Zena Crown Vineyard

A fantastic winery focused on high quality Pinot Noir, the Zena Crown Vineyard is set on a southwest-facing slope of weathered volcanic soils, in the Eola-Amity Hills. The vineyard was purchased by the Jackson Family in 2013 and relies on the winemaking talents of Shane Moore and consulting winemaker Tony Rynders, the mastermind behind Tendril, Child’s Play, Panther Creek and many others. Tony was the former winemaker of Domaine Serene before starting his own winery, Tendril in 2008. 

You can feel Tony’s hand with his new release as the 2014 Zena Crown Vineyard ‘The Sum’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) shows a silky texture and a wonderful aromatic and flavor range. This is a gorgeous Pinot Noir wine that is not to be missed. Learn more about these great wines at http://www.zenacrown.com/ Here is the new release by Zena Crown. 

2014 Zena Crown ‘The Sum’ Pinot Noir- This great wine is sourced from the 1st, 12th and 14th blocks in the vineyard, utilizing clones 4 and 667. They have utilized 40% whole cluster fermentation as the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak prior to bottling. This translucent colored wine begins with intense aromatics of forest floor, peat moss, baking spices, red cherry and red currant. The texture is smooth and downright inviting to you, as you savor, cherry pie, red raspberry, guava puree and spice box flavors with black truffle essence. There is a seamless quality to this wine that shows a wonderful purity of fruit. Enjoy this gorgeous Pinot Noir wine over the next decade. Drink 2017-2028- 94

Opus One

One of the iconic Napa wineries, I had a great opportunity to do a 3 year vertical tasting at Opus last Monday, ironically during the eclipse. Needless to say, I did not have my shades on. Opus One began in 1979 as a partnership between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild and became the first ultra-premium California wine to be sold in France and Internationally.  Opus produces only one wine and a second wine (Overature) – both of which are typically a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. 

Their estate includes part of the famed To-Kalon Vineyard, as well as other Oakville vineyards. Head winemaker Michael Silacci crafts an extraordinary wine. During the tasting I found that the Napa character and old world restraint was evident in the past three vintages. All three were showing marvelously, although the new release, the 2014 Opus One (WWB, 98) is a tannic monster of a wine that will need time in the bottle to settle. Both the 2012 and 2013 Opus One Red Wines neared perfection in the bottle. They were stunning releases that were intoxicating and impossible to resist. Learn more about this historic estate at https://www.opusonewinery.com Here are the last three compelling releases by Opus One.

2012 Opus One Red Wine- This deep hued wine begins with beautiful aromatics of sweet pipe tobacco, leather, creme de cassis, anise and Turkish coffee. While dense and penetrating there is a feminine quality to these aromas. The plus texture is gorgeous. This has wonderful tension and a stunning mouthfeel. Creme de cassis, anise, Turkish coffee and milk chocolate flavors impress. This is a stunner byOpus One. This is intense and elegant Napa at its best. If enjoying young, be sure to give this a two plus hour decant. Drink 2017-2040- 99

2013 Opus One Red Wine- The wine is a blend of 79% Cabernet with the remainder 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec and This has a slightly darker core than the 2012 bottling. Showing off a decadent dark color, this stunning wine begins with aromatics of This has more of a masculine edge on the aromas, showing graphite, dark chocolate, creme de cassis and coffee grounds. The mouthfeel and texture off this wine is downright ethereal as the dark fruits glides alongside the mid-palate. Mocha, tar, anise, creme de cassis and spice box flavors are deep and penetrating. This stunning hedonistic monster wine really needs at least another year one bottle age before enjoying. Drink 2018-2042- 99

2014 Opus One Red Wine- The 2014 Opus One Red Wine is another monumental wine by this historic estate. This stunning red wine is a silky blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 2% Malbec. This wine was aged for 18 months in new French oak prior to bottling. The herbal quality to the aromatics are slightly different than the 2012 or 2013. There is a beautiful purity of fruit on the nose, as the aromatics are downright intoxicating. This shows rose petals, creme de cassis, mocha, tar, red bell pepper and dill aromatics that are deep and pure. The freshness is there, as the wine showcases intense flavors of creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, and dark chocolate shavings. The poise is pretty awesome. A tannic monster of a wine right now, try to give this at least two years in the cellar for the fruit to better develop. Drink 2019-2042- 98

Rotie Cellars

Sean Boyd is a downright awesome guy who is a blast to talk wine with. The mastermind behind Rotie Cellars and originally from Tacoma, Sean previously worked as a geologist for ten years in oil and gas exploration. In 2004 he worked his first harvest at Waters Winery in 2004. Sean finally made the decision to open his own winery 2007, focusing solely on Rhone varietals. Sean’s background in soil and mineralology has been a great asset for him. Going out to the vineyard with him, he talked about the importance of location in the Walla Walla Rocks region. I would say that Sean’s winemaking style is a blend of old world mineralogy and new world fruit for his wines. He has performed particularly well in warm vintages and I was hugely impressed with his new set of red and white wines. While he initially started his winery in Walla Walla he also has an awesome looking tasting room near Kerloo, Sleight of Hand and Structure in the SoDo district of Seattle.

He has crafted some great new wines. Rotie are just gorgeous. His 2015 ‘Northern Blend’ Red Wine (WWB, 94) is a polished Syrah wine from the Walla Walla Rocks region that shows gorgeous terroir and a silky mouthfeel. This is an outstanding value from one of the premier growing regions in Washington. Also impressive was the 2015 Rotie Cellars ‘Southern Blend’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) which showed a feminine character and a plush mouthfeel. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.rotiecellars.com Here are the great new wines by Rotie Cellars.

2016 Rotie Cellars Grenache Blanc- This refreshing white wine begins with aromatics of lemongrass, honeydew melon and marzipan. The texture and astringency is lovely as the wine reveals brioche, Meyer lemon, cut grass and green papaya flavors. You have to love the mouthfeel at play. Drink 2017-2022- 91

2016 Rotie Cellars 'Northern White' White Wine- A blend of 67% Marsanne and 33% Roussanne, this is highly talented winemaker Sean Boyd's take on a Northern Rhone white. This has aromatics of white peach, pink grapefruit blossom and lychee as the wine shows an exotic edge. The mouthfeel is lovely as the plush texture shows off flavors reminiscent of brioche, cantaloupe and vanilla cream. This finishes long. Drink 2017-2023- 92

2016 Rotie Cellars 'Southern White' White Wine-This wine is a heady blend of 50% Viognier, 35% Roussanne with the remainder Marsanne. This great wine opens with a bright bouquet of honeysuckle, Challah bread, white peach and lemon blossom. Lively and light on its feet the wine shows off Welches white grape juice, lychee, cantaloupe and nectarine flavors that sit alongside a silky texture. Drink 2017-2023- 92

2015 Rotie Cellars 'Southern Blend' Red Wine- This wine is an outstanding blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Syrah. The wine shows off exotic spices, red cherry preserves, pomegranate seed and suggestions of orange rind on the nose. Silky flavors of cran-pomegranate, red cherry cough syrup, and blood orange impress. Feminine and sexy, this is an outstanding wine made by Sean Boyd. Drink 2017-2027- 93

2015 Rotie Cellars 'Northern Blend' Red Wine- This wine is a compelling blend of 95% Syrah with the remainder co-fermented Viognier, all sourced from the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. The wine opens with a bright aromatic profile of blood orange, wet stone, red cherry preserves and smoked brisket. The wine has a silky texture and downright delicious flavors of blood orange, wet stone, pomegranate seed and red raspberry cordial. The range here is gorgeous. Drink 2017-2028- 94

Januik/Novelty Hill

One of the great places to try wine in Woodinville, Januik is set in a gorgeous, contemporary building that attracts visitors from around the world. While it is a beautiful place to taste, their wines are even more impressive. Mike Januik is former winemaker for Chateau St. Michelle, as well as the esteemed Col Solare project. In the past few years he has been teaming with his son, Andrew Januik, to make all Januik and Novelty Hill wines. A recent visit to Novelty Hill-Januik highlighted impressive new release wines. Superstar winemaker Andrew Januik guided me through the new releases that impressed from some hot vintages. Andew has worked harvests across the globe and produces his own label of wines, Andrew Januik Wines. I was very impressed with his new Andrew Januik wines, the 2014 ‘Lady Hawk’ (WWB, 93) and the 2014 ‘Stone Cairn’ (WWB, 93). Both Cabernets maintained the minerality of the Januik lineup, while slightly deviated towards richness and viscosity. These are impressive bottlings for the cellar. There were some highly impressive mainstays that I reviewed as well. One of the best Sauvignon Blancs in the state is the 2016 Januik Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 92) which shows racy acidity and wonderful tree fruit flavors that come from a very exciting vintage. The wine is a beautiful complement for the final warm days of our summer.

Other impressive new release wines included the 2014 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Grenache (WWB, 92), which downright delicious red fruits and great minerality in this warm vintage. One of the best wines I tried was the intense 2014 Januik ‘Reserve Red Wine’ (WWB, 94) which showed a deep core of dark fruits and some serious cellaring potential.  Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://www.noveltyhilljanuik.com/ Here are the great new wines from Andrew Januik, Januik and Novelty Hill. 

