La Rata

Quietly poised, like a lion ready to pounce on prey, Elizabeth pronounces “Umami, potpourri, orange zest” as we all taste through the wine. I’ve written my own conclusions on my computer and I think to myself ‘yeah, she is dead on.’  Elizabeth Bourcier is clearly blessed with an exquisite palate. She is astute, humble and full of amazing insight into not only her wine, the elusive and nearly impossible to find La Rata, but the entire lineup of Cayuse wines. As I’ve previous stated, the La Rata remains one of the great cult wines produced in Washington. There is nobody making a wine quite like this in North America.

Elizabeth was initially inspired by the insanely good Clos Erasmus wines of the Priorat region, and made the bold decision blend both Grenache and Cabernet together, since they wines tend to ripen at the similar times. Elizabeth chose to use Grenache from Armada Vineyard and Cabernet from En Cerise Vineyard. Now she has added a touch of Syrah to the equation. The wine was named “The Rat.” And then Spanglish-cized: ‘La Rata’. The name ‘La Rata’ also connects with Elizabeth, as her zodiac sign is the rat.  

The new 2016 La Rata Red Wine (WWB, 96) is the best La Rata Red Wine bottling that I have ever sampled. It reminds me of the 2012, as it is remarkably poised but carries out a bit more richness than that bottling. This scintillating bottling is not to be missed by all serious collectors of Washington/Oregon wines. The 2016 ‘La Rata’ will soon be offered by Full Pull Wines and is very challenging to find in the retail market even on winebid.com. Learn more at http://laratawines.com/wines.html Here is my review of the scintillating 2016 La Rata Red Wine by Elizabeth Bourcier of Cayuse Vineyards.

2016 La Rata Red Wine- The 2016 La Rata Red Wine is a one of a kind, simply sumptuous new wine by superstar vigneronne Elizabeth Bourcier. The final blend she chose was 59% Grenache with 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. The wine was largely aged in third use demi-muids as well as some stainless steel prior to bottling. The nose is downright intoxicating as the wine shows off red cherry preserves, underbrush, Umami, blood orange zest and shades of wet stone that all shine brightly on the bouquet. The freshness and tension that run through the core of wine is truly outstanding. Bright guava puree and high toned Mandarin orange peel flavors collide with minerals, wet stone, seaweed and green olive tapenade. This finishes exceedingly long with cran-cherry and blood orange zest. A resounding success, this true heavyhitter of a wine will drink marvelously in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 96

Kerloo Cellars

As we continue our jaunt across another great Washington Wine Month we share one of the fantastic boutique producers, located in the SoDo district of Seattle. In a very short amount of time the talented Ryan Crane has created a great following for his wines that are consistently good from fresh and lively Rose to smoky and savory Syrah. An awesome, down to earth guy that is not only humble but very serious in his craft, Ryan sources from some of the state’s great vineyards from Celilo to the Blue Mountain and Boushey Vineyards. Formerly with Animale Cellars in Seattle, Ryan trained under eminent winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla at Forgeron Cellars while completing his degree in Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College.

I absolutely love his new 2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Spring Ranch’ Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 91) which is fresh, lively and has wonderful acidity. This is the perfect wine for the dog days of summer. Do not miss out in one of the tremendous bargains out there, the 2016 Kerloo Cellars ‘Majestic’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) and at $26.00 this wine will fly off the shelf with its wonderful richness and texture. Learn more about these beautiful wines at www.kerloocellars.com. Here are the great new releases by the talented Ryan Crane and his Kerloo Cellars.

2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Spring Ranch’ Sauvignon Blanc- This underwent native yeast fermentation prior to bottling and was aged in just a touch of concrete. The wine begins with aromas of nutmeg infused sourdough bread with shades of cantaloupe and lemongrass on this complex nose. The freshness and lip-smacking acidity really entices. White grapefruit with green papaya and mineral flavors impress on the palate. Drink 2019-2023- 91

2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Blue Mountain’ Grenache Blanc- The 2i018 ‘Blue Mountain’ Grenache Blanc is sourced from this high elevation vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Aged in a combination of neutral oak and concrete, the wine begins with aromas of lemon zest with kiwi and shades of damp stone that all mingle nicely in the glass. The palate is really enticing showing both a wonderfully soft mouthfeel and bright sense of tension in the wine. Kiwi, green papaya and lemon oil flavors all shine together on the palate. Drink 2019-2023- 91

2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Spring Ranch’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Lonesome Spring Ranch’ Rose is a combination of Grenache and Mourvedre. The wine was aged on the skins for a few hours and then was aged in stainless steel prior to bottling. The texture and freshness to the wine is gorgeous, as is the light sense of salinity that runs through the wine. Enjoy this delicate Rose in the short-term while the beautiful sense of minerality remains. Drink 2019-2023- 90

2016 Kerloo Cellars ‘Upland Vineyard’ Grenache- The ‘Upland Vineard’ Grenache is a stunning wine from this warm vintage. The aromatic range is seriously good from smoked meats, to red cherry preserves and ripe guava to lovely wet stone character that all run through the nose. The freshness and texture of the wine is seriously good, as is the light saline streak. Red plum, cigar ash, red cherry candy and shades of blood orange all combine brilliantly on the palate. A delight to savor now, this outstanding wine will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2016 Kerloo Cellars ‘Majestic’ Red Wine ($26.00)- A compelling blend of 74% Grenache 21% Mourvedre and 5% Syrah, the wine was entirely aged in natural oak prior to bottling. On the nose this shows off smoky and meaty character with shades of blackberry cobbler and dusty terroir on this complex nose. The palate unveils a soft texture and mouthfeel that delights. Red and dark fruits mingle with shades of pipe tobacco and leather in this delicious wine. This is seriously good for the price. Drink 2019-2025- 92

2016 Kerloo Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- Sourced from the Va Piano and Les Collines Vineyards, this was co-fermented in 2% Viognier and was aged in concrete eggs prior to bottling. The wine shows off smoky and savory aromatics with lovely dried Provencale herbs that all mingle nicely together on the nose. The texture is outstanding here as minerals and light tannins line dark fruits, chocolate and shades of dried thyme flavors. A delight to enjoy in its youth this beautiful wine will cellar well for a decade. Drink 2019-2029- 93

Auction of Washington Wines Weekend

Friends, please join us this week as the Auction of Washington Wines weekend kicks off with the Private Barrel Auction on Thurs Aug 15th, graciously hosted by Januik/Novelty Hill winery in Woodinville starting at 10AM.

Events then move to one or the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful settings, Chateau Ste. Michell, for the Winemaker Picnic and Barrel Auction, starting at 4PM.

Please join myself and our WWB team as well as Sean P. Sullivan of Wine Enthusiast and a superstar cast of Washington wineries as this is all done for a spectacular cause, benefitting Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington State University Enology and Viticulture program. Learn more at https://auctionofwawines.org/events/

EFESTE

As we continue on through Washington Wine Month we bring you one of the outstanding producers out of Woodinville. Less than a year ago I ran into EFESTĒ winemaker, Mark Fiore, at a Seahawks game. Naturally we talked wine and as I sipped my Rose, I couldn’t help thinking that Mark’s Rose was better than the one I was enjoying. EFESTĒ has produced consistently good wines for more than a decade and also boasts one of the most popular (and fun) wine clubs in Washington State. 

