I’ll admit that I was pretty excited when the 2012 Washington red wines were finally released. Coming out of the challenges that occurred in 2010 and 2011 there was a massive buzz in the Washington wine community about 2012. I think some producers might proudly proclaim 2012 the best in state history. After revising many great wines of the vintage I think that 2012 was a really great vintage that stands tall amongst the best in the past 20 years. 2002 and 2005 are also really beautiful vintages that I have witnessed — wines that are typically a bit richer than wines from 2012. A common vein between 2002, 2005 and 2012 is that so many producers from these years that I have sampled made great wines. 2012 achieved great successes regardless of regions, from cooler climate Yakima Valley wines or stony Syrahs of the Walla Walla Valley.
Wines made in 2012 gear slightly more towards acidity than 2002 and 2005 as I see 2012 as a hybrid between 2008 and 2005. For those who love balanced red wines that show a good core of fruits, this is a near perfect vintage for you. For those seeking a more hedonistic side of Washington, this may not satisfy you as much as red wines made in 2013, 2014 or 2016.
I hand selected many of the producers for this retrospective tasting and was very pleased with the consistency of wines across the board. In terms of value, you would be hard pressed to find a wine with a better price point than the fifteen dollar retail 2012 Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 90) which is a wine that punches above its weight class. This wine still has another five years to go. Dunham Cellars produced a beautiful 2012 ‘Trutina’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which is silky, elegant and right at its peak now. Similarly the 2012 Kerloo Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah (OB, 92) is soft and generous, showing a soft texture and delivering amazing value as many Kerloo wines do.
There were many top class wines produced in 2012. The 2012 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) makes its case for the wine of the vintage with its pillowy mouthfeel and deep core of dark fruits. Christophe Baron hit a home run with his bevy of terroir-driven Syrah and Grenache wines. A world-class bottling that I have been fortunate to sample several times over the past year, the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Grenache (OB, 99) is novel, complex and downright delicious wine that flirts with perfection. I was blown away with the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah (OB, 98) which is rich, dense and hedonistic Syrah that shows a downright ethereal texture.
Christophe’s horses ride on parade in this retrospective, dazzling with the 2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 98) and the 2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 98) which are monumental wines from 2012. There were so many beautiful wines that impressed including true heavyhitters crafted by Andrew Will, Avennia, Corliss, Delmas, DeLille Cellars, Leonetti Cellar, Long Shadows, MTR Productions, No Girls, and Reynvaan Family Vineyards. 2012 was a monumental vintage in Washington and cheers to the incredible success that our great state shares in 2020.
2012 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Deep, dark and rich, the 2012 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a striking example from this enticing vintage. The nose is beautifully perfumed with dark currants that mingle with exotic spices, mocha, tar and sagebrush undertones. The palate is fresh and elegant with medium to full-bodied dark fruits that mingle with cocoa powder, fresh sage, tobacco leaf and espresso bean flavors. Showing wonderful minerality and weight, this outstanding 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy another decade or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 94
2012 Andrew Will ‘Sorella’ Red Wine-Entirely sourced from the famed ‘Champoux Vineyard’ this rich yet elegant wine is a seamless blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc. Highly perfumed, the beautiful floral aromatic tones catch your eye, with cassis, graphite, anise and dark chocolate shavings all singing in unison. The palate is incredibly balanced with its soft, pillowy texture. Layers of blackberry compote, sandalwood, anise and dried herbs all connect with minerals and chocolate tones of the wine. A light veil of salinity falls upon the core of dark fruits, further creating a mouth-watering effect. Long and seamless, the 2012 ‘Sorella’ is seriously good right now at the eight year mark and has a decade or more to go. Drink 2020-2032- 95
2012 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine- I absolutely adore the 2012 ‘Justine’ a complex, balanced yet dense blend of mostly Mourvedre, with Syrah and Grenache, this shows gorgeous florals and rich dark fruits with garrigue aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows the dense, smoky tones from Mourvedre (49%). Ripe dark figs and blackberry compote with chocolate and rich underbrush all collide nicely. The length really impresses. This still has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2028- 94
2012 Avennia ‘Gravura’ Red Wine- A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a touch Cabernet Franc, this shows red bell pepper with loads of dark fruits and sagebrush tones on the nose. The palate shows good freshness even at the eight year mark. Layers of dense dark fruits and chocolate mingle with sagebrush tones on the palate. The length is generous, as this silky red blend will cellar well over the next five plus years. Drink 2020-2027- 92
2012 Avennia ‘Sestina’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Sestina’ is a sensational blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The florals here with violets and purple rose really impress as cassis, mocha and anise all impress on the nose. Silky smooth on the palate, the mouthfeel here is nothing short of incredible. Layers of pretty dark fruits with chocolate fudge, coffee grounds and violets. The length really impresses. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2032- 95
