Corison

I love Napa with restraint. Talking a walk into the more elegant side of Napa, we bring you famed Corison Winery, founded in 1987 by legendary winemaker Cathy Corison. At that time Cathy Corison started purchasing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from prime vineyards between Rutherford and St. Helena. Her first wines were made at other spaces that she rented out and she made the great decision to purchase the Kronos Vineyard in 1995 which was a historic property that had been a farm for over a century and she finally built her estate vineyard as well as the spot for her winery. She later purchased the Sunbasket Vineyard in 2015 which is located near the winery location.

Cathy’s wines have received a massive amount of critical acclaim over the years. A graduate of the masters in Enology program at UC Davis, Cathy previously served as Chappellet winemaker prior to starting her own winery. Corison is known for her classic style of creating a Bordelaise, more restrained style to Napa wines. If you have never had the opportunity to try these beautiful wines, you will find them to be highly elegant and a wonderful contrast to wines that simply focus on power or concentration. Her wines are highly age-worthy as the winery even has a program that releases their older wines and I have found these wines to age exceptionally well. Her new release Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) is highly elegant and has very soft tannins and a gorgeous sense of mouthfeel. Even better is her downright thrilling 2016 Corison ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 97) which is silky smooth and shows glorious aromatic and flavor ange.. Learn more about these beautiful and elegant Napa wines at https://corison.com/ Here is my reviews of the new Corison wines. 

2016 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon is a thrilling, seamless wine that is both powerful and elegant. On the nose there are dark currants woven together with shades of graphite, tobacco leaf and silty soil that all meld in the glass. The palate has wonderful weight and depth, yet has a seamless factor that makes this effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. Layers of boysenberry preserves and coffee grounds come together with suggestions of creme de cassis and tar on the palate. Highly refined, this memorable effort will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2038- 95

2016 Corison ‘Helios Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- Sourced from this famed St. Helena site, the 2016 ‘Helios Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc shows beautiful aromatics of violets and ripe red fruits that mingle with tar and shades of loamy terroir on the exotic bouquet. The palate is seamlessly textured and highly elegant as this wine effortlessly glides across the midpalate. Loganberry preserves, leather, damp earth and shades of red bell pepper and ripe blueberry flavors all come together on the palate. The flavor range imparted is insanely good, as this finishes with great length and finesse. I love the sense of elegance in this wine. Cathy Corison has crafted another masterpiece as her 2016 ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc will  surely enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 96

2016 Corison ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- One of the wonderful wines that I have savored from Napa over the past year, the 2016 Corison ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a scintillating new bottling my eminent producer Cathy Corison.  Needing a two hour decant to be fully aroused, once awoken you are greeted to an exquisite aromatic range — from red bell pepper to sagebrush and loamy terroir, chocolate and dense black fruits that all parade in the glass. The palate has good weight and structure, showing off the trademark seamless factor that Corison crafts. Layers of dark fruits are woven together with herbal undertones, pipe tobacco, damp earth and shades of dark chocolate covered espresso bean. This is nearly impossible to put down once opened. A delight to savor in its youth, the 2016 Corison ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well for many decades to come. Drink 2020-2040- 97

Instagram Live This Week

Instagram Live This Week

Friends, we have a spectacular lineup of winemakers and wineries this week, spanning the globe and all times Paciifc Standard Time. Join me Wednesday at 4PM as I share the great new Canvasback releases with winemaker Brian Rudin. Thursday is jam packed full of action starting at 3PM with famed winemaker Bob Bertheau talking his brilliant new set of Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling releases. At 4PM we check in with Mark Ryan himself, tasting a range of his wines from fresh Chardonnay to inky Cabernet Sauvignon. Finally at 5PM we check in with Ashley Trout of Vital Wines, talking about her awesome new lineup.

Friday we journey across the Atlantic to Spain and one of the great Cava producers, Mestres at 12:00 Pacific. At 2PM I taste with Nate Klostermann of Argle, as we revel in a vertical tasting of his famed ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir. At 3PM Shannon Gustafson of Raptor Ridge joins me to taste a range of their beautiful white wines and Pinot Noir releases. Finally at 4PM I am joined by Matt Wengel of Lemelson as we taste their awesome new lineup of wines.

Please join us for this very special action packed week here at Washington Wine Blog from your smart phones, tablets or computers.

Chateau de Beaucastel

A famed house the southern Rhone region of France, Chateau de Beaucastel produces some of the finest Châteauneuf du Pape in the world. Everyone who has tried this famous wine can think back to their first bottle of Chateau de Beaucastel. I recall my first one while I was in college, enjoying the absolutely epic 1998 Chateau de Beaucastel. I remember the stunning combination of weight and tension in the bottle — one that literally begs you to enjoy more. I have very fond memories of a 1989 Chateau de Beaucastel, one of the famed vintages for this wine that I had the pleasure of enjoying with friends several years back. 

The region of Chateauneuf du Pape has an incredible history and was was first mentioned in 11th century historical records. The town of Avignon in this region was the previous site of the papacy, following a Roman invasion. Bertrand de Got, archbishop of Bordeaux, was elected pope in 1305, and took the name of Clement V as he transferred the papacy from Rome to Avignon in 1309. The register of pontifical letters reveals that Clement V visited Châteauneuf on several occasions, sometimes for long periods of time.

It is quite clear that wine had some influence in this region before the arrival of the papacy but there are no actual historical records of wine or vineyards prior to this time. We do know that most of the wine grown in this region prior to the 18th century was drunk within a year, which was true to the cultural times. It wasn’t until 1923 when local wine producers led the way to have their wines classified as Châteauneuf-du-Pape Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) was formed.

Chateau de Beaucastel has a longstanding history in Châteauneuf du Pape. The winery is named after the Beaucastel family which lived in this region in the 16th century. Records show a Pierre de Beaucastel buying a barn and some associated land at Coudoulet in 1549, and this land is still part of Château de Beaucastel's holdings. In the 19th century, when the Phylloxera epidemic struck the region, the owner decided not to replant the vineyards but rather to sell the property. In 1909, it was bought by Pierre Tramier, and the vineyards were rebuilt under his ownership. After him, his son-in-law Pierre Perrin took over management and expanded Château de Beaucastel's vineyard holdings considerably. The property has stayed in the Perrin family since.

In the past I have had the great fortune to sample some very old bottlings of this estate, back to the 1980s. These wines are extremely complex, acid driven and age-worthy. Chateau de Beaucastel is one of the few wineries that uses 13 different Rhone varietals in its Châteauneuf du Pape, and typically uses a high proportion of Mourvèdre. I was very impressed with the vertical tasting, as these wines show as well as any other estate in Châteauneuf du Pape. They also make highly sought after white blends that are absolutely some of the best of the region.

2017 was actually the driest vintage on record for Chateau de Beaucastel. What they have created is nothing short of a masterpiece. The 2017 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape (WWB, 95) is impeccably balanced and already shows very impressive aromatic and flavor range. This gorgeous wine will provide drinking enjoyment for fifteen to twenty years. Learn more about this famed estate at http://www.beaucastel.com Here is the gorgeous new Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape. 

2017 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape- The thrilling 2017 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape is a scintillating new wine by Marc Perrin. The final blend is 30% both Grenache and Mourvedre, 10% Counoise, 10% to varietals Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne and 5% Cinsault. Needing a one hour decant to be fully aroused, the 2017 Chateau de Beaucastel shows nice stony and smoky tones with green olive tapenade, huckleberry, herbs de Provence, and shades of Umami. The palate shows amazing freshness and astringency, with a seamless texture and marvelous mouthfeel. Rich black fruits mingle with shades of saline dusted red currants, Kalmata olive tapenade, bulls blood, smoked pork shoulder and menthol tones that all sing in harmony on the palate. Lively, with a great veil of tension and showing great weight, this beautiful wine is only an infant at this juncture and will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Drink 2020-2038- 95

Bledsoe-McDaniels

A brand new project by NFL Legend Drew Bledsoe and superstar wineamker, Josh McDaniels, Bledsoe-McDaniels is a new Oregon wine project from this Walla Walla mainstay. For many years Josh had been wanting to make great Oregon Pinot Noir. He explained “I love working with Pinot Noir- it forces you to be a great grower and a great winemaker. I feel like I have learned more about making Cabernet from making Pinot Noir in fact- being a thin skinned and generally delicate varietal, it shows everything and you have to be exact and pay great attention to detail.” He admitted to have some experience with the varietal while working for Figgins Family in 2011 and is excited about what he considers a ‘great vintage’ with the new 2018 release.

I have been very impressed with the red and white wines from the 2018 vintage in Oregon, one that saw severe heat spikes throughout the Willamette Valley, but also saw smooth sailing at harvest. The 2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) is a marvelous wine showing great length and aromatic/flavor range. It is thrilling stuff to enjoy now and will cellar well for more than a decade. Josh also made a killer new release from the ‘Lefore Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks District AVA. The 2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels ‘Lefore Vineyard’ Syrah (WWB, 94) underwent mostly whole-cluster fermentation and is only an infant in its youth. The aromatic range is gorgeous as this wine will need some air if enjoying right now. Learn more about this truly exciting new winery project at http://bledsoemcdaniels.com/#top Here are the beautiful new wines by Bledsoe-McDaniels. 

 2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Largely sourced from the Ridgecrest Vineyard with vines planted in the 1980s, the vineyard is a cooler site that is the oldest in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Right out of the gate the wine evokes a massive core of red fruits that mingle with peat moss, blood orange zest and exotic spices that take shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and elegant, showing a seamless effect. Gobs of mouth-watering acidity fill the palate, connecting with red currants, forest floor and black truffle crudo flavors alongside a silky mouthfeel. This has not only marvelous length but gorgeous texture. Soft, round and generous, this complete wine is fantastic to enjoy in its youth but will provide drinking enjoyment for many years to come. Give this a one hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels ‘Lefore Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels Syrah is a head-turning wine made by superstar winemaker Josh McDaniels. The Syrah underwent 75% whole cluster fermentation and was aged in 33% new French oak barrels and mostly used 500L puncheons before bottling. Layers of red fruits combine with wet stone, iodine, green olive tapenade and bacon fat tones on the nose. The aromatic range is truly profound and takes you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The wine is beautifully textured and elegant with layers of cran-cherry, wild blackberry, Hoisin sauce and Umami all singing in unison on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2018 ‘Lefore Vineyard’ Syrah will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 94

2013 Baer Retrospective

On some nights when I am not running through new wines I have the rare opportunity to dig through my personal collection and uncork something great. It has now been several years since I have had the chance to revisit the 2013 vintage by Baer, with superstar Erica Orr at the helm. She has graciously shared her thoughts about the 2013 vintage: 

“2013 was a hot summer with several heat spikes and then we had rain in September, looking back I think I waited a tick too long to pick in 13. The growing degree days for 2013 look to be pretty average but I am harvesting a week or more earlier now/in recent vintages than I did back then. We brought in the first Merlot for Baer on September 19, 2013 and started picking Cabernet Sauvignon in mid-October. Baer got a new de-stemmer in 2015 so I think that fewer jacks and stems in the fermenter together with my focus on picking with the intention to retain freshness has changed the style to be less tannic, with lower alcohol and more vibrancy in subsequent vintages. I'm also using a lower percentage of new French oak barrels these days…”

I chose two wines out of my cellar for this special tasting, the 2013 Baer ‘Ursa’ (42% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot) and the 2013 Baer ‘Arctos’ (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot) which were both absolutely singing. All grapes for both wines are sourced from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard which is a cooler site for red wine in the Columbia Valley. One thing I noticed was how much better these wines showed following a double decant and several hours in the ideacnter. This is a tribute to Erica’s highly Bordelaise style of winemaking. 

