Wautoma Springs Vineyards

I love discovering great new Washington wine projects. Wautoma Springs Vineyards is a project between winemaker Jessica Munnell and second generation wine grower Tom Merkle. Jessica has a serious pedigree, previously working in viticulture before focusing on winemaking in 2003. She began her winemaking career by taking an internship in Australia and she later worked at  Snoqualmie, Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge, Mercer Wine Estates and Vintage Wine Estates before settling at Wautoma Springs Vineyards.

She crafts limited production wines that are nearly all sourced from the warm 2016 vintage. I really enjoyed the 2016 Wautoma Springs ‘El Prat’ Red Wine (WWB, 91) which has great mouthfeel and freshness. Even better is the dense 2016 Wautoma Springs ‘Inky’ Malbec (WWB, 92) as I love the light salinity of this wine with great richness and chocolate tones. Learn more about these great new wines at https://www.wautomasprings.com Here are the new wines of Wautoma Springs Vineyards. 

2019 Wautoma Springs Rose- A beautiful salmon hue, the 2019 Wautoma Springs Rose has great tension and mouthfeel with a silky texture. Bright red fruits dance with minerals and shades of lemongrass on the palate. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Wautoma Springs Sauvignon Blanc- The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc by Wautoma Springs has delicate melon and lemon rind tones with good acidity. A touch lean, enjoy in its youth. Drink 2020-2023- 88

2016 Wautoma Springs ‘El Prat’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘El Prat’ is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Malbec (40%) by winemaker Jessica Munnell. The chocolate and sagebrush tones really entice on the nose. The palate is rich and juicy with a good sense of minerality. Drink 2020-2028- 91

2016 Wautoma Springs ‘The Professor’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The Cabernet Sauvignon  shows good balance with medium bodied slightly sweet red and dark fruits with tobacco leaf and chocolate tones on the palate. Enjoy in its youth. Drink 2020-2025- 89

2016 Wautoma Springs ‘Inky’ Malbec-  As the name suggests, this is extremely dark in the glass, as the ‘Inky’ yields violets, dark chocolate shavings and a light dusting of white pepper on the nose. The palate is dense and decadent with gorgeous blueberry compote, sagebrush and milk chocolate tones with a light beam of salinity. Sensational stuff to savor in its youth, the ‘Inky’ will provide drinking enjoyment for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2032- 92

2016 Wautoma Springs ‘Behemoth’ Red Wine- The ‘Behemoth’ is a rich 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine that brilliantly shows the potential of this warm vintage in the Columbia Valley. The palate is nicely poised with good balance and typicity. Sandalwood tones combine with the core of dark fruits, sagebrush and cocoa powder on the palate. Downright delicious in its youth, this outstanding wine will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 92

Trisaetum

I love a great Riesling. Something about it screams summer to me as I harken back to some of my absolutely favorite wine journeys across Germany. One of the outstanding producers of Oregon Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, James Frey, was a former photographer from Santa Cruz who had a passion for wine. A fellow Arsenal supporter, James crafts some incredible wines for Trisaetum that speak to the region and terroir. His winemaking style focuses towards a brightness and freshness in the wines, regardless of vintage. I have been highly impressed with these wines over the past several years. His talents spread far as James also makes some outstanding sparkling wines under his Pashey label and I reviewed his wines sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, his 1841 label.

A fellow Arsenal supporter, James has wines that move towards great tension and finesse. For those who enjoy the bolder side of Oregon, these wines are not for you. I loved the new releases from Trisaetum which are slightly more dense than most of their other releases. 2018 obviously was a warm vintage in Oregon, one that saw some severe heat spikes and massive, 50 degree diurnal shifts in both July and August. Look for their 2018 Trisaetum ‘Coast Range Estate’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which has great freshness and weight, with nice earthy tones. I loved the new 2018 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95) which is wonderfully rich and chewy, with massive aging potential. Learn more about this fantastic Willamette Valley winery at http://www.trisaetum.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Trisaetum. 

2018 Trisaetum ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from a host of vineyards and sites along the valley, this Pinot Noir shows silky tannins that frame a good core of sour red fruits with citrus rind and peat moss tones. Beautifully textured, this is outstanding warm vintage stuff that has good acidity to back everything. Drink 2020-2028- 91

2018 Trisaetum ‘Wichmann Dundee’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Wichmann Dundee’ Pinot Noir is sourced from this smaller, 8 acre site set on volcanic soils in the Dundee Hills AVA. A light dusting of both white pepper and volcanic ash fall on the core of bright red fruits with shades of damp earth on the nose. The palate is bright, lithe and beautifully textured with excellent length. Surprisingly high-toned with its orange rind and cran-pomegranate flavors that meld with minerals and salty damp terroir, the 2018 ‘Wichmann Dundee’ Pinot Noir is bright and delicious to savor in its youth but has a long way to go, as it will evolve to something distinctly earthy and a world away from what we see now. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Trisaetum ‘Coast Range Estate’ Pinot Noir- A cooler site, the ‘Coast Range Estate’ is set on both marine sedimentary and volcanic soils in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Pretty red cherry candy and rose water tones collide with peat moss and suggestions of wild mushroom on this beautiful nose. The palate is fresh, saline drenched and full of life, showing salted charcuterie tones that meld with the bright core of red fruits, blood orange rind and white truffle shavings. With generous length and a soft texture, this beautiful wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Trisaetum ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ is a seventeen acre property that is actually set on a rare soil type for the valley — quartz sandstone soils. It is no surprise that the salty terroir races through the core of this wine, as you are greeted with bright red raspberry, pomegranate seed and lemon rind flavors with lighter earthy undertones. Vibrant and showing off a beautiful texture, the 2018 ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ Pinot Noir is outstanding in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for more than a decade to come. Drink 2020-2033- 92

2018 Trisaetum ‘Artist Series No. 43’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Artist Series No. 43 is entirely sourced from Block 7 of Trisaetum’s ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate.’ On the nose you are enticed by the core of bright red cherry and strawberry that combine with shades of wild mushroom and salty earth tones. The palate is vibrant and fresh, with great acidity and texture. Showing wonderful length, this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate delivering a core of bright red fruits with shades of orang zest and peat moss. Fantastic to savor in its youth, the 2018 ‘Artist Series No. 43’ Pinot Noir is a resounding success by superstar winemaker James Frey. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Trisaetum ‘Artist Series No. 44’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Artist Series No. 44’ is a Dijon 777 clone Pinot Noir sourced from Block 1 of their ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ vineyard. On the nose this is delightfully earthy with black truffle crudo and damp earth tones that collide with wild blackberry and a core of red fruits that all sing in unison in the glass. The sense of balance here really impresses as the combination of red and dark fruits with earthy tones and citrus rind accents all move together harmoniously. Showing some great aging potential, this gorgeous Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Trisaetum ‘Artist Series No. 45’ Pinot Noir- Showing off its deep hue in the glass, the ‘Artist Series No. 45 is a whole cluster fermented, Wadenswil clone Pinot Noir sourced from the ‘Coast Range Estate’ vineyard. The palate has a marvelous sense of tension and viscosity with layers of juicy red fruits with shades of peat moss and wild blackberry cobbler mingling with the copious sense of minerality. A long-ager, this beautiful wine has more than a decade of life to go. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Trisaetum ‘Artist Series No. 46’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 Trisaetum ‘Artist Series No. 46’ Pinot Noir is a beautiful new wine by the talented winemaker and artist, James Frey. Once on the nose the core of black and red fruits meld with exotic spices, damp earth and lemon rind tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate has a great combination of weight, length, texture and vibrant acidity. Layers of bright red fruits connect with shades of blood orange zest, cigar box, peat moss and menthol tones on the palate. A long-ager, the brilliant 2018 ‘Artist Series No. 46’ will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Trisaetum ‘Estates Reserve’ Pinot Noir- Always a barrel select wine, the 2018 ‘Estates Reserve’ is sourced from a combination of the three Trisaetum estates that span the Willamette Valley. Really needing two hours in the decanter, the ‘Estates Reserve’ slowly begins to unveil pretty red rose petal and red currants that collide with shades of teaberry, baking spices, forest floor and wet stone tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate shows a soft texture and velvety mouthfeel. WIth great length, the sense of acidity gives this a wonderful err of elegance. Just an infant right now, the exceedingly good 2018 ‘Estates Reserve’ Pinot Noir will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2040- 94