2014 Andrew Januik ‘Stone Cairn’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Every bit as good as his 'Lady Hawk' bottling, the 2014 Andrew Januik 'Stone Cairn' Cabernet Sauvignon is one for the cellar and shows even more dense fruit at this juncture. Sourced primarily from the Quintessence Vineyard, located on Red Mountain, this excellent Cabernet wine opens with aromatics of black cherry, black truffle, blackberry cordial and suggestions of coffee grounds. The wine has dense flavors of black cherry, blackberry pie, mocha, and suggestions of black tea and Asian spices. Dense and layered, this is has chewy tannins and a plush mouthfeel, currently displaying a massive potential This is another gorgeous effort by superstar winemaker Andrew Januik that is also an exceedingly good value at this price point. Drink 2017-2029- 93

2014 Andrew Januik ‘Lady Hawk’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2014 Andrew Januik 'Lady Hawk' Cabernet Sauvignon is an exciting and dense bottling that beautifully showcases the heat of the vintage. Sourced from the Lady Hawk and Alder Ridge Vineyards, this intensely perfumed wine opens with aromatics of prune, cherry cough syrup, mocha and hints of crushed mint. There are rich flavors of blackberry preserves, coffee grounds, black cherry, black olive and suggestions of milk chocolate. Silky and structured on the mid-palate, this is drinking beautifully right now but will also cellar well for more than a decade. If enjoying young, be sure to give this great wine at least a two hour decant. Drink 2017-2029- 93

2016 Januik Sauvignon Blanc- Januik has produced one of the great white wine values in the state with this new release Sauvignon Blanc. This wine has 15% Semillon blended in. The wine begins with aromatics of gooseberry, lychee and white peach. This leads to bright flavors of nectarine, wet rock and Granny Smith apple. Drink 2017-2022- 92 

2016 Novelty Hill Roussanne- This excellent Rousanne by Novelty Hill has 9% Viognier blended in. The wine has a marvelous texture and tension, displaying white peach, gooseberry and Pazzaz apple flavors. The creamy finish lingers. Drink 2017-2022-92 

2015 Novelty Hill 'Stillwater Creek' Chardonnay- This warm vintage wine begins with brioche, Gala apple and creme brulee. This leads to bright flavors of vanilla cream, brioche, lemon zest and a lingering, heavy whipping cream finish. This has wonderful weight, balance and poise considering the heat of the vintage Drink 2017-2022- 92

2015 Januik 'Cold Creek Vineyard' Chardonnay-This warm vintage wine begins with toasty brioche, hazelnuts and creme brulee. This leads to ripe flavors of vanilla cream, Meyer lemon rind and butterscotch. The long cream driven finish lingers. Drink 2017-2022- 91

2014 Januik 'Bacchus Vineyard' Riesling- Sourced from 20 year old vines this 1.8% RS wine begins with aromas of petrol, Meyer lemon, and papaya. This leads to flavors of white peach, pink grapefruit and wet rock with Pink Lady apple. This has great tension despite the heat of the vintage. Drink 2017-2021- 91

2016 Spring Run Rose- A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, that weighs in at 1.3% RS this wine begins with aromatics of guava, ripe strawberry and pomegranate seed. There are flavors of white peach, pink grapefruit and strawberry starburst candy. This has lovely poise. Drink 2017-2020- 89

2014 Januik 'Columbia Valley' Merlot-This Merlot starts with lovely aromatics of milk chocolate, black cherry and black olive. The tension is fantastic as is the silky mouthfeel, leading to flavors of black cherry, black olive and milk chocolate and green olive. This is a stunning value that will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2027- 92

2014 Novelty Hill 'Columbia Valley' Merlot- This has aromatics reminiscent of baking spices, red cherry, Asian spices and teaberry. Black cherry, black raspberry and milk chocolate flavors lead to a long finish.  This is an outstanding value wine made by the great winemaking team of Mike and Andrew Januik. Drink 2017-2027- 91

2014 Novelty Hill 'Stillwater Creek' Grenache- Novelty Hill have established a very nice following for this wine that has impressed particularly in hot vintages. This has lovely aromatics of red raspberry, red cherry, and blood orange rind. The acidity is lively showcasing black cherry, black tea, black raspberry flavors alongside some light tannins. The balance between fruit and elegance is fantastic here. Drink 2017-2027- 92

2014 Januik 'Champoux Vineyard' Malbec- The Champoux Vineyard, now controlled by to Golitzin family, has gained an outstanding reputation for great Malbec. The nose to this great Malbec is downright sexy showing white pepper, green olive and dark chocolate covered cherries. The mouthfeel is intense and silky throughout the palate showing off black cherry, black olive, milk chocolate. This is downright gorgeous and will drink marvelously for another decade. Drink 2017-227- 93

2014 Januik 'Weinbau Vineyard' Syrah- This deep colored wine opens with a bouquet of milk chocolate, creosote and smoked pork shoulder. Ripe flavors of black cherry, black pepper and dark chocolate sit alongside some light tannins. Silky and seductive, this gorgeous Syrah wine will cellar well for a decade. Drink 2017-2027- 92

2014 Novelty Hill 'Stillwater Creek' Syrah- Each year this wine is one of the great values in Washington Syrah. This wine begins with aromatics of black cherry, black tea and smoke. This leads to flavors of black raspberry, black tea and milk chocolate. This has wonderful tension and ripe dark fruit flavors. Drink 2017-2025-91

2014 Januik 'Champoux Vineyard' Cabernet- This wine shows off intense aromatics of black tea, mocha, blackberry jam and crushed mint. This leads to dense flavors black tea, anise, creme de cassis and black olive. The structure is marvelous. This has lovely weight and intensity. Drink 2017-2030- 93

2014 Novelty Hill 'Cascadia' Red Wine-This wine is a blend of nearly half Quintessence Vineyard fruit with the remainder Stillwater Creek Vineyard fruit. The wine is 55% Cabernet with the remainder Merlot and a touch of Malbec. The wine opens with rich aromatics of blackberry jam, milk chocolate and coffee grounds. Sagebrush, milk chocolate, Turkish coffee and black tea flavors are deep. This is absolutely gorgeous at this point but will have an exceedingly long life. Drink 2017-2030-94

2014 Januik 'Reserve Red' Red Wine- The 2014 ‘Reserve Red’ by Januik is comprise of 91% Cabernet with lesser components Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This awesome wine has downright intoxicating aromatics of black tea, creme de cassis, mocha and anise with sage accents. Silky and seductive, this has a wonderful texture. Black tea, anise, creme de cassis and mint flavors impress. This is polished, showing light tannins. Drink 2017-2032- 94 

DeLille Cellars 'Chaleur Estate Blanc' Vertical Tasting

Greeting friends! We have returned from our travels to Walla Walla, Sonoma and Napa. As part of Washington Wine Month we bring you another exciting focus on one of the standout producers of Washington wine. One of the great wines from Washington, the DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ White Wine is one of the iconic wines originally crafted by superstar winemaker Chris Upchurch. Starting in the mid-1990s, Upchurch originally was inspired by the white wines of Bordeaux and began experimenting with blending Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, as well as learning more about barrel aging those varietals. He has gained a nationwide following for these great wines. Having tried these wines over the past fifteen years I have found them to rival some of the best wines out of North America.

Sitting down with DeLille winemaker Jason Gorski, we chatted about the incredible aging potential of these wines. The deep vertical tasting was compelling evidence that these outstanding wines can age well past ten years. I have found the ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ to cellar well for a decade or more, as I had sampled a 2008 ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ more than a month ago and found it to be drinking exceedingly well.

Great shot of current winemaker for DeLille, Jason Gorski, who has crafted some outstanding new 'Chaleur Estate Blanc' White Wines that rival some of the best Bordeaux style white wines in North America.

At its best, the ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ is an exciting, layered and silky textured wine that makes you think. While it has obvious Bordeaux Blanc character, the texture and viscosity is different than the old world rendition. Last years 2014 bottling of ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ was a downright awesome effort that graced my Top 100. I have been hugely impressed with the efforts of superstar winemaker Jason Gorski and how he handles this exceptional bottling. 

One of the standout wines from the ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ vertical tasting was the oldest bottling, the 2005 DeLille ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine (WWB, 95) which was a profound wine that showed incredible viscosity and mouthfeel. That memorable wine will continue to drink well for another five plus years. Another one of my favorites from the tasting comes from the cold 2011 vintage, which showed some very exciting white wines with marvelous tension. While the 2011 ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine (WWB, 95) didn't posses the weight of the 2005 bottling, this wine had incredible tension and flavor/aromatic range. It is a true expression of Washington Sauvignon Blanc. Even better showing was the 2014 DeLille ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine (WWB, 96) which developed incredibly complex secondary characteristics as it sat in the decanter. The incredibly viscous mouthfeel and great tension makes this wine a true heavyhitter. Savoring this gem over a few hours, I realized why this was in my last years top 100 as the layers and complexity shine through. Learn more about these special white wines at http://www.delillecellars.com Here are the exciting ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ wines that I sampled during my vertical tasting at DeLille Cellars.

2005 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine-This outstanding white wine is a blend of Sagemoor Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (35%), Horse Heaven Hills Sauvignon Blanc (23%), Klipsun Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (21%) and Klipsun Vineyard Semillon (21%). The golden colored wine starts with a dense bouquet of ripe cantaloupe, honey, hay, lemongrass, roasted pineapple and white raisin. The mouthfeel and texture is downright unctuous. White peach, brioche, ripe cantaloupe, pineapple upside down cake and Gala apple flavors complete this exceptional bottling. Layered and showing excellent viscosity and complexity, the marriage of Sav Blanc and Semillon here is a stunning match. The finish is precise and lasts for nearly one minute. This is exotic and layered white wine. Enjoy this great wine over the next five years. Drink 2017-2022- 95

2009 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine-This wine has sourced Boushey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (38%), Sagemoor Sauvignon Blanc (20%), Klipsun Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (9%) and Boushey Vineyafd Semillon (33%). This amazing white wine begins with aromatics of roasted pineapple, honey, honeysuckle, nectarine and nutmeg. The aromatics at this juncture are absolutely intoxicating. The texture is stunning, showing a silky quality. Butterscotch, Key lime, cantaloupe and lemongrass with nutmeg flavors entice. The freshness and minerality is lovely. This shows less on the finish but you can enjoy the length and layered approach here. Drink 2017-2021-94

2011 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine This stunning wine is a blend of Boushey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (24%), Klipsun Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (21%), Boushey Vineyard Semillon (29%) and Klipsun Vineyard Semillon (9%). This wine has considerably less alcohol than the other wines in the retrospective (13.1%).  This excellent, golden hued, white blend opens with a ripe bouquet of apricot, white peach, candied pink grapefruit and gooseberry. The aromatic range is impressive here. The mouthfeel and texture is gorgeous. Beeswax, Marcona almond, ripe pineapple, nectarine and white grapefruit oil flavors impress. Silky, mineral driven, layered and downright sexy, this wine lingers for nearly a minute at the end. I can see this drinking well for a decade or possibly more. Drink 2017-2027- 95

2013 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine-This warm vintage wine was sourced from largely the Sagemoor Vineyard as well as the Boushey Vineyard and Klipsun Vineyard. This wine starts with aromatics of nutmeg, white peach, pink grapefruit, brioche and starfruit jelly. The mouthfeel is downright gorgeous as the silky texture coats the mid-palate. Cantalope, Pazzaz apple, Meyer lemon rind, vanilla cream and brioche with baking spice flavors impress. The texture is opulent as the lingering, near minute long finish impresses. This is downright delicious at this point as it is impossible to resist right now. Drink 2017-2027- 95