2012 Betz Family Winery ‘Le Parrain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Ceil du Cheval, Kiona, Heart of the Hill Vineyards, the 2012 ‘Le Parrain’ shows sagebrush and wild blackberry cobbler on the nose with shades of creosote. The palate has great freshness and verve with a silky texture. Bright dark fruits collide with minerals and espresso bean tones, with firm tannins that line this beautiful wine. Finishing its stride with great length, this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2012 Betz Family Winery ‘Pere de Famille’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2012 ‘Pere de Famille’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a sensational wine from this outstanding vintage. Violet rose petals and sweet pipe tobacco tones are woven together with chocolate covered kirsch and coffee ground aromatics that all sing in unison. The palate shows off a seamless texture and great verve, with bright acidity. Medium to full-bodied wild blackberry and Black Forest Cake tones mingle with fresh sage and minerals on the palate. This finishes long with minerals and dark fruits, as this beautiful wine has another decade or more to go. Drink 2020-2032- 93
2012 Cayuse Vineyards Viognier- Stony and salty once on the nose, the gorgeous 2012 Cayuse Vineyards Viognier shows pink grapefruit blossom and white peach tones that combine with shades of honeysuckle that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant yet shows its unctuous side with a velvety texture. With more air the wine becomes even more irresistible and complex, with its bright orchard fruits, melon, starfruit and papaya tones. Best enjoyed on the warmer side, this is one of a kind stuff from legendary vigneron Christophe Baron. Drink 2020-2027- 95
2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Grenache- I have had the good fortune to try this stunning wine several times over the past two years. The 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine borders on ethereal now at eight years of age. Sourced from the ‘Armada Vineyard’ this thrilling joyride begins with pretty red rose petals and orange blossom tones that combine with charcuterie, green olive, bacon fat and exotic spices that all sing in unison. The palate shows good weight and balance with its pillowy texture. Emotions are awoken with the incredible combination of flavor range and length here, as this wine continues on seemingly forever. The stony character and salty undertones add to the drinking enjoyment as the 2012 ‘God Only Knows’ is absolutely singing now and has another eight to ten of drinking enjoyment ahead of it. Quite simply, this is new world Grenache at its finest, in my mind only rivaling Sine Qua Non. Drink 2020-2028- 99
2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah opens with wonderful wet stone and Umami tones that combine with shades of pork rilette and Satsuma orange zest with bulls blood that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a seamless texture. Bright red fruits march on with Umami, bacon fat, cigar ash, kumquat rind and shades of salted meats on the palate. The length and seamless texture is truly outstanding here. Generous but weightless, this is a stunning achievement from this great vintage. Drink 2020-2028- 96
2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah is a gorgeous example of Syrah from this stony terroir. Right away the core of dark fruits connect momentum with dried Provencale herbs, wet stone and salted meats with Umami tones on this complex bouquet. The palate has great length and freshness with tremendous verve. Layers of bright red fruits mingle with citrus rind, salted summer sausage, and Kalmata olive tones on the palate. Exceedingly gratifying with its weight, yet not heavy, this gorgeous 2012 Syrah will show well for at least another eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 96
2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Syrah- I am totally blown away by the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Syrah. You can almost smell the eye-catching freshness and verve that runs through this wine as saline drenched meats combine with wet stone and loads of Umami tones with middle-eastern spices on this exotic bouquet. The palate is remarkably fresh, showing a vibrant sense of mineralty. Lighter dark raspberry tones combine with smoked brisket and charcuterie with Spanish green olives and wet stone on the palate. Complex and novel, this is quite different than the other ‘Cru’ Syrah botltings but is every bit as good. The finesse here suggests another eight years, or maybe more. Drink 2020-2028- 96
2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah Special #4’ Syrah (1.5L)- A blend of several vineyards, it has now been several years since I have visited the epic 2012 ‘Wallah Wallah Special #4’ by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. The nose is highly complex, ranging from Umami and bacon fat tones to cinnamon and clove infused red fruits, to wet stone and green olive tapenade that all parade on point. The exotic range displayed on the nose brings you back to more hedonistic pleasure. The palate is fresh, plush and downright sexy. Bacon fat and Umami tones collide with minerals, smoked pork shoulder, cigar ash and a marvelous saline steak. The generous length provides the resounding crescendo here, as the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah Special #4’ Syrah is utterly sensational wine that has another decade or more of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 97
2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Syrah- The only Syrah to be co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier (5%), the gorgeous 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Syrah is shining brightly at the eight year mark. The high-toned white grapefruit blossom aromatics from the Viognier artfully combine with shades of anise, salted pork pate and green peppercorns that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh, vibrant and downright seamless. Layers of huckleberry compote collide with minerals, smoked lamb, bulls blood, green olives and wet stone on the palate, with underlying orange blossoms rounding out this insanely good flavor range. Long and generous, with great elegance and finesse, the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah is a stunning wine that still has long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 97
2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah- This is now the second time in the past year that I have been able to sample the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah. Wild blackberry compote and Umami tones combine with green olives and Hoisin sauce with smoked duck on the nose. The gorgeous aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Once on the palate the seamless texture really impresses. Layers of roasted figs and boysenberry collide with minerals, lemon rind, smoked brisket, milk chocolate and dried sage with a light dusting of white pepper on this complex palate. This is extremely complex and delicious Syrah to sit and deconstruct. Either way, if you are sitting with this wine, consider yourself very lucky. Still fresh and vibrant, with good weight, the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah will enjoy at least another eight years ahead of it. But why wait? Drink 2020-2028- 98