Mark Fiore, formerly with K Vintners, is crafting some beautiful wines at EFESTE. A former PGA Professional, Mark worked two harvest seasons at Beresan and Balboa wineries, which led him to an all-encompassing job with Charles Smith Wines in August of 2011. Mark began making wine for K Vintners and then worked on other projects such as Sixto, Latta Wines, Wines of Substance and B Leighton in Walla Walla and Seattle. He is a delightful guy to chat wine with and has made some outstanding wines across the board for EFESTĒ  were gorgeous across the board. Look to their gorgeous new 2018 EFESTĒ ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose (WWB, 92) which was one of the top Rose wines on my 2019 Pacific Northwest Rose Report. This wine has amazing texture and delicate red fruits with gobs of acidity. I absolutely loved their 2016 EFESTĒ ‘Big Papa’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 96) which is deep, rich and has tremendous aging potential. Learn more about these outstanding new wines at https://efeste.com Here are the gorgeous new wines by EFESTĒ

2018 EFESTĒ ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose is a simply stunning new bottling by the talented Mark Fiore. On the nose this takes on beautiful citrus blossom with  green papaya and watermelon notes that come together marvelously in the glass. The Rose combines fantastic minerality with a silky texture that entices on the palate. Bright citrus rind with red fruits dominate the palate. An outstanding effort, this fantastic new release will be best enjoyed over the next five plus years. Drink 2019-2024- 92

2018 EFESTĒ ‘Feral’ Sauvignon Blanc- This was sourced entirely from the Evergreen Vineyard. The wine was fermented in one concrete egg as well as a stainless tank. The nose shows good gooseberry and cantaloupe aromas that all combine nicely in the glass. The palate shows really good texture and mouthfeel with good brightness. The palate shows good freshness with melon and gooseberry with an exceedingly long finish. Drink 2019-2024- 91

2017 EFESTĒ ‘Lola’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA, the 2017 ‘Lola’ opens with bright lemon infused brioche and creme brûlée aromatic notes that fill the glass. The palate is exceedingly good with wonderful texture and balance. Lemon curd, wild mushroom and vanilla creme brûlée flavors all marvelously combine on the palate. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2016 EFESTĒ ‘Emmy’ Red Wine- A blend of largely Mourvedre (70%) with equal parts Syrah (15%)  and Grenache (15%), the wine opens with smoked brisket with orange zest and shades of red currant that all build in the glass. The texture here is seriously good and satisfying with bright red fruits, citrus zest and an exceedingly long finish. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2016 EFESTĒ ‘Eleni’ Syrah- Sourced from Red Willow Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA, one of these blocks for the wine was planted in 1986 while another was planted back in 1991. Floral tones mark the nose with brilliant red fruits and a touch of tobacco leaf. The palate has gobs of acidity, showing bright red fruits that dance with minerals and herbal undertones that all collide in the mouth. Complex in its youth this will satisfy for the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2016 EFESTĒ ‘Ceidleigh’ Syrah- All sourced from the Red Mountain AVA, this  100% Syrah wine opens with smoky tones with bacon fat and rich dark fruits that all fill this beautiful nose. The palate has really good freshness with a wonderful savory character on the palate. The touch of salinity really offers pleasure. Rich and layered, with bright acidity this beautiful new Syrah will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2016 EFESTĒ ‘Jolie Bouche’ Syrah- The ‘Jolie Bouche’ is entirely sourced from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. The wine opens with aromas of copious dark and red fruits with tobacco leaf and shades of blood orange that all collide in the glass, The palate has light tannins that line this beautiful wine that comes off as Northern Rhone with its herbal tones and bright acidity. The soft texture with toasty accents really entices. While this is outstanding in its youth, the ‘Jolie Bouche’ can be savored for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2016 EFESTĒ ‘Estate’ Syrah- Sourced from one of the exciting vineyards on Red Mountain the ‘Estate’ Syrah is another outstanding EFESTĒ release. The nose is really seductive and hedonistic with deep dark and blue fruits with roasted figs and milk chocolate that all permeate in the glass. The palate unveils a wonderfully rich texture as dark fruits connect with chocolate shavings and allspice on the palate. Beautiful in its youth, and showing good freshness at this juncture, this outstanding Syrah will continue to evolve well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2033- 93

2016 EFESTĒ ‘Final Final’ Red Wine- The ‘Final Final’ is a compelling blend of 50% Syrah with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, this inky colored wine opens with aromas of smoke, black cherry cordial and shades of licorice that all build in the glass. The palate unveils a plush and soft mouthfeel. Downright delicious flavors of black tea and black fruits collide with chocolate undertones. With a good combination of verve and richness, enjoy this great wine over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2016 EFESTĒ ‘Big Papa’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Big Papa’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another sensational release by the talented Mark Fiore. Sourced mainly from the Kiona, Red Willow, Bacchus and Sagemoor Vineyards, the ‘Big Papa’ opens with beautiful sagebrush, black fruit and mocha tones that fill the glass. The palate is plush, delivering copious blue and dark fruit flavors with wonderful earthy undertones. Seductive, yet polished, this is exceedingly good in its youth and will show well for decades. Drink 2019-2035- 93

2016 EFESTĒ ‘Taylor Mag’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from their estate Red Mountain vineyard near the Upchurch Vineyard, this wine is entirely sold to restaurants and wine shops. The nose is decadent Wirth dark fruits that parade with mum chocolate and shades of roasted dates and sagebrush accents, The palate is dense and layered with a wonderful mouthfeel. A line of salinity runs through the rich dark fruit and chocolate flavors. This is a seriously good value. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2016 EFESTĒ Petite Verdot- The 2016 EFESTĒ Petit Verdot is entirely sourced from their estate Taylor Mag vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA. On the nose this delivers nice herbal tones with green bell pepper and sage with white pepper and dark fruits on the nose. Only three barrels made of this wine. The wine is generous and polished with denser black fruits that connect with the herbal tones in the glass. This is sensational now but will evolve well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2035- 93

Sbragia Family Vineyards

I have long admired the wines of Ed Sbragia. One of the iconic producers of new world Chardonnay, Ed Sbragia has a longstanding history in the California wine industry, having been previous winemaker at Beringer before starting his namesake winery. But his roots are planted long before that as his family migrated from Tuscany in 1904 and worked in many wineries including the historic Italian Swiss Colony. For decades his family grew prunes like most farms in Dry Creek Valley at the time, and in the 1950s Ed’s father, Gino Sbragia, re-planted the fields to winegrapes, mainly Zinfandel, which Ed helped tend all throughout his youth. After 32 years in winemaking at Beringer Vineyards, he finally opened his own winery in 2006 and has been met with great critical acclaim since that time. Having met Ed on several occasions at wine events I have found him to be incredibly down to earth despite his success as one of the great producers of new world Chardonnay.

One of the great California Chardonnays that I have reviewed in the past year, the 2015 Sbragia ‘Gamble Ranch’ Chardonnay (WWB, 94) is deep and voluptuous with an incredible mouthfeel and texture. This is your Chardonnay for all Cabernet lovers. The Cabernet wines also shined, none more so than the gorgeous 2014 Sbragia ‘Monte Rosso Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) which wonderfully shows off this very special mountain vineyard with delightful dark fruits and earthy terroir. This stunner will cellar well for the next two decades. Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://www.sbragia.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Sbragia Family Vineyards.

2018 Sbragia Family Vineyards ‘Home Ranch’ Chardonnay- The 2018 Sbragia Family Vineyards ‘Home Ranch’ Chardonnay is a seriously good effort from famed winemaker Ed Sbragia. On the nose this grabs your attention with baked pear, marzipan and shades of lemon cream that all fill the glass. The bright acidity is lovely here as lemon creme brûlée, ripe pineapple and shades of butterscotch flavors all enter the fray. While a delight to savor in its youth this excellent wine will cellar well for a decade or more, picking up earthy tertiary notes as it evolves. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2015 Sbragia Family Vineyards ‘Gamble Ranch’ Chardonnay- The Sbragia ‘Gamble Ranch’ Chardonnay is a stunning effort from this warm vintage in the Napa Valley. This golden hued wine begins with bananas foster and toasted brioche with shades of white pink grapefruit blossom on the nose. The palate has an incredible viscosity and texture also showing good verve. Intense butterscotch with salted praline and caramel soaked pineapple. The texture to the wine is downright ethereal. Intense and marvelous in its youth, this beautiful Chardonnay will evolve well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2032- 94

2014 Sbragia Family Vineyards ‘Godspeed’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Mt. Veeder AVA in the Napa Valley, the ‘Godspeed’s is a simply gorgeous new wine by the famed winemaker Ed Sbragia. The heady aromatics really entice with mocha, tar, anise and shades of creme de cassis that all cascade together in the glass. The wine unveils a polished, silky texture, showing off gobs of dark fruits that mingle with dark chocolate shavings, dusty terroir, pipe tobacco and espresso bean flavors. Outstanding in its youth, this wine will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Drink 2019-2038- 93

2015 Sbragia Family Vineyards ‘Andolsen Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Located in the Dry Creek Valley AVA, the Andolsen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful new wine by Sbragia. Highly perfumed, the wine unveils energetic rose petal and black licorice aromas that combine with chocolate and herbal undertones on the nose. The palate is soft and decadent, showing a bright sense of minerality and a soft mouthfeel. Cassis, tar, mocha and anise flavors all dance together on the palate. While marvelous now, this will evolve well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93