I have always admired the red wines produced in 2013 which I felt were a touch better than white wines from that vintage overall. At times as wine reviewers we fall in the trap of vintages that follow great vintages. 2012 overall as a vintage in Washington assuredly was great, but 2013 was also seriously good. The red wines from 2013 were generally powerful with good tannin structure and phenolic ripeness. These wines were a touch more opulent than those from 2012 but there were also some marvelously balanced wines made in ’13 — none more so than the Baer wines that I tasted. Here are my tasting notes from my 2013 Baer retrospective. For more info on the wines please visit baerwinery.com

2013 Baer ‘Ursa’ Red Wine- The 2013 ‘Ursa’ is a compelling right bank style wine that is absolutely singing at now the seven year mark. The wine is a blend of 42% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot , as this shows pretty red rose petals that combine with shades of cocoa powder and black cherry cordial with sagebrush accents on this decadent nose. The palate is plush, showing not only a bright acidity but a soft, supple mouthfeel. Layers of deep dark fruits are artfully woven together with suggestions of coffee grounds, black tea, exotic spices and creme de cassis. This is a harmonious, beautifully balanced wine that has every working part moving together. Enjoy the gorgeous 2013 ‘Ursa’ Red Wine over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2013 Baer ‘Arctos’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A blend of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (84%) with the remainder Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2013 ‘Arctos’ shows anise and creme de cassis with Turkish coffee and shades of blueberry compote on this compelling nose. The palate has outstanding freshness and comes of very warm vintage left bank Bordeaux. Layers of creme de cassis and espresso bean collide with damp earth, black olive, and blackberry compote flavors. Gorgeous to enjoy right now, the 2013 ‘Arctos’ really has anther fifteen years to go. Drink 2020-2033- 93

Utopia Vineyard

Today we bring you a fantastic boutique winery in Oregon. It was quite a search for the right site for Dan Warnshuis. Originally from Napa, Dan did some careful research before finding his Utopia Vineyard in the center of the Ribbon Ridge AVA. The vineyard underwent three plantings in 2005, 2008 and 2010 and is composed of 16.8 acres of south-facing hillsides with vines set on Willakenzie soils. The vineyard is planted to twelve clones of Pinot Noir and three low-yielding Dijon Chardonnay clones., Daniel created his first vintage of Pinot Noir nearly fifteen years ago in 2006. He serves as not only owner but also Utopia Vineyard winemaker.

The vineyard utilizes Sustainable Organic Farming practices, and has been L.I.V.E. certified since 2008. I have had the chance to try these wines on several occasions and they have been consistently good. The new releases are both outstanding, coming from the warm 2017 vintage. They are both wines that have really great range, texture and weight. Both are highly recommended for any serious lover of Oregon Pinot Noir. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.utopiawine.com/ Here are my tasting notes of the great new 2017 releases from Utopia Vineyard.

2017 Utopia ‘The Utopia Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-Sourced from their Ribbon Ridge AVA estate, the ‘The Utopia Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows rich red fruit flavors that collide with copious minerals, forest floor and shades of Mandarin orange rind on the palate. The combination of verve and texture really entices. A complete, wine, this glorious new release will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2017 Utopia ‘Paradise Estate Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 ‘Paradise Estate Reserve’ is a silky new bottling from Utopia. On the nose this takes on lovely damp earth and peat moss tones that connect with the bright guava and strawberry tones that collect momentum in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, showing a soft texture and good sense of weight. Bright red fruits dance with shades of blood orange rind and forest floor tones on the palate. Fantastic to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

Tablas Creek Vertical Tasting

The pandemic has brought a series of massive challenges to most people. The widespread anxiety that I have seen in my clinical practice has been excruciating to see, as many jobs and even lives have been lost by this horrible disease. I’ve been doing my best to bring the wineries to people through a series of Instagram Live videos and a few weeks back it was a great honor to taste virtually with Jason Haas, General Manager of Tablas Creek . Jason has run a really fantastic and critically acclaimed Tablas Creek blog for many years. He is one of the foremost experts on his family winery, started by his father and California wine icon, Robert Haas, and the famed Perrin family of Chateau Beaucastel. Their first commercial vintage was 1997 and the rest has been history, as Tablas Creek has been one of the storied wineries not only in Paso Robles but in California.

I was first introduced to these wines while I was in graduate school in San Diego in 2003. Pretty soon there was a massive buzz about the Beaucastel influenced Tablas Creek wines as they were met with immediate critical acclaim from both Robert Parker and Wine Spectator. Jason has a great knowledge of the wines and vintages as I tasted with him and we talked about how the vintages were generally very consistent. Admittedly, there were a few surprises from my tasting. I was completely floored by the oldest wines that I tasted, both showing marvelous tertiary tones but in different ways. The 2000 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Beaucastel’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) is simply magical at now the twenty year mark. I was surprised how bright this wine is, and while it is best enjoyed over the next several years, the aromatic and flavor range is nothing short of thrilling. Similarly the 2001 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Beaucastel Blanc’ White Wine (WWB, 93) is still shining brightly. With 44% Roussanne, the nutty and beeswax tones are simply delightful, as the silky smooth mouthfeel delights. I was not surprised by their new release 2017 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine (WWB, 95) which was gorgeous right out of the gate, showing amazing freshness, tension and complexity. This is one for the cellar. Now at the eleven year mark, the 2009 Tablas creek ‘Espirit de Beaucastel’ Red Wine (WWB, 95) is every bit as good as the new release ’17 and I was floored with the degree of acidity and range in this very pretty wine. I can see this beautiful wine cellaring well for at least another ten years. 

Needless to say, this was a highly memorable tasting with Jason as we reveled in truly some of the great, age-worthy wines out of Paso Robles. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://tablascreek.com Here are my tasting notes from what was an incredible journey back into time with Tablas Creek. 

White Wines: 

2001 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Beaucastel Blanc’ White Wine- A brightly colored blend of 44% Roussanne with 22% Viognier, 18% Grenache Blanc and 16% Marsanne, the nutty and melon aromatics literally fly out of the glass, with shades of lychee and honeysuckle playing second fiddle. The palate is silky smooth, showing an unctuous err, no doubt from the high proportion of Roussanne. Layers of banana, Macadamia nut, cantaloupe and Pink Lady apple collide with minerals, brioche and beeswax tones on the seductive palate. This is silky smooth at this juncture with a decade of life to go. Enjoy this on the warmer side, where the full aromatic and flavor range can be fully on parade. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2016 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc’ White Wine- Truly one of the outstanding Rhone style wines made in California, the 2016 ‘Espirit Blanc’ is a compelling blend of mainly Roussanne (75%), with smaller portions Grenache Blanc and Picpoul Blanc. Ripe banana and lychee aromatics meld with shades of starfruit, sourdough and saline drenched pear all take shape in the glass. The palate shows not only a wonderful sense of astringency but a silky smooth texture and an exceedingly long finish that lingers long on the tongue. Showing a marvelous combination of weight and acidity, the 2016 ‘Espirit Blanc’ is truly one of a kind wine that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 95

Red Wines:

2000 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Beaucastel’ Red Wine- Taken from an even growing season and still hanging tough, now at the twenty year mark, the 2000 ‘Espirit de Beaucastel’ is a gorgeous blend of Mourvedre (35%), Syrah (26%), Grenache (25%) and Counoise (14%). Layers of kirsch cordial and smoky tones collide with baking spices and suggestions of Linzer torte that all meld together on the nose. The palate is silky smooth, offering a silky texture and downright delicious layers of black cherry compote, dried thyme, smoked brisket and black olive tapenade, with damp earth undertones. A complete wine at this stage, enjoy this over the next several years while the core of acidity remains. Drink 2020-2025- 93

2005 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Beaucastel’ Red Wine- 2005 was another moderately warm vintage that saw gradual ripening in the vineyards. The 2005 ‘Espirit’ is primarily Mouvedre (44%) with 26% Grenache, 25% Syrah and a touch of Counoise. The ripeness is evident on the nose with rich red and dark fruits that collide with shades of coffee grounds, smoked brisket and green olive tapenade accents. The palate shows a very soft mouthfeel and wonderful length, delivering ripe currants, red cherry candy, bulls blood, and shades of black tea and exotic spices that all meld brilliantly together. The combination of weight and tension makes this really thrive. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 94

2009 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Beaucastel’ Red Wine- One of my all-time favorite ‘Espirit’ bottlings, it has been several years since I have visited this beautiful wine. Running into the third consecutive year of regional drought, 2009 saw warm conditions but gradual ripening and lower than normal yields. The 2009 ‘Espirit de Beaucastel’ features mostly Mourvedre, Syrah and Grenache, with just a splash of Counoise. The high-toned perfumed aromatics from the Grenache really add to the enjoyment with potpourri and red rose petals that deftly combine with shades of red currants and red cherry candy alongside dusty terroir notes. The palate is seamless, effortlessly gliding across the mid-palate, delivering gorgeous layers of red fruits, creosote, green olive and baking spices. The extremely good length further accentuates this gorgeous bottling that has at least another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 95

2013 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine- Sourced from another warm and drought vintage in Paso Robles, leading to slightly lower yields but excellent ripening. This wine is also mainly Mourvedre (40%) with smaller portions Syrah (28%), Grenache (22%) and Counoise (10%). Ripe red fruits dominate the nose with layers of bacon fat and green olive tapenade alongside dusty terroir on this evocative bouquet. The palate is layered and shows great acidity and weight, with an exceedingly long finish. Layers of bright red fruits dance with citrus rind, smoked brisket and shades of peat moss. Slightly more on the elegant side and fantastic to savor now, I can imagine this cellaring for a decade or more to come. Drink 2020-2032- 94

2017 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine is another scintillating wine from this storied Paso Robles estate. This was for some a challenging vintage with severe heat spikes in August, which shut down vines in some sections of the region. The nose here is literally thrilling with high-toned red rose petals that collide with shades of guava puree, charcuterie and Black Forest Cake, creating seriously good range aromatically. The palate has wonderful depth and purity of fruit, with an err of elegance. Red cherry candy, guava puree, Mandarin orange rind and bulls blood flavors collide with minerals and smoky undertones on the palate. Only an infant right now, the 2017 ‘Espirit de Tablas’ red wine will be exceedingly long lived. Drink 2020-2035- 95

Quilceda Creek

It has been quite the year for Quilceda Creek. Whether it was being one of the only Washington wineries represented at Matter of Taste, Napa, joining me for 2020 Washington Wine Blog Critic’s Choice of Washington or being one of the lone featured Washington wineries in Decanter Magazine, Quilceda Creek has been crafting some thrilling new wines over the past several years. I had the honor of being the first person to taste the new Quilceda Creek wines from the 2017 vintage in December 2019 with superstar director of winemaking, Paul Golitzin. ‘We have good control of the vineyard now, which makes a huge difference especially in warm vintages, as we are able to cool things.’ Golitzin explained how he uses state of the art technology to monitor temperature at his Champoux Vineyard. Obviously from a hot site, as vintages become warmer and warmer, this technology becomes more paramount in helping create optimal conditions for phenolic ripening and ensuring that vines do not shut down. In April 2020 the Champoux Vineyard began a major replanting project which replaced aging Muscat, Chardonnay, Lemberger, and Marquette vines with specific clones of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Champoux will now be planted to 100% red Bordeaux varietals which benefits both the winery and the consumer.

Quilceda Creek also sources from top vineyards besides the Champoux, — the Galitzine, MachOne (formerly Lake Wallula), Palengat and Wallula Vineyards. More recently, Paul Golitzin has been adding some MachOne Vineyard fruit to his Galitzine Vineyard bottling. ‘That fruit [MachOne] seems to round things out nicely,’ Paul said. It was a great honor to revisit vintages 2004-2010 for my Decanter Magazine piece in March. As I slowly moved from wine to wine, the one thing struck me about the wines that were obviously very rich and dense was their elegance and pillowy texture. The new wines that I tasted come from the 2017 vintage, one that saw consistently warm temperatures in the summer, with few major heat spikes. Summer temperatures were consistently warm but the fall cooled considerably which led to consistent ripening. 