2012 Cayuse ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo- Entirely sourced from the ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ the 2012 ‘Impulsivo’ is an incredible, one of a kind wine. The Hoisin sauce tones really entice aromatically, as smoked duck, creosote and red cherry candy mingle with shades of Kalmata olive on this complex, mesmerizing bouquet. The palate is fresh, showing a vibrant sense of minerality. This has a great core of dark fruits but is wonderfully nuanced. Layers of salted meats, cran-orange, smoky minerals and wet stone all add to the drinking experience. A complete wine, this is new world Tempranillo at its finest. While remarkable at the eight year mark, this still has a lot of life left. Drink 2020-2028- 97
2012 Cayuse ‘The Flying Pig’ Red Wine- The awesome 2012 ‘The Flying Pig’ is a gorgeous right bank style blend of 40% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc with the reminder Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate shows incredible tension with salty undertones that mingle with the smoked meats, guava puree, lemon rind and baking spices. The combination of length and mouthfeel is particularly gratifying as this fantastic, one of a kind blend has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 95
2012 Cayuse ‘Camaspelo’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Camaspelo’ is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (84%) with the remainder Merlot. The nose shows salted meats with dark cherries and orange rind with wet stone tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great acidity. Ripe dark fruits collide with minerals and savory undertones on the palate, with wet stone accents. Delicious now, this has another eight years or more to go. Drink 2020-2028- 94
2012 Cayuse ‘The Lovers’ Red Wine- Every bit outstanding, the 2012 ‘The Lovers’ is a sensational blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Syrah by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. Once on the nose this takes on layers of Umami, boysenberry puree, charcuterie and damp gravel that all meld in the glass. The palate has really nice viscosity and tension, as layers of dark fruits meld with Mandarin orange rind, cigar ash, and exotic spices with wet stone undertones. Complex and delicious to enjoy now, the 2012 ‘The Lovers’ has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 94
2012 Cayuse ‘The Widowmaker’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Entirely comprised of ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon the 2012 ‘The Widowmaker’ is a gorgeous wine that has incredible finesse and tension. Bright and medium-bodied, the wine yields layers of black fruits that mingle with milk chocolate, Umami and wet stone tones. The vibrant acidity and wonderful gratifying length add to the experience. Gorgeous now at the eight year mark, this has another eight plus years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 94
2012 Col Solare Red Wine- The 2012 Col Solare Red Wine is absolutely singing in its silky State now at the eight year mark. Following a two hour decant the wine shows marvelous graphite, and anise aromas, followed by tones of tar and milk chocolate that all melded brilliantly in the glass. The palate showed really good viscosity and depth with a pillowy texture. Brandy soaked cherries, pipe tobacco, blackberry compote and cocoa powder with sagebrush accents all collide on the palate. The long, dark fruit and mineral-driven finish completes this stunning wine. A long-ager, this glorious Col Solare is truly hitting its stride and has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 94
2012 Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Shades of sagebrush and black currants mingle with chocolate tones on the nose. The palate is fresh and well-balanced. Layers of dark fruits mingle with cocoa powder, baking spices and minerals on the palate. This won’t improve but is an awesome value that is impressing at the eight year mark. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2012 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon- Very classic and elegant, the 2012 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon is a spectacular offering by superstar Aussie winemaker Andrew Trio. Once on the nose you are greeted by heady cassis and anise tones that combine with sagebrush and crushed mint, with blackberry cordial tones that all sing in the glass. The palate is soft and plush, offerings a seamless texture. Highly elegant and gratifying, the length and viscosity with its core of dark fruits and chocolate covered espresso bean tones, makes this really gratifying to savor now at the eight year mark. A long-ager, the 2012 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 95
2012 Côte Bonneville ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Red Wine- I have always admired how Côte Bonneville ages their wines. Now released after eight years, the 2012 Côte Bonneville ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Red Wine is a masterclass by Kerry Shiels. A blend 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, this opens with cloves and herbal undertones that mingle with black currants, coffee grounds and boysenberry cordial on this fantastic nose. The palate is deep and gratifying with its soft texture and tremendous sense of mouthfeel. A light veil of salinity falls on the core of dark fruits with chocolate covered espresso bean and pipe tobacco tones on the palate. With great length and elegance, this beautiful wine will have a long life ahead of it in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 94
2012 Delmas Syrah- It has now been several years since I have visited the 2012 Delmas Syrah, co-fermented with higher percentage of Viognier, 7.5%. This was also the first vintage that they elected not to include any estate Grenache to the blend. The tertiary aromatic notes really arouse with wild mushroom, forest floor and candied strawberry with shades of bulls blood and charcuterie that all take center stage. The texture is absolutely stunning as layers of wild strawberry and red cherry candy collide with minerals, wet stone, Umami and Hoisin sauce on the palate. The length and elegance of this wine is really refined, as the 2012 Delmas Syrah is really peaking now. Drink 2020-2025- 95
2012 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘D2’ Red Wine is gorgeous showing that still has a lot of life ahead of it. Once on the nose this shows lovely tar and red cherry tones that mingle with shades of mocha that all meld in the glass. The palate is nicely concentrated with a good core of dark fruits. Showing good finesse, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2026- 92