2014 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine-This excellent wine was sourced from the Sagemoor Vineyard as well as the Boushey Vineyard and the Klipsun Vineyard. They have a higher percentage of Sauvignon Blanc in this hot vintage (75%). This gorgeous wine starts with aromatics reminiscent of gooseberry, white peach, mango and Marcona almond and freshly cut grass. The aromatic range is exquisite as Sav Blanc plays the protagonist. The ripe flavors excite the plate showcasing white peach, candied pink grapefruit, vanilla cream and Meyer lemon rind. Bright and intense, the finish lingers for more than a minute. The weight is gorgeous as is the minerality that impresses despite obvious heat of the vintage. What a stunner by superstar winemaker Jason Gorski. Drink 2017-2027- 96

2015 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine-The excellent wine was sourced from a warm vintage which saw major heat spikes. The resultant wine is a blend of 73% Sauvignon Blanc and the remainder Semillon. Sourced from the Sagemoor, Boushey and Klipsun Vineyards, his wine starts with aromatics of pineapple, nectarine, honeydew melon, smoke and baking spices with brioche toast. The flavors are ripe and rich, showing off white raisin, gooseberry, white peach and candied pink grapefruit. This has a gorgeous mouthfeel and texture as the wine will have a long life. The long finish lingers. Drink 2017-2027- 93

Reynvaan Family Vineyards

As you sit out on the porch at Reynvaan Family Vineyards you ponder whether the stunning Walla Walla Valley view or the Syrah is more magical? They are both truly special. Reynvaan is a limited production small winery founded by Mike and Gale Reynvaan, Reynvaan Family Vineyards focuses on producing wines from their estate vineyards, both in the Walla Walla Rocks region and their foothills vineyard set at roughly 1600 feet. Reynvaan has experienced incredible success in an extremely short period of time. Mike and Gale’s son, Matt Reynvaan, serves as winemaker and his wines are some of the best in Washington state. His wines are sourced from the Reynvaan’s ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ and their ‘Foothills in the Sun Vineyard.’ Both vineyards show wonderful diversity and impressive range. Their ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ is located next to Cayuse and shares the similar stony and mineral aspects in their wines, while their ‘Foothills In The Sun Vineyard’ shows a different terroir and rich, pure fruit profiles while maintaining balance.

Their red wines will be released in November 2017. Do not miss out on their 2015 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In the Rocks’ Syrah (WWB, 95), which shows gorgeous range, focus and minerality. Not to be outdone was their 2015 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Stonessence’ Syrah (WWB, 96) which shows a downright scintillating aromatic and flavor profile. These wines are incredibly difficult to find, with availability only through their mailing list, as well as some specialty Northwest wine shops. Learn more about Reynvaan Family Vineyards at https://www.reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com. Here are the fantastic new release wines that I recently sampled at Reynvaan Family Vineyards.

2012 Reynvaan ‘Queen’s Road’ White Wine- This library wine is a gorgeous blend of 60% Marsanne and 40% Viognier. This has beautiful floral notes, showing beeswax, white flowers, nectarine and lychee. The acidity and focus is outstanding. This has wonderful weight and texture while maintaining an elegant side. The texture is marvelous as the wine shows off white peach, pink grapefruit, lychee and Pink Lady apple. This white wine is impossible to resist right now and is truly one of a kind in Washington. Drink 2017-2024- 94

2015 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier- This is a 100% Viognier wine crafted by superstar winemaker Matt Reynvaan. The Viognier was primarily aged in neutral oak (25% new prior to bottling). Honeysuckle, white flowers and lychee aromatics impress. This leads to deep flavors if white peach, pink grapefruit oil and hints of Pazzaz apple. This has nice poise considering the heat of the vintage. Drink 2017-2025- 92

2015 Reynvaan ‘In The Hills’ Syrah- This gorgeous Syrah weighs in at 14.4% alcohol and has 5% Viognier cofermented in. This has a highly perfumed nose with red cherry, sagebrush, smoked pork shoulder and suggestions of bulls blood with orange rind. The aromatics are downright sexy. This has wonderful minerality considering the heat of the vintage. Umami, black cherry, smoked brisket and suggestions of spice box flavors impress. This has marvelous tension and texture. Drink 2017-2027- 94

2015 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- This stunning wine weighs in at 14.2% alcohol and was aged in 30% French oak prior to bottling. The wine has a deep core, showing off bulls blood, Mandarin orange rind, Asian spices, black olive and black cherry preserves. The texture is absolutely stunning, as the wine glides along the mid-palate. Black tea, black blood orange, olive tapenade, cigar box, black cherry pie as well as wild blackberry pie flavors impress. This has marvelous range and is drinking beautifully at this juncture. This heady and intense Syrah that will pair marvelously with a juicy ribeye steak. Drink 2017-2027- 95

2015 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- This compelling wine has 5% Viognier blended in. The wine is sourced from a 22.5 acre vineyard in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. The Syrah was aged for 30% new French oak for 18 months prior to bottling. Smoked meats, bulls blood, Satsuma orange, Umami and Chinese black tea as well as black olive tapenade aromatics fill the glass. You have to admire the aromatic range at play. The wine has a wonderful elegance, showcasing Asian spices, black truffle, black tea, bacon fat, ash and blood orange elements. The range here is stunning and the mouthfeel is downright silky. Enjoy this delicious wine over the next decade. Drink 2017-2027- 95

2015 Reynvaan ‘The Contender’ Syrah- Reynvaan’s ‘The Contender’ was initially a project blending in Marxsanne. When Matt Reynvann was talking to Christophe Baron, they both decided that Marsanne would be a good approach to co-ferment with Syrah. These great minds have crafted another stunner. Standing at only 13.4% alcohol, this wine has 4% Marsanne blended in. This wine has lovely savory aromatics of bacon fat, cigar box, black olive tapenade and blood orange. There is a lovely salinity to this wine. Bacon fat, cigar box, smoked brisket, and blood orange flavors impress. This has fantastic weight and an oily textrure, as this wine finishes very long. Drink 2017-2027- 94

2014 Reynvaan ‘Stonessence’ Syrah- This awesome Syrah weighs in at 13.6% alcohol and is a stunning effort by superstar winemaker Matt Reynvaan. The wine is brooding in color, showing off smoked brisket, blood orange, Umami, and horse manure aromatics that impress. The palate is plush and mineral driven as the purity of fruit is apparent. There are deep flavors of Chinese black tea, black olive tapenade, black cherry and bulls blood with suggestions of black truffle. The weight and salinity is wonderful, as the wine has a marvelous sense of place. Drink 2017-2027- 96

Cayuse Vineyards

As part of our exciting Washington Wine Month focus, we showcase one of the great wineries of the world, Cayuse Vineyards, of Walla Walla. A standout winery, Cayuse Vineyards showcase the talents of Walla Walla wine pioneer, Christophe Baron and his assistant vigneronne, Elizabeth Bourcier. Christophe Baron was youngest heir of the famed Champagne house, Baron Albert and his ancestors had worked the land at Baron Albert since 1677. As he grew older, Christophe studied viticulture in Burgundy and Champagne and was drawn to the Willamette Valley, with its closeness to the terroir driven Pinots of Burgundy. Christophe spent some time traveling the world before purchasing some land outside of Walla Walla in Milton-Freewater, and first planted his vines in 1997 as the land reminded him of the terroir of Chateauneuf du Pape. His wine has gained international acclaim since first bursting onto the Washington wine scene. 

During this incredible tasting I reviewed my first 100 point wine from Washington, the 2014 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine. This wine is hard to describe but the tension, range, viscosity and novelty made it a perfect wine. 2014 marks the second vintage in which the ‘God Only Knows’ was marked a Red Wine, rather than a Grenache. It is a true heavyhitter crafted by the superstars of Cayuse. Congratulations to them on their stunning lineup of wines. Here is the new lineup of wines by Cayuse Vineyards. 

2015 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Viognier-  This absolutely stunning Viognier wine was aged in a combination concrete eggs and stainless steel. The combination has led to a marvelous texture from the aging in eggs. This wine begins with a highly perfumed nose showing off white peach, sea salt, lychee and red delicious apple. This has an exotic edge, showing wonderful texture and viscosity on the mid-palate. Green apple, lychee, green papaya, and nectarine flavors persist, leading to a near minute long finish. You have to admire the weight, salinity and the minerality of this wine. Only 152 cases made. Drink 2017- 2024- 94

2015 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Grenache Rose- This ‘Edith’ Rose comes from the Armada Vineyard utilizing Grenache rows near the Syrah planted there. Weighing in at 12.7% alcohol, his hot vintage wine is picked at a very low brix. Fruit is then crushed and then set into maceration for 24 hours and then was gently pressed. The wine was partly stored in concrete eggs and stainless steel. This has wonderful fresh strawberry, guava, white peach and wild mushroom aromatics. The freshness, texture and minerality is there. Ripe strawberry, teaberry, orange rind and suggestions of baking spices persist, showing a nice saline streak.  The citrus element impresses. The weight wonderful, leading to an exceedingly long finish. Only 119 cases made. Drink 2017-2022- 93

2014 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine- The 2014 God Only Knows was aged in neutral oak puncheons. Yields this vintage were a mere ton and a half per acre. This stunning wine was sourced from the Armada Vineyard and follows up the absolutely scintillating 2013 ‘God Only Knows.’ The Grenache begins with downright intoxicating aromatics of bulls blood, Tangerine rind, black forest cake, black truffle oil, and Earl Grey tea.  This walks a tight rope between feminine and masculine, showcasing dark fruits like blackberry cobbler, and black plum with red raspberry preserves, red cherry, pomegranate seed. There are also blood orange, Umami, black olive tapenade and marvelous tension to the wine. The ‘God Only Knows’ has nearly a minute long finish with light tannins. The range here is ethereal. This is a perfect wine made by the amazing team of Christophe Baron and Elizabeth Borcier of Cayuse Vineyards. Drink 2017-2029- 100

2014 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Flying Pig’ Red Wine- This wine is a blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Christophe Baron has mentioned that the Cabernet Sauvignon has been added to create the backbone of the wine. The wine was aged for 8 months in 30% new French oak prior to bottling. The wine has a dark core. Aromatics remind me of horse manure, Umami, black tea and boysenberry preserves. The weight of this wine is marvelous as this showcases blackberry cobbler, milk chocolate, roasted figs and black cherry preserves. The tension and minerality of the wine is gorgeous. Drink 2017-2027- 94