2018 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Family Reserve’ is a bottling reserved for only what winemaker James Frey considers to be his top barrels. Needing a two hour decant to be fully awoken, once aroused this silky wine shows bright red fruits with shades of blood orange rind, peat moss, wet sand and shades of cloves on this complex bouquet. The palate is silky smooth as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. The combination of weight and elegance is nothing short of sensational. Layers of bright red fruits dance with wild mushroom, peat moss, wild blackberry compote and sandalwood tones alongside hints of salted meats. The exceeding long finish caps what is the fitting crescendo, as this gorgeous new wine will have decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 95

DeLille Cellars

One of the famed spots on Woodinvlle, DeLille rose to prominence under the guidance of eminent winemaker Chris Upchurch. They now rely on one or Washington’s greats, their director of winemaking Jason Gorski. DeLille Cellars was the first winery in Washington to focus on creating Bordeaux style wine blends and makes arguably the best Bordeaux style white wine in North America with its ‘Chaleur Blanc.’ DeLille sources from their estate, 20-acre vineyard in Red Mountain as well as premier vineyards in the Yakima Valley. I have been really impressed with this winery and what they have produced over the past five years. They soon will have their new winery built in what was formerly the Red Hook Brewery. I can’t wait to check out that modern facility which I toured a few months back.

Jason makes one of the top Rose wines in the Pacific Northwest, their 2019 DeLille Cellars Rose (WWB, 92) which has an amazing mouthfeel and shows lovely flavor and aromatic range. Their new 2019 DeLille Rousssanne (WWB, 93) is fresh, vibrant and downright delicious right now. Do not miss out on their pre-release 2018 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) which is dense and chewy, beautifully showcasing Merlot. Learn more about this fantastic winery at www.delillecellars.com Here are the great new release wines from DeLille.

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 DeLille Cellars Roussanne- The 2019 DeLille Cellars Roussanne is entirely sourced from the famed ‘Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ‘high atop Red Mountain. The veil of tension and mouth-watering acidity is seriously good here, as layers of honeydew melon, kiwi, gooseberry and white rose water and shades of salted Macadamia nut all artfully combine on the palate. Showing great length and acidiy, this gorgeous effort will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2019 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine- One of the iconic Washington white wines, the 2019 ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ white wine is another thrilling release by DeLille Cellars. A blend of mainly Sauvignon Blanc (69%) with the reminder Semillon, this wine was almost entirely aged in French oak prior to bottlng. The aromatics of white peach and poached pear combine with the lovely nutty and earthy undertones of the wine. The palate is fresh, vibrant and beautifully textured as the wine shows serious length and bright acidity. Layers of lemon zest and kumquat infused sourdough bread meld with the Marcona almond and gooseberry tones on the palate. Gratifying to enjoy in its youth, this is seriously good wine that has at least a decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2018 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine [pre-release]—  A blend of primarily Merlot (67%) with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon and just a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2018 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine is another impressive new release by superstar director of winemaking Jason Gorski. Once on the nose this takes on layers of toasty oak that connect with black cherry cough syrup, blackberry compote, mocha and tar that all march in unison in the glass. The palate is dense, chewy and full of life. Downright delicious flavors of black tea and blackberry pie with shades of menthol and coffee grounds combine with a great sense of tension and light tannins. Delightful to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

Force Majeure Rhone Wines

As I sat across from Todd Alexander, masks off, we both couldn’t help recognize how nice it was to have some human company. This was my first tasting with a winemaker for many months and I was very eager to try what have consistently been some of the best Rhone style wines in the state. ‘It all starts in the vineyard,’ said Todd, meaning the Force Majeure Vineyard on Red Mountain. Set at 960 to 1,230 feet, the vineyard is planted to mainly Rhone and Bordeaux varietals and the fruit off this vineyard has been nothing short of incredible. Something great happened for Washington wine in 2014 when Todd Alexander came to partner with Force Majeure proprietors Paul and Susan McBride — a move that has totally transformed the winery. Todd formerly made wine at famed Bryant Family Vineyard in the Napa Valley where he worked with vineyard manager David Abreu as well as consultant extraordinaire, Michel Rolland. Since that partnership has started, I have been blown away with what Todd has produced across the board. The wines have special attention to mouthfeel and texture. These are not delicate wines but are rich wines with good tension and varietal typicity.

Their future releases are gorgeous across the board. I loved their great value 2018 Parabellum ‘Coulee’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) which is dense and chewy with a wonderful sense of texture.  One of the great Viogniers made in North America, the 2018 Force Majeure Viognier (WWB, 95) is fresh and elegant with a marvelous sense of texture and viscosity but is nowhere near cloying. This is a must-buy for any serious collector of Washington white wine. I was blown away with the future release 2018 Force Majeure ‘Paravata’ Red Wine (WWB, 95-97) which might be the best ‘Paravata’ bottling that I have had from Todd Alexander. My hat goes off to Todd Alexander for crafting a very special set of current and future release wines. Learn more about these great wines at  https://forcemajeurevineyards.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Force Majeure. 

2018 Force Majeure Viognier- Truly one of the top Viognier bottling in the Pacific Northwest, the 2018 Force Majeure Viognier shows pretty honeysuckle with cantaloupe and shades of beeswax and bright Bosc pear on this evocative nose. The palate is silky smooth, evoking impressive range from banana to cantaloupe tones that mingle with minerals, salted Macadamia nut and suggestions of ripe peach. Quite simply this Viognier has it all, from flavor and aromatic range, to impeccable balance and texture. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 95

2018 Parabellum ‘Coulee’ Red Wine- A blend 90% Syrah and the remainder Mourvedre, this densely colored wine shows layers of black currants and blackberry compote with shade of tar and black licorice on the palate. Dense, chewy and layered, this is thrilling and forward stuff to enjoy in its youth but will provide drinking enjoyment for another eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2018 Force Majeure ‘Paravata’ Red Wine- 95-97

2018 Force Majreure ‘Estate’ Syrah- 95-97

2018 Force Majeure ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah- 96-98

Chimney Rock

A longtime famed producer of rich and terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon, Chimney Rock is the focus for today and their outstanding new wines mostly from the 2016 and 2017 vintages. The first bottles of wine produced at Chimney Rock Winery were bottled in 1989. It was then owned by Hack and Stella Wilson who purchased a 180-acre parcel on the east side of the Silverado Trail in 1980 (which included a golf course!) and planted a vineyard shortly thereafter.

