The Walls Vineyards Acquires The Rockgarden Estate Vineyard

There is some big news out of Walla Walla today that we want to share. Since 2000 the Rockgarden Estate Vineyard has been an integral part of Buty Winery’s wine program. Today Mike Martin of The Walls has officially acquired this 10-acre Rockgarden Vineyard located in in The Rocks District of Milton Freewater AVA.

Owner Mike Martin states, “The addition of an estate vineyard, and having Todd consulting on all of our winemaking and viticultural practices, gives us an opportunity to build on the great work we've done and take our winemaking to a whole new level. It has always been our goal to craft wines that are indicative of the place where they are grown, and owning our own vineyards allows us to further this objective.” In addition to the Rockgarden vineyard, Mike also owns 20 acres of unplanted Rocks District AVA land, which he plans to begin planting in 2021. The Walls will continue to produce a small selection of wines from some ultra-premium Rocks District vineyards with whom it has partnered since 2016.

The press release also officially notes some exciting news that I have kept quiet for a few months -- that superstar winemaker, Todd Alexander, has become The Walls consulting winemaker. This will be a very exciting prospect to see how Todd Alexander makes his mark on these wines in years to come.

2017 Vintage Port

The latest vintage Port releases suggest that there is a lot for collectors to look forward to. Some are stating that 2017 could shape up to be a legendary vintage. 2017 follows up the exciting 2016 releases and intriguingly this is the first time since the 1880s that Port producers have done back to back vintages. Many are saying that the wines are quite different than those produced in 2016 and the growing seasons were extremely divergent.

2017 was quite arid compared to 2016 and the consistent heat led to an extremely early harvest. In fact, by the time that producers were done in 2017, they had just started in 2016. After some hot weather in June which affected some of the clusters, July cooled down and August was also quite moderate in temperature. Harvest was extremely early in 2017 which ironically negated some of the growers’ summer holiday travels. 

The new Port release I tried were sensational. The 2017 Ferreira ‘Quinta do Porto’ Vintage Port (WWB, 96) is dense and shows incredible poise and class. This is one of the best I have ever had from this house. Even better is the scintillating 2017 Dow Vintage Port (WWB, 98) which is primarily Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, showing impeccable balance and purity. This beautiful wine is nowhere near ready but will be singing in five plus years. Here are my tasting notes from the new vintage Port releases that I sampled.

2017 Ferreira ‘Quinta do Porto’ Vintage Port-The 2017 Ferreira ‘Quinta do Porto’ is a single quinta vintage port, made from this historic house that dates back to 1771. Ferreira has created magical new wine sourced from their 24 hectare estate, this inky colored vintage Port show dense wild blackberry coulis and milk chocolate aromas that meld with shades of black licorice, lavender and exotic spices that all take shape in the glass. Viscous and intense, the wine shows an incredible power and concentration yet is highly poised and balanced. Gorgeous layers of deep black and red fruits mingle with shades of cinnamon and clove, Asian spices, tar  and Black Forest cake on this outstanding palate. Full-bodied and full of depth, this is a mere infant now and will require some patience for several years. Drink 2026-2050- 96

2017 Croft Vintage Port- The 2017 Croft Vintage Port was aged for 20 months in French oak before bottling, as it weighs in at 97 g/l residual sugar. Largely sourced from the south-facing Quinta da Roêda estate, the wine begins with deep tar, leather, lavender and exotic spices that mingle with the intense black fruits on this expressive bouquet. The balance and silky texture really entices. While not massive, this offers rich dark fruits on the palate, with Christmas spicecake, Turkish coffee and molasses flavors that all sing in harmony on the palate. Give this beautiful wine at least five years before uncorking. Drink 2025-2050- 95

2017 Dow’s Vintage Port- The 2017 Dow’s Vintage Port is crafted from largely Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca (80%) grapes with a fair portion of Alicante Bouchet (8%) blended in. The nose is intoxicating with its blueberry cobbler, mocha, tar, lavender and anise aromas that all meld together in the glass. The stunning bouquet brings you back to the glass for more hedonistic delight. The sense of balance and purity of fruit is truly amazing, as this pushes perfection with its dark chocolate shaving, blueberry liquor, espresso bean and shades of lavender puree. Exotic, and simply captivating, the wine has a seamless quality and a supple texture that truly shines. While a delight to savor now, this beautiful wine really needs at least five more years in the cellar to come into its own. Drink 2026-2060- 98

Ambassador Wines of Washington

Founded in 2004, Ambassador sources from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain. Under the expert eye of Dick Boushey, the Ambassador Vineyard is a warm site planted to a host of varietals, from Grenache to Cabernet Sauvignon. Ambassador has a tasting room in the Woodinville Warehouse District which is a wonderful spot to try their awesome range of wines. 

Ambassador makes a killer Rose and I absolutely loved their 2018 Ambassador Rose (WWB, 91) shows off a fleshy texture and wonderful vibrant feel. This is a beautiful wine to enjoy now. I loved the 2016 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Grenache (WWB, 91) which also is marvelously textured and has really pretty red fruits with earthy undertones. The wine is delicious now and will cellar well for at least another six years. Learn more about this great lineup of wines at http://www.ambassadorwinery.com Here are the new wines by Ambassador Wines of Washington

2018 Ambassador Wines of Washington Rose- Made from estate fruit, the 2018 Rose by Ambassador shows a pretty salmon hue and opens with a bouquet of red currant with ripe strawberry and citrus rind accents that fill the nose. Bright, showing a wonderful texture and sense of minerality, the wine unveils a great combination of weight and tension once in the mouth. Seriously delicious with its red fruits, citrus tones and salinity, the 2018 Ambassador Rose is exceedingly difficult to put down in its youth. Drink 2019-2023- 91

2018 Ambassador Wines of Washington ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- sourced from this esteemed vineyard in the Yakima Valley, this starts off with intense gooseberry with shades of kiwi and green apple aromatics that all collide in the glass. The palate shows a good brightness, with lovely minerals that mingle with lighter Gravenstein apple and underripe melon flavors. Enjoy this in its youth. Drink 2019-2023- 89

2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington Grenache- Just a hint of Petit Verdot (4%) is blended in as this opens with pretty cranberry, red cherry and orange rind aromas that all mingle in the glass. The silky texture is beautiful as the wine unveils ripe red cherry, and guava puree with suggestions of sweet pipe tobacco. This is delicious stuff that will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2019-2026- 91

2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington Merlot- This beautiful new wine begins with aromas of black cherry cordial and baking spices that mingle with shades of chocolate on this expressive nose. The silky texture entices as silky smooth red and dark fruit flavors collide with cocoa powder and minerals. This is seriously good stuff. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington ‘Diplomat’ Red Wine- The ‘Diplomat’ is a silky blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon with equal parts Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. You can catch a glimpse of the Syrah on the nose with red and dark fruits mingling with sagebrush and chocolate tones. Soft and generous on the palate, there is good freshness and richness with minerals as the wine delivers blackberry pie and chocolate flavors that collide with minerals and black tea flavors. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington ‘Envoy’ Red Wine- The ‘Envoy’ is a great blend of Merlot (76%) with smaller portions Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Red bell pepper and red cherry mingle with baking spices on the nose. Soft and generous on the mouth, the wine delivers bright red and dark fruit flavors with chocolate and sagebrush tones on the palate. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington Cabernet Sauvignon begins with ripe dark fruits with baking spices and shades of blackberry jam that all mingle together on the nose. The palate has good balance and freshness, delivering a silky texture and copious dark fruits that collide with chocolate and sagebrush flavors. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington ‘Plentipotentiary’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington ‘Plentipotentiary’ Cabernet Sauvignon has a relatively high percentage of Petit Verdot (17%) blended in. The green tones from that varietal nicely complement the dark fruits and chocolate aromatics which all come together nicely in the glass. The dense palate really entices, as does the soft mouthfeel. A delight to savor now, this beautiful wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington Malbec- This 100% varietal bottling begins with gorgeous violets and black tea aromas that mingle with shades of blueberry compote on this expressive nose. The palate is dense and plush, delivering a soft and gratifying mouthfeel. Black tea, exotic spices and blueberry pie flavors all flourish together. Enjoy this fantastic wine over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington Syrah- Intriguingly this Syrah has 8% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Franc blended in with a hint of Petit Verdot as well. I can catch just a hint of Malbec on the nose with the lighter violets that mingle with copious dark fruits and chocolate on the nose. The palate is quite forward, delivering a nice mouthfeel and intense chocolate and blackberry pie flavors. Drink 2019-2026- 90

2016 Ambassador Wines of Washington ‘Plentipotentiary’ Syrah- Really a Provence style red wine, this has 25% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. Shades of Black Forest Cake and cigar ash fill the nose. The palate is delightful and soft, unveiling ripe black tea, Asian spices and mocha flavors. Drink 2019-2026- 90

Washington Wine Blog Critic’s Choice of Washington 2020

Friends,

We have nothing short of a massive announcement today. On Saturday I spoke with Christophe Baron about our Washington Wine Blog Critic’s Choice of Washington experience. While Christophe cannot physically be at our event, we are incredibly honored to be sharing the wines of Cayuse Vineyards for our very special Washington wine experience. Cayuse Vineyards is our 2019 Washington Wine Blog Winery of the Year and we are absolutely thrilled to share these incredible wines with our patrons. We can’t wait to see you all at our event in February!