2014 Cayuse Vineyards ‘The Lovers’ Red Wine- This red blend has 15% Syrah matched with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was aged in 20% new French oak for 8 months prior to bottling. This is a tribute to the former tradition in France to bring Syrah from Hermitage and blend into the Cabernet Sauvignon in the left bank of Bordeauux. This inky colored wine begins with aromatics of Chinese black tea, wild blackberry pie, smoked brisket, milk chocolate shavings and tar. The aromatic range is gorgeous. Showing some firm tannins at this juncture, this wine has a wonderful freshness. Black olive tapenade, black tea, creosote and hints of blood orange and Umami. The citrus element entices. Drink 2017-2028- 95

2014 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Camaspelo’ Red Wine- The 2014 ‘Camaspelo’ Red Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that Christophe Baron also adds a touch of some unknown other varietals. The wine was aged for 30% new French oak for 8 months prior to bottling. Red fruits and smoky elements show beautifully aromatically alongside black truffle oil and horse manure. The palate is plush, as this wine showcases black olive, black tea, wild blackberry pie and creosote with suggestions of black truffle and blood orange rind. The tension, salinity and freshness of this wine is novel. This is another stunner by the superstar team of Christophe Baron and Elizabeth Borcier. Only 335 cases produced of this outstanding wine. Drink 2017-2027- 95

2014 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Cabernet Suavignon- The wine was aged in 40% new French 600L puncheons prior to bottling. This deep hued wine begins with aromatics of Asian spices, black tea, blackberry cobbler and milk chocolate with suggestions of thyme, Tangerine rind and black truffle oil. The aromatic range here is downright intoxicating. The weight and tension is gorgeous here, as this wine showcases a wonderful freshness. Blackberry pie, black tea, blueberry liquor and cassis flavors also connect with mild tannins and citrus fruit. You have to love the intensity and weight of this impressive Cabernet bottling. This is another stunner by Cayuse that is best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2017-2028- 94

2014 Cayuse Vineyard ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah- This insanely delicious wine begins with aromatics of horse manure, bulls blood, blood orange, Umami, black truffle oil, white pepper, and blackberry pie. The aromatic range is simply gorgeous and brings you back to the glass for more. The tension is marvelous, as the wine showcases black tea, blackberry cobbler, sea salt, bulls blood and Mandarin orange rind flavors. The acidity of this wine is simply gorgeous, asthe plush texture that glides across the mid-palate. This gorgeous Syrah will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2027- 96

2014 Cayuse Vineyard ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Syrah- This enticing 2014 ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard; Syrah was sourced from a vineyard planted in 2000. This wine opens with a bright bouquet of smoked brisket, green olive tapenade, Chinese black tea, blackberry cobbler and black truffle. The minerality and tension here is stunning, as are the deep and penetrating aromas. This wine showcases milk chocolate, Asian spices, horse manure and black olive tapenade flavors that sit alongside some light tannins. This is another stunner here. Drink 2017-2027- 96

2014 Cayuse Vineyards 'Cailloux Vineyard' Syrah- The 2014 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah from Cayuse was co-fermented with 7% Viognier, which adds a lovely sense of vibrancy of this outstanding wine. As this begins to open it releases a gorgeous, complex aromatic expression of raw meats, damp earth, wet stone, Mandarin orange rind and pomegranate seed with smoky accents as the intoxicating aromatic range continues to build with time. Silky and feminine, with lovely minerality, this wine builds into layered flavors of red cherries, pomegranate purée, lemon rind and crushed wet gravel with fresh mushroom. The exceedingly long finish lingers on. This is another thoroughly compelling wine made by the talented hands of Christophe Baron and Elizabeth Bourcier. Drink 2017-2027- 96

2014 Cayuse Vineyard ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah- This inky colored wine is downright intoxicating and is a memorable effort by Cayuse Vineyards. Sourced from the four acre Cocinelle Vineyard, planted to Syrah. The wine was aged in 15% new oak puncheons for 8 months prior to bottling. The wine begins with aromatics reminiscent of tarragon, blackberry cobbler, Umami, smoked pork shoulder and black truffle oil. The aromatics are literally mouth watering. The flavors are even more mouth watering as the acidity, saline streak and fruit weight is highly compelling. Umami, blackberry cobbler, crushed mint, smoked short rib and green olive flavors impress. The range is really insane here. Hats off to the superstar winemaking team of Christophe Baron and Elizabeth Bourcier. Only 115 cases made of this outstanding wine. Drink 2017-2028- 99

2014 Cayuse Vineyard ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah- This wine was sourced from a high density vineyard, named after the Spanish Armada. Christophe Baron has found that the more vines per acre leads to more tension in the wines. This wine was aged for 8 months in 15% new French oak prior to bottling. This gorgeous, inky Syrah opens with aromatics of green peppercorn, Umami, soy sauce, black tea, blackberry pie and horse manure. The gorgeous aromatics continually bring you back to the glass. The salinity and tension of this wine is intense. Sea salt, Umami, soy sauce, peat moss, red cherry and red raspberry liquor. The feminine quality of this wine is downright sexy. Drink 2017-2027- 97

2014 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah No. 6’ Red Wine- This is a magnum only bottling that is a special blend of Syrah from a host of vineyards. The result is another heavyhitter by Cayuse Vineyards. This translucent colored wine begins with aromatics of bulls blood, blood orange, blackberry cobbler, Umami and white truffle. The aromatics are intoxicating and the tension is stunning. Black olive tapenade, black tea, hoisin sauce, black cherry and Parma ham flavors entice. The salinity of this wine is lovely as this wine is impossible to resist. This will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2028- 97

2014 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo-  The wine was aged in 50% new French puncheons for 8 months prior to bottling. This stunning Tempranillo weighs in at only 13.6% alcohol and is named after a famous bull which was saved following his bull fighting years. Smoky aromatics impress you with iodine, spicebox, anise, sagebrush and black olive tapenade. The palate is plush and mineral driven. Moderately tannic, this shows Umami, black cherry, black tea and boysenberry cobbler. Chewy tannins show off this awesome Tempranillo, all leading to an exceedingly long finish. This effort seductive and intense. Drink 2017-2027- 95

Gran Moraine

An outstanding Oregon winery, Gran Moraine takes its name from the cataclysmic floods that occurred in the northern Willamette Valley of Oregon during the last ice age. As the flood waters receded, they sculpted the region, leaving a distinct pattern of small indentations or mini valleys (moraines)—much like the Côte ’Or in Burgundy. Gran Moraine has 220 acres are planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA which is largely marine sedimentary-based soils in the greater Willamette Valley.

Head winemaker Shane Moore heads this project. Look for the 2014 Gran Moraine Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which is a wine of elegance, poise and wonderful range. This is definitely one who enjoy the elegant, red fruit driven style of Oregon Pinot Noir. Learn more about this great winery at http://www.granmoraine.com Here are the great new releases by Gran Moraine.

2014 Gran Moraine Chardonnay- This Yamhill-Carlton bottling opens with a bright bouquet of nutmeg, lemon meringue, vanilla cream and toasted hazelnuts. This has a rich mouthfeel, showcasing creme brulee, ripe banana and brioche with heavy whipping cream flavors. This balanced Chardonnay will cellar beautifully for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2027- 92

2014 Gran Moraine Pinot Noir- This great Yamhill-Carlton wine begins with rather intoxicating bright aromatics reminiscent of black truffle, forest floor, cigar box, red cherry and red currant. The mouthfeel is gorgeous here as the wine displays red cherry pie, red raspberry preserves, white truffle oil and suggestions of blood orange rind flavors. Hugely complex and inviting right now, this gorgeous Pinot Noir wine will drink well for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2028- 93

Melville

One of my favorite stops in Lompoc, Melville continues to impress with their outstanding new releases. The wines are simply fabulous, intense and terroir driven.Former winemaker, Greg Brewer, of Brewer-Clifton pedigree, led highly talented winemaker Chad Melville for many years. Chad is now in charge of all winemaking. I had the chance to sit down with him and talk about this transition as well as discuss his current lineup. Chad is a downright awesome guy with a huge passion for farming his 82 acre vineyards. 

The vineyards were first planted in 1996 by his father Ron Melville and his brothers. They decided to utilize 14 different clones of Pinot Noir and 4 different clones of Chardonnay, as well as Syrah and Viognier. The Melville Vineyard has reached such acclaim that nearby superstar winery, Foxen, utilizes Melville Vineyard fruit in their excellent single vineyard bottling of Pinot Noir. The 2014 Melville ‘Estate’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) is an outstanding value out of California which shows poise and opulent fruit. This is a wine to buy by the case. Not to be outdone, their 2015 Melville ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) is an other ridiculously good value that stands up there with the best Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. Learn more about this outstanding producer of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah at http://melvillewinery.com Here are the simply awesome new wines by Melville. 

2014 Melville ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- This ‘Estate’ Chardonnay bottling is a combination of eight different clones. This wine opens with a bright bouquet of creme brulee, lemon curd, tangerine rind and butterscotch.  The texture is absolutely gorgeous, as this wine delivers ripe flavors of banana, butterscotch, Meyer lemon and suggestions of nutmeg. This is lithe and delicious wine that has a wonderful minerality. Drink 2017-2027- 93

2013 Melville ‘Verna’s’ Chardonnay- This wine was sourced from the Verna’s Vineyard, located near Los Alamos. The wine begins with a bright bouquet of nutmeg, kumquat and roasted hazelnuts with cream brulee. The palate is lithe and deep, showing flavors of vanilla cream, buttescotch, creme brûlée and white peach. This is gorgeous and is drinking beautifully at this juncture. Drink 2017-2023- 91

2016 Melville ‘Estate Clone 76’ Chardonnay- This Chardonnay was sourced from a single block in the Melville Vineyard. The wine opens with a bright bouquet of nectarine, Bosc pear and Pazzaz apple. This leads to ripe flavors of Gravenstein apple, lemon curd, and pink grapefruit as the wine shows a citrus edge. Drink 2017-2022- 90

2014 Melville ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- This awesome wine was sourced from all 16 clones of Pinot Noir from the vineyard and they utilized 40% stem inclusion. This wine begins with a bright bouquet of rose petals, red cherry and red raspberry with orange rind accents. Ripe red fruit flavors are on display with pomegranate juice, guava puree, red cherry and a hint of tangerine. This is feminine while maintaining a nice intensity and balance. The 2014 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir is one of the great values in Santa Barbara Pinot Noir. Drink 2017-2027 -93