2014 Sbragia Family Vineyards ‘Monte Rosso Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- One of the great historic sites for Cabernet Sauvignon, the Monte Rosso Vineyard is located in the Moon Mountain AVA and was first planted in the 1880s. The nose is quite high toned with red and dark fruits that connect with exotic spices and dusty terroir that all connect nicely in the glass. The palate is plush, yet the wine delivers an incredible balance and harmony. Red and dark fruits dance with minerals, Asian spices and shades of black licorice on the palate. A delight to enjoy in its youth, this will evolve well over the next two decades. Drink 2019-2039- 94

Horsepower Vineyards

One of the famed wineries in Washington State as part of the Cayuse arm, Horsepower Vineyards are amongst the most coveted wines in the Pacific Northwest — and for good reason.  Famed vigneron, Christophe Baron, is a self-described animal lover who recalls the use of draft horses while he was growing up  in the Champagne region of France. In his Walla Walla AVA vineyards his horses help cultivate vineyards ranging from 3,555 to 4,840 vines per acre with as little as 3' x 3' spacing—planted 1 vine per stake, or “sur echalas” in French. One of the most exciting vineyards in Washington State, the Sur Echalas Vineyard creates wines that are so profound they’re nearly impossible to describe. The struggle of the vines in these close quarters creates a remarkable tension and intensity. These stunning wines are made by Christophe and his highly talented assistant vigneronne, Elizabeth Bourcier. The wines from this vineyard are intense with a vibrant sense of minerality and they show exceptional range. Simply put, they are unlike any other wines from this region.

I have had the chance to sample a few older bottles of Horsepower over the past year from the  2012 and 2013 vintage and I can proudly say that the wines are holding quite brilliantly. I think that the Horsepower wines from 2016 are amongst the most compelling that have ever been produced in terms of tension, mouthfeel, and aromatic/flavor range.

The 2016 Horsepower ‘Sur Echelas Vineyard’ Grenache (WWB, 99) is the best wine I have ever had by Horsepower. It is a monumental wine that has such insanely good range that this head-turning Grenache has so many working components that it is quite challenging to wrap your head around. Nearly as good was the 2016 Horsepower ‘Sur Echelas Vineyard’ Syrah (WWB, 98) which shows great power, range and tension. This is up there with the best Syrah that is made in North America, let alone Washington. Learn more about these very special wines at https://horsepowervineyards.com/horsepowervineyards/ Here are the stunning new wines by Horsepower Vineyards.

2016 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache- The ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache is a stunning new bottling by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron and assistant vigneronne Elizabeth Bourcier. The head-turning bouquet entices with potpourri, wild strawberry, tobacco leaf, wet stone and shades of Umami with blood orange zest and charcuterie on this highly complex and satisfying nose. The palate is lithe and light on its feet, as the wine simply dazzles across the palate. The marvelous salinity produces gobs of mouth-watering acidity. Leather, tarragon, orange zest, red cherry candy and shades of guava puree with white truffle shavings all round out this highly gratifying palate. The range imparted in the wine is second to none. The texture to this wine is also absolutely gorgeous as the wine has a seamless quality that gracefully dances across the mid-palate. Monumental, profound and a delight to savor now, this ‘Sur Echalas’ Grenache up there with the best of its kind in North America. Drink 2019-2029- 99

2016 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2016 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah is a scintillating new release by the uber-talented winemaking team at Horsepower Vineyards. Magical and downright head-turning on the bouquet, the Syrah leads with green peppercorn alongside shades of black licorice, Umami, salted charcuterie and green olive tapenade that all impress in the glass. The palate has incredible freshness and salinity, with gobs of mouth-watering acidity that makes this nearly impossible to put down in its youth. Seaweed, black truffle shavings, cigar box, salted smoked meats and shades of blackberry cobbler all impress on the palate. Precise, with incredible tension and mouthfeel, this stunning wine will be best enjoyed over the next ten years. Drink 2019-2029- 98

2016 Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah- The ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah is a new wine in this exciting Horsepower lineup. The vineyard is a 3.3 acre parcel on the edge of the AVA, planted in 2013 mostly to Syrah and a touch Viognier. The nose is quite perfumed with shades of wet stone with bulls blood, white pepper, with black truffle shavings and charcuterie that all impress in the glass. The Syrah displays a  highly refined and gratifying texture on the palate, showing very soft tannins that mingle with the soft mouthfeel. Red currant, wild blackberry, wet stone and Umami characters with suggestions of black peppercorn all shine brightly on the palate. Outstanding in its youth, this stunning Syrah will evolve well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 96

2016 Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2016 ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ by Cayuse Vineyards is a show-stopping bottle. Planted in 2009, ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ is a 3.5 X 3.5 spaced vineyard that is entirely planted to Syrah. The seaweed quality is quite marvelous aromatically with Hoisin sauce, blackberry cobbler and wet stone character that all shine brightly on the nose. Showing wonderful weight and texture, the wine shows amazing finesse and tension with minerals and black fruits and Umami that mingle nicely on the palate. Outstanding now this beautiful new Syrah evolve well over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2019-2029- 95

Corison

One of the pioneering female winemakers not only in Napa but in the world, Cathy Corison crafts some stunning, highly balanced Cabernet wines for her namesake winery. Her Kronos Vineyard was first planted in 1971 on phylleroxia resistant rootstock. This low yielding (usually less than 1.5 tons/acre) vineyard produces some magical Cabernet wines and I was totally blown away with her 2003 Corison ‘Kronos Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) which is currently walking the tightrope between dense dark fruit and tertiary character. If you have never had that opportunity to visit this storied Napa property, I think you will be blown away with the precision of these wines.

Grapes here on 8/12/19 in the Kronos Vineyard, owned by Cathy Corison.

2018 Corizon Rose- This barrel-fermented Rose starts off with bright peach, guava and red cherry aromas that build in the glass. With just a kiss of sweetness, the wine yields bright red fruits that mingle with minerals and melon tones. Drink 2019-2025- 90

2015 Corison ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- Located a few blocks from the Corison estate, the Sunbasket Vineyard has six acres of Cabernet Franc planted. The wine opens with aromas of green peppercorn with ripe dark fruits and shades of Turkish coffee. The palate shows wonderful freshness as perfumed dark fruits mingle with chocolate, black tea and Asian spices with violets. Fantastic in its youth, this will cellar well for decades. This has fantastic elegance, leading to the exceedingly long finish. Drink 2020-2035- 95

2015 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Corison is a spectacular effort in this warm vintage. Sourced from the Saint Helena AVA, the nose shows wonderful range from coffee grounds to creme de cassis to black olive and crushed mint. Lighter smoky tones round out the compelling aromatics. Once in the mouth, the wine has a wonderful sense of place. The silky mouthfeel provides spectacular balance here. Cassis, anise, black tea, and lighter blueberry compote tones with cigar ash flavors complete this spectacular wine. While it is showing marvelously right now, this will continue to evolve gracefully for decades. Drink 2020-2040- 95

2014 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2014 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a monumental wine made by superstar winemaker Cathy Corison. The nose is simply stunning and highly perfumed with shades of lavender and violets mingle with cassis, anise and black cherry syrup. The palate is fresh and refined, showing good restraint and balance yet evoking a wonderfully plush mouthfeel. Tar, leather, and dusty terroir mingle with creme de cassis and black licorice all permeate on the palate. This marvelous wine is peaking now and has an exceedingly long life left. Drink 2019-2038- 96

2003 Corison ‘Kronos Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2003 ‘Kronos Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine at nearly twenty years of age. Aromatically quite intense, the wine has settled into lovely tertiary aromas with damp earth, wild mushroom and shades of dark cherry cordial that all build in the glass. The palate is plush and highly refined, showing a great deal of elegance and poise. Black tea, exotic spices, damp dusty terroir and copious dark fruits with tar all show incredibly on the palate. Highly refined and delightful now, the wine will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 209-2032- 95

Sin Qua Non

One of the world’s iconic wineries, Sin Qua Non started with an incredible vision with their first release in 1994 as Manfred Krankl’s brainchild remains one of the most famed producers not only in the United States, but across the globe. Born in Austria, Manfred Krankl studied at the Hotel School in Gmunden, Austria and eventually moved to Los Angeles, California where he met his wife, Elaine. In 1989 Manfred became the wine director at Campanile and slowly began learning about winemaking. He first made wine from the 1990 vintage. He would later partner with wine legend John Alban until releasing his first wine, ‘The Queen of Spades’ in 1994 which was met with incredible critical acclaim.