This is now my second soiree into the 2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ and ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ bottlings which are steadily becoming more and more divergent from each other. Both wines are amongst the best wines in North America that I have tasted over the past year. The 2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 99) has a massive core of dark fruits and a pillowy texture. Obviously rich and decadent, this has a great feeling of elegance and bright acidity that keeps everything in balance. Every bit as good and showing more of a muscular persona with its creosote and tar tones, the 2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 99) is a hedonistic treat to savor even at this juncture. This is massive and intense, truly one of the thrilling wines made in the state that is a Washington Cabernet lovers dream. Buy both of these wines with confidence. Learn more about these incredible wines at https://www.quilcedacreek.com Here are the gorgeous new releases by Quilceda Creek. 

2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 

It has now been six months since I first visited the scintillating 2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that exudes both elegance and decadence. The wine spent 20 months in 100% new French oak and was sourced from the Champoux, MachOne, Palengat, and Wallula Vineyards. One remarkable thing that I continue to notice about this wine is despite its use of 100% new French oak, the oak influence in the wine is quite minor and is very well-integrated to the fruit and non-fruit flavors. Following a three hour decant, the wine shows high-toned violets with shades of sagebrush, milk chocolate covered Bing cherry, creme de cassis and anise tones that all sing in harmony in the glass. The palate is rich and layered, yet extremely polished, with a pillowy texture. Deep layers of espresso bean, Black Forest Cake, blueberry compote, graphite and sandalwood in this highly complex range of flavors. The length of this wine is truly outstanding, as is the silky texture which makes the wine effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. Generous and approachable at this juncture with a long decant, the 2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Try to resist this beautiful wine for at least two more years. Drink 2022-2040- 99

2017 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon-

The Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon has become quite a different animal than its ‘Columbia Valley’ brother. The more that this vineyard ages, the more divergent this wine becomes in my mind. This 2017 edition is almost entirely sourced from the Galitzine Vineyard (95%) with the remainder sourced from the ‘MachOne’ Vineyard. Following a three hour decant, the wine slowly begins to unveil layers of deep dark fruits with fresh sage, blueberry cordial and creosote tones that meld in the glass. The palate its massive at its core, with a plush, opulent texture. A thrilling backing of acidity lifts this wine that reveals ripe blackberries with mocha, tar, pipe tobacco and suggestions of blueberry pie. While obviously quite hedonistic, the wine has a fantastic sense of poise and balance, evening out the massive fruit and non-fruit flavors. The exceedingly good finish accentuates this scintillating new wine that has a long life ahead of it. This is Red Mountain at its finest. Drink 2022-2040- 99

Instagram Live

Instagram Live This Week

Friends, we share our honored guests for Instagram Live this week, all times Pacific. Don’t miss out, as Dunham Cellars GM John Blair joins us at 4pm Thursday, followed by the talented Chris Peterson of Avennia at 5pm. Friday we have one of the jewels of the Willamette Valley, Panther Creek’s superstar winemaker Tony Rynders at 4pm followed by Tertulia Cellars and their maestro Ryan Raber at 5pm. Don’t miss all of the action here on Washington Wine Blog this week 🍷

Hamilton Russell Oregon

It isn’t every day that a South African winery makes wines from North America. Today I have the pleasure of sharing a really unique project by famed South African producer Hamilton Russell, as they now have a new line of wlnes, ‘Hamilton Russell Oregon.’ Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell consistently craft some of the best wines in South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. They are now producing two Oregon Wines: the 2018 Bramble Hill Pinot Noir and the 2018 Zena Crown Pinot Noir. These wines are cut from a similar vein as his Hemel-en-Aarde Pinots, as they will be similarly age worthy and also show a great combination of tension and terroir.

Hamilton Russell spans more than 40 vintages. One of the iconic figures in South African wines, Anthony Hamilton Russell crafts wines from over 400 acre estate which focuses on terroir-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. For years Anthony was drawn to the wines of the Willamette Valley and he has now been able to source from two great vineyards that are quite diverse. Both wines are downright awesome. The 2018 Hamilton Russell Oregon ‘Bramble Hill’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) shows a beautiful red fruit profile that the region is known for, as well as earthy undertones. Even better is the 2018 Hamilton Russell Oregon ‘Zena Crown’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which is sourced from one of the great vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, as the wine has glorious tension and marvelous texture. Learn more about these fantastic wines at http://www.hamiltonrussellvineyards.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Hamilton Russell Oregon. 

2018 Hamilton Russell Oregon ‘Bramble Hill’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Bramble Hill’ Pinot Noir is sourced from the Ribbon Ridge AVA in the Willamette Valley. The wine is rich on the mid-palate with chewy tannins that line a deep core of red fruits and peat moss tones. This has a wonderful sense of elegance, freshness and length with a bright core of acidity that races through the palate. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2018 Hamilton Russell Oregon ‘Zena Crown’ Pinot Noir- One of the great sites for Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, the ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ is a dramatic setting in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The nose is seriously good as a light dusting of white pepper combines with shades of black truffle and peat moss that all take shape in the glass. The palate is beautifully textured with a good combination of ripeness, viscosity and tension. Downright juicy red fruits dance with citrus rind and peat moss tones on the palate. Gorgeous to savor right now, the 2018 ‘Zena Crown’ Pinot Noir will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 93

Brick House

As we slowly bid adieu to another great Oregon Wine Month we bring you the beautiful wines of Brick House, one of the great producers of Oregon Pinot Noir. A native Oregonian, Doug Tunnell was raised in West Linn, Oregon and traveled around Europe, working as a correspondent for CBS News. After some time he decided to settle back in Oregon, feeling that the Ribbon Ridge AVA was the perfect spot for both Pinot Noir and Gamay. Doug purchased the Brick House Vineyard in 1990,  and then planted Pinot Noir, followed by Gamay. Doug consistently crafts some of the best Oregon Pinot Noir and Gamay, helping the consumer with relatively low prices. 

He has created a gorgeous new Chardonnay, his 2017 Brick House ‘Cascadia’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) which has massive verve and tension, as this is a highly Burgundian rendition. I absolutely loved the 2018 Brick House ‘Due East’ Gamay (WWB, 93) which is one of the best new world bottling of Gamay that you will find. Even better was the scintillating 2017 Brick House ‘Evelyn’s’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94), a brilliant tribute to Doug’s mother which has marvelous texture and really good range. Learn more about these completely delicious, age-worthy wines at https://brickhousewines.com Here are the downright awesome new release wines by Brick House. 

2017 Brick House ‘Cascadia’ Chardonnay- Sourced from old vine Ribbon Ridge AVA plantings of Chardonnay, the 2017 ‘Cascadia’ Chardonnay opens with layers of vanilla cream and shades of apricot and Pazzaz apple that all mingle in the glass. The palate is lively, with a great degree of minerality. Layers of nutmeg infused Challah bread and Pink Lady apple deftly combine with whipping cream and earthy undertones of the wine. Highly novel and Burgundian, the beautiful 2017 ‘Cascadia’ Chardonnay will enjoy at least another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2018 Brick House ‘Due East’ Gamay- This shows off spicy aromas that mingle with ripe red cherry and cran-pomrgrnate tones on this exotic nose. The palate has tons of freshness and gobs of mineralitty, as your mouth literally waters throughout this drinking experience. Layers of pretty red fruits and rose water combine with Mandarin orange rind and peat moss tones. This has a wonderful sense of elegance, with really good length. Truly one of a kind, the 2018 ‘Due East’ Gamay will enjoy many years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2017 Brick House ‘Select’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Select’ Pinot Noir is another stunning new wine by the talented Doug Tunnell. Priced right at just north of thirty dollars, this delivers plenty of appeal with its pretty red fruits, bright acidity and great sense of texture. Juicy and forward, yet showing a nice err of elegance, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2017 Brick House ‘Cuvee de Tonnelier’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Cuvee de Tonnelier’ is a Pommard clone Pinot Noir that pays tribute to legacy of the winemaker’s father whose family were “tonneliers” or coopers in 17th century France. While not quite as complex as the other Pinot Noir wines, the gratifying mouthfeel and gorgeous sense of texture really impresses, as bright Bing cherry, red raspberry puree, peat moss and orange rind tones really impress. Marvelous now, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2017 Brick House ‘Les Dijonnais’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 ‘Les Dijonnais’ is another compelling Ribbon Ridge AVA bottling by the talented Doug Tunnell. A barrel selection wine from the warmest part of the vineyard, the 2017 ‘Les Dijonnais’ shows a dusting of white pepper and forest floor that combine with sage and peat moss tones alongside pomegranate seed on this expressive bouquet. The palate has good freshness a silky texture as a light layer of salinity mingles with the core of guava and red cherry preserves. Complex and downright delicious to enjoy in its youth, the 2018 ‘Les Dijonnais’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2017 Brick House ‘Evelyn’s’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 ‘Evelyn’s’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous new wine that utilizes an equal percentage of Dijon and Pommard clones. Aged for sixteen months in slightly more new French oak than the other bottlings, this great wine, named after the winemaker’s mother, shows peat moss and damp earth aromas that meld with shades of kumquat zest and red cherry candy. The palate is plush, showing a great sense of texture and gobs of mouth-watering acidity that creates immediate appeal. The length of the wine is really gratifying, as is the sense of balance here, as all of the moving pieces work in harmony. Gorgeous to savor in its youth, the 2017 Brick House ‘Evelyn’s’ Pinot Noir will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 94

The Walls

‘This is quite the ‘retirement’’ Mike said, as I queried him about starting a winery. Two days ago on Instagram Live I sat down with The Walls founder Mike Martin to discuss how he built his winery brand — serious wines based on very cartoonish labels. ‘We actually hired eight different cartoonists to do the label,’ Mike said. He certainly has done his research, as The Walls has become a very popular Washington brand in a very short amount of time. Mike is a former Microsoft executive that has found a new home in Walla Walla. In addition to his winery, he owns one of the best local restaurants, Passatempo Taverna.

Last summer I had the chance to visit the new winery, in downtown Walla Walla. It is an awesome, modern facility that produces some really good wines. Mike has been in the news lately, as he made a major purchase in January 2020 acquiring the Rockgarden Estate vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. Back last summer he has hired superstar winemaker Todd Alexander as winemaking consultant. 

One of the outstanding wines from my 2020 Pacific Northwest Rose Report, the 2019 The Walls ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose (WWB, 91) is downright awesome new Rose that is the best they have produced, with its tension and soft mouthfeel. I absolutely loved the 2017 The Walls ‘Concrete Mama’ Syrah (WWB, 94) is a gorgeous wine that shows incredible range and great Rocks character. Learn more about these outstanding new wines at https://www.thewallsvineyards.com Here are the great new releases from The Walls. 