2015 Melville ‘Terraces’ Pinot Noir- The 2015 Melville ‘Terraces’ Pinot Noir is a standout wine made by superstar winemaker Chad Melville. Sourced from five clones of Pinot Noir this wine was sourced from the west side of the vineyard. This gorgeous Pinot Noir wine begins with bright aromatics of nutmeg black cherry, black truffle and white pepper. The palate is plush and dense as the wine currently shows ripe flavors reminiscent of red cherry, red currant, guava and forest floor with Shitake mushroom. This has a wonderful combination of dark fruit and terroir. Drink 2017-2028- 93

2015 Melville ‘Sandy’s’ Pinot Noir- One of the best wines that I sampled at Melville was their 2015 ‘Sandy’s’ Pinot Noir. This gorgeous wine as sourced from the back of the property, where the Pinot Noir is grown there is fine sand. There is a highly Burgundian nose of red cherry, red raspberry, black truffle oil and crushed mint. This shows a more feminine edge, with red fruits and orange rind that connect to a wonderful saline streak. Lithe and delicious, drink this gorgeous wine within the next ten years. This has a wonderful structure considering the heat of the vintage. Drink 2017-2027- 94

2015 Melville ‘Block M’ Pinot Noir- The 2015 ‘Block M’ by Melville is a stunner. They have utilized 70% stems on this wine as grapes are sourced rom the top of the Estate vineyard. The wine begins with bright aromatics reminiscent of wild mushroom, peat moss, black cherry and black raspberry liquor. The palate is poised and rich, currently displaying ripe flavors of black tea, black cherry, mint, black cherry and a striking salinity. This is simply gorgeous wine that will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2029- 94

2015 Melville ‘Anna’s Block’ Pinot Noir- This wine comes from vines sourced in the back of the vineyard. The wine begins with aromatics of black tea, black cherry compote and wild blackberry with black truffle oil. This has an outstanding minerality as the wine shows dazzling flavors of Mandarin orange rind, black cherry, black raspberry liquor and hints of loganberry jam. This yields a nice salinity and deep fruit profile. Drink 2017-2027- 94

2015 Melville ‘Estate’ Syrah- This great wine made by superstar winemaker Chad Melville begins with bright flavors of Parma ham, black olive, black tea and coffee grounds. This leads to flavors of black cherry, black olive, mint and thyme. This has wonderful structure and dark fruit flavors. Drink 2017-2025- 92

Ambassador Wines of Washington

As we continue our journey through Washington Wine Month we bring you one of the few estate focused wineries on Red Mountain. Ambasador was started in 2004, and was named after their vineyard, Ambassador’s vision is to become the top estate producing winery on Washington state's Red Mountain. The Ambassador Vineyard is under the guidance of esteemed vineyard manager Dick Boushey, one of the state’s best. Sarah Goedhard serves as winemakerSarah has a longstanding history in the Washington wine industry as her parents started Hedges Cellars in 1986. Sarah grew up working in the vineyard and winery. She attended the University of San Diego and graduated with a degree in business and philosophy. From 2003 to 2005 she worked for Preston Vineyards in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, doing wine production work. Sarah has a degree in enology from Washington State University and together with her husband own a small Red Mountain winery, Goedhart Family. Ambassador also relies on the consulting talents of Tom Rinaldi, formerly with Provenance and Hewitt wineries in Napa.

Photo here of Sarah Goedhart, winemaker of Ambassador. 

I recently had the chance to run through the solid new lineup of Ambassador wines and was impressed what they did in the warm vintages. Look to their brand new 2016 Ambassador ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 91) which has wonderful poise and texture, showing off one of the best vineyards for white wine in the state, the Boushey Vineyard. In their red wine lineup I was impressed with the overall quality across the board, especially the 2014 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 92) which shows wonderful dark fruits and a rich texture. Learn more about these excellent wines at http://www.ambassadorwinery.com Here are the great new wines by Ambassador Wines of Washington

2016 Ambassador ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- This awesome Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of 78% Sauvignon Blanc with 22% Semillon. Toasted hazelnuts, brioche, wet rock and cut grass aromas entice. The mouthwatering acidity immediately catches your attention, as does vibrant gooseberry, Granny Smith apple and unripe pear flavors. This is an outstanding wine made by Ambassador. Crisp, complex and refreshing, this is one of the better Sauvignon Blanc wines that I have sampled in the past year out of Washington. Drink 2017-2022- 91

2015 Ambassador ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- This Sauvignon Blanc wine was co-fermented with a touch of Semillon. The wine begins with a bright bouquet of cantaloupe, brioche and lemon zest. The wine shows some excellent acidity, showing medium weight flavors of Gravenstein apple, kiwi, pink grapefruit and honeydew melon. This impresses from a challenging vintage for white wine in Washington. Drink 2017-2021-90

2014 Ambassador Grenache- Translucent in color, this wine begins with a bright bouquet of red cherry, red currant and prune. The plush mouthfeel impresses, as dark fruits collide with red fruits alongside strong minerality. The texture impresses and wonderfully coats the mid-palate. Enjoy this lovely wine over the next decade. Drink 2017-2026- 91

2014 Ambassador ‘Plentipotentiary’ Syrah- This inky colored, 100% Syrah, opens with dense aromas of smoked meats, tar, black cherry compote and black olive. The mouthfeel is lush, showing black olive tapenade, smoked brisket, and black cherry liquor flavors. The fruit weight shows off this warm vintage wine. This will cellar well into the next decade. Drink 2017-2026- 91

2014 Ambassdor Merlot- Ambassador head winemaker Sarah Goedhart has blended in 14% Petit Verdot and 9% Cabernet Franc to this Merlot. This wine shows off a deep core, leading to roasted fig, black cherry, cassis and sage aromas. The smooth mouthfeel glides through the mid-palate as the wine yields black fruit flavors alongside smoke and minerals with baking spices. Enjoy this great Merlot with a juicy burger. Drink 2017-2026- 90

2014 Ambasador ‘Envoy’ Red Wine- The 2014 Ambassador ‘Envoy’ is a silky blend of 33% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.5% Cabernet Franc, 14% Syrah and 1.5% Petit Verdot. Highly perfumed and downright delicious aromatics of black tea, black currant, mocha and baking spices entice. The silky texture is lovely, as is the varietal balance. Black fruit flavors mingle with coffee grounds, wet earth and lively minerality. This will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2027- 91

2014 Ambassador ‘Plentipotentiary’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This wine is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Sagebrush, red cherry, red currant and coffee ground aromatics are at play. This wine has great poise and balance, as red fruits mingle with dark fruits and dried herbs. This wine would make a wonderful glass pour at a classy steakhouse. Drink 2017-2027- 91

2014 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2014 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 23% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Showing off its dark core, the black fruit aromatics evolve in the glass alongside sagebrush and white pepper elements. The smoothness of the Merlot shows nicely now and balances out the intensity of the Cabernet as flavors of blackberry pie, black currant and spice box persist alongside nice minerality. Drink 2017-2028- 92

2014 Ambassador ‘Sunset Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This deep colored Cabernet opens with a bouquet of Chinese black tea, mocha and creme de cassis. Focused and poised, the wine delivers cassis, anise, Turkish coffee and baking spice flavors that sit alongside light tannins. Downright delicious, this wine will continue to evolve over a decade or more. If enjoying young, try to give this excellent Cabernet a two hour decant. Drink 2017-2028- 92

R. Lopez de Heredia

One of the great wineries in Spain, R. Lopez de Heredia began in the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards.  Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a founded this Rioja winery in Haro, the capital of the Rioja Alta region which became the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region.

Having visited this winery a few years back I was overwhelmed with the striking history of the property. This is one of the only wineries I have ever seen where they have their own in-house barrel maker. Contrary to most wines on the retail market, R. Lopez de Heredia wines are aged considerably longer than most and they are only sold when the winemaker finds them to be drinking perfectly. 

The new releases from this house were stunning. Look for the 2008 R. Lopez de Heredia ‘Vina Cubillo’ Rioja (WWB, 91) which is a downright awesome value out of Rioja, taken from a challenging vintage. The new 2005 R. Lopez de Heredia ‘Vina Tondonia’ Rioja Reserva (WWB, 94) is a downright stunner, showing amazing tension, as well as aromatic and flavor range. Learn more about this world class winery at http://www.lopezdeheredia.com/english/filosofia/filosofia.html Here are the gorgeous new wines by R. Lopez de Heredia

2008 R. Lopez de Heredia ‘Vina Cubillo’ Rioja- The 2008 'Viña Cubillo' by R. Lopez De Heredia comes from the vineyard Cubillas, which lies roughly two miles from the winery. Set on clay and limestone soil, the vineyard lies at more than 1300 feet. The final blending for this excellent wine was 65% Tempranillo with 25% Garnacho and 10% Mazuelo and Graciano which spent three years in American oak. This wonderful wine opens with complex aromatics of red cherries, raspberries and suggestions of prune along with smoke and pipe tobacco. On the palate this shows appealing flavors of pomegranate, teaberry, Mandarin orange rind and mulberry accents all wrapped in a silky and elegant frame leading into the finish. Overall, this is a well-made wine which should continue to show well over the next decade. Drink 2017-2026- 91

2004 R. Lopez de Heredia ‘Vina Tondonia’ Rioja Reserva Blanco- The 2004 Vina Tondonia 'Reserva' Blanco Rioja has a deep, golden hue and opens with a bright aromatic display of candle wax, candied ginger, honeydew melon and suggestions of toasted hazelnuts. The silky mouthfeel coats the mid-palate. Quince, Meyer lemon zest, marzipan and beeswax with cantaloupe flavors impress. The wood is rather intense but connects well with the richness of this wine. This is silky, rich and elegant Rioja Blanco from this storied estate. Drink 2017-2027- 93

2005 R. Lopez de Heredia ‘Vina Tondonia’ Rioja Reserva- Coming from a downright awesome vintage, this new release by R. Lopez de Heredia is a compelling blend of Tempranillo (75%), Garnacho (15%), Graciano and Mazuelo (10%), all sourced from their estate vineyards. The wine was aged for six years prior to bottling.  This great wine opens with a bright bouquet of leather, cranberry, orange rind, forest floor and suggestions of Chinese black tea. Showing incredible balance and poise, this wine shows off leather, red cherry, teaberry, Mandarin orange and pipe tobacco flavors that sit alongside brisk minerality. This is a stunner by Tondonia as the wine shows tremendous freshness and length despite obvious age. Drink 2017-2030- 94

Côte Bonneville

As we continue our march through Washington Wine Month, we bring you one of the stars in Washington wine. Côte Bonneville was started by Dr. Hugh and Kathy Shiels, two of the nicest people you will meet in wine. Together they planted one of the outstanding vineyards in Washington state, the DuBrul Vineyard which has gained national acclaim, particularly for their Bordeaux varietals. The vineyard also has Syrah, Chardonnay and Riesling planted. The Shiels daughte, Kerry, is one of the outstanding winemakers in Washington. Kerry received her Masters degree in Viticulture and Enology from U.C. Davis, then assumed the winemaker title in August, 2009. She has been immersed in DuBrul Vineyard and Côte Bonneville since 2005, under Stan Clarke’s tutelage and Co Dinn’s mentorship. 