Manfred and his wife now own 30 acres of estate vineyards and produce a massive range of wines, from Roussanne to Syrah to stunning dessert wines. Over the past year I have had ai chance to sit with several of these iconic wines (some enjoyed without tasting notes) and, like many others in the wine community, I am consistently amazed with the quality of the wines, regardless of vintage. A friend recently had me try the 2015 Sin Qua Non ‘Trouver l’arene’ Syrah (WWB, 99) which is up there with the best Syrah that I have ever had from this region. Massive, dense and seductive, this incredible wine is intense yet has incredible poise despite the heat of the vintage. Learn more about these very special wines at  https://www.sinequanon.com Here are some of the Sin Qua Non wines that I have recently sampled.

2015 Sin Qua Non ‘Trouver l’arene’ Syrah- The stunning, profound and downright decadent ‘Trouver l’arene’ Syrah is an opulent blend of 80.5% Syrah, with 7% Petite Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache and 3.5% Viognier, which were sourced from their estate vineyards. The wine was aged in both neutral and new French oak for 22 months prior to bottling. On the nose this exudes class with sagebrush accents that collide with the blueberry pie, blackberry cordial and potpourri aromatics that all build steam in the glass. The texture to this wine exudes class. Ripe black cherry syrup, Turkish coffee, tar and leather with shades of sweetened licorice all impress on the palate. While a delight to savor in its youth, this stunning wine will evolve well over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2035- 99

2013 Sin Qua Non ‘Female’ Grenache- The 2013 Sin Qua Non ‘Female’ Grenache is sinfully good following a little time in the bottle. The wine has 19% Syrah blended in with just a touch of Mourvedre, as the ‘Female’ was largely sourced from their Eleven Confessions estate vineyard, located in Sta. Rita Hills AVA. On the nose there is wonderful underbrush undertones that collide with chocolate covered raspberry and shades of pomegranate puree that all continue to impress in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, delivering a soft and satisfying mouthfeel. Red raspberry cordial, lavender, red cherry pie and exotic spices all build momentum on the palate. A delight to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for decades. Drink 2019-2035- 97

2006 Sin Qua Non ‘Mr. K Nobleman’ Chardonnay Dessert Wine (.375 L)- The ‘Mr. K Nobleman’ Chardonnay weighs in at a whopping 200 grams per liter of sugar. Once aroused, the wine slowly unveils intense tropical fruit aromatics that mingle with shades of vanilla creme brûlée and toffee. Unctuous and soft, the wine shows off its unctuous, fleshy texture. The ‘Mr. K Nobleman’ is quite bright once on the mouth, with candied ginger, apricot jelly and shades of honeyed banana and ripe pineapple accents here. Am I really tasting Chardonnay? This unique and vibrant wine still has many years left in the bottle but is fantastic at the thirteen year mark. Drink 2019-2035- 95

St. Innocent

Right as IPNC kicks off in style, we wanted to share one of the outstanding Oregon producers of white wines and well as Pinot Noir. A man not needing any introduction, Mark Vlossak is the mastermind behind St. Innocent wines. I am always blown away with the pricing of his wines, which are probably lower than they should be. Mark’s masterful approach to white wines in particular amazes me every year. These wines are restrained, showing wonderful brightness and tension, and display a wonderfully fat texture, regardless of vintage. Formerly the winemaker for Panther Creek, Mark has a longstanding history in the Oregon wine industry as the first single vineyard Pinot Noir made by Mark dates back to 1989 from the O’Connor vineyard. In 2006 Mark set up his winery at that same site of his first single vineyard wine, which is now named the Zenith Vineyard. Mark’s Pinots typically have a wonderful combination of elegance and richness as well as earthy terroir. 

I was blown away wit his 2017 St. Innocent ‘Vitae Springs Vineyard’ Pinot Gris (WWB, 94) which his one of the great Pinot Gris wines made in Oregon.  is jam-packed full of fruit and has lovely weight and minerality. Similarly excellent is the 2015 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) displaying dazzling tension and a silky texture. Learn more about these stunning wines at https://stinnocentwine.com Here are the great new releases by St. Innocent. 

2016 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2016 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ is another terrific release from the talented Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent. The nose shows gorgeous wet stone character with wild mushroom, green apple and kumquat character that fill the nose. The palate has a wonderfully silky texture and a soft mouthfeel that entices. Vanilla cream, ripe pear, and a touch of toasty brioche with ripe apricot complete this simply gorgeous new Chardonnay. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2017 St. Innocent ‘Vitae Springs’ Pinot Gris- One of the great Pinot Gris bottling in Oregon, the 2017 ‘Vitae Springs’ Pinot Gris by St. Innocent is a dazzling new release. On the nose this shows really good range from sourdough bread to ripe Japanese pear to grassy tones that all fill the bouquet. The palate shows incredible texture and tension, with gobs of mouth-watering acidity that excite. Harmonious throughout with ripe pear, starfruit and brioche flavors, this is a complete wine that is one of the best of its kind that I have ever sampled. Simply put, this wine is a masterpiece. Drink 2019-2025- 94

2017 St. Innocent ‘Zenith Vineyard’ Auxerrois- One of the few Auxerrois bottling in Oregon, this one is absolutely sensational. There are light flinty tones to this wine that connect with the yeasty and melon aromatics that all combine nicely in the glass. The palate is refreshing and highly satisfying with its lovely texture and tension. Kumquat, wet stone and lighter earthy tones round out the palate, showing a bright minerality. Drink 2019-2024- 91

2017 St. Innocent ‘Villages Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from a host of Willamette Valley vineyards, the ‘Villages Cuvee’ starts off with aromas of raspberry torte, ripe cranberry and citrus rind tones that all gather in the glass. The palate has good brightness and ripe red fruits with citrus rind tones and lighter earthy accents. Drink 2019-2024- 91

2015 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2015 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is another stunning new bottling from the talented Mark Vlossak. On the nose this exudes class with teaberry, cherry preserves, cigar box and wild mushroom that all add wonderful complexity to the wine. The wine unveils a sumptuous mouthfeel and a dazzling minerality on the mid-palate, unveiling bright citrus rind with pomegranate seed and shades of white truffle. Highly complex and thrilling in the glass, this elegant and seamless wine will cellar well over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2019-2035- 94

2016 St. Innocent ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The gorgeous new 2016 ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows a marvelous combination of richness and astringency from this warm vintage in the Willamette Valley. On the nose this begins with aromatics reminiscent of black tea, peat moss, wild blackberry and cran-orange, providing some serious range aromatically. The mouthfeel entices as black and red fruits dance with wet stone and earthy tones on the palate. Seriously good now this stunning new Pinot Noir will continue to evolve for the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2019-2035- 93

VIADER

One of the great historic Napa wineries, VIADER is the brainchild of Delia Viader, who took the leap of faith years ago to plant grapes in uncharted waters in Napa Valley. For years Delia only made one wine, a Bordeaux style blend, since 1986. Holding a PhD from Sorbonne University in Paris, founding winemaker Delia Viader now collaborates with her son, Alan, to make their wines which are entirely sourced from their estate vineyard on Howell Mountain. A remarkable story, Delia stated Viader while raising four children on her own. Delia has achieved incredible success since starting in the mid-80s as she models her style of wine towards the great wines of Bordeaux, focusing on balance rather than primary fruit qualities. I have been enchanted with these wines and have been fortunate enough to try many going back to the 1990s. 