2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine is absolutely singing at eight years of age. Aged for 20 months in oak, this shows red cherry candy and coffee grounds with wild blackberry and red rose petals on this great bouquet. The youthful feeling mid-palate is quite impressive. Showing gorgeous length, with a great core of dark currants, wild blackberry preserves, mocha and tar, this glorious red blend will cellar well over the next ten years. But why wait? Drink 2020-2028- 94
2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Red Wine- The 2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Red Wine is a gorgeous effort crafted by legendary Washington winemaker Chris Upchurch that is absolutely singing at this stage in its development. Dense volcanic terroir and sagebrush tones combine with the core of dark fruits on this evocative nose. The palate is silky smooth and highly elegant, with an extremely long finish. Coffee grounds, creosote, dark currants and sandalwood tones all impress on the palate. Enjoy this gorgeous effort over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 95
2012 Den Hoed ‘Marie’s View’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Densely colored once in the glass, the ‘Marie’s View’ leads with sagebrush, tar, red bell pepper, mocha and creme de cassis tones on the nose. The palate mirrors the nose with creme de casiss, anise and mocha with creosote tones and minerals on the palate. Nicely cocentrated, with a great acid backbone, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2020-2032- 93
2012 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon- It has now been several years since I have visited the beautiful 2012 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon — nothing short of a masterpiece by superstar winemaker (not NFL coach) Josh McDaniels. A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller portions Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot the Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 20 months in 83% new French oak prior to bottling. A whiff of sagebrush and creosote combine with dark currants, blackberry pie and shades of sandalwood on this expressive bouquet. Once on the mouth, this deftly glides across the mid-palate, creating a seamless effect. Layers of kirsch cordial and creme de cassis, tar and menthol all brilliantly combine in unison on the palate. With great length and weight, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 95
2012 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine- A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon with 38% Merlot and small portions Malbec Syrah and Petit Verdot. The herbal tones are really nice as sage and thyme combine with wild blackberries and shades of milk chocolate on the nose. The palate is wonderfully balanced and elegant with layers of dark fruits and chocolate that combine with the seamless texture. I think this is really at its peak. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2012 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine was aged in largely new French oak (75%) before bottling. The palate is extremely elegant, showing a great combination of verve and weight with a soft, pillowy texture. Suggestions of sagebrush meld with black currants, exotic spices and coffee ground flavors. While great to savor right now, this beautiful eight year old Cabernet Sauvignon has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2012 Dusted Valley Malbec- The 2012 Dusted Valley Malbec shows ripe dark figs with mocha and shades of Black Forest cake on this exotic bouquet. The palate is dense, chewy and downright delicious. Layers of rich dark fruits meld with chocolate and Turkish coffee tones on the palate. This is seriously good stuff now as the 2012 Dusted Valley Malbec will cellar well over the next eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2012 Dusted Valley ‘Stained Tooth Alice’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Stained Tooth Alice’ is a blend of mostly Grenache and Mourvedre with a touch of Petite Sirah blended in. The high aromatic tones from the Grenache really entice with pretty guava and red rose petals alongside the smoky and underbrush tones from the Mourvedre on the nose. The mouthfeel is really nice here as layers of bright red and dark fruits mingle with smoked meats and dried herbs on this complex palate. The combination of balance and weight really makes this sing. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2012 Dusted Valley ‘Stone Tree Vineyard’ Petite Sirah- Always a one of a kind wine, the 2012 Dusted Valley ‘Stone Tree Vineyard’ Petite Sirah is a sensational wine now at the eight year mark. Ripe blueberries and smoky tones fill the nose with suggestions of black tea. The palate is dense, fresh and delicious with ripe dark and blue fruits alongside minerals and chocolate undertones. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2012 FIGGINS Red Wine- It has now been several years since I have visited the 2012 Red Wine by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins. The wine is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that was aged for 22 months in 70% new French oak before bottling. A whiff of green bell pepper from the Petite Verdot catches your eye, as layers of rich dark fruits and chocolate fudge tones all meld in the glass. The palate is fresh, vibrant and highly Bordelaise. Ripe dark currants meld with chocolate, blackberry cobbler and sagebrush tones. With great finesse and tension, the 2012 Figgins Red Wine has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2033- 94
2012 Gramercy Cellars ‘L’Idiot Du Village’ Mourvedre- Making their case for the best Mourvedre in Washinton State, the 2012 Gramercy Cellars ‘L’Idiot du Village’ Mourvedre is shining brightly after some age. The core of pretty red fruits entice with lemon rind, smoked pork shoulder and creosote tones all taking shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and elegant, now showing some tertiary tones with wild mushroom and damp earth that combine with suggestions of huckleberry, salted meats and green peppercorns. The aromatic and flavor range here is sensational. I don’t see this getting any better, so drink in the near future. Drink 2020-2025- 93