Her new wine releases were gorgeous. Do not miss out on the 2016 Côte Bonneville Rose (WWB, 92) which shows marvelous texture and has a stunning mouthfeel and vibrant minerality. Even better was the new Chardonnay release from the 2014 vintage (WWB, 93) which shows her signature silky texture and rich mouthfeel from a warm vintage in Washington. Learn more about this outstanding Washington winery at http://www.cotebonneville.com Here are the great new wines by Côte Bonneville. 

2016 Côte Bonneville Rose-This pale colored Rose wine begins with a ripe bouquet of watermelon, guava and red cherry. This leads to bright flavors of red cherry, guava and watermelon. This is lithe and simply delicious as the silky texture glides through the mid-palate and the acidity dazzles. Head winemaker Kerry Shiels has crafted one of the best Rose wines in the state here. Drink 2017-2022-92

2015 Côte Bonneville 'Train Station' Cabernet-This deep colored wine begins with aromatics of creme de cassis, pipe tobacco and black cherry with black olive. The palate is plush delivering black cherry, black olive, blackberry jam and milk chocolate flavors. This has marvelous weight and texture, showing off its forward style. Enjoy this great value wine over the next decade. Drink 2017-2026- 92

2014 Côte Bonneville Chardonnay-This lovely Chardonnay wine opens with a bouquet of brioche, vanilla cream and Meyer lemon. The texture is marvelous as this wine delivers deep flavors of vanilla cream, creme brulee, nectarine and Pazzaz apple. The fruit weight here impresses as this effort is marvelous. Drink 2017-2025- 93

2010 Côte Bonneville 'Carriage House' Red Wine- This awesome red wine isprimarily a Cabernet based blend. There is a marvelous herbal quality of this wine as red bell pepper and sage are revealed as well as red cherry and anise. There is marvelous acidity with blackberry pie, anise and cassis flavors alongside green bell pepper. This impresses despite obvious coolness of the vintage. Drink 2017-2027- 92

2013 Côte Bonneville Syrah- Superstar winemaker Kerry Shiels has an excellent handle on Syrah and this effort shows her talents. This deep colored Syrah wine begins with aromas of red bell pepper, white pepper, black cheeey and blackberry jam with creosote. This has ripe flavors of mint, coffee grounds, blackberry cobbler and milk chocolate. Drink 2017-2027- 92

2009 Côte Bonneville 'Côte Bonneville' Red Wine- This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot. Milk chocolate, baking spices, black olive and mint aromas impress. The palate is lithe and rich showing black cherry, wild blackberry, coffee grounds and eucalyptus flavors. This has a wonderful Bordelaise feel and marvelous tension despite being eight years old. Drink 2018-2030-93

2016 Côte Bonneville Riesling- This excellent Riesling wine beings with aromatics of petrol, green apple and kumquat with ripe peach. This leads to ripe flavors of kiwi, starfruit, white peach and petrol. The finish lingers as this rivals the best in Washington state. Drink 2017-2022- 93

Vine Cliff

A winery with serious history, Vine Cliff is one of the oldest Napa wineries. The Vine Cliff Winery Estate of today is an exquisite mountainside property located on land which was once part of the original George C. Yount estate. Napa locals George Burrage and Thomas Tucker purchased the site for Vine Cliff Winery from the Yount Estate in 1870 (five years after Yount’s death). They then began wine production one year later. Vine Cliff at that time was created into likely the largest winery in the Napa Valley. Although Burrage and Tucker did not live long enough to establish a reputation for Vine Cliff, they did construct an impressive winery and tunnels, one of which remains to the present. The winery was later purchased by a rich San Francis native, John Fry in the1890’s. Fry had made a fortune in Nevada silver and invested heavily in San Francisco real estate. Sadly Phylloxera destroyed the vineyards and wine production by about 1900. After Fry’s death in 1901, most of the winery structure disappeared in a matter of a few years, except for the stone first floor and tunnels. 

Amazingly, nearly 85 years later Vine Cliff started again.  Nell Sweeney purchased the estate in 1985 and vineyards became alive again with new plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon. More vineyards were purchased by the family in Calistoga and Carneros achieving over 40 acres of estate vineyards by 1999.

I had the chance to review the new releases by Vine Cliff and found them to be gorgeous and compelling. Look for the absolutely gorgeous 2014 Vine Cliff ‘Proprietress Reserve’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) which is a dense and massive Chardonnay that shows off its unctuous side. Even better was the 2013 Vine Cliff ’16 Rows’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) which is a massive wine that maintains a wonderful Bordelaise side. Learn more about these awesome wines at https://www.vinecliff.com Here are the great new wines by Vine Cliff. 

2014 Vine Cliff ‘Carneros’ Chardonnay- Exotic on the nose, creme brulee, roasted pineapple, butterscotch and bananas foster aromatics come to mind. Ripe flavors fill the mid-palate that are reminiscent of vanilla bean, poached pear, creme brûlée and a long, 30 second plus, cream driven finish. There is a lot to savor here as the mouthfeel and texture is excellent. This is definitely not for the weary. Drink 2017-2024- 92

2014 Vine Cliff ‘Proprietress Reserve’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the Carneros region, this wine is crafted from the best blocks of Chardonnay (DIjon clone). This honey-hued Chardonnay wine begins with aromatics reminiscent of roasted banana, brioche and golden delicious apple with mushroom accents. The wine has a ripe, unctuous texture that glides across the mid-palate, delivering ripe banana, butterscotch, Pazzaz apple pie and roasted hazelnut flavors. This is a gorgeous wine made from this estate. Drink 2017-2026- 93

2013 Vine Cliff Cabernet Sauvignon- This deep colored wine was sourced from the Oakville AVA. Pencil lead, sage, red bell pepper and creme de cassis aromatics are at play. This has a silky mouthfeel and wonderful terroir alongside dark fruits. Flavors of black cherry cough syrup, licorice, creme de cassis, mocha and mint persist. Light tannins connect with a long, mineral and black fruit driven finish. This excellent Cabernet wine will cellar beautifully for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2030- 91

2013 Vine Cliff ’16 Rows’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This excellent wine is sourced from the best blocks at their estate vineyard in Oakville. Showing off a slightly darker hue than their regular Cabernet bottling, the 2013 ’16 Rows’ starts with a bouquet of mocha, mint, Turkish coffee and black olive with black cherry pie. Silky tannins and a dense mouthfeel showcase this great Cabernet wine. Flavors of Chinese black tea, black olive tapenade and black cherry with cassis accents are deep and penetrating. Despite its obvious weight, this wine has a gorgeous Bordelaise feel. Be sure to give this at least a two hour decant if enjoying young. This decadent Cabernet wine will drink beautifully for two decades. Drink 2018-2037- 94

Coyote Canyon

As part of our August Washington Wine Month spotlight on great Washington wineries, I wanted to introduce a Horse Heaven Hills winery that utilizes estate fruit. Founded in 2006, Coyote Canyon sources from the Coyote Canyon Vineyard, which has a southeast facing slope and a canyon (Coyote Canyon) in the center of the vineyard which many smaller facing aspects that help to create smaller micro-climates. 

The new red wine releases from this winery were particularly impressive, coming from the excellent 2012 and 2013 vintages. Head winemaker Justin Michaud has a vast experience in the industry, previously working for Kim Crawford in New Zealand as well as Goose Ridge in Washington State. His red wines showed a wonderful texture and mouthfeel. Look to his 2013 Coyote Canyon Tempranillo (WWB, 90) which is one of the better Washington Tempranillo bottling that I have sampled in the past year, as the earthy and red fruit tones show wonderful range. Even better was the 2012 H/H Estates ‘Michael Andrews’ Reserve Red Wine (WWB, 92) which is largely a Cabernet based wine and shows a beautiful mouthfeel alongside ripe dark fruit flavors. Learn more about this Horse Heaven Hills winery at http://coyotecanyonwinery.com Here are the great new wines by Coyote Canyon. 

2016 Coyote Canyon Rose- Made from Barbara sourced from the Coyote Canyon Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, this wine opens with a bright bouquet of pink grapefruit blossom, guava and ripe strawberry. Lively and showing a touch of sweetness, this wine has red cherry, guava puree and strawberry flavors. Drink 2017-2020- 89

2016 Coyote Canyon Albarino- Showing some moderate sweetness, this wine begins with ripe nectarine, red apple and citrus blossom aromatics. Juicy peach, and golden delicious apple flavors sit alongside some good acidity, as this comes off slightly cloying. Drink 2017-2020-  88

2013 Coyote Canyon Tempranillo-Showing a dark core, this Tempranillo wine opens with pipe tobacco, red cherry, dill and orange rind aromas. The wine has a round and generous mouthfeel, leading to rich flavors of red cherry preserves, sage, red raspberry and blood orange. Downright delicious now, this is a wine for the short-term. Drink 2017-2022- 90

2013 Coyote Canyon Sangiovese-Lovely citrus and red fruit aromas instantly hit you. The mid-palate weight is really excellent, as is the wines smooth texture. Red cherry, sandalwood and milk chocolate shaving flavors complete this excellent bottling. Drink 2017-2022- 90

2012 H/H Estates 'Michael Andrews' Reserve Red Wine- This excellent wine is largely old block Cabernet (planted in 1994) with smaller parts Tempranillo and Graciano. The wine was aged in small American oak barrels prior to bottling. Black tea, black raspberry liquor and cigar box aromatics entice. Smooth and showing nice poise, this wine moves into silky flavors reminiscent of black cherry jelly, coffee grounds, sagebrush and hints of orange rind. Intriguing and generous, enjoy this excellent wine over the next seven plus years. Drink 2017-2025- 92

2012 H/H Estates 'H/H Buck' Reserve Syrah- This wine was named after one of the largest bulls ever farmed in North America. Showing a deep core, the Syrah wine starts with aromas of sagebrush, milk chocolate, Earl Grey tea and black olive tapenade. Plush, smooth and beautifully rounded out, the texture impresses. Black cherry, black olive and smoked pork shoulder flavors finish this delicious Washington Syrah wine. Enjoy this wine over the next seven years. Drink 2017-2024- 92

King Vintners

King Estate has been known for producing some of the best value driven wines in the Pacific Northwest. An exciting new project by King Estate, King Vintners is an exclusive label to Amazon which showcases small, unorthodox vineyards and wines of the Pacific Northwest. NEXT is the inaugural label under the King Vintners label and consists of a 2014 Columbia Valley Red Blend, 2015 Oregon Pinot Noir, and 2016 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris.