Alan Viader has served as vineyard manager since 2002 while studying winemaking at UC Davis. He has been lead winemaker at VIADER since 2006 and works with Delia on all wines. Alan recently started making a new wine, called the VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine, which has Syrah blend into Bordeaux varietals. I was absolutely blown away with their 2016 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine (WWB, 96), which has incredible richness and a silky texture that is pure Napa. I absolutely adore the mountain fruit in this wine which imparts incredible range and terroir. This new wine will be a resounding success for the winery. Learn more about this storied Napa winery at https://viader.com

2016 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine- The 2016 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine is a simply magical new wine by the talented winemaking team of Delia and Alan Viader. A gorgeous blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 26% Syrah, 14% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc which was barrel selected all from the VIADER Howell Mountain estate. Needing more than an hour in the decanter to fully arouse, the wine awakens to compelling aromatics of exotic spices, Earl Grey tea, mocha and milk chocolate with wild blackberry cobbler rounding out this expressive nose. The mouthfeel is plush and decadent, unveiling a downright sexy texture that satisfies. Creme de cassis, Asian spices, sweet pipe tobacco, leather and copious dark fruits all enter the fray on the palate. This is a polished, pensive wine that is meant to savor. Seriously good in its youth, this beautiful wine will evolve well over the next two decades. Drink 2020-2040- 96

Liquid Farm

I first met Liquid Farm founder Jeff Nelson many years ago at at wine event. In 2011 I had the chance to visit the winery in Santa Barbara and do some barrel tasting with him. Jeff is an unassuming, down to earth guy that is passionate about old world wines. Jeff formerly worked many years for top Champagne houses and finally got the nerve to start his own winery, taking a Burgundian approach to new world Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Tasting with him I was overjoyed with the result which were highly bright Chardonnays and higher acid, yet earthy Pinot Noirs. I have since visited his winery several times and I would say that Liquid Farm is a must-stop for any serious lover of Santa Barbara County wines. Originally Jeff only wanted to make Chardonnay but he has focused some of his attention to crafting great Pinot Noir as well.

The wines are sourced from some of the most esteemed vineyards throughout the county. Liquid Farm has gained a nationwide reputation for top notch Rose. His 2018 Liquid Farm Rose (WWB, 92) is a stunning example of California Rose, showing incredible poise, texture and range. Even better was the 2017 Liquid Farm ‘White Hill’ Chardonnay (WWB, 94) which is Santa Barbara Chardonnay at its finest with the wine’s incredible brightness and salinity. This is truly one for the cellar. Learn more about this great boutique Santa Barbara County winer at http://www.liquidfarm.com/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Liquid Farm. 

2018 Liquid Farm Rose- Sourced from the esteemed Vogelzang Vineyard in the Happy Canyon AVA, the Mourvedre based (95%) 2018 Liquid Farm Rose shows smoky undertones that collide with bright citrus zest and ripe red raspberry on this expressive nose. The gorgeous texture entices as the wine slowly unveils red cherry starburst candy, watermelon, guava and shades of white pepper with gobs of minerals on the palate. While a delight to savor in its youth, this brilliant new Rose will cellar well for at least another five years. Drink 2019-2023- 92

2017 Liquid Farm ‘White Hill’ Chardonnay- The ‘White Hill’ Chardonnay is sourced from the Clos Pepe, La Riconada, Bentrock, and Kessler-Haak Vineyards as this wine has been crafted since the 2009 vintage. Smoky, stony and showing a striking salinity on the nose, the wine unveils a beautiful, soft texture that entices. The sense of freshness and bright minerality produces gobs of mouth-watering acidity on the palate. Bright orchard fruits mingle with lemon oil, and shades of smoky tones with wild mushroom on this highly complex palate. Impossible to resist right now, this beautiful Chardonnay will evolve well for the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 94

2017 Liquid Farm ‘Golden Slope’ Chardonnay- The ‘Golden Slope’ Chardonnay is an intense and stunning new bottling from the talented Liquid Farm winemaking team. Sourced from the Clos Pepe, Ritas Crown, Bentrock, La Riconada, Kessler-Haak and Zotovich Vineyards, the wine evokes rich saline soaked pear, macadamia nut and shades of smoke and wild mushroom that all are beautifully woven into the glass. The palate is rich and gratifying with a silky mouthfeel. Ripe Japanese pear, kumquat, damp earth and minerals all collide on this enticing palate. While seductive and rich in its youth, this stunning new Chardonnay will pick up lovely tertiary notes for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2017 Liquid Farm ‘SBC’ Pinot Noir- The ‘SBC’ is sourced from a collection of fantastic vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County. On the nose this evokes teaberry with bright cranberry with smoky and earthy undertones that all build momentum on the nose. The silky mouthfeel glides across the mid-palate, delivering medium bodied red cherry, red raspberry, orange zest, guava and wild mushroom flavors. Texturally beautiful, and showing good range, this excellent new wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92

Hazelfern Cellars

One of the exciting boutique producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir out of Oregon, Hazelfern Cellars was founded recently by Bryan and Laura Liang. Bryan and Laura have been making wine since 2006 but in 2018 Bryan left his corporate job to focus on winemaking and operations at Hazelfern, located in Newberg, Oregon. Intriguingly, a great deal of Bryan and Laura's wine education was acquired watching YouTube videos on winemaking. Winemaking in their Portland basement wasn’t the easiest of tasks but over time Bryan and Laura saw their winemaking style evolve.

Admittedly, I had heard about these wines but the most recent set of releases were the first that I had tried from Hazelfern. I was more than impressed with what Bryan and Laura are doing with the wines. These are wines that impart wonderful texture and mouthfeel. The 2017 Hazelfern ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay is a simply gorgeous effort that has wonderful range and a soft mouthfeel. The wine shows the great cellaring potential for this exciting new vintage in the Willamette Valley. Even better was the 2017 Hazelfern ‘Slingshot Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which has beautiful red fruits and citrus accents with great terroir. Learn more about this exciting new winery at https://www.hazelfern.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Hazelfern.

2017 Hazelfern ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2017 Hazelfern Chardonnay was aged for 11 months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. On the nose this takes on bright lemon zest and brioche with wild mushroom aromas that build in the glass. The palate shows off a rather opulent mouthfeel, delivering ripe orchard and tropical fruits with wet stone and earthy undertones. Delightful to savor now, this fantastic effort will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2017 Hazelfern ‘Ana Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Ana Vineyard located the Dundee Hills, this Pinot Noir was aged in 100% French oak for twelve months prior to bottling. The nose shows remarkably deep red fruits along with blood orange and peat moss tones that add to the aromatic expression. The palate reveals a silky texture and mouthfeel, unveiling cranberries, cherries, pipe tobacco and leather flavors that collide with the bright citrus rind and wet stone character. Showing excellent range, this delicious wine should continue to evolve over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2032- 93

2017 Hazelfern ‘Robinson Family Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 Robinson Family Vineyard Pinot Noir shows enticing guava and blood orange tones on the nose. Round and generous on the mouth, the wine shows off ripe red cherry candy, cran-pomegrnate and lighter earthy tones on the palate. This is another fantastic new Pinot Noir by Hazelfern that will cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2017 Hazelfern ‘Slingshot Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Sivershot Vineyard is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The 2017 Pinot Noir was aged for twelve months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. On the nose this exudes class with nuances of saline drenched volcanic earth that sits alongside the citrus rind and red fruit aromatics. The palate delivers a lovely combination of weight and mouth-watering acidity, as flavors of red fruits dance with blood orange and volcanic earthy undertones. Seductive and showing serious range, this beautiful wine should go on to cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2032- 93

Quilceda Creek Vertical Tasting

One of the famed world producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, Quilceda Creek, crafts brilliant, age-worthy wines that drink marvelously in their youth but also show massive cellaring potential. I was first exposed to the wines of Quilceda Creek in the late 1990s and I have been amazed with how these wines age, regardless of vintage. Only recently I enjoyed the 1999 Quilceda Creek with friends and was moved by its complexity and Bordelaise feel. 

It had been quite some time since I had sat for a proper vertical tasting of Quilceda Creek and I was due a revisit of some of the great wines of the 2000s. Our tasting was vintages 2004-2010, with the one cold vintage being 2010 and the rest of vintages being warm. Superstar Paul Golitzin made some magical wines and we were absolutely blown away with the 2004 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 99) which is an absolutely decadent wine that is drinking marvelously at this fifteen year mark. This wine had quite pronounced blue fruits whereas many other vintages did not offer that same blueberry note. Just as good was the 2006 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 99) which is even more massive and has more tertiary notes of tar and earthy tones that make this absolutely impossible to resist. One thing is quite evident — the wines of Quilceda Creek are a revelation after some time in the bottle. While patience with these wines might be a challenge, I would encourage any serious collector of Washington wine to keep a few in the cellar for ten years to revisit these gorgeous Cabernets. Learn more about these very special wines at quilcedacreek.com Here are my tasting notes for our vertical tasting of Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon.