The hillside setting makes for a dramatic location. I have long enjoyed visiting this winery and they have an expansive outdoor area as well for their guests. At the helm is the talented Elizabeth Vianna who I was honored to share a panel with roughly one year ago. Elizabeth first came to Chimney Rock as a harvest intern in 1999, while completing her Master’s degree in enology at U.C. Davis. Upon graduation, she became an enologist at Napa Wine Company and was soon named assistant winemaker there, where she worked directly with many of the region’s top winemakers including Heidi Barrett, Erin Green, Pam Starr, and Celia Masyczek. Elizabeth was named to the position of assistant winemaker at Chimney Rock in January 2002 and advanced to the position of winemaker in 2005. Needless to say, she knows this special terroir exceedingly well. Look to their beautiful new 2017 Chimney Rock ‘Elevage’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which has soft character of Merlot (73%) but also the dark tones from the terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. I absolutely love the 2016 Chimney Rock ‘South Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94)  which is dense, viscous and a downright treat to savor. Learn more about this famed estate at https://www.chimneyrock.com Here are the gorgeous new wines by Chimney Rock. 

2017 Chimney Rock ‘Elevage’ Red Wine- A blend of mainly Merlot (73%) with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, the 2017 ‘Elevage’ was aged for eighteen months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. Pretty red cherry aromatics connect with shades of cocoa powder and tar that all take shape in the glass. The mouthfeel and silky texture of the wine is truly outstanding. Layers of espresso bean and creosote connect with the bright red fruits and minerals that keep this wine shiningly brightly. The long dark fruit and mineral-driven finish lingers. Drink 2020-2035- 92

2017 Chimney Rock ‘Stags Leap District’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Deeply colored in the glass, the ‘Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon opens with tar and potpourri that mingle with blackberry cobbler and pipe tobacco tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate has good freshness and richness with layers of black fruits woven together with mocha, anise and sandalwood tones. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten plus years. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2016 Chimney Rock ‘Clone 7’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Clone 7 Vineyard’ is one of two different mountainside vineyards, aptly named as ‘Cardiac Hill’ for its steep slopes. Deeply perfumed, the wine yields bright violets that mingle with suggestions of creosote, baking spices and blackberry cobbler aromatics that take shape in the glass. The palate has a soft texture, delivering layers of black fruits that mingle with the tar, scorched earth and underbrush tones on the palate. The terroir here is seriously good, as is the length and viscosity. A pleasure to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2022-2040- 93

2016 Chimney Rock ‘South Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘South HIll’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another beautiful new bottling by Elizabeth Vianna. The wine is sourced from a twenty year old block that is planted to clone 337. On the nose this is dense and highly performed, delivering layers of Turkish coffee, Asian spices and black fruits that are woven together with the damp loam tones on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous, with a sensational mouthfeel and wonderful feel of acidity. Layers of Black Forest Cake, tar, mocha and anise all come together magically on the palate. Decadent and plush, showing a vibrant minerality, the ‘South Hill’ will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 94

2016 Chimney Rock ‘Ganymede Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Ganymeded Vineyard’ has a massive, deep core, unveiling layers of red bell pepper, volcanic ash, mocha and tar that all take shape in the glass. The palate is dense and shows a plush mouthfeel, with a silky texture. Blackberries and black cherry flavors combine with shades of creosote and flinty undertones on the palate. This finishes long with dark chocolate and minerals. Drink 2022-2040- 93

2016 Chimney Rock ‘Alpine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Set on volcanic soils, the ‘Alpine Vineyard’ is the highest elevation vineyard at the Chimney Rock estate. On the nose this takes on layers of volcanic earth and tar, mingling with mocha, blackberry cordial and shades of menthol that all take their shape in the glass. The palate has good freshness and verve, with a soft mouthful and beautiful texture. Violets and layers of black currants collide with minerals, blackberry cobbler and shades of dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Seriously good in its youth, the 2016 ‘Alpine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2022-2040- 93

Instagram Live This Week

Friends, we share our exciting lineup of Instagram Live talent this week, starting at 2 Pacific Thursday a great Walla Walla producer Dusted Valley followed at 3PM by famed Woodinville outpost DeLille Cellars and their talented winemaker Jason Gorski, and finally Mary Derby of her female run DAMA, tasting through her beautiful wines at 4PM.  

Then Friday please join me At 2 Pacific from one of Paso Robles as we share the brilliant Caliza wines w winemaker/owner Carl Bowker. Then we conclude at 5PM with Dan Warnshuis, tasting his brilliant Utopia Vineyard wines. It will be another action packed week for IG Live with WWB 🔥🍷

Goodfellow Family Cellars

Still flying under the radar, Goodfellow Family Cellars relies on the winemaking talents of Marcus Goodfellow. What was initially founded in 2002 as Matello Winery, Goodfellow sources from some great vineyards in the Willamette Valley including the Durant Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA. Marcus Goodfellow, grew up on a Douglas Fir tree farm in Oregon and worked his first harvest at Evesham Wood in 2002. He had a wonderful wine mentor in famed Cristom winemaker, Steve Doerner, as his attention to detail is apparent in the glass.

I have been floored with the consistency of his Chardonnay bottlings. An awesome wine for the price, the 2018 Goodfellow ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay (WWB, 91) offer great tension and mouthfeel for roughly 30 dollars. I am blown away with the terroir jand great sense of tension from the 2018 Goodfellow ‘Durant Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 94) which rivals some of the best Chardonnay made in Oregon, from this esteemed vineyard. Do not miss out on these new gorgeous Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines by Goodfellow. Learn more about these beautiful new releases at https://goodfellowfamilycellars.com Here are the great new wines by Goodfellow. 