2019 The Walls ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose- The Walls have gained a really strong reputation for their 'Cruel Summer’ Rose and this 2019 edition is amongst the best yet. The nose shows considerably better range out of a Riedel Burgundy glass, with pretty rose water tones mingling with minerals and melon accents on this delicate nose. The palate picks up a silky texture, with watermelon, white peach, Gravenstein apple and honeydew melon tones that all come together nicely in the glass. While not particularly rich, the elegance of the wine really shines through to the long finish with lighter red fruit, white rose water and mineral tones. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2017 The Walls ‘Lip Stinger’ White Wine- An intriguing blend of Grenache Blanc, Chardonnay and Roussanne, with smaller portions Picpoul, Marsanne and Clarirette Blanc, this shows off a soft texture with layers of melon and citrus rind flavors, with vanilla cream and Gravenstein apple tones rounding out this downright delicious new wine. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2017 The Walls ‘McAndrew’ Chardonnay- The ‘MacAndrew’ Chardonnay is named after William McAndrew who first planted gapes on Underwood Mountain in 1972. The freshness and soft texture really delights as layers of lemon cake, nectarine rind, and baking spices come together with a good degree of freshness. Enjoy this beautiful new wine over the next seven years. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2018 The Walls ‘French Creek Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Last year I had the chance to visit this dramatic, wind-swept vineyard that is literally not close to anything, as the French Creek Vineyard is a higher elevation site that is gaining a strong reputation for Chardonnay. The wine shows good opulence with its silky texture and soft mouthfeel. Baked apple and lemon cream flavors collide with cantaloupe and minerals. This finishes very long with lemon cream, minerals and a hint of ripe banana. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2016 The Walls ‘The Insiders’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the White Salmon Vineyard, the 2016 ‘The Insiders’ Pinot Noir shows shades of smoke and damp earth that mingle with ripe red fruits on the nose. The palate has good elegance with a soft mouthfeel. Mouth-watering acidity and layers of toasty oak combine with the core of red cherry, guava and red raspberry with earthy undertones. Drink 2020-2028- 91

2017 The Walls ‘River Rock Vineyard’ Grenache- The ‘River Rock Vineyard’ is located near the Oregon/Washington border in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. Light flinty tones combine with bright Bing cherry, rose water and shades of Mandarin orange zest on this beautiful nose. The palate is wonderfully textured with a soft mouthfeel. Layers of ripe red fruits dance with citrus rind, wet stone and suggestions of pink bubblegum on the palate. The long finish lingers. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2017 The Walls ‘The Ramparts’ Red Wine-A blend of Grenache (40%) and Mourvedre (40%) with 15% Counoise and a touch of Viognier (5%), ‘The Ramparts’ has layers of toasty oak that combine with ripe red cherry, smoke, bacon fat and blackberry cobbler, with a light dusting of white pepper. This has really nice complexity and a good vein of tension running through its core. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2017 The Walls ‘Gaspard’ Syrah- Sourced from Red Mountain, the ‘Gaspard’ has a soft mouthfeel and wonderful texture. Rich chocolate and smoky tones combine with the core of dark fruits and sagebrush undertones on the palate. Ripe and generous, showing good weight and acidity, the ‘Gaspard’ Syrah will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2017 The Walls ‘Concrete Mama’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘Concrete Mama’ Syrah is another seriously good release by The Walls and new consulting winemaker Todd Alexander. The wine shows better aromatic and flavor range than the other wines in this new set of releases. Sourced from the ‘River Rock Vineyard’ in the Rocks Disrtrict of Milton-Freewater, the ‘Concrete Mama’ opens with layers of bacon fat, green olive tapenade and a deep core of dark fruits with stony undertones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, showing off its plush mouthfeel and voluptuous texture. Layers of Hoisin sauce and smoked brisket combine with coffee grounds and tar, with stony undertones that all make this remarkable wine truly sing. Highly enjoyable in its youth with its soft texture, this marvelous new release will enjoy another decade in the cellar. Drink 2020-2028- 94

2017 The Walls ‘Mahana’ Syrah- Also sourced from the ‘River Rock Vineyard’ in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, the ‘Mahana;’ opens with shades of violets that combine with smoked pork shoulder, wild blackberry and thyme that all take shape in the glass. The palate has really good elegance and weight, with a silky mouthfeel. Layers of dark fruits mingle with light green olive tapenade and a light dusting of salinity with black tea all make their appearance on the palate. Really good in its youth, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next eight plus years. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2017 The Walls ‘Curiositas’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Curiousitas’ is a dense and inky wine, taking the lead with black currants and graphite tones with blackberry cobbler and shades of dark chocolate shavings on this fantastic nose. The palate is soft and shows an err of elegance with layers of dark fruits woven together with mocha, scorched earth and anise flavors. Wonderful to enjoy right now, the 2017 ‘Curiousitas’ Cabernet Sauvignon will be best enjoyed over the next ten to twelve years. Drink 2020-2032- 92

Delmas

One day now removed with my exclusive Instagram Live with Delmas founder Steve Robertson and his daughter, Brooke Robertson, I have the pleasure of sharing one of the great wines of the Walla Walla Rocks District. ‘We see this wine very much in line with 2016 and 2017. This wine with a little bottle age based on the primary fermentation we think that this will be our most complex wine yet,’ said Steve. As I spent several hours tasting this wine, I was struck by the massive complexity of the wine and the nuanced layers and flavor/aromatic range. 

Delmas was born by the watchful eyes of Mary and Steve Robertson who founded this winery more than a decade ago. Steve has a background in real estate development and business management and was previously in Napa before planting vines in his very special ‘SJR Vineyard’, in the Walla Walla Rocks District. If you have never been to this vineyard, it is a must visit for oenophiles and lovers of Walla Walla Syrah. The vineyard is planted to mainly Syrah but also has a small portion of Viognier and Grenache planted as well. Steve hit a home run when he hired Billo Naravane, MW, to serve as his winemaker. More recently I have been told that Brooke Robertson has been helping with some of the winemaking. 

Delmas first crafted their Syrah with the cool 2010 vintage which I had the pleasure to taste as part of a special vertical tasting several years back. I have been massively impressed with this project, to say the least. The 2017 Delmas Syrah landed on my 2019 Washington Wine Blog Top 100 at the #6 position. The new wine coming from the 2018 vintage is totally stunning. The 2018 Delmas Syrah (WWB, 96) has amazing range and texture. It is sensational already in this stage in its development and I can imagine it benefiting from some short-term cellaring, picking up more earthy, truffle tones as it ages. Simply put, this wine is a must purchase for any serious collector of Walla Walla Rocks District Syrah. Learn more about these very special wines at https://delmaswines.com Here is my review of the 2018 Delmas Syrah (fall 2020 release).

2018 Delmas Syrah- The 2018 Delmas Syrah is the highly anticipated release that follows the 2017 edition which was one of the top wines that I tasted last year in North America. The wine is a blend of 91.3% Syrah with the remainder Viognier. They added a touch more Viognier this year which they have noted has increased in quality. The wine was aged in 50% new oak (half 500L puncheons) prior to bottling. Tasted over several hours, this Syrah impresses with shades of bulls blood and seaweed that deftly combine with the black truffle and wild blackberry compote tones aromatically. The palate is silky smooth, giving this an err of opulence. Layers of pretty red fruits greet you, with shades of rose water, Umami, bulls blood, white truffle shaving and Mandarin orange rind and gobs of mouth-watering acidity on the palate. This is a big wine but it shows great elegance and length. While sensational to savor in its youth, the 2018 Delmas Syrah has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2029- 96

Bells Up

As we continue our journey through Oregon Wine Month we bring you one of the awesome boutique wineries in the state. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Bells Up is a relatively new winery that has been making some really cool wines that fly under the radar. Located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, Bells Up was founded by Sara and Dave Specter in 2013. Dave spent his career as a lawyer and eventually caught the wine bug after learning more about winemaking, as helped make wine at Henke Winery while they both lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dave turned this hobby into an obsession, winning two separate national amateur winemaking competitions with two different varietals. At that point they both knew they should pursue their dreams and relocate to Newberg, Oregon to start Bells Up.

These are lighter style Pinot Noirs with excellent finesse and elegance. Dave makes the only Seyval Blanc that I have seen in this region and he has crafted a gorgeous version, the 2019 Bells Up ‘Helios’ Seyval Blanc (WWB, 91) which is novel, complex and is massively somm-friendly as this would pair with a great variety of shellfish. I really enjoyed their 2017 Bells Up ‘Villanelle’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 91)  which is elegant and has great acidity and range, with nice salty tones. Learn more about this great boutique winery at https://bellsupwinery.com Here are the great new wines by Bells Up. 

2019 Bells Up ‘Prelude’ Rose-  The ‘Prelude’ Rose was made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the Willamette Valley. Bright Bing cherry with shades of pomegranate seed and melon tones all fill the nose. The freshness and wonderful acidity of the wine really shines as delicate red fruits and citrus rind, with damp earth accents all combine marvelously on the palate. The mouthfeel and texture is really good. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2019 Bells Up ‘Helios’ Seyval Blanc- A highly obscure varietal, Bells Up owners have planted Seyval Blanc at their estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. The grassy tones on the nose make you think new world Sauvignon Blanc, as unripe pear and melon tones round out the aromatics. The palate is gratifying with its soft texture and great astringency. Layers of sour apple and unripe cantaloupe collide with minerals and wet stone on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, enjoy this excellent new wine in the short-term. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Bells Up ‘Rhapsody’ Pinot Blanc- Another less typically seen varietal that made its fame in Alsace, the 2019 ‘Rhapsody’ Pinot Blanc shows lovely nutty and damp earth tones that collide with shades of kumquat and green papaya on this evocative nose. Soft and round once on the attack, the wine yields some juicy acidity that connects with a light dusting of salinity and the Gravenstein apple, kiwi and melon flavors. Enjoy this in its youth while the good freshness remains intact. Drink 2020-2024- 89

2017 Bells Up ‘Titan’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 ‘Titan’ Pinot Noir was sourced from a host of Willamette Valley vineyards. Pretty guava and candied red cherry fill the nose alongside some lighter peat moss undertones. The palate is delicate and nicely textured with layers of light red fruits with kumquat zest and rose water that connect with mineral and earthy accents. Drink 2020-2027- 90

2017 Bells Up ‘Villanelle’ Pinot Noir- The Bells Up ‘Villanelle’ is sourced from the Tonneiler Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. The nose shows good brightness with orange zest and red cherry candy that combine with shades of damp earth that all take shape in the glass. The palate has good freshness with a silky mouthfeel. Elegant and linear, this shows red currants and guava puree flavors alongside shades of black tea and forest floor. The salty, savory aspects of this wine are seriously good, producing mouth-watering acidity that adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2020-2030- 91

2017 Bells Up ‘Candide’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 Bells Up ‘Candide’ Pinot Noir was sourced from the Nemarniki Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA and is a really good release by the talented former lawyer, Dave Specter. Fresh, vibrant and full of bright acidity, while this might be a bit lean for some, the length and elegance of the wine, with its pretty red fruits and saline driven terroir, cannot be denied. High-toned and fantastic to enjoy in its youth, I can see this cellaring well over the next decade — but why wait? Drink 2020-2028- 91

St. Innocent

We bring you one of the top estates in Oregon as part of Oregon Wine Month. Consistently some of the great values in Oregon wines for the price, St. Innocent is a famed Oregon estate founded by Oregon Wine Pioneer, Mark Vlossak. 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. I’ve been sampling these wines for more than ten years and have found them to be one of the most consistent producers of Pinot Noir in Oregon. His last years releases were exceptional and this set of wines were even better. Mark also makes some of the best Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc in Oregon. 

Last year his Pinot Gris made its way onto my 2019 Washington Wine Blog Top 100 and his new 2016 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc (WWB, 93) has great freshness, weight and minerality. I was really impressed with his 2016 Pinot Noir releases which were exceptional across the board. Look to his 2016 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which shows wonderful blood orange and earthy accents. Even better was his 2016 St. Innocent ‘Justice Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) which is silky and elegant with marvelous tension. One thing is clear — Mark Vlossak continues to be on top of his game. Learn more about these awesome wines at https://stinnocentwine.com Here are the great new releases by St. Innocent. 