2004 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2004 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is a scintillating wine that is showing marvelously at this juncture. The nose is gorgeous and intense right out of the gate with bright red and dark fruits with chocolate, sagebrush, cherry tomato and blueberry compote that all collide in the glass. Lighter herbal tones come into play after the bottle has been opened more than two hours. The palate takes on an incredible elegance and silky mouthfeel. While obviously rich, this is quite well-balanced. The texture gives the err of decadence. With refined tannins, the wine has tremendous richness, yet relies on great finesse with blueberry cordial, black tea, exotic spices and mocha flavors. The exceedingly long finish lingers in this exciting fifteen year old Cabernet. This incredible wine is peaking now so enjoy it over the next five years as there is no reason to wait on this heavyhitter. Drink 2019-2023- 99

2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is a monumental effort from this warm vintage in Washington. Right away this brilliant wine shows intense aromatics right away as this flamboyant Cabernet evokes creosote, Turkish coffee, blackberry pie, anise and creme de cassis that all build on this gorgeous nose. The palate is silky smooth with refined tannins as the wine unveils blackberry cordial, smoke, leather, black tea, and mocha flavors that build momentum. While marvelous now, this will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2019-2029- 98

2006 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon- This warm vintage Cabernet Sauvignon by Quilceda Creek is a refined wine that is aging gracefully at the thirteen year mark. On the nose this takes on lovely red bell pepper with black fruits, espresso bean, sagebrush and Asian spices with a touch of damp earth. The complex and downright gorgeous nose brings you back to the glass for more pleasure. The mouthfeel and texture to the wine is refined, elegant and downright silky. The palate shows rich creme de cassis, anise, tar, blackberry compote and shades of black raspberry cordial and light vegetal undertones. Expressive, exotic and the best of its kind, this gorgeous wine flirts with perfection. The exceedingly long finish lingers long. Enjoy this stunning wine over the next eight years. Drink 2019-2027- 99

2007 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2007 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is a dazzling wine from this stunning vintage in the Columbia Valley. The richness and intensity literally leaps right out off the glass with Turkish coffee, exotic spices, blueberry compote, tar roasted dates and creme de cassis notes that give this wine a hedonistic edge on the nose. The palate is dazzling with a bright sense of minerality with great richness and tension with light tannins that frame the wine. There is a seamless quality to this wine as it gracefully glides across the mid-palate. Dense and decadent dark fruits with combine with roasted figs, chocolate and shades of sagebrush that all brilliantly combine on the palate. While gorgeous now, this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2019-2029- 99

2008 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2008 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful and hedonistic wine that is showing marvelously at this juncture. The nose shows gorgeous blueberry compote with red bell pepper, red rose petal, exotic spice, with black tea and blackberry cordial flavors that all combine brilliantly in the glass. The palate is decadent and highly refined, showing both incredible poise and tension. Like the ’07 the ’08 effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Dark plum, blueberry compote, Turkish coffee, and Earl Grey tea with Asian spice flavors all marvelously combine on the palate. Layered and complex, this is heaven in a bottle. Enjoy this fantastic bottling one the next seven to ten years. Drink 2019-2029- 99

2009 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2009 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine that is drinking marvelously at one decade of age. The nose is quite evocative with red bell pepper and exotic spices that combine with blueberry cordial and espresso bean notes that all shine brightly in the glass. The palate has incredible decadence, taking on a hedonistic bent. Black tea, blueberry pie, blackberry pie, and shades of wild huckleberry that give this round wine a wonderful sense of softness and plush texture. Given more than an hour of air this continues to evolve gracefully. Outstanding now, this beautiful wine will continue to evolve well over the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 98

2010 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon- This cold vintage bottling is one of the wines of the vintage. Showing more herbal tones fill the nose the as wine mingles with tar and shades of fresh blueberry and creosote tones that all build in the glass. The palate is highly refined and shows a Bordealaise character, unveiling Earl Grey tea, wild blackberry and Black Forest cake that all build momentum on the palate. Showing good freshness and poise, this has another decade ahead of it. But why wait? Drink 2019-2029- 94

Open Claim Vineyards

There are so many wonderful boutique Oregon producers that admittedly it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the movement. I have had the chance to review the last two sets of releases from Open Claim Vineyards, a new Oregon winery that specializes in high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded by Marnie and Brett Wall, Open Claim Vineyards first released their wine with the 2014 vintage. These are complex, rich and captivating wines that have tons of cellaring potential.

The more Oregon wines I review I am becoming increasing convinced that nearly everything that Tony Rynders touches turns to gold. One of the eminent winemakers in the Pacific Northwest, Tony not only makes his wines under his Tendril label but consults for a plethora of great Oregon producers. The 2016 Open Claim ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) is dense and highly complex, showing Burgundian earthy tones and tons of red fruits. This gorgeous effort is one for any serious collector of Oregon Pinot Noir. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.openclaimvineyards.com/ Here are the brilliant 2016 releases by Open Claim. 

2016 Open Claim ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2016 Open Claim ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay is another fantastic release by the talented Tony Rynders. The wine was aged for sixteen months in 33% new French oak prior to bottling. The nose shows gorgeous Meyer lemon zest with toasted brioche and hazelnuts. The palate shows a good combination of richness and freshness with a marvelous texture. Vanilla cream, lemon oil, honeydew melon and Marcona almond flavors all come together to create some beautiful complexity. Refined and rich, this is a fantastic new bottling that will cellar well for the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2016 Open Claim ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 Open Claim ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir was aged for sixteen months in 40% new French oak prior to bottling. The nose here is gorgeous with red cherry compote, smoke, black truffle crudo, citrus rind and peat moss that all come together and build in the. glass. The palate is plush, revealing a gorgeous texture. Red cherry candy, guava puree, red currant and blood orange zest flavors all combine to show some serious range. This is a simply stunning new bottling by superstar winemaker Tony Rynders that will cellar well for the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2035- 94

The Walls

A partnership between software executive Mike Martin and winemaker Ali Mayfield, The Walls is a relatively new winery that focuses on intriguing and sometimes unusual red and white wines sourced from great vineyard sites throughout the state. Humorously named after a Walla Walla nickname for the local Washington State Penitentiary, The Walls imparts aptly playful names for their wines, like the ‘Concrete Mama’ referring to both the storage of the wine along with the housing for penitentiary inmates.  

Ali Mayfield has a great resume, previously worked at illustrious wineries Corliss Estates and Long Shadows. In 2013 she made 30 barrels of her very own wine and was soon connected with Martin, who was working as a Microsoft attorney and was looking into potentially starting his own winery. Only recently The Walls has opened their own winery on Pine St. in downtown Walla Walla. A few weeks back I visited the winery and tasted with Ali, talking shop and taking in this exciting new facility and beautiful new wines. One of the great Rose wines made in the state, the 2018 The Walls ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose (WWB, 91) is the best rendition of this wine since its inception, with its wonderful mouthfeel and outstanding flavor and aromatic range. I absolutely loved the new 2016 The Walls ‘Concrete Mama’ Syrah (WWB, 93) which has wonderful Umami and red fruit flavors, with a soft mouthfeel that is wonderfully integrated. Learn more about these great wines at https://www.thewallsvineyards.com Here are the new releases by The Walls.