2012 Gramercy Cellars ‘John Lewis’ Syrah- It has now been several years since I have visited this 2012 bottling and this complex Syrah does not disappoint at eight years of age. A blend of fruit sourced from the SJR, Les Collines and Red Willow Vineyards, I adore the Umami and stony tones from the Rocks, as pretty red rose petals and herbal undertones round out this complex and downright incredible bouquet. The palate is seamless, creating a silky mouthfeel that is utterly sensational. A light salinity shines throughout as bright Bing cherry, charcuterie, green olive tapenade, dried Provencale herbs and Umami flavors all marvelously combine on this complex palate. The combination of freshness, weight, range and texture is downright thrilling. A true heavyhitter, the 2012 ‘John Lewis’ will enjoy surely another decade of life, but is right in its sweet spot right now. Drink 2020-2028- 96
2012 Gramercy Cellars ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2012 ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Gramercy Cellars is a show-stopping effort that has a long life ahead of it. Once on the nose this highly fragrant effort slowly unveils layers of mocha, tar and anise, woven together with violets and suggestions of blackberry cordial that all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and plush, showing a great mouthwatering acidity and freshness that combines with the deep core of dark fruits. Lighter nuances of chocolate cake, cigar box, and coffee grounds all combine, as the extremely long finish adds to the crescendo. Gorgeous at the eight year mark, the 2012 ‘Reserve’ will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 95
2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’Grenache is a scintillating bottling that is amongst the best of its kind. The stony character on the nose is insanely good, with bright guava puree, red currants, Umami and green olives mingled with salted coppa that all mingle in unison. The palate has incredible verve and freshness, with really nice viscosity and insanely good length. Seaweed and bran-pomegranate tones combine with blood orange zest, rose water, wet stone and smoky minerals on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy now at the eight year mark, this is clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Drink 2020-2028- 98
2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2012 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah is nothing short of a head-turning effort at now the eight year mark. On the nose this takes on Umami and green olive tapenade with charcuterie and bulls blood with a core of dark fruits on this exotic bouquet. The palate has a great combination of verve and richness. Layers of seaweed and white truffle crudo combine with wild blackberry preserves, white truffle crudo, and wet stone on the palate. The range is absolutely thrilling here, as the length provides the wonderful crescendo. Gorgeous right now, this still has another eight years to go. Drink 2020-2028- 98
2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2012 ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah is a gorgeous effort by this famed Walla Walla estate. Smoky tones prevail on the nose with damp earth, pork pate, and Asian spices with cran-orange tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and inviting with a seamless texture. Beautiful layers of black and red fruits mingle with minerals, pipe tobacco, potpourri and salted meats on the palate. A complete wine, this scintillating effort will enjoy another eight plus years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 95
2012 Kerloo Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The smoky tones grab your attention right away with the core of dark fruits, chocolate fudge and dried herbs that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows good astringency and richness with the core of smoked meats, blackberry compote and dried herbs. Complex and delicious, this shows beautifully now and has at least another eight years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2012 Kerloo Cellars ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah- Ryan Crane has made a name for himself crafting a wonderfully old world style of Syrah and the 2012 ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah is is very Cote Rotie at the eight year mark. Dried herbs and green peppercorns dance with the core of wild blackberry compote on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Layers of huckleberry collide with minerals, smoke, garrigue and salted meat flavors all wonderfully intermingle on the palate. The tension and salty character of the wine add to the intrigue as this captivating and elegant Syrah will go for another decade. Drink 2020-2028- 94
2012 Kontos Cellars ‘Progeny’ Red Wine- This 2012 Walla Walla Valley blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (66%) with 25% Merlot and 9% Syrah is really singing now at the eight year mark. The palate is dense with a lovely veil of tension that falls on the deep core of dark currants, roasted figs, tobacco leaf and dark chocolate covered cherry flavors. The length and mouthfeel here is really good as the 2012 ‘Progeny’ still has easily another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2012 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- I absolutely love where the 2012 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is at the eight year mark. Once on the nose, toasty oak wraps around a core of dark currant jelly, cigar box, blackberry compote and shades of anise that all sing in unison. The palate is plush showing off a silky elegance and soft mouthfeel. The core of black fruits is great, but the length is downright captivating, with dried herbs and exotic spices rounding out this resounding success. Great to enjoy right now, the 2012 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon has another decade of life to go. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2012 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Perigee’ Red Wine- Sourced entirely from the ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ the 2012 ‘Perigee’ is a fantastic blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with 21% Merlot and smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The lighter herbal tones no doubt from the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot give this a very Bordelaise character aromatically. The combination of tension and power here is downright gorgeous as ripe dark currants collide with graphite, garrigue and shades of dark chocolate and kirsch cordial. This finishes exceedingly long. Captivating now at eight years, the structure and weight of the wine suggest this has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2033- 94