2018 Goodfellow ‘Whistling Ridge Vineyard’ Riesling- This bright and tension filled Riesling comes off with a Kabinett level of sweetness, showing pretty white rose water, wet stone, green apple and white peach tones alongside the great sense of minerality. Enjoy this great new bottling over the next several years while the brightness is intact. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2018 Goodfellow ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- On the nose this takes on tones of white peach nectarine rind, sourdough bread and lemon zest tones that all connect in the glass. The palate shows lively acidity with medium-bodied orchard fruits and lemon rind tones. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2018 Goodfellow ‘Durant’ Chardonnay- Planted high above the Dundee Hills AVA, the ‘Durant Vineyard’ is a downright awesome site for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A whiff of volcanic earth falls upon suggestions of cloves and ripe melon tones on the nose. The palate reveals a sparkling sense of tension, with gobs of mouth-watering acidity, flinty accents and gorgeous, fleshy (almost unctuous) texture. The long finish provides the appropriate crescendo. A stunning new Chardonnay to savor in its youth, the 2018 ‘Durant’ Chardonnay will enjoy fifteen years or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 94

2018 Goodfellow ‘Richard’s Cuvee’ Chardonnay- The ‘Richard’s Cuvee’ combines four Chardonnay clones all planted back in 1995. Lemon infused Challah bread and vanilla cream with shades of roasted pineapple fill the nose. The palate shows great weight and texture with a great sense of tension and light dusting of salinity that falls upon the core of Pink Lady apple, lemon zest, wild mushroom and French bread. Showing great length, this is a treat to savor in its youth, as the ‘Richard’s Cuvee’ will enjoy another fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2015 Goodfellow ‘Richard’s’ Chardonnay- The ‘Richard’s’ Chardonnay is a barrel selection wine that has seen extensive age, being aged for 21 months in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. The palate is plush and decadent with a great sense of weight and an oily texture. Layers of poached pear and Pazzaz apple combine with starfruit and baking spices with a light dusting of salinity. The long finish really impresses. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2015 ‘Richard’s’ is another dazzling wine by the talented Marcus Goodfellow. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Goodfellow ‘Whistling Ridge Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This Ribbon Ridge AVA wine shows bright Bing cherry with pomegranate seed and orange rind accents on the nose, with a dusting of white truffle. The palate shows off a classy texture with layers of minerals and salted red fruits with shades of orange zest and charcuterie. The umami accents really entice, as does the sense of freshness and weight. Gorgeous now, the 2018 ‘Whistling Ridge Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2018 Goodfellow ‘Lewman’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Lewman’ Pinot Noir is sourced from this vineyard which is perched high in the Dundee Hills, first planted in 1993. A light dusting of volcanic ash falls upon the core of red and dark fruits with earthy undertones on the nose. The palate is deep and plush showing off a seamless sense of texture. Gobs of mouth-watering acidity falls upon the core of wild blackberry and cran-pomegranate flavors, with shades of peat moss on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2018 ‘Lewman’ Pinot Noir has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2017 Goodfellow ‘House Block’ Pinot Noir- The ‘House Block’ was the first Pommard clone Pinot Noir vines planted at the Whistling Ridge Vineyard. The damp earth tones smell Pommard as well, with bright red and dark fruits combining with shades of peat moss and forest floor on the nose. The palate is soft showing off its great sense of mouthfeel. A beautiful tension races through the core of red fruits with shades of black truffle shavings, tobacco leaf and damp earthy tones on the palate. Fantastic and expressive in its vibrant youth, the 2018 ‘House Block’ will enjoy another fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2017 Goodfellow ‘Block Eleven’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Block Eleven’ is sourced from the ‘Fir Crest Vineyard’ in the south-western end of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Sour red fruits meld with shades of nutmeg and blood orange zest and earthy accents on the nose. The palate has great freshness and verve with a veil of tension that runs through ripe pomegrnate, strawberry and Yakima cherry flavors with shades of peat moss and white truffle crudo playing second fiddle. Fantastic in its vibrant youth, the 2017 ‘Block Eleven’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 20200-2035- 93

2017 Goodfellow ‘Temperance Hill’ Pinot Noir- One of the acclaimed sites in the Eola-Amity Hills, the ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ has a major maritime influence as Pinot Noir vines were first planted back in 1994. Right away the earthy tones grab your attention, with pretty rose water and red raspberry cordial tones combining on the nose. The palate is silky smooth, showing great weight, tension and a seamless factor. Pretty red fruits dance with the peat moss and damp earth tones, with orange rind accents on the palate. The sense of salinity and wonderful mouth-watering acidity adds to the drinking experience. With great elegance, length and verve, this is a masterpiece by Marcus Goodfellow that will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2017 Goodfellow ‘Heritage No. 10’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Whistling Ridge Vineyard the ‘Heritage No. 10’ is made of two puncheons from this block in their estate vineyard. Elegant and soft, showing a vibrant acidity and wonderful mouthfeel, the wine slowly unveils layers of cran-cherry, pipe tobacco, crushed mint, damp moss and orange zest, with Umami tones also humming away. Bright and seamless, this gratifying new wine will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2017 Goodfellow ‘Heritage No. 12’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Heritage No. 12’ is a barrel selection wine from the top of the Whistling Ridge Vineyard. On the nose this takes on shades of blood orange zest and peat moss that combine with wild blackberry and cedar that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft and elegant, with a wonderful sense of texture. Layers of bright red fruits dance with minerals, citrus rind, wild mushroom and damp earth and stony tones on the palate. With a light dusting of sanity and seriously good length, the outstanding ‘Heritage No. 12’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 93

Dowsett Family Wines

An outstanding winemaker producing a killer range of wines, Chris Dowsett was a mere 15 years old when his family purchased an older vineyard in Oregon. Chris spent several years tending to the grapes and helping in the family winery, and decided to enroll in the horticulture program at Oregon State University. He also studied wine science at Roseworthy College in South Australia as part of a one-year exchange.

Post-graduation, Chris headed to Napa and Sonoma to work in both Viticulture and Enology. After five years in California, he decided it was time to bring that experience back home, to the Pacific Northwest. In 1996, Chris arrived with his young family in Walla Walla, Washington to take over as the assistant winemaker at Canoe Ridge Winery. Five years later, he became the winemaker at Latitude 46N. Chris moved on to make wines at the Artifex custom crush facility in Walla Walla, and that is where Dowsett Family Winery began in 2007, with the production of 300 initial cases. Chris currently makes Dowsett Family wines at Buty Winery.

The new wines by Dosett Family were really good across the board. Chris makes a brilliant new Pinot Noir, his 2016 Dowsett Family ‘Beckline Vineyards’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) has wonderful richness and earthy tones from the 100% Pommard clone. For something different look to the sensational 2017 Dowsett Family ‘Celilo Vineyard’ Gewurtztraminer (WWB, 92) which is vibrant and mineral-driven, showing great length and tension. Learn more about these exciting wines at https://dowsettwines.com Here are the great new releases by Dowsett Family.