If you haven’t purchased your tickets to the event, please follow the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-wine-blog-critics-choice-of-washington-2020-tickets-86828631775

Sojourn Cellars

Sojourn CeOn a dark December afternoon I migrated downtown Seattle to visit with one of Sonoma’s outstanding winemakers, Eric Bradley. For about an hour we traded industry stories and he particularly amused me with his work under Sonoma legend Dick Arrowood. We both traded stories about the best wines the we tried all year. Eric mentioned that the best wine he had all year was the 1973 Monte Real Rioja. “That blew my mind. Older Rioja wines have the acidity to give them tension that holds. They can be difficult to drink when they are young but once the tannins are in balance with the acidity it is like a symphony.” I love older Rioja as well and described some of my favorite older Tondonia bottles.

Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 as a partnership between two tennis buddies who discovered a mutual passion for great wine. At Sojourn Craig and Ellen Haserot work together with winemaker Erich Bradley, the former winemaker at Arrowood Winery in Sonoma. A native of Palo Alto, California, Erich has a degree in bio-chemistry from the esteemed University of Chicago and a degree in Philosophy and Modern European Intellectual History from the University of California at Irvine. Eric has crafted some consistently good Pinot Noir and Chardonnay over the past several years.

Erich has been mentored by eminent winemakers Arrowood and David Ramey and sources his wines from some fantastic California vineyards, including Gap’s Crown Vineyard and the Durell Vineyard. The new releases by Sojourn were beautiful across the board. Look to the 2018 Sojourn ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) which has great terroir and range from this exciting new vintage in the Sonoma Coast. I really enjoyed the 2017 Sojourn Cellars ‘Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 93) which has wonderful black fruits with chocolate tones and a good level of acidity to hold the wine. This beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.sojourncellars.com Here are the great new wines by Sojourn Cellars.

2018 Sojourn Cellars ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay was aged in 30% new French oak before bottling. The texture is gorgeous here as the wine leads with bright creme brûlée and full-bodied orchard fruit flavors with Challah bread and baking spice undertones. This is fantastic stuff to enjoy in its youth and will develop well for another decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2018 Sojourn Cellars ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay is another gorgeous release by Sojourn Cellars,. The wine utilizes Clone 95 and Went Clones as the wine was aged in 30% new French oak before bottling. The wine begins with aromas of sourdough bread and shades of kumquat zest and clove which find their way in the glass. The palate has marvelous texture and mouthfeel, leading to full-bodied apple and lemon cream flavors. The long finish lingers, as this shows some marvelous length. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Sojourn Cellars ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 Sojourn Cellars ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir was aged in 50% new French oak before bottling. The wine is declassified fruit from a host of great Sonoma Coast Vineyards. The wine has a soft texture with medium-bpdied and bright red fruits, cola and citrus rind accents on the palate. Delightful now, this will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2018 Sojourn Cellars ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was aged for 50% new French oak before bottling. Cran-pomegranate and citrus rind come together with baking spices on the nose. A bright beam of salinity races through the mid-palate, creating gobs of mouth-watering acidity. Gorgeous now, this will evolve well for at least fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Sojourn Cellars ‘Rodgers Creek Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Rodgers Creek Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a beautiful new wine. The aromatics show lovely cola and a dusting of white pepper with shades of black truffle. The freshness and verve on the mid-palate is wonderful as there is a light salinity that connects with blood orange zest, wild mushroom and ripe red fruits. Drink 2019-2035- 93

2018 Sojourn Cellars ‘Walala Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Walala Vineyard’ which is just inland from the Pacific Ocean, the wine shows off salted red cherry with shades of pomengranate seed and cola which take shape in the glass. The palate is plush, showing a lovely texture and intense red fruit flavors with a long finish. The mouth-watering acidity and brightness of the wine is really good. Drink 2019-2035- 93

2018 Sojourn Cellars ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from clone 115, 667 and 828, this wine was first made in 2007. The nose is seductive with intense red and black fruits with cola accents in this expressive nose. Soft, round and generous this shows fantastic length, acidity and richness on the palate. The range on the mid-palate is gorgeous ranging from wild mushroom, to salted meats and bright red fruits that connect with cola and citrus zest. This is a complete Pinot Noir. Drink 2019-2038- 94

2017 Sojourn Cellars ‘Home Ranch Cuvee’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Home Ranch Cuvee’ Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 60% new French oak before bottling. A dense core of dark fruits greet you with shades of tar, graphite and dark chocolate shavings that all come together in the glass. The soft texture greets you with with good freshness and bright acidity that compliments the intense blackberry pie, black tea, exotic spice and chocolate fudge flavors. Give this another year in the bottle before enjoying. Drink 2020-2035- 92

2017 Sojourn Cellars ‘Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a outstanding new wine from the talented Eric Bradley. On the nose this shows off deep creme de cassis, mocha and tar aromas that take shape in the glass. The palate is plush showing off its silky texture and marvelous mouthfeel. Toasty oak wraps around a deep core of dark fruits with a chocolate and espresso bean edge. Fantastic now, this will cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 93

Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine Vertical Tasting

One of the great value wine bottlings in Washington, Columbia Crest named their top red wine blend after eminent Washington wine pioneer, Walter Clore. Born in 1911, Walter Clore moved to Washington, attending Washington State University (WSU) to study horticulture. He and his wife Irene, arrived in Pullman with only $5 in their pockets. In 1937, he was hired as the fourth faculty member to staff the WSU Irrigated Agriculture Research Extension Center in Prosser, WA and began work with small fruits and vegetables, including grapes. Dr. Clore would stay there for another forty years, studying how to best cultivate wine varietals. 

Over the years I can remember some special times with the ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve.’ There was a great dinner I had in Palm Springs back in 2007 when I ordered a bottle of the 2004 ‘Walter Clore Reserve’ that was absolutely singing. More recently I have had the opportunity to revisit these wines and see how they are showing at an older age. The wines are typically aged in barrel for 19 or more months. Older renditions of the ‘Walter Clore’ show more new oak tones than more recent vintages. 

One thing is clear from this retrospective — these wines all age gracefully, regardless of vintage. The 2006 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine (WWB, 91) is really good right now and still has a few years of life left. The downright classy texture really adds to the drinking enjoyment. I absolutely adored there 2012 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which has wonderful richness and layers of toasty oak that mingle with the chocolate tones. This vicious wine is truly singing right now. Here are my tasting notes from my Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine vertical tasting. 

2006 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2006 Columbia Crest ‘ ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine is showing marvelously from this warm vintage in Washington State. Aromatically this is highly perfumed right out of the gate with its forward dark fruits, graphite and mocha aromas that meld in the glass. The texture of the wine is downright classy, as deep kirsch, espresso bean, and tar flavors come together. Enjoy this beauty now. Drink 2019-2023- 91

2008 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2008 ‘Walter Close Private Reserve’ is fantastic at now the eleven year mark. Not needing a decant, the wine shows off medium to full-bodied blackberry pie and baking spice flavors with sagebrush and milk chocolate undertones. Generous and showing good length, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next seven plus years. Drink 2019-2026- 91

2012 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine- Taken from a very classic vintage in Washington with moderate temperatures and a long growing season, the 2012 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine is in a fantastic place right now. A blend of 80% Merlot with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 6% Malbec, the wine really needs an hour decant to be fully expressive. Once aroused this begins with a bouquet of chocolate covered cherry with shades of baking spices and mocha that all meld in the glass. The soft texture and wonderful mouthfeel brings you back to the glass for more. A deep core of dark fruits and espresso bean collide with toasty oak and chocolate covered coconut. While fantastic now, this still has many years to go. This is a seriously good effort from former winemaker Juan Munoz Oca. Drink 2019-2027- 92

2013 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2013 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine was taken from a warm growing season that was a significant departure from the previous three vintages. The wine is a blend of mainly Merlot (64%) with 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and small portions Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The dense aromatics excite with tar and graphite colliding with espresso bean and blackberry pie. Lightly tannic, the mouthfeel and texture of the wine wonderfully dances with the bright sense of minerality. Mocha, tar, anise, creme de cassis and blackberry cordial flavors all sing in unison. Fantastic now, this dense treat will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2014 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine- Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (46%) and Merlot (36%) the 2014 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Private Reserve’ Red Wine is a gorgeous wine that is showing marvelously at five years of age. Coming from an exceedingly warm vintage in Washington, the spicy tones and deep core of dark fruit aromas mingle nicely in the glass. Generous and showing a plush texture, this has wonderful length with blackberry pie, cigar box, anise, Turkish coffee and shades of blueberry compote. The long finish lingers. Spectacular now, this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93

Smith-Madrone

One of the great older houses out of Napa that you may have never heard of, Smith-Madrone has gained a national reputation not only for their typical varietal wines, but for their Riesling wines. Smith-Madrone wines are sourced from the winery's dry-farmed estate vineyards surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. Stuart Smith chose specific slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards: eastern exposure for Riesling, southern and western exposures across flat stretches for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the coolest north-facing slopes for the Chardonnay. The soil is mostly deep-red Aiken Stony Clay loam, and is primarily volcanic-based, well-drained and deep for mountain soils. The estate is a 200 acre ranch, partly planted as vineyard over a century ago. California black bears and other wildlife once thrived here as did 120-year-old Picholine olive trees which frame a path and view down to the floor of the Napa Valley. 