2016 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc- The 2016 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc by St. Innocent is arguably the best of its kind in North America. The wine was aged on the lees for eight months before bottling in June 2017. The freshness and wonderful texture entices as beeswax and nutmeg infused Challah bread flavors mingle with minerals, honeydew melon and a lovely sense of viscosity. Gorgeous now to enjoy, I can see this cellaring well over the next seven years. This is not only a downright steal at a mere twenty two dollars and is every bit stunning by superstar winemaker and Oregon wine pioneer, Mark Vlossak. Drink 2020-2027- 93

2017 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This incredible new wine sourced from the famed ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ shows a ripe bouquet of bananas foster and vanilla cream that collide with nutty and earthy undertones. The palate has a silky mouthfeel that effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. The seamless quality of the wine truly entices as bright orchard fruits are woven together with vanilla cream and nutmeg infused sourdough bread flavors. Wonderful to enjoy in its youth, this great new Oregon Chardonnay will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2016 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located just short of the Coast Range and ten miles from Salem, Oregon, the ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard is set at roughly 500 feet elevation. This Pinot Noir has sourced two vineyard blocks, planted in 2004 and 2008. High-toned red fruits dance with shades of blood orange, peat moss and silty tones that all take shape in the glass. Soft and generous, with a plush mouthfeel, this shows high-toned red fruits that dance with suggestions of orange rind and damp earth accents. The silky texture truly entices, as this round and generous new Pinot Noir will show well for a decade or more to come. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2016 St. Innocent ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir opens with ripe red cherry aromatics woven together with citrus rind and peat moss and volcanic earth undertones on this complex, earthy nose. The palate has great freshness and verve, with medium-bodied black cherry cordial with damp earth, orange zest and pomegranate seed flavors that all sing in unison. Fantastic to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful new Pinot Noir will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2016 St. Innocent ‘Zenith Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Mark Vlossak planted the ‘Zenith Vineyard’ which is located eight miles from Salem, Oregon and utilizes four different Pinot Noir clones. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for sixteen months prior to bottling in February 2018. Translucent in the glass, the ‘Zenith Vineyard’ Pinot Noir takes the lead with its lovely dusting of white pepper and volcanic soil as bright and highly perfumed red fruits dance with minerals, blood orange and peat moss tones. The length and seamless quality of the wine is simply magical. While enticing to enjoy right now, the 2016 ‘Zenith Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for another ten to fifteen years — or more. Drink 2020-2033- 94

2016 St. Innocent ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the ‘Shea Vineyard’ is one of the famed sites for Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. The wine was aged for sixteen months in French oak (26%) prior to bottling in February 2018. Red rose petals and red cherry compote brilliantly combine with orange zest and damp earth aromatics all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, showing off a lovely core of ripe red fruits with wild mushroom and damp earth tones on the palate. Round and generous, with great length, this fantastic wine will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 94

2016 St. Innocent ‘Justice VIneyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Justice VIneyard’ was first planted in 2001 and has a large influence from the Van Duzer corridor. Highly perfumed once in the glass, shades of rose water and tarragon combine with the lovely core of bright red fruits on this gorgeous nose. The palate is vibrant showing amazing texture and a wonderfully plush texture and bright sense of minerality. A complete wine, this is a scintillating bottling that is thrilling to enjoy in its youth and will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 94

2016 St. Innocent ‘Momtazi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Momtazi Vineyard’ is a famed vineyard located seven miles west of McMinnville, Oregon. This biodynamic vineyard has a unique combination of marine sedimentary soils and volcanic soils. The dusting of volcanic earth really entices on the nose, brilliantly combining with dark kirsch and damp earth tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate is lithe, showing a wonderful sense of minerality. The length and richness of the red fruit flavors all come together brilliantly, as this outstanding new wine will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 93

Instagram Live This Week

Friends,

Please join me for our superstar cast of characters for our Instagram Live series this week, all times Pacific. Starting at 3PM tomorrow we share one of the jewels of the Rocks District AVA @delmas__sjrvineyard followed by @betzwine famed winemaker Louis Skinner at 4PM who crafts a brilliant Rocks AVA wine and one of the top Rose wines in the Pacific Northwest. At 5PM join me with @thewallsvineyards founder Mike Martin as we taste through his acclaimed new releases.

Thursday at 4&5PM will surely entice with back to back Walla Walla talents of Trey Busch of @sofhcellars who joins us from the Blue Mountain Vineyard, then his friend @deviumwines winemaker Keith Johnson talks about his really cool wines from the French Creek Vineyard and @weathereye_vineyard

Finally at 7PM journey with us down under 🇦🇺 as we check in with the latest from the Blue Eyed Boy himself, @mollydookerwine Luke Marquis.

Friday at 5PM we welcome another top WA wine talent Kerry Shiels of @cotebonneville fame, as we run through her awesome new lineup, followed by @whiteroseestate winemaker Tresider Burns at 6PM, who has crafted some gorgeous wines from the 2017 vintage in Oregon. It all begins tomorrow at 3PM, hope to see you then 🍷🔥 

Instagram Live Today: Legends of WA Wine

Legends of WA Wine

Today is the day! On Instagram Live we host a trio of Washington Wine Legends, starting at 3PM Pacific, an exploration of terroir with superstar winemaker Matt Reynvaan.

4PM catch me with famed Long Shadows producer Gilles Nicault as we examine his gorgeous new lineup of everything from crisp Rose to inky Syrah.

Then at 5PM we go back in time to witness three decades of Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, vintages 1997, 2007 and 2017 with their eminent winemaker Alex Stewart. This is a lineup for the ages that you won’t want to miss 🍷

Lingua Franca

One of the premier Oregon producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, today we feature Lingua Franca as part of Oregon Wine Month. Lingua Franca begins with their estate vineyard, located between the Lone Star, Jerusalem Hills and Seven Springs vineyards. It is a truly sensational site. Larry Stone, MS, previously managed wine portfolios for Francis Ford Coppola as well as Augustin Huneeus before founding Lingua Franca with David Honig. After rigorous negotiations, the land for Lingua Franca was finally purchased in late 2012. We are all very glad that Larry did that.

In late 2014, Dominique Lafon of Evening Land fame indicated that he would be interested in collaborating on the project and the team began work together in February of 2015. At time that Lafon protégé, Thomas Savre, also came aboard as he had a wealth experience in some of the most illustrious wineries in Burgundy. Thomas served as assistant winemaker at Evening Land before being promoted as winemaker for Lingua Franca. Thomas is a delight to chat with and has an insanely good palate despite his youth. 

He has just a spectacular new lineup of wines from 2018 which was another warm vintage in the Willamette Valley — one that saw some serious heat spikes at times but also massive diurnal shifts in the Willamette Valley. These are beautifully textured wines that have amazing poise when you consider the heat of the vintage. I have found them to be every bit as good as the 2017 releases — if not better! Don’t miss the 2017 Lingua Franca ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ Chardonnay (WWB, 95) which is one of the best Oregon Chardonnays I have tasted over the past year. This wine tastes like a top notch Corton Charlemagne. The Pinot Noir releases were also awesome, none more so than the 2017 Lingua Franca ‘La Bellle’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) which has downright awesome range and amazing tension, with a seamless texture. Learn more about Lingua Franca at https://www.linguafranca.wine Here are the beautiful new releases by Lingua Franca.

2018 Lingua Franca ‘Avni’ Chardonnay- The ‘Avni’ Chardonnay is named after the stony terroir that is found in the volcanic earth soils of the Willamette Valley. The intense aromatics catch you off guard with lovely wet stone and damp earthy accents that meld with the core of melon and green apple aromatics that all combine in the glass. Fresh, forward and downright delightful to savor, the combination of texture and mentality really entices. Showing great length, tension and salinity, this beautiful wine is only an infant and will cellar well over the next ten years. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2018 Lingua Franca ‘Chers Amis’ Chardonnay- The ‘Chers Amis’ is sourced from two sites in the Willamette Valley that are set on volcanic soils. The smoky and Chablisesque, saline-driven aromatics really entice, bringing you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The freshness and elegance of the wine is truly awesome, as the wine moves with wet stone tones that combine with ripe pear, honeydew melon and Challah bread flavors that meld together on the palate. Finishing strong with minerals and lemon cream, the ‘Chers Amis’ is a beautiful, Burgundian bottling that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Lingua Franca ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ Chardonnay is a downright stunning new Chardonnay from this storied estate and superstar winemaker Thomas Sarve. The smoky and flinty tones really arouse the senses, as lighter poached pear and vanilla cream aromatics round out this expressive bouquet. The palate has a silky mouthfeel with massive length and intensity. This would pass for a top notch Corton Charlemagne as the vibrant minerality, light salinity and earthy undertones complete this exceptional new bottling. Fully expansive and a delight to savor right now, the 2018 Lingua Franca ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ Chardonnay will have an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Try to resist this beautiful wine for another two years — if possible! Drink 2022-2040- 95

2018 Lingua Franca ‘Avni’ Pinot Noir- This Eola- Amity Hills bottling opens with a perfumed core of red and dark fruits with shades of peat moss and rose water that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush, displaying a wonderfully bright sense of minerality that is woven together with a distinctly earthy core of black truffle crudo, peat moss and forest floor tones that combine with the wild blackberry and huckleberry flavors. Round and generous, with a silky mouthfeel, this beautiful wine will have another decade or more in the cellar. Drink 2020-2032- 92

2018 Lingua Franca ‘The Plow’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 Lingua Franca ‘The Plow’ Pinot Noir is another thrilling new bottling from this superstar team. Sourced from 1 & 2 in the Lingua Franca Vineyard, this is 100% clone 777 Pinot Noir. The earthy tones take you straight to Burgundy with shades of peat moss and forest floor that combine with wild mushroom, wild blackberry jam and citrus rind accents that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows off a silky mouthfeel and wonderful brightness, with a massive core of minerality. Sour red fruits are artfully woven together with blood orange zest, bulls blood and peat moss tones on the palate. The length and range here is seriously good. Fantastic to savor right now, the 2018 ‘The Plow’ will have a long life ahead of it. Give this another year or two before uncorking. Drink 2022-2040- 93

2018 Lingua Franca ‘La Belle’ Pinot Noir- A barrel select wine, the 2018 ‘La Belle’ is a scintillating new bottling by Lingua Franca. Needing a one hour decant to be fully aroused, the ‘La Belle’ takes the lead with wonderful earthy tones that combine with shades of black tea, kumquat, and black cherry compote that mingle in the glass. The palate has a seamless texture and is novel with its massive earthy character. Truly one of a kind, with a silky mouthfeel and plush texture, the outstanding ‘La Belle’ will cellar well for decades to come. Try to resist this beauty for another year or two. Drink 2022-2040- 94

Instagram Live Thursday and Friday

Friends,
Please join me Thursday and Friday for our exclusive Instagram Live @wa_state_wine program, featuring five of Washington’s greatest winemakers, all times Pacific. Thursday kicks off at 4:30 with @gramercycellars own Master Somm Greg Harrington, as we talk about his brilliant new lineup and top scoring Rose. Then at 6PM we mingle with one of the great young talents in Washington, @andrewjanuikwines Andrew Januik, as he introduces his new Argentinian Malbec.  

Dress to impress Friday at 3PM as I catch up with superstar winemaker @mattreynvaan Matt Reynvaan and discuss his brilliant 2017 Syrahs. Then at 4PM I meet with Giles Nicault of famed @long.shadows to chat about his glorious new Rose and Pedestal releases. Do not miss our very special vertical tasting with Alex Stewart of famed WA winery @quilcedacreek at 5PM as we revisit wines from 1997, 2007 and 2017. It will be a weekend to remember here at Washington Wine Blog 🍷☀️

2020 Pacific Northwest Rose Report

Rose was formerly often produced as a simple wine, lacking thought or complexity to help boost winery sales. ‘I never thought of making Rose that way,’ said eminent vigneron Christophe Baron. ‘We make our Rose very carefully using specific sites in our vineyard that are best for Rose,’ he added. Cote Bonneville winemaker Kerry Shiels adds ‘We found a site in our vineyard that is best for Rose using Cabernet Franc grapes,’ she said. Christophe and Kerry continue to make some of the Pacific Northwest’s top Rose bottlings.

The quality of Rose wines continues to increase. With the American wine market loving wines of Provence, more and more wines from Washington and Oregon are crafted in this delicate style — the wines show finesse and many capture the art of blending. While the market wants these wines to be released early, Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm has mentioned how important it is to release his wines later following his Rose being aged in neutral oak which improves the range and texture of his wine. 