2012 La Rata Red Wine- A blend of 60% Grenache with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 La Rata is a stunning wine from this great vintage in Walla Walla. Once on the nose the Umami tones deftly combine with green olive tapenade, exotic spices and bacon fat with lighter blackberry compote that all meld in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with an incredible veil of tension. The flavor range is nothing short of insanely good, moving from black and red fruits to kumquat zest, peat moss, Spanish green olives and charcuterie tones. Complex and downright delicious to savor right now, this gorgeous Priorat style wine has a lot of gas in its tank. Drink 2020-2028- 95
2012 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon- From this great vintage in Washington (using 89% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend) comes lifted aromas of sweetened pipe tobacco, leather, mocha and creme de cassis. Amid its soft texture, the bright acidity of the wine is apparent, combining with unctuous dark fruits and herbal undertones. Gorgeous now, with great tension, finesse, richness and length, this will mature well for another 15 years in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 95
2012 Leonetti Cellar Merlot- Aromas of sandalwood and anise join red cherry compote, mocha and spicy undertones. Then the fresh, vibrant and energetic palate boasts layers of bright red fruits which meld with velvety tannins, chocolate and sagebrush tones. This outstanding Merlot (85% in this vintage) is drinking beautifully now but will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 95
2012 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Made my famed vintner Randy Dunn, the 2012 ‘Feather’ is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine sourced from the The Benches, Dionysus and Stone Tree Vineyards. The nose is already beautifully evolved with its herbal undertones. Layers of spice cake and tar, with coffee grounds and dark currants all meld in the glass. The palate has incredible freshness and verve, with a silky mouthfeel. A delightful veil of salinity runs through the core of kirsch cordial, mocha, anise and black licorice candy flavors, mingling with the damp earth and dried herbal undertones of the wine. A sensational effort now at the eight year mark, I see no reason to wait on this beauty. Drink 2020-2030- 95
2012 Matthews ‘Claret’ Red Wine- The 2012 Matthews ‘Claret’ Red Wine is a silky blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot. The palate is beautifully balanced and elegant with layers of kirsch cordial, cigar ash, scorched earth and blackberry pie. Complex and delicious now at the eight year mark, the 2012 ‘Claret’ will provide drinking enjoyment for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 91
2012 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Red Wine- Nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) with small parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the wine shows deep anise with toasty oak woven together with chocolate and boysenberry liquor on this complex bouquet. The palate is soft and generous revealing very silky tannins. Layers of creme de cassis, anise, Asian spices and blackberry cordial flavors all combine with coffee ground and sagebrush undertones. Hauntingly good at this juncture, this still has another fifteen years to go. Drink 2020-2034- 93
2012 MTR Productions ‘Memory Found’ Syrah- It has been several years since I have had the pleasure to revisit this glorious bottling. Umami with red cherry candy and wild baclkebrry tones combine with the wet stone accents on this evocative nose. The palate has gobs of freshness, showing great range form Mandarin orange rind to pretty guava and wild blackberry flavors, as well as charcuterie and green olive tones that all march in unison. The combination of weight and verve really makes this special as the outstanding ‘Memory Found’ Syrah will enjoy another eight years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 95
2012 Mark Ryan ‘Long Haul’ Red Wine- Sourced from Red Mountain, this blend of near equal parts Merlot (49%) and Cabernet Franc (44%) combines a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Gorgeous violet aromatics mingle with scorched earth, sagebrush and shades of blackberry compote. The palate is fresh, rich and wonderfully balanced. Layers of toasty oak wrap around the core of dark fruits with espresso bean and sage undertones. With a great combination of tension and richness, this is an awesome Red Mountain wine that has another decade to go. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2012 Mark Ryan ‘Wild Eyed’ Syrah- The 2012 ‘Wild Eyed’ Syrah is sourced for Red Mountain and shows off a dusting of white pepper with chocolate and dark currants on the nose. The palate is deep, concentrated and wonderfully balanced. The mouthfeel and texture here is downright awesome as rich black fruits collide with minerals, smoke and cocoa powder. Complex and delightful at the eight year mark, this has at least another eight years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2012 Muret-Gaston ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah- The 2012 Muret-Gaston ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah shows smoky tones on the nose with shades of black pepper, black licorice and dark currants that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and balanced with medium bodied dark fruits that mingle with chocolate and espresso bean tones. With really good finesse and acidity, this is just hitting the sweet spot now. Drink 2020-2027- 91
2012 Muret-Gaston ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2012 Muret-Gaston ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows anise and dried herbs on the nose with the good core of dark fruit tones that all sing in unison. The palate has really good poise, showing surprising mouth-watering acidity. Layers of blackberry compote, mocha, tar and pipe tobacco all come together with minerals and scorched earth undertones on the palate. Drink 20202027- 91
2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache is a thrilling wine with loads of tension at the eight year mark. The aromatic range is quite profound from Umami and red rose petals to charcuterie and green olive tapenade with bacon fat on this gorgeous bouquet. Salty, savory and showing off a downright sexy mouthfeel, layers of bright red fruits and rose water tones meld with blood orange zest, salted meats and green peppercorns on this complex palate. Utterly profound at this stage in its development, this has at least another five to seven years at its peak. Drink 2020-2025- 95