I recently had the chance to review the wines from this historic estate in Napa and was hugely impressed with the quality of wines from the warm vintages of 2015 and 2016. Their 2015 Smith-Madrone Cabernet (WWB, 92) is marvelous with its balance and poise, with deep darker fruit flavors. The 2016 Smith-Madrone Riesling (WWB, 91) is amongst the best Rieslings made in this region. Fantastic now, the wine will cellar well at least for another five years. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.smithmadrone.com Here are the great new releases from Smith-Madrone

2016 Smith-Madrone Riesling- A whiff of petrol and white flowers immediately takes you to the old world rather than Napa. Beautifully textured and lithe, showing good poise, the wine delivers ripe green apple, wet stone and shades of kumquat zest that mingle together on the palate. This is truly one the best I have had from Napa. Drink 2019-2025- 91

2016 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay- Aromas of buttered popcorn and roasted hazelnuts offer intrigue on the nose. The freshness and power of the wine is fantastic as ripe vanilla cream and butterscotch flavors mingle with nutty and earthy undertones. The texture really impresses here as this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next decade, picking up tertiary characters as it ages. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2015 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon is another exciting release from this storied Napa estate. The dusty terroir is really impressive, as it collides with bight red fruits and shades of cassis on the nose. Showing really good restraint and balance, the wine leads with ripe red cherry, tobacco leaf, leather and dusty terroir on the palate. With wonderful verve and freshness, this expressive effort will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 92

Pepper Bridge

Jean-François Pellet t is one talented man. As I sat with him over dinner we talked about his approaching his wines. “I like wines with good structure and minerality but ones that are also full-bodied.” That made a lot of sense to me. ‘Isn’t that exactly how Washington wines should show’ I thought to myself. Highly engaging and charismatic, Pellet has degrees in both enology and viticulture and has previously interned in Germany, Switzerland and the Napa Valley. After graduating, he managed vineyards and made wine in Switzerland and Spain. Pellet then worked for Heitz Cellars for four years until he was recruited to work at Pepper Bridge.

If you have never visited Pepper Bridge, you are in for a visual treat. The winery boasts simply gorgeous views of the Walla Walla Valley and has a deck that is perfect for a warm summer day. Over several decades,  Jean-François Pellet  has employed a highly Bordelaise style of winemaking. He is a third generation wine grower,  and Pellet’s wines have received considerable acclaim and he continues to produce seriously good wines for both Pepper Bridge and their sister winery, Amavi Cellars. 

I absolutely love these new wines across the board. The 2018 Pepper Bridge Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 92) rivals the best of the varietal in the state. The wine has a touch of Semillon that provides the creamy texture that sits alongside the wonderful core of bright citrus and apple fruits. This is a gorgeous wine for the price. Even better was his 2016 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) which is amongst the best wine that I have ever had from this estate. A complete wine, this shows not only wonderful tension and verve but great varietal typicity and a deep core of dark fruits. This is one for the cellar! Learn more about Pepper Bridge at www.pepperbridge.com. Here are the great new release wines from Pepper Bridge winery.

2018 Pepper Bridge Sauvignon Blanc- The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc by Pepper Bridge is a beautiful new wine by the talented Jean-Francios Pellet. A blend of 93% Sauvignon blanc with the remainder Semillon, the wine opens with aromas of white flowers with lovely citrus blossom and shades of green papaya that take shape in the glass. The texture to the wine is truly outstanding as a bright err of minerality cuts through the core of the citrus and green apple flavors. While outstanding to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next five plus years. Drink 2019-2025- 92

2016 Pepper Bridge Merlot- The 2016 Pepper Bridge Merlot was largely sourced from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards as well as the Octave Vineyard. Aged in 58% new French oak before bottling, this opens with ripe red fruits that dance with shades of clove, and milk chocolate that all mingle in the glass. The palate has good freshness and density with plush red and dark fruits that mingle with the bright sense of minerality. Delightful now and showing good restraint considering the heat of the vintage, the 2016 Pepper Bridge Merlot will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2035- 92

2016 Pepper Bridge ‘Trine’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Trine’ is a beautiful blend of 35% Cabernet Franc with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and smaller portions Petit Verdot and Malbec. This begins with aromas of red bell pepper with red cherry, blackberry cobbler and shades of black licorice that all come together on the nose. The palate has a wonderful sense of balance, as this elegant wine has a seamless quality that runs through the core of red and dark fruits with chocolate undertones. Fantastic now, be sure to give this a long, two hour decant, if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2016 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Pepper Bridge cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 45% new French oak before bottling and has smaller portions of Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc blended in. The nose is dense and offers intense black fruits that meld with Black Forest Cake and tar aromas that meld in the glass. The palate has wonderful freshness and elegance, with a silky texture. Black tea, exotic spices, blackberry cordial and shades of Turkish coffee all come together magically in the glass. Hedonistic and dense, yet beautifully balanced, this is a masterpiece that will have a long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2040- 94

2016 Pepper Bridge ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ Red Wine- A blend of 46% Merlot with 31% Malbec and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine was aged in 39% new French oak before bottling. The intense aromas captivate you with lavender and dense dark fruits that meld with shades of creosote and espresso bean that all mingle in the glass. The palate has great balance and effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Deep mocha, tar, leather and shades of blackberry coils all take their shape on the palate. A stunning wine in its youth, the ‘Pepper Bridge’ Red Wine will cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2040- 94

2016 Pepper Bridge ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Red Wine- A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon with 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot and small portions Malbec and Petit Verdot, the 2016 2016 Pepper Bridge ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Red Wine is a gorgeous new wine by this storied Walla Walla estate. Beautifully perfumed once in the glass, this slowly unveils ripe blackberry with anise, creme de cassis and shades of dark chocolate cake that meld in the glass. The palate has a lovely sense of minerality showing good richness and a silky texture. Light tannins line a deep core of dark fruits with creosote and espresso bean tones on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this outstanding wine will have a. Long life in the cellar. Drink 2019-2035- 93

Chateau d'Yquem

One of the monumental moments in my wine education was the first time that I tried Chateau d’Yquem. Granted, I was a bit of a youngster, but I will never forget my first sip of the 1979 Chateau d’Yquem, poured by a former mentor of mine, Claude Faure. “This is different,” I thought to myself. While it takes a lot of time to typically appreciate the wines of Sauternes, I have found that the gravity of wines from this house appeal to pretty much every palate that try the wines.

I have been highly passionate about Sauternes for decades and started buying Sauternes when I was in graduate school fifteen years ago. While I might not possess a top shelf range of d’YQuem wines like some of my colleagues, I have a few that are best consumed for special occasions. The storied Sauternes estate was the only Sauternes property to be given the the Premier Cru Superior designation from the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. The world wine community recognizes this estate as producing the best wines from Sauternes. The site itself is perfectly situated for achieving a high degree of botrytis in even the most challenging of vintages. 

This fall I had the chance to open one of my bottles of the absolutely epic 2005 Chateau d’YQuem which was seen by most critics as one of the top wines of the vintage. I did a 2005 vintage retrospective this past summer and found that wines from 2005 typically showed good levels of botrytis but also possessed a good sense of balance (http://www.washingtonwineblog.com/blog/2019/8/26/2005-sauternes-retrospective). I was absolutely blown away with the 2005 Chateau d’YQuem (WWB, 100) which is perfection in the bottle. My colleague and I simply stared at each other while sipping this majestic bottle. We didn’t need any words to describe how good this wine was.

Earlier in the year I tried the absolutely mind-blowing 1989 Chateau D’Yquem (WWB, 99) which came from a thrilling year in Sauternes. The wine now has a captivating blend of bananas foster and pineapple creme brûlée flavors that give the wine plenty of exotic appeal.

Learn more about the storied estate at http://yquem.fr/int-en/ Here is my review of the Sauternes wines from Chateau D’YQuem.

1989 Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes- The 1989 Chateau d’Yquem is a stunning showing at more than 30 years of age. While this is obviously showing some signs of age, the bright acidity of the wine shows that this still has many years to go. Nutmeg, butterscotch, Meyer lemon creme brûlée and toffee aromas fill the glass and entice the senses. The palate shows serious weight and tension leading to toffee infused bananas foster, kumquat zest and roasted pineapple creme brûlée that meld together in harmony. Complex and insanely delicious this wine is near perfection in the bottle. The finish to this wine is truly astounding and lasts for more than one minute. While it is gorgeous now, this will continue to evolve for the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2035- 99

2005 Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes- The 2005 Chateau d’Yquem is a scintillating wine that is just starting to hit its prime drinking window. The nose has a great exotic appeal with ripe pineapple and ginger tones that mingle with shades of butterscotch, and brandy soaked white raisin that all marvelously march in harmony in the glass. The scintillating aromatics bring you back to the glass for more delight. Stunning on the mid-palate, the silky texture truly entices. The range is insanely good from cardamom infused honey to candied ginger and lemon creme brûlée flavors. This is a complete wine that not only has tremendous viscosity but a marvelous balance and sense of place. Finishing strong with minerals, candied tropical fruits and butterscotch, the wine lingers incredibly long on the tongue. Ethereal and quite youthful now, do not hesitate to open this beautiful wine. Drink 2020-2050- 100

Chateau Climens

One of the great Sauternes houses in the world, Chateau Climens is located on the left bank of the Garonne, in Graves region in the south-west of Bordeaux, The Grands Crus from Sauternes and Barsac were classified in 1855 at the same time as the Grands Crus from Médoc. Château Climens belongs to the First Classed Growths of 1855.