Following up my 2019 Pacific Northwest Rose Report, my 2020 Report encompasses over 150 Rose releases. Similarly to the last two reports, it is clear that Rose wines from Oregon and Washington compete well with any of the best Rose wines in North America, including those from famed Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast estates. Rose wines from the Pacific Northwest will only continue to rise in quality. For my report I have categorized both good value Rose wines and top scoring Rose wines. This 2020 Pacific Northwest Rose Report is the most comprehensive Pacific Northwest Rose report available to the consumer.

Oregon Rose wines continue to gather great momentum in the value category, none more so than the 2018 Erath Rose (WWB, 87) and the 2019 Child’s Play Rose (WWB, 90) has stolen the show once again. I love everything about the 2019 Fairsing Vineyard Rose (WWB, 91) made by famed winemaker Robert Brittan and also I really enjoyed the 2019 Wines By Joe Rose (WWB, 87) which falls under fifteen dollars and shows delicate red fruits with a good degree of tension. Don’t miss out on the 2019 Lange Rose (WWB, 90) which is an awesome value and has wonderful bright acidity.  Once again I was blown away with Toil Oregon and their 2019 Toil Rose (WWB, 93) is a simply magical Rose wine made by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar fame. This wine has seriously finesse, tension and complexity as well as subtlety and a long finish. Brian Marcy’s 2019 Big Table Farm Rose (WWB, 93) is a downright stunner, showing a serious level of depth and range both aromatically and on the palate. Other beautiful Rose wines were crafted by Gran Moraine, WillaKenzie, Stoller, Domaine Serene and many others.

Washington also offers some excellent value Rose, including the new 2019 ‘Le Rose’ by Chateau St. Michelle (WWB, 89), which has really good finesse and delicate red fruits. Look to the 2019 Charles and Charles Rose (WWB, 88) which impresses at the ten dollar mark. Also look to the finesse-driven 2019 Board Track Racer ‘The Vincent’ Rose (WWB, 89) as well as the brilliant 2019 Purple Star Rose (WWB, 90) and the 2019 Pearl and Stone ‘Unemployment Beach’ Rose (WWB, 91) which are both not to be missed. One of the great values once again is the 2019 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose (WWB, 92) which is made from Pinot Gris grapes and is a downright steal at only eighteen dollars retail.

Amongst the top scoring Rose wines out of Washington, famed winemaker Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards crafts his simply stunning ‘Edith’ Rose which was released late and comes from the warm, 2017 vintage (WWB, 93), showing amazing weight and terroir, with its light stony accents. I was blown away with Greg Harrington and Brandon Moss have created in their downright awesome 2019 Gramercy Cellars Rose (WWB, 93) which is elegant, layered and showing seriously good aromatic and flavor range. Once again I loved the 2019 DeLille Cellars Rose (WWB, 92) which has seriously good tension and richness, expertly crafted by superstar winemaker Jason Gorski. Also do not miss out on new 2019 Rose wines by, Avennia, EFESTE, W.T. Vintners,, Betz, K Vintners, Cote Bonneville, and many more. Cheers to you all from us at Washington Wine Blog as I hope you enjoy a wonderful, Rose-filled summer. 

OREGON

Top Values ($25.00 and under)

2018 2 Hawk Rose-The Grenache Rose shows very faint red fruits that dance with minerals and rose water flavors. Coming off a bit lean, this refreshing style Rose really needs a hot summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 86

2019 Child’s Play Rose- Brightly colored once in the glass, the 2019 Child’s Play Rose shows pretty red cherry candy and watermelon tones that mingle with the wet stone and earthy undertones one the wine. The palate has a kiss of sweetness and wonderful verve, with medium bodied red fruit flavors that meld with minerals and a touch of blood orange zest. I love the range here. Fantastic right now, the beautiful Pinot Noir Rose will cellar well for another seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2018 Erath ‘Oregon’ Rose- The 2018 Erath Rose shows candied red cherry and lighter rose water tones on the palate. Lithe and having just a kiss of sweetness, this is best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2023- 87

2018 Elizabeth Chambers Rose- Very pretty red fruits dance with shades of honeydew melon on this enticing nose. The palate is beautifully textured with lighter red raspberry, guava and teaberry flavors that mingle with the good sense of minerality. Enjoy this in the short-term while the brightness remains intact. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Fairsing Vineyard Rose- An excellent new wine made by superstar winemaker Robert Brittan, the 2019 Fairsing Vineyard Rose utilizes Dijon 777 and Pommard selections macerated on the skins for two hours and was allowed to settle for an additional 48 hours before barrel fermentation in neutral French oak. This wine experienced a total elevage of five months before bottling March 17, 2020. This complex Rose shows nice nutty and earthy tones that meld with guava and bright Yakima cherry aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate is beautifully textured with delicate red fruits that dance with unripe honeydew melon and shades of wet stone with bright minerals that drive through to the finish. Wonderfully textured, with gobs of mouth-watering acidity, this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2027- 91

2018 J. Scott Cellars Rose- Sourced from the Rogue Valley, this Grenache Rose shows delicate red fruits that dance with rose water and shades of orange rind on the palate. While obviously from a hot climate, I would love a touch more tension. Slightly sweet, enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 87

2019 King Estate Rose- A pretty bright pink, the 2019 Rose shows bright minerals with lighter orange rind and watermelon and sour cherry tones on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, enjoy this great new rose in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 90

2019 Lange Rose- Sourced from Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, the Lange Rose shows vibrant red fruit with a lovely citrus zest edge, with copious minerals. While this comes of a bit lean and linear, the lighter texture add to the enjoyment. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Numes Family Vineyards Rose- Lighter red fruits dance with minerals and smoky undertones on the nose. Enjoy the fresh, albeit a bit lean, wine in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 87

2019 Paul O’Brien ‘Oregon Territory’ Rose- Showing good brightness, with delicate red rose water and strawberry flavors, this is best suited for early consumption due to its brightness. Citrus rind accents and copious minerals make this a great summer sipper. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2018 Portland Wine Project Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2018 Portland Wine Project Rose shows good freshness with a kiss of sweetness alongside melon and red raspberry tones. While a touch cloying, the wine has good acidity to back it up. Drink 2020-2023- 88 

NV Roxanne Winery Rose-The NV Roxanne Winery Rose shows good freshness and texture with bright Bing cherry and pomegranate seed flavors that mingle with the brightness. Enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 88

2019 Sokol Blosser Rose- Soureed from estate Pinot Noir vines, the 2019 Sokol Blosser Rose offers pretty red currant and red rose petal aromas with earthy undertones that take shape in the glass. The palate is lively with very delicate red fruits that dance with suggestions of wet stone and citrus rind. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 Three Otters Rose- Juicy and vibrant, the 2019 Three Otters Rose delivers bright and slightly sweet red fruits that dance with blood orange accents and minerals. This is seriously good for the price. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2018 Valley View ‘Rosado’ Rose-  This has a great texture with lighter rose water, orange zest and pomegranate seed flavors. Enjoy in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 88

2019 Yamhill Valley Vineyards Rose- Showing off its vibrant pink once in the glass, the 2019 Yamhill Valley Vineyards Rose shows lighter red fruit flavors with good acidity and shades of lemon rind on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, this really needs a hot summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2018 Wines by Joe Rose- Very delicate red fruits march on with citrus rind and wet stone accents. Soft and delicate, enjoy in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 87

Top Wines: 

2019 Alexana Rose-The talented Brian Weil has chosen to ferment this Pinot Noir Rose in oak barrels for four months before bottling. Weighing in at 13.5% alcohol, the wine is wonderfully bright and shows a great sense of minerality mid-palate. Silky smooth with a soft texture, layers of sour cherry, pomegranate seed and orange rind flavors all come together marvelously on the palate. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Abacela Rose- This brightly colored Rose shows light red rose petals that meld with the bright red fruits on the nose. The palate has terrific freshness with orange rind and strawberry flavors that mingle with a soft texture and a wonderfully brightness. This has really good length and astringency. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Adelsheim Rose- This 2019  Artist Series wine is shows a beautiful landscape drawn on the label. Delicate red fruits with wild mushroom and damp earth undertones line the nose. The lip-smacking acidity that emerges on the mid-palate wonderfully dances with the bright strawberry, watermelon and wet stone flavors. Enjoy this beautiful new Rose over the next several years. Drink 2020-2024- 91

2019 Argyle Rose- A pretty salmon hue once in the glass, bright strawberry, watermelon and guava tones jump right out of the glass alongside some nice earthy undertones on the nose. The palate shows very light red fruits that dance with minerals and citrus rind accents. Enjoy in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2018 Audeant Rose- Very delicate red fruits and rose water and a light stony character line the nose. The palate has good freshness and a silky texture. The bright acidity impresses as lighter citrus rind and guava flavors combine with wet stone accents. I love the range here, as the mouth-watering acidity completes this great new wine. Drink 2020-2024- 91



2019 Big Table Farm ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose- The 2019 Big Table Farm ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose is another thrilling Rose bottling from this famed Oregon estate. On the nose this has seriously good range from wild mushroom tones and peat moss that are woven together with guava and pomegranate seed aromatics that all sing in unison in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, showing a pillowy texture and wonderful, gratifying length. Shades of cantaloupe and green apple combine with ripe Yakima cherry, and cran-pomegranate flavors. The earthy undertones round out this extraordinary Rose wine that will have a long life ahead of it, picking up tertiary tones as it ages. Having recently tried their 2017 Rose, I can state firsthand that their Rose ages well. Drink 2020-2027- 93

2019 Bells Up ‘Prelude’ Rose-  The ‘Prelude’ Rose was made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the Willamette Valley. Bright Bing cherry with shades of pomegranate seed and melon tones all fill the nose. The freshness and wonderful acidity of the wine really shines as delicate red fruits and citrus rind, with damp earth accents all combine marvelously on the palate. The mouthfeel and texture is really good. Drink 2020-20250- 90

2019 Boedecker Rose- This Pinot Noir Rose was aged in neutral French oak before bottling. The combination of tension and mouth-watering acidity is really good as the smooth texture entices. Bright red cherry and guava flavors combine with shades of wild mushroom and peat moss. Complex and delicious now, the Boedecker Rose will evolve well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Chehalem Rose- The 2019 Chehalem Rose shows high-toned red raspberry and Yakima cherry tones alongside damp earthy accents that build in the glass. The palate is well-balanced with a good degree of acidity alongside lighter red fruit flavors, with damp earthy tones. Enjoy this in its youth. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Domaine Drouhin Rose- This very delicate Pinot Noir rose shows aromas of gooseberry and peat moss with bright red fruits to back up the earthy undertones. The palate is lithe and refreshing with tons of mouth-watering acidity. Delicate red fruits dance with shades of forest floor and wet stone on the palate, with white rose water accents. The freshness really drives this wine. Drink 2020-2024- 90 

2019 Gran Moraine Rose- The 2019 Gran Moraine Rose is another enticing Rose bottling from this great Oregon estate. On the nose this takes on layers of melon and ripe raspberry tones that are woven together with wet stone accents that mingle in the glass. The freshness, astringency and texture is awesome here, as mouth-watering acidity greets you mid-palate. This really needs a hot summer afternoon. Drink 2020-2025- 91