2019 Dowsett Family ‘Georgia’ Rose- Sourced from the Becklin Vineyard, this Pinot Noir Rose shows pretty watermelon and rose water tones alongside shades of ripe cantaloupe on this expressive nose. The palate has good astringency with mouth-watering acidity. Lighter red fruits dance with minerals and lighter damp earthy undertones on the palate. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2016 Dowsett Family ‘Becklin Vineyards’ Pinot Noir- This 100% Pommard Clone Pinot Noir shows lovely ripe red cherry with raspberry coulis and shades of cinnamon, clove and damp earth tones that take shape in the glass. The texture is soft and generous, unveiling layers of red and dark fruits that meld with the lovely citrus rind and peat moss tones on the palate. This is truly outstanding stuff that will cellar well for at least another ten years. . . but why wait? Drink 2020-2030- 92

2018 Dowsett Family ‘Columbia Gorge’ Gewurtztraminer- The 2018 ‘Columbia Gorge’ Gewurtztraminer shows pretty lychee and petrol tones that mingle with the green apple accents on this expressive nose. The palate has good freshness with just a kiss of sweetness and a soft texture with ripe cantaloupe and lychee flavors. This is seriously good stuff that is a steal at a mere sixteen dollars. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2017 Dowsett Family ‘Celilo Vineyard’ Gewurtztraminer- Sourced from this famed vineyard that is typically known for Chardonnay, the 2017 ‘Celilo Vineyard’ Gewurtztraminer opens with nutmeg infused Challah bread, ripe pear and suggestions of damp stone and petrol that take shape in the glass. The palate unveils a vibrant minerality and wonderful length with an expansive attack filled with mouth-watering acidity. This is novel and up there with the best you will find in Washington, as this has some potential to age, picking up tertiary tones as it progresses. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2017 Dowsett family ‘Aunt Diane’s Vineyard’ Riesling- The green apple aromatics alongside damp earth and wet stone really frame the nose nicely. Juicy and vibrant, this Trocken style Riesling has an incredible sense of minerality with lovely Granny Smith apple and unripe kiwi flavors that mingle with the copious minerals. This is serious stuff for Riesling geeks — not designed for the weary. Drink 2020-2027- 93

VIADER

I love Napa with restraint and outstanding terror. A famed Napa winery, VIADER is the brainchild of Delia Viader, who took the leap of faith years ago to plant grapes in uncharted waters in Napa Valley. For years Delia only made one wine, a Bordeaux style blend, since 1986. Holding a PhD from Sorbonne University in Paris, founding winemaker Delia Viader now collaborates with her son, Alan, to make their wines which are entirely sourced from their estate vineyard on Howell Mountain. A remarkable story, Delia stated Viader while raising four children on her own. Since starting the winery she was met with some incredible critical acclaim for her pretty style of wine that typically incorporates a large amount of Cabernet Franc.

Delia has achieved incredible success since starting in the mid-80s as she models her style of wine towards the great wines of Bordeaux, focusing on balance rather than primary fruit qualities. I have been enchanted with these wines and have been fortunate enough to try many going back to the 1990s. Delia’s son, Alan, served as VIADER vineyard manager since 2002 while studying winemaking at UC Davis. He has been lead winemaker at VIADER since 2006 and works with Delia on all wines. 

I have been impressed with their newer wine in their collection, the VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine, which has Syrah blend into Bordeaux varietals.The new 2017 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine (WWB, 94), is more approachable with its rich dark fruits from the Syrah blended in. I love this wine in its youth after a long decant. Just as good is the 2017 VIADER Red Wine (WWB, 94) which is highly nuanced and shows wonderful elegance and verve. Give this beauty a few more years to evolve in the cellar. Learn more about this storied Napa winery at https://viader.com Here are the beautiful new wines by VIADER.

2017 VIADER Red Wine- A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc, the wine is sourced from this famed site high above the Napa floor at 1200 feet. Needing a two hour decant, over time the nose impresses with damp soil and pretty red rose petals that combine with the core of dark fruits and chocolate undertones. The pillowy texture really entices as this elegant wine shows off a silky sense of mouthfeel. Layers of black currants and blackberry compote combine with espresso bean and tar tones with violets on the palate. Showing really good length and tension, this beautiful wine has many years to go in the cellar. Try to resist this beautiful wine for at least two more years. Drink 2020-2040- 94

2017 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine- The ‘Black Label’ red wine is a limited production bottling made from 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Syrah with small portions Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Needing a one hour decant to fully evolve, the wine begins to slowly unveil baking spices and mocha tones that combine with shades of potpourri and kirsch tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows great structure and lovely tension with a great combination of red and dark fruits that meld with minerals, smoke and earthy undertones. More open and approachable than the VIADER Red Wine, the 2017 ‘Black Label’ is every bit as good and will cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

Veuve Clicquot

As you walk down the aisle of your favorite wine shop or grocery store, it is hard to miss the Champagne in the yellow label. Veuve Clicquot is one of the world’s iconic Champagne houses that has a brilliant history. Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, the winery is one of the largest Champagne houses in the region. Madame Clicquot is considered to be an iconic heiress in wine and was truly one of the most famous persons in the world of wine. She was the revolutionary mind behind creating the first vintage Champagne in 1810 and also invented the riddling process which made it possible to clarify Champagne. Finally Madame Clicquot created what is known as the first Rose Champagne in 1818. She is also credited by making Champagne the choice for the European nobility. There is good reason why Madame Clicquot is honored by the ‘La Grand Dame’ Champagne, which is the tete de cuvee that Vevue Clicquot only makes in the best vintages (most recently 2006, 2008 and recently released 2012).

In 1986 Veuve Clicquot was purchased by the LVMH group (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) — truly one of the world powers of Champagne. If you’re sipping a glass of Champagne, chances are it is comes from LVMH. While only 1% of the world’s wine is Champagne, 2017 LVMH amassed profits of €42.6 billion in 2017, an increase of 13% over the previous year. That a ton of Champagne sold. LVMH owns Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicot and Dom Perignon, and many other storied houses in Champagne.

At the helm is Cellar Master Dominique Demarville who has now crafted his first ‘La Grand Dame’ bottling which is a total revelation. He has also created a gorgeous new Rose wine, the NV Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne (WWB, 92) which has seriously good range for the price. I was completely blown away with the 2008 Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grand Dame’ Champagne (WWB, 95) which has massive tension and an incredible sense of mouthfeel. Learn more at https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-int Here are my recent reviews of the beautiful new Champagnes by Veuve Clicquot.

NV Veuve Clicquot ‘Brut’ Champagne- The iconic ‘yellow label’ Veuve Cicquot is showing it is great degree of freshness and citrus zest tones right out of the gate. Lithe and polished, enjoy this elegant style, with a great underlying tension and light salinity, over the next several years. No reason to cellar this, as the ‘Brut’ Champagne makes for an awesome aperitif.  Drink 2020-2025- 90

NV Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne- The  Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne is a sensational new wine from this storied Champagne house. Recently disgorged, this shows off lighter musty aromatics that collide with the intense bright fruits and gooseberry aromas that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows a surprising level of richness as the texture impresses once on the mouth. Lively flavors reminiscent of Bosc pear, cran-cherry, salted Marcona almond and suggestions of marzipan all meld together on the palate. The sense of salinity here is brilliant. Beautiful in its youth, this classy new Rose Champagne will cellar well over the next seven years. Drink-2020-2027- 92

2008 Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grand Dame’ Brut Chamagne- The 2008 La Grande Dame is an absolute revelation. This is Cellar Master Dominique Demarville first vintage of La Grande Dame, and he has crafted a blend with 92% Pinot Noir – the highest percentage ever in Veuve Clicquot’s history. As this spectacular Champagne slowly unwinds, it begins to display deep diatomaceous earth tones that marvelously mingle with lemon oil and hazelnut aromatics that all are woven together in the glass. At this stage it is tightly wound, yet possesses a rich and highly satisfying mouthfeel that is beautifully defined and shows shades of roasted pineapple, Japanese pear, kumquat, salted praline with suggestions of freshly baked sourdough bread that persist throughout. This is a truly fantastic vintage for La Grande Dame, however it seems as if it still going to require a few more years of bottle age before it reaches its optimal drinking window. Drink 2020-2038- 95

Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir Vertical Tasting

Sitting across from famed Argyle winemaker Nate Klostermann, I couldn’t help but notice the irony of tasting virtually rather than in person. Such is Covid-19 life, as we continue to socially distance from each other, yet yearn for human interaction which has been a tenet of my Instagram Live series. I have long been fond of the ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noirs by Argyle, truly one of the famed wines of its kind in Oregon. Legendary winemaker Rollin Soles paved the way for Argyle to become one of the famed houses in the state, and completely transformed the Oregon Sparkling Wine market with his consistently good sparkling wines while he was there. I had the great opportunity to taste a few of Rollin’s wines and Nate’s wines and I was so impressed how good each of them were. 