2018 The Walls ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose is a fabulous effort by the talented Ali Mayfield. On the nose this yields nice complexity with hints of blood orange that line bright red fruits with wet stone undertones. The palate shows a silky mouthfeel, unveiling bright kiwi, red raspberry puree and cran-pomegranate flavors that combine with a wonderful texture and sense of minerality. Drink 2019-2023- 91

2016 The Walls ‘Les Jeunes Vignes’ Chardonnay- Sourced from younger vines from the Columbia Valley, this opens with a beautiful bouquet of ripe honeydew melon with shades of banana and wild mushroom that all develop nicely in the glass. The soft mouthfeel is really nice, as is the bright citrus fruits that mingle with lemon infused vanilla cream. Bright and showing good length, this excellent new Chardonnay will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2019-2024- 91

2016 The Walls ‘Mahana’ Red Wine- This is a blend of Syrah and Grenache with a small portion of Viognier which is co-fermented. The wine has seriously range on the nose with wonderful stony character and green olive tapenade with bacon fat that all build on the nose. The silky texture drives this wine as bulls blood, red cheerier compote and shades of wild mushroom and Umami flavors all collide on the palate. This is a seriously good effort by the talented Ali Mayfield. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2016 The Walls ‘Concrete Mama’ Syrah- The wine is sourced from the River Rock Vineyard and has 5% Viognier which has been co-fermented with Tablas Creek clone Syrah. The nose is highly complex with Umami, red cherry compote, horse manure and shades of bulls blood that all build on the nose. The mouthfeel and texture is seriously good with Hoisin sauce, blood orange and shades of wild blackberry with cran-pomegranate that all connect energy on the palate. While delightful in its youth, this will evolve well over the next decade., Drink 20`19-12029- 93

Corliss Estates

Friends, it has been far too long since I have shared my thoughts on this great Walla Walla winery. Corliss Estates is a stunning facility that focuses on Bordeaux varietals as they tend to hold their wines considerably longer than most wineries. Founded by Michael and LauriCorliss, in 1999, Corliss has been met with some serious critical acclaim since their first release in 2008. I have been blown away with how some of these wines have aged, as I recently enjoyed the 2008 Corliss Estates Red Wine which was absolutely singing.  

Originally from Australia, head winemaker Andrew Trio is an uber-talented man who has been at the helm and has a storied history in wine previously working throughout Australia, as well as New Zealand, California and Europe. He also has eminent winemaking consultant Philippe Melka by his side, a man who needs no introduction. The team crafts some stunning wines that are big, bold and well-balanced. For those who are not impressed by rich Washington red wines, look elsewhere. The textural elements to these red wines are just gorgeous. The wines that I reviewed are future release wines that are simply gorgeous across the board. The 2014 Corliss Estates Red Wine (WWB, 94) is dense, chewy and will have decades in the cellar. Just as good (and even more massive) is the 2014 Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) is a monster of a wine that delivers intense dark fruits and a silky texture. Learn more about these beautiful pre-release wines at http://corlissestates.com Here are the great new release wines from Corliss Estates.

2015 Corliss Estates Syrah (Spring 2020 release)- The 2015 Corliss Syrah is a seriously good effort from a somewhat challenging vintage for red wines in Washington State. Aged in French oak puncheons (35%) for 26 months prior to bottling, this wine exudes class. On the nose this takes on intense blue and dark fruit aromatics with exotic spices and chocolate that round out this expressive profile. The palate shows a soft, pillowy texture, engaging ripe dark berries, mocha, tar and roasted dates that combine with a good sense of freshness. This is showing marvelously at this stage and will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2029- 93

2014 Corliss Estates Red Wine (Fall 2019 release)- A combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2014 Corliss Red Wine was aged in 65% new French oak for 28 months prior to bottling. Needing a one hour decant to fully express itself, the wine slowly unveils ripe blueberry compote, sagebrush, Turkish coffee and shades of black licorice candy that all meld together in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and decadent, while also elegant. With a soft mouthfeel, this gracefully glides across the mid-palate revealing copious dark and blue fruit flavors with chocolate covered espresso bean. Marvelous now, this beautiful red blend will have a long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2038- 94

2014 Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (Fall 2019 release)- Sourced from the Columbia Valley, the 2014 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 70% new French oak for 28 months prior to bottling. The nose is quite expressive with red bell pepper, mocha, anise and creme de cassis aromatics that all combine brilliantly once in the glass. The palate is exceedingly smooth, showing off its silky texture. Ripe blackberry compote, leather, anise and Black Forest cake flavors all mingle brilliantly together on the palate. While a delight to savor in its youth, this will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2040- 94

Smak Wines

Right in the heat of Rose season, we bring you one of the very cool and unique wineries of Washington that focuses on crafting limited production Rose. Fiona Mak is a graduate of Syracuse University’s hospitality management program. Originally from Hong Kong, Fiona had a formidable career in the restaurant industry, making a host of great spots like Morimoto in Philadelphia, Haru Sushi in New York, and Quality Meats, in Manhattan. Fiona is also a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommelier. 

In 2013 she traveled across country to begin her wine education at the Walla Walla Community College Enology and Viticulture program. She then was employed as a lab manager at Artifex Wine Company. Her wines are inspired by her travels to Provence and I can see that feeling of delicacy and nuance in each bottle. Rose is quite difficult to make well and I was very impressed with her latest set of releases. Her 2018 SMAK Wines ‘Summer’ Rose (WWB, 90) is wonderfully fresh and linear, with bright lip-smacking acidity. This is hard to resist stuff on a hot summer day. I also really enjoyed her 2018 SMAK Wines ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose (WWB, 90) which continues the brightness but shows more earthy undertones. Learn more about this great new winery at https://www.smakwines.com Here are the great new releases by SMAK Wines.

2018 SMAK Wines ‘Spring’ Rose- The ‘Spring’ Rose is made from Sangiovese grapes grown in the Walla Walla Valley. The nose is very delicate with red fruits and gooseberry tones that meld in the glass. The palate shows a ton of brightness and intense acidity, but comes off a touch sour in the balance. This is pretty novel, intriguing stuff. Drink 2019-2022- 89

2018 SMAK Wines ‘Summer’ Rose- Made from Pinot Gris grapes sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, this Rose opens with a bouquet of bright pear, lemon blossom and shades of red raspberry that collide in the glass. The palate shows bright acidity with very linear green apple and kiwi flavors. The finish is very long and adds to the enjoyment. While this may come off a bit lean, the overall picture is very nice. Drink 2019-2022- 90

2018 SMAK Wines ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose- The ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose by SMAK and winemaker Fiona May is sourced from Columbia Valley Sourced Syrah. The wine opens with hints of wild mushroom that combine with delicate red fruits on the nose. The texture entices, as does the bright acidity to the wine as very light red fruits dance with minerals. The finish is delightful. Drink 2019-2022- 90

Interview with Victor de la Luz, Winemaker at Gordon Estate and De La Luz Wines

Interview with Victor de la Luz, Winemaker at Gordon Estates and De La Luz Wines

As promised, we deliver part two of our winery/winemaker feature. A great face of Washington wine, Victor de la Luz is the winemaker at both Gordon Estates and his own winery, De La Luz Wines. Originally from Mexico, Victor was actually a professional dancer before catching the wine bug and diving head first into Washington wine. A student of the Walla Walla Community Viticulture and Enology program, Victor has crafted some beautiful new wines for Gordon Estates. He has an inspired story and I think you will very much enjoy learning more about him. Here is my interview with Victor de la Luz, winemaker at Gordon Estates and De La Luz Wines.

WWB: What initially inspired you to become a winemaker?

VDL: I would say it’s like falling in love - you never know where, when, or with whom. The first time was in Europe I was folk dancer in 1999; more specifically in Agrigento in Sicily Italy. I can’t say exactly what kind of wine, but I can say it was white wines we were tasting. At the moment when the wine hit my palate I felt a rush like never before. The taste, flavor, texture created such a memory; it’s one of those moments where if you could go back in time without hesitation you would go back for that moment again. The second time in 2007 while in Seattle, I was given the opportunity by Matthew Loso, the winemaker at Matthews Winery in Woodinville. Tasting that wine brought me back to the day of 1999. It was in 2007 that I knew I wanted to make a living making wine. To give people that feeling that had in1999.

WWB: Talk about the education you received at Walla Walla Community College and their enology and viticulture program?

VDL:Within the wine industry you’re always learning and growing. Walla Walla Community college enology and viticulture program is a complete and full circle program like none other. From the time you step into the program you are hands on at the start of fall at the peak point of harvest. There you learn the basics of pruning, thinning, and the full circle of the grapes growth much like the circle of life if you will from the birth until the end.

WWB: Your 2017 Gordon Estate Chardonnay (WWB,90) has wonderful depth and poise. Can you talk about the winemaking behind this great value chardonnay?