NV Domaine Serene ‘XII’ Rose- Always made as a multi-vintage wine, the ‘XII’ starts off with pretty rose water and watermelon aromas that meld with the lighter citrus rind and flinty undertones of the wine. Bright, yet not shy with its silky texture, the delicate red fruits dance with shades of nectarine skin and Gravenstein apple flavors. Truly needing a warm summer day, the Domaine Serene ‘XII’ Rose is a serious, stand alone, effort that will be best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Raptor Ridge ‘Vineyard Select’ Rose-The 2019 ‘Vineyard Select’ Rose is an awesome new wine by Shannon Gustafson. Lighter red fruits connect with shades of teaberry and orange zest on the nose. The palate is delicate but beautifully textured with shades of rose water that collide with minerals, red cherry candy and suggestions of guava puree. The mouth-watering acidity adds to the enjoyment as this is a delicate, nuanced and fresher style of Oregon Pinot Noir Rose. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Stoller Rose- The 2019 Stoller Rose was sourced from a host of sites throughout the Willamette Valley. This Pinot Noir Rose opens with bright red fruits with pink  bubblegum and orange rind accents that all mingle in the glass. The palate has downright awesome acidity that runs through the core of cran-cherry, pomegranate seed and kumquat flavors. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Toil Oregon Rose- Sourced from Pinot Noir grapes and showing off its vibrant hue once in the glass, the 2019 Toil Rose opens with lovely wild mushroom and damp earth tones that are woven together with shades of nutmeg, cran-cherry and teaberry that all take shape in the glass. Once on the attack the wine takes on a silky mouthfeel producing a seamless effect mid-palate. The generous length really entices, as this slowly unveils pretty red fruits that dance with rose water and shades of peat moss flavors. Subtle, elegant and truly outstanding, showing good texture and brightness, the 2019 Toil Rose will only get better with time, becoming even more round and picking up earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2027- 93

2019 Trisaetum Rose- Crafted from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2019 Trisaetum Rose is a brilliant new release by the talented and fellow Arsenal supporter James Frey. The delicate red cherry, red raspberry and wet stone aromatics combine with shades of wet stone and peat moss that all take shape in the glass. The palate has great freshness and structure, with delicate red fruits that dance with minerals and the earthy undertones of the wine. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next several years while the brightness remains. Drink 2020-2023- 90

2019 WillaKenzie Estate Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the Rose shows pretty white rose and damp earth tones that collide with undertones of blood orange rind and honeydew melon that meld in the glass. The palate has dazzling minerality and a silky texture that entices, delivering bright red fruits and citrus rind accents. This is just awesome stuff that will cellar well for another five years. Kudos to superstar winemaker Erik Kramer. Drink 2020-2025- 91

WASHINGTON

Top Values  ($25.00 and under): 

2019 Balboa Rose- A blend of 69% Mourvedre and the remainder Grenache, the Balboa Rose shows juicy red fruits with Mandarin orange rind and wet stone accents. Showing a soft texture, this needs a warm summer day. Drink 2020-2024- 89

2019 Barnard Griffin Rose- The 2019 Barnard Griffin Rose shows light red fruit aromatics that mingle with some faint citrus rind tones on the nose. The palate has some good freshness but is lacking depth with its faint red fruits and minerals. Drink 2020-2023- 86

2019 Board Track Racer ‘The Vincent’ Rose- At fifteen dollars this hits the mark with layers of delicate red fruits that march on with shades of kumquat zest and a bright level of acidity. This needs a warm summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 Brook & Bull Rose- An intriguing blend of 47% Mourvedre, 31% Cinsault, 22% Counoise, that were all sourced from the Columbia Valley AVA, the 2019 Brook & Bull Rose opens with layers of melon and wet stone, with bright minerals and delicate red fruits on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, enjoy this in the short-term while the brightness remains. Drink 2020-2023- 90

2019 Cave B Rose- The 2019 Cave B Rose shows good freshness with a soft texture. Layers of watermelon and guava mark the palate. Enjoy this well-balanced Rose over the next several years. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 Cairdeas Rose- Sourced from the ‘Meek Vineyard’ in the Yakima Valley, this delivers a very smooth texture with lively minerals that mingle with bright watermelon, tart cantaloupe, and cran-pomegranate flavors, with earthy undertones. This is very well-done. Drink 2020-2023- 90

2019 Charles and Charles Rose- A blend of Syrah and Grenache, the wine offers faint red fruits that dance with minerals on the palate. While not complex, this offers seriously good value at only ten dollars. Drink 2020-2023- 88

2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Le Rose’ Rose- Remarkably made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, you wouldn’t expect that from the tension and flavor profiles.Very delicate red fruits dance with shades of kumquat and minerals on the palate. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 Columbia Winery Rose- This Grenache Rose was sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The wine shows on the lighter side with delicate rose water and ripe red raspberry flavors. Enjoy this lithe wine over the next two or three years. Drink 2020-2023- 87

2019 Coyote Canyon Rose- Brightly colored, this shows off watermelon and red cherry candy aromatics that take shape in the glass. The palate has bright acidity with seriously good tension that runs through the green apple and pretty red fruit flavors. Enjoy in its youth while the great intensity remains. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 DAMA Wines Rose- Crafted from Cabernet Franc grapes, this has wonderful brightness with a silky texture. Layers of nectarine and kiwi collide with subtle bright red fruits on the palate. The combination of minerality and texture really makes this sing as this refreshing style of Rose is deserving a hot summer night. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Drum Roll Rose- Earthy undertones collide with delicate red fruits on the nose. The palate has a soft texture with lighter melon and rose water flavors with a kiss of sweetness. Forward but well-balanced, enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 88

2019 Eternal Wines ‘Eternal Beauty’ Rose- The ‘Eternal Beauty’ is a Grenache wine sourced from the Lawrence Vineyard. Layers of cantaloupe and rose water greet you on the palate, showing off a nice tension and soft mouthfeel. This is a solid, astringent effort that is best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2024- 89

2019 Fortuity Cellars Rose- Made from Cinsault grapes, sourced from the Yakima Valley AVA, the 2019 Fortuity Cellars Rose shows off pretty red rose petals that mingle with wild mushroom and wet stone tones on the nose. Bone dry, with good acidity, light red fruits dance with minerals on the palate. The long finish catches you by surprise. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2019 Frog Kisser Rose- The 2019 Frog Kisser Rose shows lighter melon and starfruit flavors with the faintest kiss of strawberry. The minerals guide this wine that is best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2022- 88

2019 Gifford Hirlinger Rose- Made from Pinot Gris grapes, you wouldn’t expect that from the vibrant hue shining from the glass. The palate is soft and mineral-driven with lighter red fruit and melon tones with orange rind accents. Enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 Goose Ridge Rose- Pretty and floral, the 2019 Goose Ridge Rose leads with cran-cherry, guava and sweetened melon flavors. With a good mineral backing this softy textured Rose is best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 Grosgrain ‘Blush’ Rose- The 2019 ‘Blush’ is very delicate Rose. The earthy tones on the nose really excite with melon and wild strawberry rounding out the bouquet. The freshness is lovely on the palate with minerals and delicate red fruits with rose water tones. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Rose- This pale colored Grenache Rose was sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Fresh and vibrant with a great combination of tension and viscosity, this reveals pretty rose water and watermelon flavors with shades of cantaloupe and sourdough bread on the palate. Seriously good now,  enjoy this beautiful bottling over the next several years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Locus Rose- A blend from the ‘7 Mile Vineyard’ utilizing Grenache and Cinsault, with smaller portions Mourvedre, the 2019 Locus Rose has great acidity with very light bubblegum, red cherry and watermelon flavors, with cantaloupe accents. While not showing much weight, enjoy this lighter style Rose in the short-term while the brightness remains at its core. Drink 2020-2023- 88

2019 Mastrogiannis Rose- Fresh, and brimming with bright acidity, the 2019 Mastrogiannis Rose has delicate red fruits with a strong astringency. While coming off a bit lean, the sour red fruit and green apple flavors add to the appeal. Drink 2020-2023- 87 

2019 Pahto Rose-  The 2019 Pahto Rose is made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Columbia Gorge AVA. The palate shows great minerality with earthy undertones that mingle with bright red fruits and shades of lemon zest that all take shape in the glass. Fantastic right now, showing a soft texture and good astringency, this really needs a hot summer day. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2019 Pearl and Stone ‘Unemployment Beach’ Rose- Made from 100% Cabernet Franc vines, the ‘Unemployment Beach’ shows pretty peach pit and rose water tones that mingle with bring Yakima cherry on this evocative nose. The palate is soft, round and generous, with great length, as the wine delivers bright watermelon, strawberry and melon flavors alongside good brightness. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Purple Star Rose- Purple Star is gaining quite a reputation for their value-driven, lip-smacking Rose. This edition has very pretty rose petals that march together with red cherry preserves and shades of cantaloupe on this expressive nose. The freshness and soft texture both entice as this beautiful, hard to resist Rose wine is best consumed on a hot summer night. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Renegade Wine Company Rose- This Columbia Valley bottling shows juicy acidity with pink bubblegum and melon tones on the palate. Enjoy it while the freshness remains. Drink 2020-2023- 87

2019 Revelry Rose- Pale colored once in the glass, the 2019 Revelry Rose shows delicate red fruits that are woven together with shades of nectarine and honeydew melon on the nose. The palate has a great degree of freshness with lighter red cherry and watermelon tones that mingle with the minerals. Drink 2020-2024- 89

2019 Seven Hills Rose- One of the consistently great Washington Rose wines for the price, this edition has very delicate red fruit aromatics that play with melon and wet stone tones on the nose. The palate has good freshness with a sulky mouthfeel. Layers of delicate red fruits dance with melon, orange rind and wet stone tones  on the palate. This is seriously good stuff for the price. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Sin Banderas Rose- The 2019 Sin Banderas Rose is an awesome value comprised of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault. With a kiss of sweetness, this reveals a soft texture alongside minerals and bright red fruits. This is awesome wine for a hot summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 Sleight of Hand ‘The Magician’s Assistant’ Rose- Sourced from Cabernet Franc vines from the Blackrock Vineyard, the 2019 ‘The Magician’s Assistant’ Rose is an awesome new bottling from the talented winemaking team at Sleight of Hand. Aromatics of pink grapefruit blossom and watermelon entice, as the wine takes on a brilliant texture once on the attack. Layers of pretty sweetened red fruits and melon mingle with the bright sense of acidity on the palate. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 SMAK Wines ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose- Made from Syrah grapes, this has a kiss of sweetness with melon and minerals, as well as delicate red cherry and rose water flavors. Fresh, vibrant and elegant, the long finish lingers. Drink 2020-2024- 91

2019 SMAK Wines ‘Spring’ Rose- Made from Sangiovese, the wine has damp earth tones that linger with red rose petals on the nose. The palate is bright and mineral driven with delicate red fruits and wet stone tones that mingle with shades of unripe cantaloupe. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 SMAK Wines ‘Summer’ Rose- The ‘Summer’ Rose is made from Pinot Gris and shows layers of white rose and pear tones that mingle with the earthy undertones of the wine. The palate has really good verve, with delicate melon and orange zest flavors with minerals and lighter damp earth tones. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Spring Run Rose- The 2019 Spring Run shows sweet strawberry and shades of guava that take shape on the nose. The freshness of thew wine shows marvelously with lighter red fruits that dance with shades of citrus rind.The light kiss of sweetness and light salinity and savory edge is lovely. This is a super refreshing Rose wine that needs a warm summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 90

2019 Tamarack Rose- Intriguingly utilizing Cinsault in the blending, the 2019 Tamarack Rose shows nice earthy and nutty tones on the nose with bright strawberry and nectarine that all take shape in the glass. The palate has a kiss of sweetness with lighter citrus rind and red fruit tones, with rose water accents that all mingle together nicely. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 TruthTeller ‘Quip’ Rose- Sourced from the Yakima Valley, the ‘Quip’ Rose delivers delicate rose water and melon tones with shades of red raspberry and red cherry. This is lithe and well-structured, as this delicate style Rose will be best enjoyed over the next several years while the brightness remains. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Underground Wine Project ‘And Why am I Mr. Pink?’ Rose- This value bottling has received a strong following over the years, a project between Trey Busch and Mark Ryan McNeily. Lithe and light on its feet, this offers delicate red fruit and melon tones with wet rock accents. Enjoy this lighter style Rose over the next several years. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 Upsidedown Wine Rose- One of the only Washington Rose wines made from Nebbiolo grapes, the 2019 Upsidedown Wine Rose shows red rose petal and guava tones on the nose with a touch of scorched earth that all take shape in the glass. The palate is beautifully textured with plenty of stuffing. Bright red fruits dance with shades of Gravenstein apple, wet stone and smoky accents collide with the mouth-watering acidity. This is seriously good stuff for the price. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Warr-King ‘Lily Frances’ Rose- Unusually made from Petit Verdot grapes, this shows good brightness, with sweetened red cherry and melon tones. Coming off a touch sweet, this will appeal to those who love wines on the sweeter side. Drink 2020-2023- 88