Nate served for many years as assistant winemaker to Rollin before being promoted as head winemaker. I found that in terms of style, Nate’s wines from 2014 and 2018 were very precise and razor focused despite them both coming from warm vintages. It was a great pleasure revisiting the 2005 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) now at fifteen years of age, this gorgeous bottling has incredible tertiary tones coming into play and has a long way to go in the cellar. Just starting to show its stuff, the 2008 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) is singing with the delicate red fruits and amazing flavor and aromatic range. ‘2008 is just starting to come into its own’ Nate remarked. I couldn’t agree more.

Nate’s wines from 2014 and 2018 were equally as good, although different in their respective developments. One thing that impressed me the most with the 2018 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) was the massive beam of minerality that hits you on the attack. This level of freshness from a hot vintage is seriously impressive. I love where the 2014 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) is at right now, just slowly creeping into tertiary tones. ‘Right about at the five or six year mark is where these wines really start to show their stuff,’ said Nate. He was right that the 2014 has plenty of primary fruit but the earthy tones are slowly beginning to develop. Needless to say, this was a thrilling tasting for me as this special vertical shows how brilliantly the ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir wines will age in your cellars. Here are my tasting notes from a sensational tasting of ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir. 

2005 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir- The 2005 ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir is a scintillating wine that is now really peaking at the fifteen year mark. You are immediately enticed by the lovely shades of white truffle follow layers of dark and red fruits, with peat moss tones also dominating the mix. The palate is seamlessly textured with gorgeous red currents that dance with black truffle crudo, exotic spices and peat moss tones. The length of this wine is very impressive. Fresh and layered, this gorgeous 2005 has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2030- 94

2008  Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir-- Considering the coolness of the vintage, it is no surprise to me that the 2008 is slightly more tightly wound aromatically, as this needs an hour decant to fully show its gorgeous range. Bright Bing cherry and cran-orange with first floor tones coming into the fray. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a great sense of acidity and texture. Bright red fruits dance with citrus rind tones and spicebox tones round out this beautiful flavor range. Fresh and really youthful despite being twelve years of age, the 2008 ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2014 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir- This is now the first opportunity for me to taste this brillaint, warm vintage wine, in several years. Bright pomegranate seed and Yakima cherry tones collide with suggestions of baking spices and wild mushroom on this gorgeous bouquet. The palate has great freshness and texture with a great sense of length and poise. Layers of bright red fruits meld with smoky and earthy tones on the palate. Only an infant now, the 2014 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2018 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir- Fresh, vibrant and seriously good, the 2018 ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous new release by the talented Nate Klostermann. Needing an hour decant to be fully aroused, after some air the bright red fruits develop with shades of blood orange zest, peat moss and shades of cardamom that take shape in the glass. The palate has a great sense of texture and weight, as this opulent wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate delivering a deep core of red currants, red cherry candy and forest floor tones that meld with shades of white truffle shavings. Round and generous in its youth, this great new wine will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 93

Rudi Pichler

Today we journey to Austria and share one of the top producers in the Wachau region. Rudi Pichler primarily crafts Gruner Veltliner and Riesling under low yielding vineyards. All grapes are hand harvested and each wine is aged in stainless steel tanks as none of the wines undergo malolactic fermentation. The Rudi Pichler estate is a marvelously scenic spot that dates back to 1731 and is currently planted to mainly Grüner Veltliner (65%) and Riesling (30%), with the remaining 5% shared by Weissburgunder and Roter Veltliner The vines are set on loess soils which was deposed in the region from the most recent ice age, from 110,000–14,000 years ago. River sediments form the Danube River are sprinkled throughout the vineyard. 

I have been enchanted by these wines for many years and particularly the combination of fitness and texture that they are able to impart. For those who have never tried Rudi Pichler wines, it is a must-visit. A wonderful lineup across the board, look to the 2018 Rudi Pichler ‘RIed Hochrain Smaragd’ Riesling (WWB, 94) which is dense, seamless and impossible to resist in its youth. Just as good was the 2018 Rudi Pichler ‘Ried Achleithen Smaragd’ Riesling (WWB, 94) which has gorgeous aromatics and great terroir with a silky elegance. Learn more about these sensational wines at https://www.rudipichler.at/en/ Here are the gorgeous new releases by Rudi Pichler.

2018 Rudi Pichler ‘Terrassen Smaragd’ Gruner Veltliner- The 2018 ‘Terrassen Smaragd’ was sourced from a low-yielding site set on granite and slate with vines averaging 22-40 years of age. Aromatically the petrol notes entice, alongside shades of white flowers and bright Bosc pear that all take shape in the glass. The palate has good weight and freshness with lighter orchard fruit flavors, with petrol and damp stone accents playing second fiddle. Enjoy this beautiful Gruner Veltliner over the next ten plus years. Drink 2020-2029- 92

2018 Rudi Pichler ‘Ried Hochrain Smaragd’ Riesling- The ‘Ried Hochrain Smaragd’ Riesling is a spectacular effort by Rudi Pichler. The aromatic range is quite dramatic to brandy soaked peach to wet stone and shades of apricot with petrol accents that all mingle together in the glass. The freshness and verve of the wine is quite remarkable, as this seamless wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Even better is the near minute long finish. One thing is certain — this beautiful Riesling will be exceedingly long-lived. Drink 2020-2040- 94

2018 Rudi Pichler ‘Ried Hochrain Smaragd’ Gruner Veltliner- The ‘Ried Hochrain Smaragd’ Gruner Veltliner is an exceptonal release by Pichler. Once on the nose this takes on bright green apple tones with lemon zest, kumqat and shades of wet stone and nectarine that all sing in harmony together. The palate has serious viscosity and weight, with a gorgeous mouthfeel and texture that continues to impress. Bright orange zest and melon tones combine with the wet stony terroir and suggestions of candied ginger that meld together effortlessly. Gorgeous in its youth, this beautiful wine will evolve well for the next two decades. Drink 2020-2040- 93

2018 Rudi Pichler ‘Ried Achleithen Smaragd’ Riesling- The ‘Ried Achleithen Smaragd’ Riesling is a spectacular old-vine Riesling from this storied estate first founded in 1904. The wine was aged in stainless steel tanks for eight months and then another month in the bottle before release. Once on the nose the perfumed aromatics catch you off guard, showing formidable range from orange blossom to wet stone and green apple tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate has intense minerality and weight, with a silky mouthfeel. Showing marvelously right now, the 2018 ‘Ried Achleithen Smaragd’ Riesling will have a very long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2045- 94

Instagram Live This Week

Instagram Live This Week

We have a truly sensational lineup for Instagram Live this week all times Pacific starting Wednesday June 24th at 4 with Erica Orr of Orr Wines, talking about her beautiful Chenin Blanc, followed by L’Ecole No. 41 at 5PM, talking Semillon and Merlot.