In Sauternes appellation, the small village of Barsac is primarily set on limestone soils which yields a wonderful freshness and balance to the wines.  Having visited Chateau Climens last spring, I couldn’t help but notice the limestone deposits scattered all across the vineyard and some of them were quite large. Chateau Clemens estate is a 30 hectares property situated on the appellation’s highest land and Bérénice Lurton has been at the helm there since 1992. Berenice has a magical way with her wines to create a stunning sense of balance and terroir, regardless of vintage. I have found this to be true even in warmer vintages with higher levels of botrytis. Bérénice is one of the great winemakers of the world.

Last year I had a chance to do a long vertical tasting of her wines and was absolutely blown away with the consistency even in the most challenging of vintages. Her new wine from the 2016 vintage (WWB, 98) is a profoundly elegant wine. While this may not have the viscosity and richness that other vintages have, the elegance, tension and marvelous range really entices. This beauty really needs a lot of cellaring to fulfill its potential. It is a head-turning Sauternes that will be exceedingly long lived — most likely past my lifetime.  Learn about this compelling estate in the Bordeaux region at http://www.chateau-climens.fr/en/

2016 Chateau Climens Sauternes- The 2016 Chateau Climens is a head-turning blend made by the talented Bérénice Lurton, who has managed this property since 1992. 100% Semillon, this golden hued wine shows an exotic aromatic display, offering apricot jelly, pineapple upside down cake, butterscotch and shades of toasted hazelnut the all mingle together on the nose. Showing a glorious combination of tension and viscosity, the 2016 Climens shows incredible length and elegance despite its obvious power. Rich lemon creme brulee, vanilla cream, and orange marmalade flavors combine with a bright sense of minerality and a light salinity. The seamless quality of the wine is remarkable. Simply glorious now in its youth, this scintillating new release will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Drink 2026-2050- 98

Quilceda Creek

On a festive Friday afternoon in mid-December I gathered my belongings and headed north to Quilceda Creek winery in Snohomish. Waiting for me was superstar winemaker, Paul Golitzin, a man who requires no introduction. Paul is a delight to chat wine with. He regularly samples the best wines of the world, including first growths, which gives him a litmus for how to craft what are consistently the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines in Washington that rival the upper echelon in North America. Quilceda Creek has received more 100 point scores by Robert Parker than any other North American winery which is a simply astounding feat. I first began tasting these wines in the late 1990s and fondly recall some of my all-time favorite bottlings. These are special wines that mark celebrations, graduations and anniversaries. Regardless of vintage, Quilceda Creek produces absolutely remarkable Cabernet wines.

The new lineup I tasted came from the warm, 2017 vintage. Fires from this vintage kept temperatures rather moderate, creating a layer of smoke that limited sunlight for roughly one month. The more moderate and consistent temperatures led to good phenolic ripeness in the wines. The harvest was particularly long, which suited Cabernet Sauvignon well. Winemakers have been quite optimistic about this vintage for both red and white wines. Golitzin mentioned that he feels these are the best wines across the board that he has made, including the best ‘CVR.’  Having had every vintage of ‘CVR’ (formerly ‘Red Wine’) back to 2001, I can say that the ’17 ‘CVR’ is truly one of the best that I have tried (WWB, 94). The wine has incredible density and tension that runs through the core of dark and blue fruits. The wine is also a spectacular value buy for Washington red wines. The 2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 98-100) is simply magical. It needs a bit more time to finally come together but this wine is every bit as good as the best Cabernet Sauvignons from this house that I have tried. I feel entirely the same way about the 2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 98-100) which is dense, massive and a downright sexy rendition that also needs some time for me to make my final assessment. I am absolutely thrilled by these wines. Learn more about these beautiful wines at quilcedacreek.com Here are the new wines by Quilceda Creek.

2017 Quilceda Creek ‘CVR’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘CVR’ is a seductive blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon with small portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine was aged in roughly 50% new French oak before bottling. The nose has exotic appeal with its dense blue and black fruit aromatics that meld with Asian spices and shades of dusty terroir that all take their shape in the glass. The mouthfeel and texture of the wine is superb and this shows plenty of richness and a bright acid backbone. Deep blackberry cobbler, mocha, tar and blueberry compote flavors all come together marvelously on the palate. Marvelously structured and showing good poise, the 2017 ‘CVR’ is up there with the best ever made from this storied Washington estate. Drink 2019-2029- 94

2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Palengat’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Palnegat’ Red Wine is a stunning new bottling by superstar winemaker Paul Golitzin. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc, this opens with dense Turkish coffee aromas that meld with shades of tar, anise and creme de cassis, that give off an err of seduction. Once on the palate you are consumed by the wonderful combination of verve and freshness that combines with a plush texture and light tannins. Mocha, creme de cassis, anise, espresso bean and shades of creosote and a touch of blueberry pie. The seamless quality through the mid-palate is gorgeous. Stunning in its youth, this wine is showing beautifully with several hours of air as the wine is best enjoyed in a few years. This is truly one of the great ‘Palengat’ Red Wines ever made. Drink 2021-2040- 96

2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- (98-100)—  Re-taste in summer 2020. 

2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (98-100)— Re-taste in summer 2020.

Rockblock Cellars Retrospective

Today we journey back in time to visit some great Syrahs that were produced two decades ago. For those less familiar with Tony Rynders, he has a longstanding history in the industry. He obtained his Master’s degree in Enology and Viticulture in 1992. Rynders then worked harvests in Napa (Acacia Winery), northern Italy (Friuli), South Australia (Petaluma Winery), and Tuscany (Col d’Orcia). He held permanent winemaking positions at Argyle Winery (two years) as assistant winemaker, Hogue Cellars (3 years) as red winemaker, and Domaine Serene Winery/Rockblock Cellars (10 years) as head winemaker. During his tenure at Domaine Serene, Rynders became one of the most highly acclaimed winemakers in America. Over 10 years, Rynders developed more than 25 different products for Domaine Serene. 

On a warm summer evening in Oregon I sat across Tony, tasting his impressive lineup of Tendril wines. “Remember those Rockblock wines?” I muttered, to him, thinking of this now defunct winery that was created by Tony while he was head winemaker at Domaine Serene. “Of course, I was the one who came up with the idea,” Tony expanded. “And they’re seriously good now.” I was impressed but not surprised that the Syrahs would be holding so well after all that time. “Why don’t you check them out for yourself?” Tony proclaimed. That seemed like a good idea to me.

I can recall a seminal winery experience tasting these wines on a hot summer day at Domaine Serene. It was 2003 and I was one year out of college. My friend and I had ventured down south to the Willamette Valley. The sun beat down on the lower terrace at the winery which was relatively new and modern. I started with their refreshing Rose and moved onto their fantastic Pinots. I was shocked when I saw that they were pouring Rockblock Syrahs, but I had a strong feeling that they would be excellent. They truly were.

Flash forward more than fifteen years, sitting in Tony’s Tendril tasting room, I knew I needed to revisit these wines. While the project ended after Tony left Domaine Serene, their glory lives on. The wines still have a lot of life and will continue to shine for at least another five years. I was blown away with the 2002 Rockblock ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah (WWB, 93) is a blockbuster wine that has wonderful toasty oak that wraps around a great core of dark fruit and non-fruit flavors. These are really exciting wines now with their tertiary tones and the ’01 and ’02 still have a good level of acidity. It was such a pleasure retesting these wines

2000 Rockblock ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2000 ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah by Rockblock and superstar winemaker Tony Rynders was sourced from this less than heralded vintage in the Walla Walla Valley. On the nose this grapples with tertiary tones of white flowers, wild mushroom and suggestions of peat moss that collide with lighter flinty and oaky tones, alongside a good core of dark fruits that all take their shape in the glass. The palate is round and generous, delivering a top shelf mouthfeel and texture. Ripe blackberry cobbler and shades of black licorice meld with the lovely earthy and sagebrush undertones. The acidity of the wine holds everything together remarkably well considering this is now hitting the twenty year mark. No need to cellar this beautiful wine if you have any left. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2001 Rockblock ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2001 Rockblock ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah is a different beast than the ’01. Dark and inky in the glass, this delivers less in terms of tertiary aromas and more ripe red and dark fruits that dance with milk chocolate and anise on this expressive nose. The palate is soft and velvety, with light tannins that line a deep core of red and dark fruits. Silky and soft on the mouth, the generous mouthfeel really gratifies. Fantastic now, I can see this providing drinking enjoyment for at least another fifth to ten years. But why wait? Drink 2020-2027- 93