The new wines were very solid, particularly the 2014 King Vintners ‘Next’ Cabernet (WWB, 91) which shows wonderful poise, balance and black fruit flavors from this hot vintage in Columbia Valley. Learn more about these exciting new wines at Amazon Here are the exciting new wines by King Vintners. 

2016 King Vintners ‘Next’ Pinot Gris- This impressive Pinot Gris wine begins with a bright bouquet of pear, gooseberry and kumquat. This has lovely balance on the mid-palate as the wine shows Pazzaz apple, cantaloupe and starfruit flavors. The balance between fruit and minerality entices. Drink 2017-2022- 90

2015 King Vintners ‘Next’ Pinot Noir- This bright Pinot Noir wine has a beautiful bouquet of red cherry, red currant, cigar box and suggestions of red cherry, red raspberry, orange rind and suggestions of baking spices. This has medium weight and shows a beautiful tetxture. The balance its here. Drink 2017-2024- 90

2014 King Vintners ‘Next’ Red Wine- Sourced from the Columbia Valley, this wine begins with bright aromatics reminiscent of milk chocolate, black cherry compote, black tea and baking spices. The aromatics are really lovely here and take you back to the glass for more. The mouthfeel is excellent as the black fruit flavors sit alongside excellent minerlality. The freshness is impressive considering the heat of the vintage. Drink 2017-2024- 91

Drumheller Wines

As we continue our spotlight on Washington wineries for Washington Wine Month, we bring you an exciting new winery by Chateau St. Michelle Estates. The winery is named after the Drumheller channels in central Washington which were carved out roughly 15,000 years ago during the floods of the the Ice Age. If you have never been out to the Othello area to check out these massive channels, it is worth a visit to see this geological marvel. Drumheller is a restaurant only label that focuses on Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet. Their first releases were from the 2014 vintage and their latest release wines come from the very hot 2015 vintage, which saw serious heat spikes. 

Tim Jones serves as winemaker, as he has been with Chateau St. Michelle since 2012. I was particularly impressed with his 2015 Drumheller Chardonnay (WWB, 90) which showed wonderful fruit weight and poise considering the heat of the vintage. This is a marvelous value. Even better is the 2015 Drumheller Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 91) which has wonderful dark fruit aromatics and flavors while showing great balance. Priced at $12.00 retail, this wine is a knockout value. All these wines are highly approachable right now and are downright delicious value wines from Washington. Learn more about Drumheller at https://www.drumhellerwines.com Here are the great new wines by Drumheller

2015 Drumheller Chardonnay- This wine begins with Pazzaz apple, creme brûlée and vanilla aromatics with suggestions of toasty oak. The palate shows nice poise and weight with golden delicious apple flavors, vanilla cream and suggestions of creme brûlée. The finish is creamy and long. Drink 2017-2023- 90

2015 Drumheller Merlot- You have to admire the plush aromatics here with this bottling. Black cherry compote, black olive, black tea and mocha aromas impress. The mouthfeel is lovely as well, showing black tea, wild blackberry jam and coffee ground flavors that sit alongside some nice sturcture. This is an outstanding value out of Washington. Drink 2017-2024- 91

2015 Drumheller Cabernet Sauvignon- This densely colored Cabernet wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Syrah. The wine begins with aromatics of dill, creme de cassis, mocha and black olive with hints of black cherry compote. The palate is plush and rich, showing black tea, creme de cassis, mocha and anise flavors that impress. This shows an excellent mineral-driven backbone that backs up the dark fruits and is an awesome pairing for a juicy ribeye steak. Grab a case of this awesome new Cabernet wine. Drink 2017-2025- 91

Leonetti Cellar

As part of our exciting Washington Wine Month spotlight on Washington wineries, we bring you the tantalizing new wines by Leonetti Cellar. As many of you may know, Leonetti Cellar is one of the state’s historic wineries, first founded in 1977. Leonetti is Walla Walla’s first winery. Leonetti’s legacy traces back to the Leonetti Farm, first established in 1906 – which became the site where owner Gary Figgins would come to plant his first commercial vineyard in 1974. Since that time the wines from Leonetti have received international recognition for rich and dense new world wines. Superstar winemaker, Chris Figgins, son of Gary Figgins, has served as winemaker since 2001. The wines cellar marvelously, as I have recently consumed a 2007 Leonetti Merlot which showed tremendous tension and dark fruit flavors. 

A few weeks back I was able to visit the gorgeous Leonetti estate in Walla Walla. The wines were simply stunning, none more so than the intoxicating 2014 Leonetti ‘Reserve’ Red Wine (WWB, 98) which is one of the best wines from Washington that I have had the pleasure of reviewing in the past year. The ’14 ‘Reserve’ is a monster of a wine that will cellar beautifully for two decades or more. I highly recommend that you can get your hands on the 2014 Leonetti Sangiovese (WWB, 94) which is one of the best Sangiovese bottling in North America that I have ever sampled, as the wine shows incredible density and poise. Learn more about this historic Washington winery at http://leonetticellar.com/Here are the gorgeous new release wines by Leonetti Cellar. 

2015 Leonetti Cellar Merlot- The 2015 Leonetti Cellar Merlot was sourced from the old block at the Leonetti Estate and the Loess Vineyard. The wine was aged for 15 months in new and once used French oak prior to bottling. Exceedingly dark and brooding aromatics show black cherry, black olive and sage accents with creme de cassis. There are dense flavors of mocha, black cherry compote, Kalmata olive, mint, white pepper and milk chocolate. This has tremendous weight and poise considering the heat of the vintage. The mouthfeel is just gorgeous as this Merlot shows an exotic edge. This decadent heavhitter will cellar marvelously for a decade or more but I think the wine could benefit from one more year in the bottle, as it is somewhat tightly wound right now even with a three plus hour decant. Drink 2018-2030- 95

2014 Leonetti Sangiovese- Sourced from the Seven Hills, Loess, Mill Creek Upland and Serra Pedace vineyards, this Sangiovese wine has 5% Aglianico blended in. This absolutely awesome Sangiovese wine opens with intense aromatics of cigar box, red cherry, rose petals, and red raspberry. The palate has a wonderful minerality and shows great mid-palate weight. Dark cherry, pipe tobacco, milk chocolate, mint, red raspberry, and pencil shavings flavors linger. The astringency is absolutely wonderful, as is the long, mineral and dark fruit driven finish. This wine will cellar exceedingly well for a decade or more. This is up there with the best North American Sangio releases that I have sampled in the past ten plus years. Drink 2017-2027- 94

2014 Leonetti 'Reserve' Red Wine- The 2014 Leonetti ‘Reserve’ Red Wine is an absolute beast at this juncture. This ‘Reserve’ has the highest percentage of Malbec (13%) blended into the Cabernet that has ever been used by for this wine. Sourced from the Seven Hills, Loess, Mill Creek Upland and Serra Pedace vineyards this wine begins with a bouquet of black cherry, roasted figs, mocha and creme de cassis. The palate is plush with creme de cassis, smoke, mocha, violets, dark chocolate shavings and cigar box. This monstrosity needs some time to settle in the bottle. With serious aromatic and flavor range, as well as poise, the ’14 Reserve is a highly memorable effort by Leonetti Cellar. Be sure to give this at least one more year of bottle age before enjoying. Drink 2018-2040- 98

2014 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Seven Hills, Loess, Mill Creek Upland, Leonetti Old Block and Serra Pedace vineyard, this wine is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot. This has hugely dense aromatics of creme de cassis, green bell pepper, black olive tapenade and Turkish coffee. This leads to dense flavors of mocha, creme de cassis, pipe tobacco, smoked brisket and anise. The plush mouthfeel entices the senses as the 2014 Leonetti Cabernet is a complete stunner by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins. There is huge fruit weight here but wonderful poise to connect with the marvelous texture. Try to put away this wine for at least another year, as this wine needed more than a three hour decant to fully express itself. Drink 2018-2035- 96

Gård Vintners

As we kick off Washington Wine Month, I want to introduce an excellent Woodinville winery known for awesome values, Gård Vintners has impressed with their latest set of releases. The winery was founded by brothers Sandy and John Lawrence, who have farmed the Royal Slope for more than 50 years, along with John’s son Josh, who joined the operation in 2002. The winery is managed by Josh and his wife, Lisa, who oversees sales and marketing, while Josh oversees the vineyard and other farm and orchard operations. Gård Vintnersrelies on the winemaking talents of Aryn Morell for their wines who took over in 2011.  He has utilized his signature style in these bottling, as the wines show wonderful minerality and terroir.

Look for the 2016 Gård Vintners Rose (WWB, 91) which is a downright awesome wine that is done in the Provencale style and shows beautiful range and textural elements. Even better was the 2014 Gård Vintners ‘Grand Klasse Reserve’ Viognier (WWB, 92) which shows exotic elements and is a sterling value in Washington wine. Learn more about these wines at http://gardvintners.com/about.html Here are the great new wines by Gård Vintners.