VD: Balance with weight, fruit, mouthful, acidity, and time. I have been drinking chardonnay for over 10 years. I wanted to make a chardonnay that people would love, enjoy, and talk about. Much like my first love in 1999. This 2017 Chardonnay is a result of having a great team from my former consultant winemaker Hillary Sjolund. Kamiak Vineyards manager Marc Nelson, along with his staff Ramon Armenta and Camilo Tapia, have extensive knowledge and experience from the soil, seed, and growth within the vineyard for well over 20 years. They make my job as a winemaker so much easier. I thank Gordon Estate for providing me with the opportunity to be a part of the team that made the 2017 Gordon Estate Chardonnay.

WWB: Last year you launched your own brand wines, De La Luz Wines. Can you talk about staring your own winery project and what we can expect from these limited production wines?

VDL: First I have to thank Gordon Estate for allowing me to use their space for this new venture. Having my own label is a dream come true. The making and production of the 2017 Gordon Estate Chardonnay was the beginning of things to come. For De La Luz, a single vineyard showcase will be limited releases from three different vineyards in three different AVAs. The first one is 2016 Merlot from Golden Ridge Walla Walla Valley AVA. The 2017 Merlot is from Two Blondes Vineyards Yakima valley AVA. De La Luz 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Kamiak Vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA.

WWB: What are some of your favorite wines of the world?

VDL: My favorite type of wine is what I savor in that moment. The moment when I am with friends, family, and loved ones. I can’t select a favorite wine of the world until I travel it.

Gordon Estate

Today marks a two part series with winery and winemaker. For those who are not familiar with Gordon Estate, it is one of Washington’s historic wineries, dating back to 1980. In that year Jeff Gordon, his wife, Vicki, and brother Bill, planted vines in the southeastern Washington’s Columbia Valley. Dr. Walter Clore felt that the 200 acre parcel of land would be a great spot to grow wine which was nestled near the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Gordon Estate has been family owned and operated since 1983, and released their first wine in 1985, an estate Chardonnay wine produced from their estate vines. Rebranded in 2012 as Gordon Estate, the winery produces a host of different varietals, from Rose, to Ice Wine to Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaker Victor de La Luz heads up winemaking for Gordon Estate. Originally Mexico, this professional dancer turned winemaker has quietly been making some seriously good wines. His new wines were every bit as good as the ones that I reviewed last year. Check out the new 2017 Gordon Estate Chardonnay (WWB, 90) which has really nice freshness and weight. I also was impressed by the 2014 Gordon Estates ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 92) which is a late release wine that is absolutely singing right now. This wine will cellar well for the next decade. Learn more about these wines at https://gordonwines.com Here are the beautiful wines by Gordon Estate.

2017 Gordon Estate Chardonnay- The 2017 Gordon Estate Chardonnay opens with vanilla cream and brioche notes that fill the glass. The palate has good freshness and weight, unveiling whipping cream with orchard fruit flavors. This is seriously good for the price. Drink 2019-2025- 90

2015 Gordon Estate Merlot-The nose here is quite juicy, delivering copious red fruits that mingle with shades of black tea and herbal tones. The palate has good richness, delivering black and red fruits that collide with herbal and earthy undertones. Drink 2019-2025- 90

2016 Gordon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Gordon Estates Cabernet Sauvignon delivers nice savory and herbal tones on the nose with dark fruits on the nose. The palate comes off a touch hot, delivering rich and slightly sweetened black fruit flavors with herbal undertones coming in strong. Drink 2019-2023- 89

2015 Gordon Estate ‘Tradition’ Red Wine- The ‘Tradition’ is a beautiful blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot with just a touch of Malbec. The wine was aged for 23 months in 45% new French oak prior to bottling. The nose is deep and seductive with chocolate and copious dark fruits that enter the fray. The texture evokes elegance as sagebrush, milk chocolate covered raspberry and Black Forest cake flavors all shine brightly on the palate. While seriously good now, this will evolve well over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2014 Gordon Estate ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2014 ‘Reserve’ by Gordon Estates is a beautiful new wine by the talented Victor de la Luz. On the nose this takes on rich dark fruits that mingle with chocolate covered espresso bean aromatics that all collide in the glass. The palate is soft, showing a glorious texture. Black tea, exotic spices, dark chocolate shavings and blackberry pie flavors all mingle beautifully on the palate. Elegant and downright delicious, this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92

Mollydooker

One of the outstanding wineries out of Australia, Mollydooker achieved an unprecedented amount of fame in a very short amount of time. Founded in 2005 by Sarah and Sparky Marquis, Mollydooker was met with incredible critical acclaim immediately as their first vintage wine, the 2006 ‘Carnival of Love’ Shiraz was immediately awarded 99 points by Robert Parker and was sold out in five days. The following year, their Velvet Glove Shiraz became their fifth wine to be awarded 99 points by The Wine Advocate and the Carnival of Love has since been listed in Wine Spectator’s ‘Top Ten wines in the World’ three times. This is just an unprecedented amount of success for a new winery.

I was first introduced to these wines in their 2007 vintage as word traveled very quickly to the United States. The combination of weight and acidity in the wines was quite thrilling. I was also enticed with the consistency of their wines, regardless of vintage. For instance, 2011 was a highly challenging vintage in South Australia and the wines made by Mollydooker that vintage were some of the finest produced in the region. In 2017 Sarah took sole control of the winery and now has her son, Luke, the ‘Blue Eyed Boy’ is involved in the winery as well. I sat down with Sarah earlier this year for an interview and she was a delight to talk wine with as she was recently named 2018 Owner/Operator of the Year at the Australian Women in Wine Awards. 

I had the chance to review the new run of releases by Mollydooker and was really impressed with the consistency of the lineup. Following up the gorgeous ’16 bottling, the 2017 Mollydooker ‘Carnival of Love’ Shiraz (WWB, 96) is a dense and decadent treat, with great acidity and mid-palate weight. This is a must for any serious collector of Australian Shiraz. Even better was their flagship wine, the 2017 Mollydooker ‘Velvet Glove’ Shiraz (WWB, 98) which is a wine that flirts with perfection and is one of the best wines that I have sampled in the past year. I was just blown away with how this wine shows in its youth. Simply put, it is irresistible now and will only get better with a little bottle age. Learn more about this inspired Australian winery at https://www.mollydookerwines.com.au/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Mollydooker.

2017 Mollydooker ‘Blue Eyed Boy’ Shiraz- This new release Shiraz opens with a rich bouquet of coffee grounds, black cherry syrup and suggestions of black tea with milk chocolate that fill the nose. The palate has a good combination of richness and freshness with black tea, cassis, mocha and graphite that combine marvelously on the palate. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2017 Mollydooker ‘Gigglepot’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Gigglepot’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows beautiful range on the nose from red bell pepper to anise to cassis and Turkish coffee aromas that build in the glass. The palate exudes class with black tea, blackberry cordial, mocha and bell pepper flavors that all connect. Seductive and showing really good richness this gorgeous wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2017 Mollydooker ‘Enchanted Path’ Red Wine-The ‘Enchanted Path’ is a seriously good blend of 72% Shiraz with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is ultra-rich with intense black and blue fruits that collide with minerals and coffee grounds on the nose, The palate shows off a rich and plush texture as black tea, mocha, creosote and blackberry compote with shades of blueberry pie all connect together once in the mouth. A show-stopper, this will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 95

2017 Mollydooker ‘Carnival of Love’ Shiraz- The 2017 ‘Carnival of Love’ Shiraz shows off an exotic, highly intoxicating nose of red rose petals alongside rich dark fruits with blueberry compote, mocha and Asian spices that fill the glass The palate is exceedingly plush with ripe blueberry pie, anise, exotic spices and shades of tar that all collide in the glass. Decadent and simply marvelous in its youth, this will continue to evolve well over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2033- 96

2017 Mollydooker ‘Velvet Glove’ Shiraz- The 2017 ‘Velvet Glove’ Shiraz is a simply magical new wine by Mollydooker. The nose is incredibly perfumed showing roasted dates, Turkish coffee, sweet pipe tobacco and blueberry compote that all sing in harmony together in the glass. The palate is deep and highly viscous, showing an incredible texture yet maintaining wonderful tension in the glass. Blueberry pie, mocha, Turkish coffee and earthy undertones with minerals all shine on the palate. Incredible now in its youth, this will evolve well for two decades. Drink 2019-2039- 98