2002 Rockblock ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah- I have long admired wines from the 2002 vintage, one that was a near perfect growing season which ironically was the same vintage that I graduated from college. The 2002 shows a dark core, with very little rim variation once in the glass. The wine shows incredible poise and viscosity with a silky texture. Suggestions of blackberry pie, mocha, tar and black currants all connect with a bright tension and light salinity that dances through the mid-palate. The toasty oak marvelously wraps around the core of fruit and non-fruit. Fantastic now, the 2002 ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah will cellar well for the next seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2027- 93

Washington Wine Blog Critic’s Choice of Washington 2020

Friends,

We are now sold out of our Early Bird tickets for Washington Wine Blog Critic’s Choice of Washington 2020, held at the famed Columbia Tower Club on Sat Feb 15th. Purchase your general admission tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-wine-blog-critics-choice-of-washington-2020-tickets-86828631775

Best wishes,

Owen Bargreen and Jae Hong

Vega Sicilia

A very merry Christmas Eve to you all. I am particularly in the holiday spirit this morning as I write about one of the giants out of Spain and the Ribera del Duero region in the Province of Vallladolid, Castile and Leon. Founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, the proprietor planted Bordeaux varietals in this region which are still used to make the wines today. 1982 marked the first year that the Ribera del Duero was granted Denominación de Origen (DO) status and the winery has since been owned by the by the Álvarez family. Their top wine, the ‘Unico’ fetches more than 300 dollars a bottle. They rely on the winemaking talents of Xavier Ausás to craft these very special wines. 

The wines are known for their tremendous aging potential and the two wines I was able to sample come from very old vintages, 1997 and 2000, which were not particularly good vintages in this region, but the wines showed splendidly. While I was not able to review their ‘Unico’ wine, their second wine, the ‘Valbuena’ is a wine of tremendous quality. 

1997 was seen to be a relatively poor vintage in this region, while 2000 was a solid vintage that falls slightly below the epic 2001 vintage. The 1997 Vega Sicilia ‘Valbuena 5’ Ribera del Duero (WWB, 94) is a dazzling wine that has plenty of life left, showing marvelous earthy tones and a nice core of acidity that sits with the lighter citrus rind and red fruit tones. There is no reason to cellar this beauty anymore. Just as good is the 2000 Vega Sicilia ‘Valbuena 5’ Ribera del Duero (WWB, 94) which is slightly richer but also shows marvelous tertiary notes and a silky smooth texture. Learn more about these famed wines at https://www.temposvegasicilia.com Here are some brilliant older wines by Vega Sicilia. 

1997 Vega Sicilia ‘Valbuena 5’ Ribera del Duero- The 1997 Vega Sicilia ‘Valbuena 5’ Ribera del Duero is a simply dazzling effort from this challenging vintage in Ribera del Duero. The non-fruit notes of leather and cigar ash combine with the light core of red cherry and pomegranate seed tones, with cirrus rind and peat moss suggestions rounding out this expressive nose. The palate is soft and plush, showing its gorgeous mouthfeel. A bright beam of salinity runs through the core of red fruits with Mandarin orange rind, and white truffle as well as boysenberry preserve flavors that complete this stunning older bottle. Now at the 22 year mark, the 1997 Vega Sicilia ‘Valbuena 5’ Ribera del Duero is gorgeous now and will cellar well for at least another five to ten years. But why wait? Drink 2019-2026- 94

2000 Vega Sicilia ‘Valbuena 5’ Ribera del Duero- The 2000 Valbuena 5° is a simply magical Ribera del Duero bottling which is harmonious and highly Bordelaise at this exciting stage in its development.  Taken from a good, albeit challenging vintage in Ribera, the wine is is evolving beautifully. The wine opens with a beautiful bouquet of peat moss, forest floor, wild mushrooms, and suggestions of wild blackberry compote which all mingle together marvelously in the glass.. The palate is plush showing off a silky texture and delightful mouthfeel. Bright acidity remains, as a light dusting of salinity runs through a core of black fruits with suggestions of black truffle shavings, cigar box, and leather tones. The exceedingly gratifying finish lingers long. While this wine is showing magically at this stage, it still has at least another decade of life left- Drink 2019-2033- 94

Revelry Vintners

When I was attending college with Jared Burns, I think that we both never expected to find ourselves entrenched in the Washington Wine Industry. It took a certain amount of courage for us to dive in full time to wine. For Jared, this was a particularly large leap of faith. Jared grew up in Washington and has always been inspired by the wines of the Columbia Valley and I had the chance to interview him several years ago.

He founded Revelry Vintners in 2005, only two years after graduating from Whitman College. The new winery recently opened and is a gorgeous, modern space set on 20 acres of prime farming land in the south side tasting area of Walla Walla. Having visited there this summer, the tasting room has incredible energy and is a truly beautiful setting to taste wine, as they also have a great outdoor space that is great for a warm summer day.

The new wines by Revelry were outstanding across the board. I absolutely loved his 2016 Revelry Vintners Grenache (WWB, 92) which has a gorgeous texture and wonderful depth, with pretty red fruits. Just as good is his 2016 Revelry Vintners ‘Range’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which has seriously good range and a lovely texture. Learn more about these great new wines at https://www.revelryvintners.com Here are the new releases by Revelry Vintners. 

2016 Revelry Vintners Grenache- Sourced from the Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the wine opens with aromas of toasty oak that wraps around a core of bright red fruits with citrus rind accents that round out the nose. The palate unveils its silky texture as the wine yields a soft mouthfeel and silky texture. The lovely astringency towards the back end really impresses. Enjoy this beautiful new wine over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2016 Revelry Vintners ‘Range’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Range’ is a blend of mainly Grenache (63%) with the remainder Syrah. Lovely herbal tones meld with rich red currants and red cherry candy with blood orange zest on this expressive nose. The palate has a soft mouthfeel with really good freshness, yielding ripe red fruits that dance with orange zest and tobacco leaf flavors. The long finish lingers, as this beautiful wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2016 Revelry Vintners ‘Block 18’ Syrah- Sourced from Block 18 of the Weinbau Vineyard, the wine underwent 30% whole cluster fermentation prior to bottling.  Smoky and herbal tones greet you with ripe dark fruits that mingle together on the nose. The palate shows some wonderful freshness with ripe blackberry pie, tar and mocha flavors. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2016 Revelry Vintners ‘Block 19’ Syrah- The 2016 Revelry Vintners ‘Block 19’ Syrah was sourced from an area just south of the ‘Block 18’ Syrah as this wine is set on Southern Rhone rootstock. The freshness imparted is really nice as the wine shows a brighter, more red fruit-driven flavor profile, as tobacco leaf, leather and allspice with blood orange flavors round out this expansive palate. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2016 Revelry Vintners ‘Horse Heaven Hills Reserve’ Merlot- Sourced from the Alder Ridge VIneyard, the ‘Horse Heaven Hills Reserve’ Merlot opens with a dusting of cocoa powder with ripe Bing cherry and red raspberry aromatics that take their shape in the glass. The palate is quite forward and shows a nice, soft texture with red cherry preserves and mocha flavors taking the lead. Drink 2019-2029- 90

2016 Revelry Vintners Cabernet Franc- Sourced from the esteemed ‘Weinbau Vnieyard’ the Revelry Vintners Cabernet Franc opens with herbal undertones that mingle with the boysenberry and black tea aroma that dance together in the glass. The palate shows a good core of dark fruits, with toasty oak and herbal accents that round out this expressive wine. Enjoy this over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2015 Revelry Vintners ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 Revelry Vintners ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastic effort from this warm vintage in the Columbia Valley. Ripe red and dark fruits meld with suggestions of sagebrush and exotic spices on the nose. The palate has a good combination of depth and soft texture. Slightly tannic, the wine unveils ripe wild blackberry cobbler and Turkish coffee flavors with shades of dark chocolate shavings that all come together nicely on the mouth. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2015 Revelry Vintners ‘D11’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘D11’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastic effort from this somewhat challenging vintage for red wines in Washington. The nose offers classic underbrush that melds with ripe red and dark fruits with chocolate fudge undertones that round out the aromatics. The palate has a wonderful combination of depth and power, unveiling rich blackberry pie, mocha, tar, and sandalwood flavors. Fantastic now, this beautiful wine will continue to evolve well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93

Costco Kirkland Signature Wine Report

It brings us great pleasure to share our second Costco ‘Kirkland Signature’ Wine Report. Some people may not know that Costco sells more wine than anyone in America. While they might not have the range of wines that other retailers can boast, you know that you won’t experience a large mark-up with wines from Costco. While Costco has a well-crafted, albeit a bit small collection of wines of the world, most of the wines at Costco are sourced from wineries, rather than from a private label. Over the past ten years Costco has created their own label of wine under their ‘Kirkland Signature’ mark. Their wines, like all Kirkland Signature products, deliver serious value and have transformed the American wine market. We have been purchasing Kirkland Signature wines for more than ten years, and in general we have found these wines to show solid value and in some cases, good aging potential. Some of the wines can be outstanding in quality.

Given that Costco is based in our home state of Washington, it seemed appropriate to publish a wine report covering all currently available Kirkland Signature wines as of December 2019. We searched for these bottles over several Seattle area Costco locations. This year the reviews were solely done by Owen Bargreen and Tan Vinh, writer for the Seattle Times. Our individual reviews were shared after all of the wines had been reviewed and we were a bit amused that essentially every wine received a similar grade. 

