2016 La Chanterelle Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington I Columbia Valley I $35.00 I 93 Points
Sourced from the Riverbend Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA, this excellent wine shows great terroir with sagebrush, black tea, chocolate covered cherry and roasted figs. The palate shows really good viscosity and lift. Creme de cassis mocha, sweet pipe tobacco, blackberry cobbler and sagebrush flavors all impress. Seriously good, this decadent treat will cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2018-2030
93) 2017 SoDo Cellars ‘Love Birds’ Rose
Washington I Columbia Valley I $15.00 I 90 Points
Ryan Crane crafts this great value Rose which was first aged in stainless and then transferred to neutral oak barrels for five months to age. The wine shows marvelously with beautiful red fruits and a touch of bright citrus rind flavors rounding out this awesome value Rose. Drink 2018-2022
94) 2015 Bergevin Lane ‘Linen’ Red Wine
Washington I Columbia Valley I $15.00 I 90 Points
The 2015 ‘Linen’ is a blend of largely Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec all sourced from the Columbia Valley that was aged for 19 months in neutral oak prior to bottling. Blackberry cobbler, black tea and smoke fill the nose. The palate has a seriously good texture as the toasty oak wraps around dark fruit and chocolate flavors. This is seriously good for the price. Already quite evolved, enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2018-2022
95) 2015 Groth ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California I Napa Valley I $150.00 I 94 Points
The 2015 Groth ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine from this storied Napa estate. On the nose there are copious dark fruits with dark chocolate shavings and damp earth undertones that connect the fruit with the terroir. In the mouth the wine reveals a gorgeous, rich mouthfeel and a really nice viscosity. The combination of viscosity and tension excites the senses. Mocha, creme de cassis and anise with cigar box flavors all beautifully come together in the glass. A stunning effort, give this a two plus hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2019-2040
96) 2014 Pepper Bridge ‘Trine’ Red Wine
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $75.00 I 93 Points
The 2014 ‘Trine’ by Pepper Bridge is a compelling blend of 37% Cabernet Franc, and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder lesser parts Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The wine has been bottled since March 2016 and starts off with red currant jelly, cigar ash and blackberry pie aromas. The palate shows wonderful poise and balance. Delicious red and dark fruit flavors mingle with chocolate and sagebrush undertones. Inviting and downright delicious now, this gorgeous wine will cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2018-2030
97) 2015 K Vintners ‘King Coal’ Red Wine
Washington I Columbia Valley I $100.00 I 94 Points
A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Syrah all sourced from the Northridge Vineyard, this starts off with blackberry pie, crushed mint, black olive and black cherry cordial. The mouthfeel is decadent with blackberry liquor, coffee grounds, sagebrush and black cherry preserves. Rich and decadent this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2018-2028
98) 2015 The Royal Bull ‘Royal Bull($#!+) Red Wine
Washington I Columbia Valley I $65.00 I 93 Points
The wine is sourced from the Lawrence and Stoneridge Vineyards, a blend of Tempranillo and Grenache. The 2015 Syrah starts with aromas of black tea, smoked brisket, black olive tapenade and wet rock. The palate shows a sexy mouthfeel and wonderful richness with red fruits and citrus rind shining through with earthy and smoky tones. Only 201 cases made of this great wine. Drink 2018-2028
99) 2017 Baer ‘Shard’ Chardonnay
Washington I Columbia Valley I $25.00 I 92 Points
The 2017 ‘Shard’ by superstar winemaker Erica Orr shows really good aromatic range from sourdough bread to kiwi to vanilla creme brulee. The palate shows really good brightness and richness with vanilla cream, Pazzaz apple and kiwi with nutmeg accents. This is seriously good and shows wonderful intensity. Enjoy this in the short-term while the bright minerality remains. Drink 2018-2024
100) 2016 Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc
California I Napa Valley I $25.00 I 91 Points
The 2016 Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc is a really good effort in this warm vintage. The nose starts off with wonderful gooseberry and candied grapefruit aromas that build in the glass. The rich texture here shines, with cantaloupe, pear and Gravensteins apple flavors following. Showing good tension, this is an outstanding effort that needs a hot summer day. Drink 2018-2022
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