Thursday we have famed Champagne Billecart-Salmon at 4PM, sharing their NV Rose and 2006 Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart" Brut Champagne. At 5PM we have one of Oregon’s hidden gems, Open Claim, tasting their beautiful new Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releases.

Friday is action packed as we travel up and down the Pacific coast starting at 3PM with Walla Walla icon Jean-Francois Pellet of Pepper Bridge, followed by the talented Jordan Fiorentini at 4PM of Epoch and Hazelfern, one of Oregon’s exciting new wineries at 5PM. Don’t miss out on the action this week as we host a dazzling cast for our Instagram Live series. 🍷🔥

Miraval

In the midst of Rose season, we check in one one of the world’s most popular Rose wine out of Provence. A marvelous combination of Hollywood drama and great wine, Miraval, a 1,200 acre estate in Provence, was founded by acting icons Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Married at Miraval, Pitt and Jolie prior to their split lived there since 2008. The property boasts pine forests, olive groves, terraced hillsides, working vineyards, a private lake  as well as a moat. Much of the chateau dates back to 17th century, including 35 rooms in the main house as well as several tenant residences.The estate also contains remains of a Romanesque chapel, as well as the famed vineyard from which the Miraval Rose comes from. The recording studio at Miraval has housed some famous musicians including personal favorites Sting and The Cranberries (R.I.P. Dolores O’ Riordan). 

Purchased in 2012 for an estimated $60 million, records indicate that in 1252 philosopher and theologian Saint Thomas Aquinas visited the Miraval estate. The vineyard itself is very large, Jean-Pierre and Francois Perrin are the iconic vintners behind this great Rose wine that produce white and rose wine from the 500 hectare property.  They produce a ton of Rose (roughly 200,000 bottles) and despite the quantity of wine produced, the quality of the wine has been apparently throughout the past five vintages. The latest vintage Rose, comes from the year of the Pitt/Jolie split and it is not clear who will own Miraval going forward. The 2019 Miraval Rose (WWB, 91) is a gorgeous effort that has a great sense of tension and terroir. While it is uncertain what will happen to Miraval following the Hollywood split, one thing is certain —Miraval releases continue to be steady as a skyscraper. Learn more about Miraval at http://miraval-provence.com/en/ Here is the new Miraval Rose review.

2019 Miraval Rose- The 2019 Miraval Rose is sourced from their 500 hectare vineyard that is set in valley in the ancient village of Correns in the center of Provence. A blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle, the vineyard is set on limestone and clay soils. A light dusting of salted damp earth combines with pretty rose water and melon tones on the nose. The palate is fresh and wonderfully textured, showing layers of bright melon and red fruit flavors with a great veil of tension. Fantastic now, this beautiful effort will cellar well over the next seven plus years. Drink 2020-2027- 91

Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling

I have long written about Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling but have yet to write only on the range of Riesling wines that they offer that are entirely unique to all of North America. I don't think you will find a better overall lineup of Riesling wines from any producer outside of Germany and France. Chateau Ste. Michelle sell a ton of Riesling, sometimes north of one million bottles, but they also have a premier line under their ‘Eroica’ label that is now celebrating their 20th anniversary.

I fondly recall when the first started their label which was highly revolutionary for the winery. Just around the time when eminent Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Bob Bertheau began working for them, he was introduced to Ernst Loosen from famed Mosel house Dr. Loosen. He and Ste. Michelle struck a deal for Ernst to help craft a Washington Riesling made in the Mosel tradition — and the rest has been history. David Rosenthal as white winemaker for Ste, Michelle presides over all of the Riesling wines that they craft.

I can confidently say that I have sampled every vintage of this wine. This is one of the benchmark Rieslings made in Washington and what has been most remarkable is the low cost of this wine made to consumers. When you consider the market for Riesling wines, even those from Germany or Alsace, the ‘Eroica’ Riesling consistently offers one of the best values of its kind on the planet. I loved the new 2018 Chateau Ste, Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling (WWB, 93) which has a massive degree of freshness and a wonderful vein of tension. Even better is the scintillating 2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica XLC’ Riesling (WWB, 94) which is marvelously textured wine and has some massive aging potential. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.ste-michelle.com Here are my reviews of the Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling wines. 

2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling- Now at the ten year mark, the 2010 ‘Eroica’ Riesling is absolutely singing. Bright kiwi, nectarine and wet stone tones fill the nose. The palate has great freshness and vibrant tension which really impresses considering the age of this wine. Layers of kumquat zest and wet stone combine with wild mushroom and shades of green apple on the palate. It is hard to believe but this beautiful, cold vintage Riesling has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling- A massive contrast to the 2010 bottling, the 2018 ‘Eroica’ Riesling is quite different but every bit as good. A vibrant sense of minerality races through the core of green apple, lemon zest and wet stone flavors. The outstanding sense of lip-smacking acidity literally makes your mouth-water. Energetic and full of life in its youth, this great new bottling will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica XLC’ Riesling- Years ago Chateau Ste. Michelle head winemaker Bob Bertheau and Ernst Loosen of Dr. Loosen were inspired to make a ‘GG’ style wine utilizing Washington grapes This is now the second edition of this wine and they have crafted nothing short of a head-turning Riesling that shows opulence, finesse and gobs of tension. The silky mouthfeel makes this effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. Layers of lemon peel and marzipan artfully combine with the earthy and wet stone undertones of this wine. Gorgeous to enjoy in its full beauty now, this gorgeous Riesling will enjoy at least another fifteen years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2014 Chateau Ste Michelle ‘Eroica Gold’ Riesling- The 2014 ‘Eroica Gold’ Riesling by Chateau Ste. Michelle is a gorgeous new wine that shows great richness, texture and sense of weight. Wet stone and Pazazz apple combine with shades of cardamon and lemon rind on the nose. The palate is unctuous showing a soft texture and wonderful sense of mouthfeel. Layers of candied lemon, mango and ginger combine with earthy undertones and bright acidity on the palate. Rich and layered, with a seamless sense of texture, this beautiful new wine will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2040- 94

Duckhorn Vineyards

It is hard to believe that more than forty years ago Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Duckhorn Vineyards. What began with a mere 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, Duckhorn now has many arms of their dynasty including a winery in Washington (Canvasback) as well as Goldeneye out of the Anderson Valley, who is steadily producing a gorgeous lineup of Pinot Noirs. Duckhorn relies on seven estate vineyards for their wines and makes some of the most consistent Merlot in Napa Valley.