Reporting on the wines I continue to be highly impressed with the ‘Brut’ Champagne by Kirkland Signature not only in this collection of wines but the world of wines. You would be very hard pressed to find a better value in Champagne as there are virtually no Champagnes that deliver this quality at this price point. 

The Prosecco offers a fantastic value at under seven dollars. If I were a starving college student, I would buy this all day. I was also impressed at the value at the 1.5L ‘California’ Pinot Grigio delivers with its good degree of ripe fruits and minerality.

For the second year in a row, one of the great value Sauvignon Blancs out of New Zealand is made by Kirkland Signature, their 20109 ‘Ti Point’ which really impresses at this very low price point, roughly five bucks less than Kim Crawford. This Sauvignon Blanc has the wonderful brightness and terroir that you would expect for a higher priced wine. I would steer clear of the 2018 ‘California’ Cabernet Sauvignon which is inexpensive but tastes like a headache in a bottle. 

Here are my reviews of the Costco ‘Kirkland Signature’ wines.

NV Kirkland Signature ‘Brut’ Champagne ($19.99)- The NV Kirkland Signature ‘Brut’ Champagne weighs in at 12% alcohol and was produced by Manuel Janisson. The wine is a proprietary blend of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This shows a nice bouquet of baked apples, ginger and shades of sourdough bread that take their form in the glass. The palate shows a soft mouthfeel spoon entry, offering a good sense of brightness and salinity. Japanese apple, Challah bread and quince flavors that impress. This is a seriously good value that would be a great aperitif. Once again, this is one of the great values you can find out of Champagne as most wines of this quality cost at least twice this retail price. Drink 2019-207- 90

NV Kirkland Signature ‘Asolo’ Prosecco- ($6.99)- Weighing in at 11% alcohol, the ‘Asolo’ was sourced from a range of vineyards in the Asolo-Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Sweetened apple and shades of candied ginger that mingle together in the glass. The palate has good astringency offering straightforward orchard fruits that complement the lemon zest edge. This is a sensational value sparkling wine at under 7 dollars as it is hard to find palatable sparkling wine anywhere near this price. Drink 2019-2022- 88

2018 Kirkland Signature ‘Grave’ Pinot Grigio ($5.99)- The 2018 ‘Grave’ Pinot Grigio by Kirkland Signature weighs in at 12.5% alcohol and shows very faint white flower and pear aromas that connect in the glass. The palate has good freshness but delivers very little in terms of richness with wet stone and light tree fruit flavors. That said, this is a solid value buy for a refreshing and lithe summer wine at a mere $5.99. Many wines at this quality are twice the price. Drink 2019-2022- 87

2018 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Pinot Grigio ($7.99 1.5L)- The 2018 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Pinot Grigio is a really good value at less than four dollars a bottle. Slightly sweet with a good degree of freshness and weight, the wine shows orchard fruits and shades of lemon infused shortbread cookie. Similar to the ‘Grave’ Pinot Grigio, this is a terrific value summer white wine. This wine is a essentially $3.50 a bottle. How can you find a white wine this good at this price? The answer is Costco. Drink 2019-2022- 87

2019 Kirkland Signature ‘Ti Point’ Sauvignon Blanc ($6.99)- The 2019 ‘Ti Point’ Sauvignon Blanc is a sensational value New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at less than 7 dollars. Crafted by Tracy Haslam of Ti Point Vineyard in Marlborough, the wine weights in at 12.5% alcohol. The brightness on the nose is nice with grapefruit, Jalepeno pepper and shades of white flowers that all come together in the glass. The sense of freshness is really good here as lemon zest, kumquat and green apple favors play with minerals on the palate. This its a sensational value at a mere $6.99 that is perfect for a warm summer day. Drink 2019-2023- 90

2018 Kirkland Signature ‘Sonoma County’ Chardonnay ($6.99)- It is uncertain who made this wine, although the back of the label mentions that it was produced by Geyserville, California. Kirkland Signature has created a good value buy here. Weighing in at 13.5% alcohol the nose shows buttered popcorn and shades of baked apple that take their shape in the glass. The wine has a soft texture delivering slightly sweet orchard fruits with vanilla cream.You would be hard pressed to find a California Chardonnay this good at this price. Drink 2019-2023- 87 

2018 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Chardonnay ($7.99 1.5L)- The ‘California’ Chardonnay bottling has slightly more alcohol (14.5%) than their ‘Sonoma’ bottling. It is uncertain who made this wine, although the back of the label states ‘Cellared & Bottled by Dc Flynt MW Selections’ in Modesto, California. The wine has a soft texture but comes off a touch cloying with little richness or ripe fruit flavors. Drink 2019-2022- 84 

2017 Kirkland Signature ‘Premier Cru’ Chablis ($17.99)- The 2017 ‘Premier Cru’ Chablis by Kirkland Signature was sourced from two different vineyards in Vau Ligneau and Vaugiraut and is made by Odil Van Der More. Weighing in at 12.5% alcohol, the wine begins with aromas of salted Marcona almond that mingles with suggestions of Gravenstein apple and cloves that all mingle in the glass. The soft texture really entices here. The salinity and bright minerality is really good as ripe green apple, green papaya and crushed seashell flavors all take their shape in the glass. The long finish lingers for nearly a minute on the tongue. Fantastic now, this beautiful effort will cellar well for the next decade. A Chablis at this quality would be twice the price. Drink 2019-2029-  91

2018 Kirkland Signature ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir ($12.89)- The 2018 ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir was made by Barbara Ignatowski and was also bottled at DC Flynt MW Selections in Hopland, California. The nose shows cola and sweetened strawberry aromas that meld in the glass. The texture is very nice although the flavors are lacking a bit as this suffers from a lack of balance. There are considerably better wines by Kirkland Signature at this price point. Drink 2019-2024- 86 

2018 Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages ($6.99)- The 2018 Cotes du Rhone Villages is a really good value by Kirkland Signature. Made by Patrick Lesec, the wine shows good aromatic brightness with Provencale herbs, cigar ash, red currants and citrus rind that all come together in the glass. The freshness and richness of the wine is seriously good with Hoisin sauce and leather that mingles with the lovely herbal tones and red fruits. This is seriously good for the price. It is really hard to find a red wine this good at the seven dollar price point. The 2016 Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon would deliver similar value but costs $9.99 not $6.99. Drink 2019-2025- 90

2018 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Cabernet Sauvignon ($7.99 1.5L)- The 2018 ‘California’ Cabernet Sauvignon was also made at DC Flynt MW Selections in Modesto, California. At 13% alcohol this delivers very forward red and dark fruit flavors that are excessively sweet with oaky tones. Tried out of the 3L box this tastes similar in both packages. The best used for this wine is for Beef Bourgignon as I would not recommend bringing this to a barbecue let alone a graduation. Drink 2019-2022- 83

2018 Kirkland Signature Malbec ($6.99)- Sourced from Mendoza, the 2018 Kirkland Signature Malbec is a sensational value at this price point. this wine delivers good richness and density with black tea, violets and blackberry pie with chocolate flavors. This is fantastic right now and will provide drinking enjoyment for another five to seven years. Drink 2019-2025- 90

2014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Retrospective

A month ago on an unusually sunny November day, we descended on my rooftop to go back in time to what was an epic set of releases by Reynvaan in 2014. I fondly recall first trying these wines with superstar winemaker Matt Reynvaan during the summer of 2016 at his winery. His white wines were truly beautiful and rich, but the red wines had something extra special with their incredible richness and strong vein of tension through the wines. Tannins were firm and beautifully framed the core of dark fruits. The range of these wines were truly stunning. While I didn’t see the wines as exceedingly long-lived, they were just showing incredibly in their youth. 

I had the great pleasure to speak with Matt today as he mentioned that “2014 was a great year reds and for Cabernet which performed exceptionally well.” Matt recalled this vintage as “extraordinarily warm.” He mentioned that the yields were large and he made some vineyard adjustments due to the heat, stating “The heat was making me nervous with yields so I balanced out the canopy with a bit more fruit. That can be a bit of a gamble but that was a good decision.” 

Despite the obvious heat of the vintage, he noted that “the wines are really well-balanced with the right amount of concentration. The vintage had the minerality and structure of Chateauneuf du Pape wines.” Initially the wines showed more terroir than fruit as he mentioned “The fruit was a bit muted for a while with the minerality notes but I think that is a consumer’s year. They seem to love those wines that are more approachable and easy to drink.” He noted that it was more of a challenge to make white wines that year but he stated “ I really loved the Viognier I made in 2014. I really enjoy revisiting that wine.”

It was a pleasure revisiting these gorgeous wines. Tasting with an industry colleague from Calgary, we were blown away with the consistency of the wines and the terroir. These are wines that are truly peaking right now as there is no need to cellar the 2014 Reynvaan red wines. Pop the cork on one and you will be amazed.