2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah- Thrilling for its aromatic and flavor range, the 2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah is simply stunning now. Once on the nose this takes on a light dusting of white pepper that falls upon smoked pork shoulder, green olive tapenade and exotic spices with wet stone tones that all meld in the glass. The palate has gobs of freshness and tension with a great veil of minerality. Layers of sour dark fruits collide with minerals, smoky, salty and savory tones — literally a cornucopia of flavors. How good is this? Be lucky if you have some of this vibrant, stony Syrah still left. Drink 2020-2028- 97
2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo- I adore the 2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo which is truly one of the best of its kind in the state. Hoisin sauce, Umami and Mandarin orange rind tones combine with stony undertones in this complex bouquet. The palate is rich and complex, with a wonderful feel of salinity. Wet stone and green olive tones collide with the core of dark fruits on this gorgeous palate. Fresh and vibrant with great weight and balance, this beautiful wine still has another decade of life left. But why wait? Drink 2020-2026- 95
2012 Novelty Hill Merlot- Sourced from the Columbia Valley, this shows a soft texture with pretty red fruits that mingle with shades of milk chocolate and sagebrush tones on the palate. Silky and soft, this is right at its peak. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2012 Pepper Bridge ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- I have fond memories of tasting this wine many years ago at the Pepper Bridge outdoor patio on a warm spring day, looking out across the Walla Walla Valley. Now at the eight year mark, the 2012 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon is singing with its bright acidity and silky mouthfeel. Layers of dark currants mingle with minerals, blackberry compote and mocha with lighter violet rose water tones. WIth gobs of mouth-watering acidity and its soft texture, this is really enticing stuff to enjoy right now and over the next decade. Drink 2020-2033- 93
2012 Pepper Bridge ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ red wine is a silky blend of near equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec with just a touch of Petit Verdot. Dark kirsch with toasty oak tones connect with sagebrush and shades of smoke with green bell pepper on this gorgeous bouquet. The palate is fresh and beautifully balanced. Layers of dark currants parade with minerals, smoke, black licorice candy and espresso bean on the palate. The length adds an extra dimension here, as the 2012 ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2035- 93
2012 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Spellbinding, scintillating and nothing short of epic, the 2012 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a monumental wine from this great vintage. A blend of Champoux, Klipsun, Palengat, and Wallula Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine takes the lead with violet rose petals woven together with anise, espresso bean, dried sage and deep dark fruits that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky, weightless and highly elegant. Showing good concentration and depth, the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate delivering roasted figs and boysenberry cordial flavors that mingle with minerals, dried herbs and shades of blueberry pie, giving this an exotic edge. The freshness and richness is really outstanding here, as this stunning 2012 bottling is singing now at the eight year mark and has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2035- 98
2012 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED Convergence’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘QED Convergence’ is a silky blend of 69% Syreah with smaller portions Grenache, Mourvèdre and a splash of Viognier. The freshness and high tones from the Viognier take center stage here as bright red fruits dance with shades of smoked brisket, green olive and wonderful freshness. This has great length as well, and the 2012 ‘QED Convergence’ is really peaking now. Drink 2020-2026- 93
2012 Rasa Vineyards ‘Principia Reserve’ Syrah- A barrel selection of what Billo Naravane finds to be his favorite lots, the gorgeous 2012 ‘Principia Reserve’ Syrah is a delight to savor now at eight years of age. The nose is delightfully complex with coffee grounds and rich dark currants woven together with allspice, and cocoa powder dusted dark cherries that all sing in unison. The palate shows incredible balance and poise. Ripe figs and wild blackberries meld with pipe tobacco and black raspberry cordial on the palate. The acidity and length of this wine is truly wonderful, as the 2012 ‘Principia Reserve’ Syrah will enjoy another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 94
2012 Rasa Vineyards ‘Creative Impulse’ Red Wine- Outrageously good, the 2012 ‘Creative Impulse’ is a spellbinding effort that is sinfully good now at eight years. Sourced from the famed ‘DuBrul VIneyard’ in the Yakima Valley, the nose evokes bright Yakima cherry with sagebrush, coffee ground and cassis tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate is wonderfully balanced with an incredible purity of fruit. The elegance and pillowy texture is otherworldly as the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Pure terroir here is at play with the bright core of red fruits that dance with minerals, menthol, damp earth and milk chocolate undertones. The gratifying length adds another dimension, as this stunning left bank inspired wine will cellar well for another fifteen years. . . but why wait? Drink 2020-2033- 96
2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Grenache Blanc- Deeply colored and deeply perfumed once in the glass, the thrilling 2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Grenache Blanc shows pink grapefruit blossom and starfruit tones alongside shades of wet stone and unripe honeydew melon on this complex bouquet. The palate is beautifully texture and elegant, showing a beautiful combination of length and verve. Even more complex as the wine warms up, layers of Meyer lemon buttercream and sweetened gooseberry mingle with wet gravel and Japanese pear on the palate. This is layered, elegant and highly novel Grenache Blanc that is amongst the best you will find on the West Coast. Drink 2020-2025- 94
2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- I adore the 2012 ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah for its ever-stony presence and good poise. Right out of the gate you can smell the rocky, indulgent aromatic profile with wet stone and horse manure, alongside green olive tapenade, beef fat, blood orange zest and iron tones that all sing in unison. The hedonistic, rather dazzling aromatic display brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Once on the mouth this takes on a soft, silky texture. You are immediately greeted to a very pretty red fruit core, alongside kumquat zest tones, woven together with bacon fat, cigar ash, and charcuterie flavors. Complex and absolutely irresistible now, this is peaking and won’t improve so grab a few bottles of these if you can. Drink 2020-2025- 95