2015 Gard 'Grand Klasse' Pinot Gris- This expressive Pinot Gris wine opens with a bright bouquet of starfruit, nectarine and suggestions of baking spices. The palate has lovely weight and structure considering the heat of the vintage. Beeswax, nectarine, ginger and nectarine flavors impress. Drink 2017-2023- 90

2015 Gard 'Grand Klasse' Riesling-This excellent Riesling wine has a touch of sweetness, weighing in at 1.3% residual sugar. This begins with aromatics of white peach, petrol, pink grapefruit leading to bright Granny Smith apple, green papaya, white flowers and nutmeg flavors. This has lovely balance and texture, showing off a long finish. Drink 2017-2022- 90

2016 Gard 'Freya' White Wine- This wine is a blend of Roussanne and Viognier which opens with a bouquet of white peach, white grapefruit, white flowers and suggestions of baking spices.  There are lively flavors of starfruit, lemon blossom, white peach and gooseberry. The minerality is lovely to this great value white wine. Drink 2017-2022-90

2014 Gard 'Grand Klasse Reserve' Viognier- This wine was made in the richer style. Butter, white flower and honeydew melon aromatics lead to lovely minerality and texture on the mid-palate. Beeswax, white peach, pink grapefruit and cantaloupe flavors show wonderful weight and complexity, as this wine has an exotic side. Drink 2017-2022- 92

2014 Gard 'Grand Klasse Reserve' Roussanne- While the winemaker has noted that he does not particularly enjoy working with Roussanne, this is a marvelous effort by the talented Aryn Morrell. This wine opens with aromatics of brioche, nutmeg, butterscotch and suggestions of white peach. The weight and texture is marvelous. Nectarine, white flower and beeswax flavors show beautifully. This finishes long. Drink 2017-2022- 92

2016 Gard 'Grand Klasse' Rose- This wine opens with a bouquet of white flowers, red cherry and guava aromatics. The minerality is lovely which leads to bright flavors of white peach, white grapefruit, orange rind and red cherry. This is highly balanced and shows a wonderful feminine edge as this finishes long. Drink 2017-2021- 91

2015 Gard 'The Don' Red Wine- This is a blend of 60% Cabernet with 35% Syrah. The wine begins with aromatics of smoked brisket, black cherry, black olive and milk chocolate. This leads to ripe flavors of blackberry jam, black olive, mint and milk chocolate. Drink 2017-2022-89

2014 Gard 'Vaucluse' Red Wine- This inky colored wine is a downright gorgeous blend of Syrah and Grenache that has a touch of Viognier. Smoky aromatics impress. There are bright flavors reminiscent of black cherry, black olive, orange rind, smoked meats and white pepper. This is an awesome value and a wine that shows serious range. Drink 2017-2022- 91

2013 Gard 'Grand Klasse Reserve' Syrah- This deep colored Syrah wine begins with aromas of smoked pork shoulder, bulls blood, sagebrush and wet rock. The aromatics are lovely. This leads to flavors of blackberry jam, black tea, wild herbs and suggestions of milk chocolate and baking spices. This has some serious stuffing and will cellar beautifully for a decade or more. Drink 20-7-2027- 92

Robert Biale

Robert Biale

One of the standout producers of California Zinfandel, Robert Biale has roots in the 1930s where Pietro Biale planted Zinfandel on the Napa Valley floor. HIs son, Aldo, took over making wine during the Prohibition, using the code name ‘Black Chicken.’ Aldo’s Vineyard still stands today in Napa and is one of the premium vineyard sites that Robert Biale sources from, as well as esteemed spots like the Monte Rosso Vineyard and the Stagecoach Vineyard.  

Winemaker Tres Goetting serves as Robert Biale winemaker, working alongside viticulturist Robert ‘Bob’ Biale. Tres has over 26 years of winemaking experience. HIs new releases were simply gorgeous. Check out the 2015 Robert Biale ‘Black Chicken’ Zinfandel (WWB, 92) which is a downright awesome value showing wonderful balance and red fruits. An amazing follow up to our top scoring Zinfandel of last year, the 2015 Robert Biale ‘Varozza Vineyard’ Zinfandel (WWB, 94) shows amazing balance and smoothness alongside minerality and dark fruits. This wine is a stunner. Learn more about this storied Napa property at http://biale.com Here are the great new wines by Robert Biale. 

2015 Robert Biale ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The Bedrock Vineyard is located in the Sonoma Valley and was first planted in 1850. The vineyard is now owned by the Peterson family. Showing off a dark color, this wine begins with aromatics of sage, black cherry, black olive and bramble elements. Leather, stewed strawberry, black cherry and black olive flavors show beautifully alongside some nice minerality. This has wonderful balance. Drink 2017-2027- 93

2015 Robert Biale 'Varozza Vineyard' Zinfandel- This gorgeous St. Helena vineyard has been farmed by the Varozza family since 1913. The Zinfandel starts with cigar box, black cherry, teaberry and coffee ground aromatics. There is a seamless quality to this wine, as the silky mouthfeel glides across the mid-palate. Boysenberry, black cherry, prune and milk chocolate flavors with a touch of orange rind impress. You have to love the flavor and aromatic range here. This seamless wine opens with aromatics of black plum, black cherry, prune and blackberry cobbler. This impossible to resist Zinfandel wine will give drinking pleasure for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2028- 94

2015 Robert Biale 'Limerick Lane Vineyard' Zinfandel- The Limerick Lane vineyard is located in the eastern part of the Russian River Valley vineyard and has gained a reputation for balanced wines, due to cool nights and large amounts fog. Showing a dark core, this has sweet pipe tobacco, black cherry and coffee ground aromatics.The aromas are rather intoxicating and bring you back to the glass for more. Stewed strawberry, loganberry liquor, bramble and black olive flavors are deep and penetrating. This has wonderful acidity and freshness, as well as purity of fruit. Drink 2017-2027- 94

2015 Robert Biale 'Stagecoach Vineyard' Zinfandel- One of the esteemed vineyards for Bordeaux varietals, the Stagecoach Vineyard also grows some excellent Zinfandel, as Biale had their ‘Biale Block’ planted there in 1999. Showing off a dark core, this has massive aromas of black cherry cough syrup, black tea, cigar box and milk chocolate shavings. There are deep flavors of black olive, black tea, black cherry, and Arabica coffee. This is dense and wonderfully poised. You have to admire this mouthfeel and balance created here from this vintage. Drink 2017-2027- 93

2015 Robert Biale 'Black Chicken' Zinfandel- ‘Black Chicken’ was first coined by Aldo Biale, who used the name as a code word when he began making wine in the 1940s. The 2015 ‘Black Chicken’ by Biale follows up the gorgeous ’14 botting and is an awesome value wine from this great Napa winery. This densely colored wine begins with bright aromatics of red currant, red cherry and ripe cherry tomato jam. The mid-palate mouthfeel is lovely as the wine currently showcases black cherry, black raspberry liquor and pipe tobacco flavors that sit alongside some nice minerality. Drink 2017-2024- 92

2015 Robert Biale ‘Old Kraft Vineyard' Zinfandel-This ancient vineyard in St. Helena dates back to the 1860s. This expressive, semi-translucent Zinfandel wine starts with bright aromas of black plum, ripe strawberry, Earl Grey tea and suggestions of Mandarin orange rind.  The wine shows a plush mouthfeel, leading to ripe flavors of black olive, black tea, baking spices, black cherry compote and nutmeg. Medium weight, this has wonderful poise in this hot vintage. Drink 2017-2027- 92

2015 Robert Biale ‘Basic Black’ Red Wine- A compelling blend of 25% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 20% Petite Sirah, 17% Carignane, 8% Zinfandel, 5% Alicante Bouchet and 3% Tempranillo all sourced from Sonoma County. Possessing a brooding, dark core, this wine begins with heady aromas of dark chocolate covered cherries, roasted figs, cigar box and nutmeg. The mouthfeel is plush, as this wine reveals dark fruit flavors alongside dark chocolate, creosote and white pepper flavors. With wonderful fruit weight and minerality, is just an outstanding blend made by Biale. Drink 2017-2027- 93

2015 Robert Biale ‘Like Father Like Son’ Red Wine- The ‘Like Father Like Son’ by Robert Biale is a blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah. This penetrating, inky colored wine opens with a bouquet of pencil shavings, mocha, blackberry cobbler, tar and black olive tapenade. The mouthfeel and structure impresses, as the wine showcases sweet pipe tobacco, blackberry pie, smoke, coffee ground and Hoisin sauce flavors. This lovely blend will cellar marvelously for a decade. Drink 2017-2027- 92

2015 Robert Biale ‘Royal Punishers’ Petite Sirah- One of the best wines in their terrific lineup is the 2015 ‘Royal Punishers’ Petite Sirah. Deep and intense colored, this begins with a ripe aromatic profile of crushed mint, black cherry pie, mocha and tar. The texture to this wine is simply marvelous. Blackberry pie, mocha and dark chocolate flavors impress. Seductive and downright delicious, this marvelous bottling will drink well into the next decade as this is another stunner by Biale. Drink 2017-2025- 93

Barrister Winery

An outstanding Northwest winery based in Spokane, Barrister has impressed with their set of releases. Attorneys and winemakers, Greg Lipster, and Michael White, began making wine their garage. They both have a great talent for working with Bordeaux varietals. All of their red wines are aged in American. Hungarian and French oak, which is a different style than many other Washington wineries. I met up with Greg at Taste of Washington a few months back and really enjoyed talking wine with him. I’ve enjoyed his wines in the past 10 years and his new set of releases were really excellent. The winemaking style employed is fruit driven, yet highly structured, especially in cooler vintages. I have admired what the winery did particularly in the challenging 2010 and 2011 vintages, which were cool in Washington State.

I have found them to make one of the best Cabernet Franc wines in the state, as their 2013 Barrister Cabernet Franc (WWB, 92) showed wonderful herbal qualities alongside red fruits. Learn more about this great boutique winery at http://www.barristerwinery.com Here are the great new wines by Barrister.

2013 Barrister Cabernet Franc- Barrister has gained a wonderful reputation for great Cabernet Franc and this warm vinatge bottling is no exception. This begins with aromatics of red cherry, red bell pepper and sage. There are flavors of red cherry, bubblegum, red raspberry and red bell pepper. There is a lovely texture and mouthfeel. Drink 2017-2027- 92

NV Barrister 'Barrister's Block IV' Red Wine- Primarily Cabernet (72%) this great nonvintage wine opens with a bouquet of black tea, anise, black pepper and sage. There are flavors of black cherry, anise, creme de cassis and mocha. Drink 2017-2026- 92

2013 Barrister Petit Verdot- This has aromatics of red cherry, red bell pepper, anise and cassis. There are ripe flavors of black tea, black cherry, blackberry pie and suggestions of baking spices. The Petit Verdot has wonderful poise and elegance, as well as herbaceousness. Drink 2017-2026- 92

NV Barrister 'Rough Justice' Red Wine- This is an awesome blend that is made from 45% Merlot with 26% Syrah and 24% Cabernet this wine begins with aromatics of sagebrush, black cherry, black olive and black tea. There are flavors of blackberry cobbler, anise, creme de cassis and mocha. This is dense and lovely. Drink 2017-2024- 91