The 2014 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah (WWB, 97) is amongst the best wines in Washington made this year. The aromatic and flavor range is just insanely good. Just as good is their 2014 ‘Stonessence’ Syrah (WWB, 97) which is a masterful effort with gobs of wet stone character, vibrant acidity and a silky texture that brings you back to the glass for more hedonistic enjoyment. Learn more about this storied Washington winery at https://www.reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com Here are my reviews of the simply dazzling 2014 Reynvaan red wines. 

2014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- The 2014 ‘Foothills Reserve’ is a show-stopping wine that is scintillating now and has a long way to go. Showing off an inky color, this lease with its ripe blackberry and black cherry profile that mingles with shades of Umami, green peppercorns and charcuterie aromas that all mingle in the glass. his inky colored, opaque wine begins with intoxicating aromatics of red cherries and blackberries woven together with Unami, wet stones, white pepper and smoked brisket all taking shape in this majestic red. The palate is expressive and rich, with good poise and tension that runs through the core of the wine. A light dusting of salinity combines with Umami and pomegranate seed with bulls blood and shades of salted smoked meats which all combine in a seamless fashion. Elegant and profound, this is truly peaking right now. Drink 2019-2026- 97

2014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- The 2014 ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah by Reynvaan is a sensational wine at now five years of age. The stony edge to the wine is truly shining as ripe red fruits dance with shades of blood orange zest, white truffle and Umami which all meld together in unison in the glass. The palate shows vibrant acidity and a seamless quality with its silky texture that runs through the core of the wine. Bulls blood, Satsuma orange zest, wet stone, Umami, red cherry candy and black currants all come together on the palate. Profound and scintillating, with wonderful purity of fruit and serious range, this stunning wine is really at its peak right now and will cellar well for at least another five to seven years. Drink 2019-2024- 94

2014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Stonessence’ Syrah- The ‘Stonessence’ is a barrel selection wine, showing profound terroir that is carefully crafted by superstar winemaker Matt Reynvaan. The stony character on the nose is really profound, as shades of seaweed, orange rind, bright Bing cherry and cran-pomegranate all marvelously combine on the nose. The palate is seamless and marvelously texture. Wet stone and bright red fruits with marvelous lip-smacking acidity greet you on the palate with lovely citrus rind, wild blackberry coulee and teaberry tones combine on the palate. The long finish lingers. This is just sensational right now and will continue to show well for at least the next seven plus years. Drink 2019-2025- 97 

2014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘The Classic’ Red Wine- The 2014 ‘The Classic’ Red Wine is a gorgeous effort from this warm vintage in Washington. Seaweed and suggestions of black truffle, smoke, seaweed and blackberry cobbler aromas all parade in the glass. The palate shows gobs of mouth-watering acidity as this slowly unveils ripe black fruits that mingle with wet stone, citrus rind and red raspberry cordial flavors. Seamless and marvelously textured, the 2014 ‘The Classic’ is peaking now and will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another five to seven years. Drink 2019-2025- 95

Chateau Musar

One of the great, historic wineries out of Lebanon, located in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, Chateau Musar was founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar. In 1959, after studying oenology at the University of Bordeaux, his son Serge became winemaker. Serge produced wines even through the Civil War (1975-90). The Hochar family continues to run this historic winery.  The vineyards of Chateau Musar are located in the Bekaa Valley and in Mount Barouk, around Kefraya and Aana, which is about a two-hour drive from the winery in Ghazir, just north of Beirut. Red wines are comprised of Cinsault, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & Grenache while white wines are composed of indigenous varietals Obaideh (a native of Chardonnay) and Merwah (a native variant of Semillion), as well as Chardonnay, Viognier & Vermentino. 

The new wines by Chateau Musar were impressive across the board. I loved the new 2010 Chateau Musar ‘Gaston Hochar’ White Wine (WWB, 92) which is a hugely novel white wine made from Obaideh and Merwah varietals. Even better is the new 2011 Chateau Musar ‘Gaston Hochar’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) which is sourced from old vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault. Learn more about this famed winery at https://chateaumusar.com Here are the great new wines by Chateau Musar. 

2017 Chateau Musar ‘Musar Jeune’ White Wine- The ‘Musar Jeune’ White Wine is sourced from young vines Viognier, Vermentino and Chardonnay that was all unoaked before bottling. The wine is fresh and forward with bright kiwi and citrus fruit flavors that mingle with minerals on the palate. Drink 2019-2023- 89

2010 Chateau Musar ‘Gaston Hochar’ White Wine- The 2010 Chaterau Musar ‘Gaston Hochar’ White Wine is an intruding blend of indigenous varietals, 75% Obaideh and 25% Merwah, that are sourced from vines that range from 60-90 years of age. Needing a one hour decant to be fully expressive, the ‘Gaston Hochar’ slowly unveils star jasmine, lemon curd, with suggestions of wet stone and honeydew melon that all meld together in the glass. The palate shows a silky texture and beautiful mouthfeel, unveiling ripe melon, citrus zest and shades of nutmeg infused Challah bread that come together. The sense of place and texture to the wine is really good, as is the mouth-watering acidity. Fantastic in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 92

2018 Chateau Musar ‘Musar Jeune’ Rose- This rose offers very faint red rose and red cherry tones that take shape in the glass. The palate shows a soft texture with delicate red fruits that dance with damp terroir and shades of citrus rind. The texture is really nice here. Drink 2019-2025- 89

2017 Chateau Musar ‘Musar Jeune’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Musar Jeune’ is a compelling young vine blend of 50% Cinsault with 30% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vineyard. Unoaked, the wine opens with lovely wet stone and damp earth tones that meld with the rich black fruits and touch of chocolate on the nose. The palate has great freshness and verve with a strong salinity that races through the core of the wine. Forward and downright delicious, this wonderfully balanced wine will cellar well over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2019-2026- 89

2016 Chateau Musar ‘Hochar Pere Et Fils’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Hochar Pere Et Fils is sourced from sites near the village of Aana in the Bekaa Valley. Vineyards in  the region are known for deep, gravelly soil over a limestone base. The wine is a beautiful blend of Cinsault (50%), Grenache (35%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) which was aged for six months in French oak before bottling. Right away you are allured by the high-toned rose petals and shades of licorice with bright red fruits and citrus rind tones that come together on the nose. The palate is marvelously balanced and poised, with a silky mouthfeel and bright sense of acidity and salinity that runs through the core of the wine. Showing some good weight, the wine yields red raspberry coulis with shades of tangerine zest and wild blackberry mingle with minerals and exotic spices on the palate. Highly novel and complex in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2019-2033- 91

2011 Chateau Musar ‘Gaston Hochar’ Red Wine- The 2011 ‘Gaston Hochar’ by Chateau Musar is sourced from a vintage that saw a good deal of rain and cool temperatures which led to a later harvest than usual. Original vines for this wine date back to the 1930s as the wine is a blend of near equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault from vineyards near the Bekaa Valley villages of Aana and Kefraya which are gravelly soils over limestone. Needing an hour in the decanter to be fully expressive, the wine awakens to intense damp earth aromas that meld with sour cherry, wild mushroom and peat moss tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate has incredible verve and elegance, reminiscent of a great Right Bank Bordeaux. Damp earth and peat moss flavors combine with shades of clove and cinnamon stick infused red fruits, as well as shades of kumquat zest that round out this remarkable wine. Fantastic at this stage in its development, the 2011 ‘Gaston Hochar’ will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Drink 2019-2038- 93

Washington Wine Blog Critic’s Choice of Washington 2020

Friends,

Please join us for a very special tasting from the best of the best of Washington wines at the picturesque 76th floor of the Columbia Tower Center with an absolutely stellar lineup unrivaled in Washington. The 2020 Washington Wine Blog's Critics Choice will feature the top winemakers from our very own state, pouring the latest and greatest vintages. We have carefully chosen some of our favorite producers from our reviews of thousands for our top 100 of 2019. Please be sure to visit our page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our website at www.washingtonwineblog.com. Don’t forget to hashtag our event #WWB2020

Tickets can be purchased here for the special early bird rate of $99.99, while supplies last:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-wine-blog-critics-choice-of-washington-2020-tickets-86828631775

The lineup for 2020 includes:

2018 WWB winery of the year: Reynvaan Family Vineyards

2016 WWB winery of the year: Quilceda Creek Winery

Check out our spectacular lineup (in alphabetical order)

Andrew Januik/Januik

Andrew Will

Amavi Cellars

Avennia

Betz

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Col Solare

Corliss

DeLille

Delmas

Den Hoed Estates

Domaine Ste. Michelle

Doubleback

Dunham Cellars

EFESTE

Figgins

Force Majeure

Gramercy Cellars

K Vintners

Kerloo

Kobayashi

Leonetti

L’Ecole No. 41

Long Shadows Vintners

MTR Productions

Quilceda Creek

Pepper Bridge

Rasa Vineyards

Reynvaan Family Vineyards

Saviah

Sleight of Hand

Sparkman

Upchurch Vineyard

Upsidedown Wine

W.T. Vintners

Woodward Canyon

The incredible culinary team at the Columbia Tower Club have crafted some light appetizers to be enjoyed with the wines in an open style tasting format.

Hope you can join us for an incredible evening of wine enthusiasts sipping Washington’s best, reveling in this spectacular venue.