2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- I have been fortunate enough to recently sample the 2013 and 2014 editions of this wine over the past several months from my personal collection. A deeper shade of purple than the ‘In The Rocks’ the 2012 ‘Foothills Reserve’ shows menthol tones that combine with shades of cigar box, blackberry compote, and bacon fat tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is very elegant with a light vein of salinity that runs through the core of dark fruits alongside, citrus rind, flinty and minty undertones. The length and elegance of this wine is apparent as this is drinking beautifully now and has another five plus years to go. Drink 2020-2025- 94
2012 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak’ Syrah- From this recent planting in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA, the 2012 ‘The Stones Speak’ shows great aromatic range from bacon fat tones that meld with exotic spices, green olives and charcuterie that all mingle together in the glass. The palate has a soft mouthful and wonderful texture. Layers of blackberry compote and chocolate mingle with Hoisin sauce, smoked brisket and a light dusting of white pepper. Complex and delicious to savor now, this beautiful wine has another eight plus years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2012 Soos Creek ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2012 Soos Creek ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Red Wine is a sensational wine now at the eight year mark. The nose shows deeper tones than the ‘Sundance’ on the nose with downright hedonistic roasted figs, mocha, tar and blackberry pie aromatics that all meld in the glass. The palate delights with a wonderful veil of tension, with rich boysenberry cordial and dried herbs with espresso bean tones and a long, gratifying finish. This is seriously good stuff. Drink 2020-2032- 93
2012 Soos Creek ‘Sundance’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Sundance’ is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (48%) with near equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine is soft and silky once on the mouth, showing a wonderful err of elegance. Blackberry compote and blueberry cordial flavors collide with coffee grounds and shades of milk chocolate. Beautifully balanced, this fantastic value wine will enjoy another eight to ten years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 91
2012 Tertulia Cellars ‘Reserve Estate’ Syrah- Primary black fruits combine with smoky and sagebrush undertones on the nose. The palate is remarkably light on its feet with a fine dusting of salinity across the core of boysenberry, black olive and stony undertones. The overall picture here is really nice, as the freshness drives this beautiful 2012 Syrah. Drink 2020-2026- 91
2012 Tertulia Cellars ‘Estate Reserve Excelsior’ Red Wine- A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (63%) with smaller portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this shows plenty of aromatic appeal with its garrigue and black currant tones that meld in the glass. The palate shows great poise and stony terroir, with loads of mouth-watering acidity that makes this truly one of a kind. While not particularly big, the finesse makes this really enjoyable at this stage. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2012 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Diamonds’ Syrah- The 2012 ‘Some Days Are Diamonds’ is a great Syrah sourced from the 'Discovery Vineyard’ in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Rich violets combine with shades of scorched earth, blackberry compote and dark chocolate shavings on the nose. The palate shows good viscosity and freshness with a nice beam of salinity. Layers of dark fruits mingle with sagebrush, Asian spices, and coffee grounds on the palate. This has really good elegance and range, as this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2012 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2012 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is shining brightly at the eight year mark. Comprised of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot, this was aged in 100% new French Oak prior to bottling. Shades of graphite, espresso bean and kirsch cordial all collide aromatically. The palate is dense, chewy and wonderfully balanced. The bright sense of minerality and red bell pepper tones give this a left bank Bordelaise edge as layers of roasted dates and blackberry compote mingle with tar and dried sage on this evocative palate. Complex and delicious, this will cellar well for another decade at least. Drink 2020-2032- 94
2012 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Estate Reserve’ is a gorgeous blend of 28% Merlot with 27% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Petit Verdot. Exotic spices impress on the nose with red rose petals, red cherry preserves and suggestions of red bell pepper and chocolate that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and silky, showing off a great combination of mouthfeel and tension. Layers of blackberry compote and tar are woven together with sandalwood and sagebrush with lighter herbal undertones on the palate. Fantastic now at the eight year mark, this outstanding new release will cellar well over the next ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 94
2012 Va Piano ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The smoky tones on the nose really impress, with dried herbs and bacon fat tones alongside the core of dark fruits that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh showing medium bodied dark cherry, roasted figs, and dark chocolate shavings with smoky undertones. Fantastic to enjoy right now, this has another eight plus years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 91
2012 Va Piano ‘Va Piano Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2012 ‘Va Piano Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous effort from this great vintage in the Walla Walla Valley. Right away you are entrenched with the dried herbs with deep dark fruits and coffee ground tones aromatically that all sing in unison in the glass. The depth, freshness and wonderful saline streak really impresses. This has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2030- 92