2019 Warr-King ‘Marie Noelle’ Rose- Crafted from Columbia Valley Syrah, the ‘Marie Noelle’ has considerably less sweetness than the ‘Lily Frances’ bottling but the same degree of freshness. Red cherry candy and shades of guava come together with a kiss of sweetness and minerals on the palate. Drink 2020-2023- 88

Top Wines:

2019 Amavi Rose- The 2019 Amavi Rose is comprised of 100% Cabernet Franc which was sourced from the Summit View and Waliser Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. Entirely aged in stainless steel before bottling, this opens with lovely wild mushroom tones that combine with rose water and suggestions of cantaloupe that all come together in the glass. The palate is vibrant, with a lovely tension that runs through the delicate red fruits with citrus rind and damp earthy undertones. Despite being a Bordeaux varietal Rose, this comes off as very Bandol. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Ambassador Wines of Washington Rose- Ambassador has been producing a really good Rose for several years now, and this new 2019 bottling is as good as any they’ve made. Silky smooth through the attack, this shows a touch of sweetness alongside bright melon and citrus rind tones that meld with the core of strawberry and watermelon flavors. Seriously good right now, this has the potential to age for several years, picking up earthy tones as it evolves. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Avennia ‘L’Egerie’ Rose- Sourced from the Columbia Valley, this beautiful, salmon hued Rose opens with shades of wild mushroom and damp earth that mingle with delicate red cherry and cranberry aromas that meld in the glass. The palate is refined and marvelously texture, yielding a soft mouthfeel and a seamless quality. Copious minerals dance with delicate red fruits and rose water flavors on the palate. The length of the wine make this truly sing. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2019 Baer Rose- Intriguingly made from Cabernet Franc grapes, the 2019 Baer Rose has the most delicate pink hue, with layers of melons and green apple tones with hints of red rose petals that combine in the glass. The bright acidity of the wine is simply marvelous as copious minerals dance with lighter red fruits, orange zest and wet stone flavors. This is a seriously good Rose made by superstar winemaker Erica Orr. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2019 Betz ‘Rose Cache’ Rose- The ‘Rose Cache’ is lightly colored, opening with intriguing nutty and damp earth tones that mingle with rose water and bright red raspberry on this expressive nose. The palate has great verve and freshness with a silky texture. The length and mouth-watering acidity of the wine its truly outstanding as delicate red fruits dance with wet stone and earthy undertones. Enjoy this beautiful new bottling over the next several years. Drink 2020-2024- 92

2019 Bledsoe Family Wines ‘Healy’ Rose- The 2019 Bledsoe Family Wines ‘Healy’ Rose is a bright and intense effort that is jam-packed with both minerality and ripe red fruit flavors. Literally full-bodied, the layers of ripe raspberry, strawberry and guava all come together with sweetened melon and wet stone undertones. Fantastic to savor right now, this has the stuffing to cellar over the next seven years, picking up earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2027- 91

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose-  The ‘Edith’ Rose was sourced from four rows of Grenache which is only 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

2019 Cote Bonneville Rose- Each year Kerry Shiels crafts a seriously good Rose made from Cabernet Franc vines in the famed DuBrul Vineyard. This 2019 edition has a soft and generous mouthfeel with delightful layers of peat moss, bright citrus zest, red raspberry and a wonderfully silky texture. The length and weight of the wine is seriously gratifying. A delight to savor in its youth, this is a Rose that will age for five to seven years, picking up lovely earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2019 Dunham Cellars Rose- Made from Cabernet Franc grapes, the 2019 Dunham Rose opens with pretty red rose water aromatics that are woven together with pink grapefruit blossom and shades of unripe honeydew melon that all take their shape in the glass. The texture is silky and inviting as lighter red fruits dance with minerals, citrus rind and wet stone accents on the palate. This really needs a ht summer night. Drink 2020-2024- 91

2019 DeLille Cellars Rose- The 2019 DeLille Rose is a beautiful blend of Grenache (47%) and Mourvedre (45%) with the remainder Cinsault. The delicate, seamless texture really entices once on the mouth as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Bright guava and Mandarin orange zest flavors collide with minerals, watermelon and suggestions of damp earth that all sing in the glass. This is a truly outstanding, silky Rose that is a delight to savor right now but has a long life to go, picking up earthy tones as it sits in the cellar. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2019 EFESTE ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose- The 2019 ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose is another gorgeous effort from this famed Woodinville house. The palate is very delicately textured with a very Provence feel as lighter red fruits dance with minerals and shades of kumquat. While a bit lean, this is classy stuff that shows better at a cooler temperature where the racy acidity and sour notes really shine together. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Gramercy Cellars ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose- A blend of Cinsault (44%), Grenache (28%) and Syrah (28%), the 2019 Gramercy Cellars ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose is an absolutely awesome new wine by the superstar winemaking team of Greg Harrington, MS, and Brandon Moss. The aromatic range is seriously good from pink grapefruit blossom to cantaloupe and shades of guava and ripe strawberry all come together in the glass. The palate is both lithe and refreshing, showing great acidity and a silky texture, with marvelous earthy undertones that connect with the core of bright red fruits. Truly outstanding to savor in its youth, the 2019 Gramercy Cellars ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose will cellar marvelously for the next seven plus years, picking up earthy tones as it ages. This is truly one of the best Rose wines made in the Pacific Northwest. Drink 2020-2027- 93

2019 J. Bookwalter ‘Scarlet Hexflame’ Rose- An intriguing blend of Bordeaux varietals, the 2019 ‘Scarlet Hexflame’ shows pretty honeydew melon with red rose petals and watermelon tones on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a soft texture that delightfully coats the mid-palate. The brightness and sense of minerality here is seriously good. Wait for the long, red fruit and mineral-driven finish that is truly gratifying. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 K Vintners ‘Phil Lane Vineyard’ Rose- Sourced from the Phil Lane Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley, this Syrah Rose has damp earth tones that combine with smoky minerals and shades of red currants that all build in the glass. The soft texture really entices as layers of guava and red cherry candy mingle with citrus rind and melon tones on the palate. Complex and downright delicious, with a long finish, this gorgeous new release will cellar well for the next seven years, picking up nutty and earthy tones as it cellars. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2019 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch’ Rose- The 2019 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch’ Rose is a blend of equal parts Mouvedre and Grenache. A pretty pale pink ones in the glass, the Rose shows off shades of rose water and blood orange that collide with lighter melon tones aromatically. The palate has marvelous freshness with delicate red fruits that dance with the wonderful sense of minerality. This is Washington meeting Bandol. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Lauren Ashton Rose- Dr. Kit Sing has developed a sterling reputation for crafting great Rose and this is amongst his finest effort. Brightly hued, the Rose has watermelon tones that are woven together with rose water and suggestions of Gravenstein apple that all come together in the glass. The palate has vibrant minerality with light to medium bodied melon, green apple and strawberry flavors. Bright and youthful, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next several years. Drink 2020-2024- 91

2019 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose- Made from Pinot Gris grapes, the 2019 ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose follows a very strong line of releases from this famed Washington winery. The bouquet is extraordinary, showing kumquat zest and red cherry candy tones that collide with shades of wild mushroom, cran-pomegranate and pink grapefruit blossom that all take shape in the glass. The combination of freshness, texture and tension is absolutely outstanding, as the silky mouthfeel adds to the enjoyment. Bright pear and cran-orange flavors mingle with guava and copious minerals on the palate. The long finish lingers. This is best enjoyed in its youth, while the wonderful core of brightness remains intact. Drink 2020-2024- 92

2018 Maryhill ‘Proprietor’s Reserve’ Rose- A blend of Grenache (58%), Mourvedre (21%) and Cinsault (21%), the ‘Proprietor’s Reserve’ begins with cherry candy and guava aromas that meld with light damp earth tones on the nose. The soft texture really entices here as the wine shows just a touch of sweetness with its light red fruit profile. The finish is generous and keeps going. Showing textural elegance and gobs of minerality, this is a special effort by winemaker Richard Bachelor that is exceedingly hard to put down one opened. Drink 2019-2025- 90

2019 Pursued By Bear ‘Blushing Bear’ Rose- The ‘Blushing Bear’ is an awesome wine made by the talented Dan Wampfler of Abeja fame. On the nose this shows off pretty damp earth tones that meld with shades of wild strawberry and Bing cherry that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows a soft texture and beautiful sense of astringency. Light red fruits dance with minerals and shades of Mandarin orange rind with peat moss tones on the palate. Showing a silky texture, this beautiful Rose will provide drinking enjoyment for another five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Saviah Rose- Made from Barbera and Sangiovese grapes from the Dugger Creek Vineyard, the 2019 Saviah Rose is another gorgeous new bottling by Richard Funk. While the nose shows faint red fruits, the palate is juicy and ripe with mouth-watering acidity and gobs of minerals that greet you with the melon and red fruit tones. Delightful to savor in its youth, this awesome new Rose will cellar well for another five years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 The Walls ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose- The Walls have gained a really strong reputation for their 'Cruel Summer’ Rose and this 2019 edition is amongst the best yet. The nose shows considerably better range out of a Riedel Burgundy glass, with pretty rose water tones mingling with minerals and melon accents on this delicate nose. The palate picks up a silky texture, with watermelon, white peach, Gravenstein apple and honeydew melon tones that all come together nicely in the glass. While not particularly rich, the elegance of the wine really shines through to the long finish with lighter red fruit, white rose water and mineral tones. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Time & Direction Rose- Fittingly placing a Nintendo controller on his label, the talented Steve Wells has crafted another beautiful, pale, Rose wine with his 2019 release. The nose is wonderfully fragrant with layers of ripe peach and white rose water, combining with layers of wet stone and earthy undertones that all march in place in the glass. The palate is bone dry with a silky texture that entices. Delicate red raspberry and Yakima cherry flavors mingle with the melon and wet stone tones. Really good right now, I can see this cellaring well for the next five plus years, picking up more earthy tones and rounding out even more as it ages. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Tranche ‘Pink Pape’ Rose- The ‘Pink Pape’ is a gorgeous new wine by the talented winemaking team at Tranche. Fresh and beatufuly textured, the wine has delicate red fruit and rose water flavors that collide with minerals, honeydew melon and suggestions of wild mushroom on this complex palate. Delightful to enjoy right now, the 2019 ‘Pink Pape’ will cellar well over the next several years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Walla Walla Vintners Rose- The 2019 Walla Walla Vintners Rose has a very soft texture with very delicate red cherry, red raspberry and rose water flavors. The smoothness of the wine really impresses, as the weight and structure of the wine really sing. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 W.T. Vintners ‘Rainmaker’ Rose- Adeptly named, hailing from the ‘Rainmaker Vineyard’ in the Columbia Gorge AVA, the 2019 W.T. Vintners Rose opens with pretty pink grapefruit blossoms that are woven together with rose water and shades of red raspberry that all come together in the glass. The palate has remarkable freshness and elegance with copious minerals that mingle together with a soft texture and bright guava and red cherry candy flavors. The combination of freshness and mouthfeel is seriously good. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2018 XOBC ‘Evangeline’ Rose- Sourced from the Rocks District, the Rose is a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah. Bright melon tones collide with lighter wet stone and Yakima cherry tones on the nose. The silky texture and brightness of the wine really creates an inviting approach on the palate. The length and rich melon flavors show marvelously in this highly gratifying new Rose. Drink 2020-2024- 91