2019 Washington Wine Blog Winery of the Year: Cayuse Vineyards

As we begin to bid adieu to 2019, we bring you our 2019 winery of the year. The award is given to the winery with the top overall lineup of wines that we have sampled over the past year. This year offered strong challenges by our 2018 WWB Winery of the Year, Reynvaan Family Vineyards, and Quilceda Creek as well as outstanding lineups by Napa stalwarts, HALL, and Bevan. But there was one clear winner this year. Today we present to you our 2019 Washington Wine Blog Winery of the year, Cayuse Vineyards. In unprecedented fashion, Cayuse has won three out of the past four years, led by Walla Walla wine pioneer, Christophe Baron and his talented assistant vigneronne, Elizabeth Bourcier. Christophe Baron continues to be one of the world’s eminent innovators in the wine industry. His Hors Categorie Vineyard is a marvel to see and the 2016 Hors Categorie Syrah (WWB, 99) is an intoxicating Syrah that has magnificent range and sense of place. We were blown away with the 2019 Washington Wine Blog wine of the year, the 2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine (WWB, 99) which is not only the best Grenache wine in North America but rivals anything in the world. We wanted to offer our deepest congratulations on the great accomplishments by the superstars of Cayuse Vineyards. Here is the entire lineup of wines by Cayuse Vineyards. 

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Viognier- The 2017 ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Viognier was aged in concrete eggs and stainless steel prior to bottling. The nose shows very pretty aromas with white flowers and shades of honeydew melon with nutmeg that all hit the nose. The texture is silky smooth as the wine glides across the mid-palate. The freshness is gorgeous as the wine reveals cantaloupe, kiwi, starfruit and shades of brioche on the palate. This is stunning, ageworthty Viognier. Drink 2019-2029- 95

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose- Sourced from four rows of Grenache which is grown for Rose. The wine was whole cluster pressed prior to bottling and the wine is kept for another year due to the wine being unfiltered. The wine was aged in both concrete eggs and stainless steel prior to bottling. The nose is very perfumed and pretty red rose, wild strawberry with shades of wild mushroom and orange rind that all mingle nicely in the glass. The texture here is silky smooth as the wine seamlessly glides across the mid-palate. Bright guava and strawberry flavors mingle with wonderful peat moss, wet stone and melon tones all fill the palate. This is Grenache Rose at its finest. Drink 2019-2025- 93

2016 Cause Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine - The 2016 ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine is a one of a kind wine that flirts with perfection. The wine was entirely aged in neutral barrels prior to bottling. The nose is gratifying and intoxicating with red rose petals that mingle with guava puree, Hoisin sauce, green peppercorns, Umami and white truffle that all sing in the glass. The aromatic range imparted is just remarkable. The texture is hugely gratifying as this silky wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Impeccably balanced, the Grenache displays seaweed, blood orange zest, black truffle shavings, and guava puree with a bright minerality and stony character that all all evolve on the palate. The exceedingly long finish lingers. While a delight to savor at this juncture, this beautiful new wine will evolve well over the next decade. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Drink 2019-2029- 99

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Flying Pig’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Flying Pig’ is a stunning blend of 49% Merlot with 40% Cabernet Franc and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon that was all aged in oak puncheons prior to bottling. Bright red cherry with Hoisin sauce, red bell pepper with white pepper and wet stone all impress on the nose. There is an incredible sense of balance on the mid-palate as the wine reveals wild blackberry, kirsch, wet stone and shades of green peppercorn with Umami on the palate. The freshness and richness of the wine is gorgeous. Highly refined and satisfying in its youth, this true heavyhitter of a wine will age gracefully for another decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 95

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘The Lovers’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘The Lovers’ is a stunning blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah. The wine was aged in a combination of 1500L oak barrels and oak demi-nuides (40% new) prior to bottling. The wine imparts gorgeous black fruits that mingle with Umami, licorice and shades of white truffle that all shine in the glass. The freshness and texture of the wine is simply outstanding. The bright salinity of the wine makes you salivate as ripe red cherry, wild blackberry and shades of black truffle and seaweed flavors all shine brightly on the palate. While outstanding now, this will evolve well for another decade. Drink 2019-2029- 95

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Camaspelo’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Camaspelo’ is a proprietary blend  of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and a touch of Tempranillo that impresses from this exciting vintage. The ‘Camaspelo’ shows wet gravel with black currant, with cigar box and shades of white pepper on the nose. Highly elegant in the mid-palate the wine reveals wonderful Umami with white pepper, wild mushroom, with shades of blackberry and tar on the palate. While outstanding upon release, this outstanding Cabernet based wine will continue to shine for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 95

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘The Widowmaker’ is a gorgeous new bottling by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. Shades of black tea with Asian spices and black truffle collide with blackberry jam all mingle brightly on the nose. The freshness here is gorgeous as the wine unveils silky tannins ;that march with dark fruits, black truffle shavings, leather and pipe tobacco and smoky undertones. Lithe and light on its feet, this has wonderful firmness and tension as this elegant wine will cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 96

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2016 ‘Caiilloux Vineyard’ Syrah is a simply magical new wine by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. First made in 1998, this wine was first named ‘Cobblestone’ Syrah. The wine has 4% Viognier co-fermented. The nose is hedonistic and downright intoxicating with smoked meats, bacon fat, Umami, green peppercorn and shades of horse manure that all shine brightly on the nose. The freshness and minerality imparted is simply stunning. Wet stone mingles with shades of tar, red cherry candy, green olive tapenade and shades of seaweed with Mandarin orange wine all sing on the palate. The exceedingly long finish lingers. The combination of richness and tensions in the wine is simply unparalleled. While a delight to savor nw, this will evolve well another decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 97

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah- The ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah is a simply stunning new wine by Cayuse Vineyards. 100% Syrah, this shows incredible focus with salted ham, Umami, black cherry compote and green peppercorn aromas. The palate is exceedingly delightful with black pepper, Umami, licorice, dark cherry compote and shades Kalmata olive tapenade. Stunning now, this soft and silky textured wine will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 97

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Syrah- The ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ was plated on July 4th 2004 and is the first vines in this region to be planted with pheloxeria resistant rootstock. This Syrah by Cayuse Vineyards shows amazing charcuterie aromas that build with shades of leather, bacon fat, bulls blood, Umami and shades of anise that all collide in the glass. The texture to this wine is gorgeous as racy acidity and a stunning salinity runs through the wine. Blackberry cobbler mingle with shades of bulls blood, Umami, salted meats and black truffle on the palate. Refined and highly gratifying now, m this will evolve well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 97

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah- The 2016 ‘Bionic Frog’ by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron is a monumental new wine from this storied estate. On the nose this takes on  green peppercorn with horse manure, bacon fat, licorcice and shades of white truffle shavings on this downright seductive nose. The palate slowly unveils a silky mouthfeel that entices. The brightness and salinity of the wine literally makes you salivate as this shows off green olive tapenade, charcuterie, fennel, and shades of wild blackberry all sing marvelously together. Seamless and downright marvelous in its youth, this scintillating new wine will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 98

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah- The ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah is another stunning Cayuse Syrah which was aged in 10% new demi-nuides for 22 months prior to bottling. Christophe Baron planted this iconic vineyard in 2001. The nose shows incredible Hoisin sauce, seaweed and black fruits that collide with bright floral and Mandarin orange rind tones on the nose. The palate shows gobs of mouth-watering salinity and minerality with charcuterie with incredible freshness and tension int he wine. Compact and refined, this stunning new release dances on the mouth, leading to the exceedingly long finish. Outstanding in its youth, this will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 97

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah Special’ Syrah (1.5L)- The ‘Wallah Wallah Special’ Syrah is a blend of a host of estate vineyards by Cayuse Vineyards. The nose is downright intoxicating with wet stone, black truffle shavings, seaweed and shades of white pepper with peat moss tones that all round out this stunning bouquet. The palate shows tremendous freshness and tension with a silky mouthfeel. Red cherry candy, asphalt, licorice, Parma ham, white truffle shavings and shades of wet stone all mingle on the palate. This is a complete wine and I can’t imagine how beautiful this would be with duck l’orange. While beautiful now this will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 97

2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Impulsivo En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Tempranillo- This wine sees a touch more of new French oak (50%) prior to bottling. Aromatically intense, the wine unveils black tea, exotic spices, smoked meats with dried tarragon and blackberry pie that all mingle on the nose. The salinity of this wine is just insanely good as the wine slowly unveils bright black fruits that mingle with Satsuma orange zest, licorice and light peat moss with black truffle shaving tones on the palate. Satisfying and rich on the noiuth, this stunning wine is truly one of the best of its kind in North America. Drink 2019-2029- 95

2016 Hors Catégorie Syrah (Spring 2020 release)- The 2016 Hors Catégorie Syrah is a scintillating wine that flirts with perfection. The ‘Hors Categorie Vineyard’ is a highly steep sloped vineyard set on broken basalt. Aromatically this shows insanely good range from white pepper to red cherry preserves and bramble with shades of white truffle that all shine brightly on the nose. The palate has incredible texture with gorgeous black fruits that collide with Umami, white peppercorns, Kalamata olive tapenade and black cherry cordial. The texture is insanely good and the wine has a seamless quality that makes this truly one of a kind. Showing marvelously in its youth, this will evolve well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 99