In early 2014, Renée Ary became the fourth head winemaker for Duckhorn Vineyards winemakers that began with Tom Rinaldi in 1978. Her promotion came after 11 years after serving as both assistant and associate winemaker. Born and raised on the East Coast, Renée moved to California to attend Saint Mary’s College, where she earned a degree in chemistry and art. Fascinated by the intersection between science and an art, winemaking quickly became Renée’s passion, career and way of life. Her first job was working in the lab at Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, as she trained under famed winemakers Genevieve Janssens, Steve Leveque and Richard Sowalsky. During that time she took classes in winemaking and viticulture at UC Davis and Napa Valley College.

Renee is a top notch winemaker that has a consistently great lineup of wines. I was really impressed with her new lineup including her dazzling new 2018 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 91) which has great texture and poise. One of the great wines of its kind, the 2017 Duckhorn ‘Three Palms Vineyard’ Merlot (WWB, 94) is dense and complex, with seriously good range. Learn more about this famed winery at duckhorn.com Here are the great new releases by Duckhorn. 

2018 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The invigorating combination of lemon zest and gooseberry brilliantly mingle with wet stone and shades of cardamom on the nose. The palate is fresh and beautifully textured, showing a good sense of weight. Layers of Meyer lemon cream and mulberry combine with green apple tones on the palate. The length accentuates this great new release. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2017 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2017 Duckhorn Chardonnay opens with aromas of bright pear and lemon zest with vanilla cream that build in the glass. The palate shows a silky mouthfeel delivering bright orchard fruits with lemon cream and hints of butterscotch. Delightful now, this will cellar well over the next seven plus years. Drink 2019-2025- 91

2017 Duckhorn ‘Huichica Hills Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the Carneros AVA the ‘Huichica Vineyard’ is set on clay loam soils. The freshness imparted here is really lovely as lemon zest, vanilla cream and minerals mingle with shades of nutmeg infused Gravenstein apple. Fantastic in its youth, this beautiful wine is showing great now but will continue to evolve well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2017 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Merlot- A blend of 80% Merlot with 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and small portions Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, the 2017 Duckhorn Merlot was aged for fifteen months in 40% new French oak before bottling. This 2017 Merlot shows sandalwood tones that meld with cocoa powder and espresso bean aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows good weight and freshness with medium to full bodied dark fruit flavors with coffee ground and tar undertones. Drink 2020-2030- 91

2017 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Carneros’ Merlot- The 2017 Duckhorn ‘Carneros’ Merlot (100%) was aged for sixteen months in 50% new French oak before bottling. Sour kirsch notes combine with shades of pipe tobacco and leather on the nose. The palate is plush and beautifully textured with saline drenched Bing cherry and cola tones that combine with sandalwood and a light cocoa powder. This is nuanced and seriously good stuff that will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2017 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Atlas Peak’ Merlot- Entirely Merlot based, this beautiful new wine was aged in 50% new French oak for sixteen months before bottling. Ripe blackberry aromatic tones mingle with shades of dark chocolate shavings and tar that all come together in the glass. The palate shows a wonderful sense of mouthfeel and weight, with great acidity that runs through the core of dark fruits, dark chocolate shavings and creosote flavors. Fresh, vibrant and full of life in its youth, this outstanding wine will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 93

2017 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Three Palms Vineyard’ Merlot- The ‘Three Palms Vineyard’ Merlot by Duckhorn has been consistently one of the great wines of its kind out of Napa and it is hard to fathom that this particular wine has been made now for nearly forty vintages. The fantastic new 2017 edition was aged in 75% new French oak before bottling. Ripe dark fruits combine with shades of cocoa powder and anise that meld in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with layers of leather that combine with Black Forest Cake, mocha and tar tones that all impress. The combination of weight, freshness and texture here really entices. Sensational to enjoy right now in its youth, this great new wine will have a long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2040- 94

2017 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon is a great new wine that blends 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 12% Merlot, and just a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aged for sixteen months in 50% new French oak, this shows herbal undertones that collide with bright red fruits and shades of milk chocolate that all meld in the glass. The palate has a nice sense of texture and balance, with ripe dark kirsch and wild blackberry flavors that combine with the herbal and coffee ground flavors. The soft texture really adds to the enjoyment as this beautiful wine will be best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 91

2016 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from a host of great estate vineyards in the Rutherford AVA. Toasty oak wraps around roasted figs with black currants on this expressive nose. The palate shows a good combination of weight and texture, with a seamless quality that glides across the mid-palate. Ripe blackberry pie and mocha flavors parade with shades of tar and sandalwood on the palate. Expressive now, this beautiful wine will continue to evolve well for the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2035- 93

2016 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Three Palms Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2016 ‘Three Palms Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon leads with its black tea, Asian spice, black plum and dusty terroir aromatics that all sing together in the glass. The palate has wonderful power and balance, showing good purity of fruit. Cassis, anise, sandalwood, graphite and mocha flavors all marvelously combine — leading to the long and generous finish. Fantastic in its youth, enjoy this great Cabernet Sauvignon over the next two decades. Drink 2019-2038- 93

2016 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Howell Mountain;’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another fantastic release from this storied Napa house. On the nose this takes on dark chocolate shavings that combine with anise, damp earth and shades of blackberry pie that all mingle together. The palate has good weight and structure, showing off its boysenberry puree, Turkish coffee, and sweet pipe tobacco flavors. The combination of minerality and viscosity really impresses, as this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2035- 93

Gård Vintners

A fantastic producer of terroir-driven Washington red and white wines from the Royal Slope, Gård Vintners was founded by brothers Sandy and John Lawrence, who have farmed the Royal Slope for more than 50 years, along with John’s son Josh, who joined the operation in 2002. The winery is managed by Josh and his wife, Lisa, who oversees sales and marketing, while Josh oversees the vineyard and other farm and orchard operations. Currently Josh, Lisa and a host of others are petitioning to have the Royal Slope region become its own AVA as the wines from this terroir are quite different than those from nearby Wahluke Slope and other regions. Gård Vintners relies on the winemaking talents of Aryn Morell for their wines who has been at the helm since 2011. Aryn has a very methodical, scientific approach to his winemaking, as each wine has a beginning, middle and an end. He crafts some of the most consistently good wines in the state. 

I loved the new lineup for Gård Vintners across the board. Aryn has developed a sterling reputation for his Rose wines and his new 2019 Gård Vintners ‘Grand Klasse’ Rose (WWB, 91) shows wonderful texture and really good range as well. I loved his 2017 Gård Vintners ‘Vaucluse’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which is a classy wine at a great price, showing awesome terroir and smoky tones. Learn more about these great wines at gardvintners.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Gård Vintners.

2019 Gård Vintners ‘Grand Klasse’ Rose- The 2019 ‘Grand Klasse’ Rose delivers downright awesome rose water, melon and mineral tones on the palate. Beautifully textured with great tension and earthy undertones, this highly nuanced Rose will be best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2023- 91

2019 Gård Vintners ‘Freyja’ White Wine- The 2019 ‘Freyja’ shows pretty honeysuckle tones that connect with shades of pear and nectarine rind and gooseberry on this expressive nose. The freshness is great, as is the silky texture that delivers bright peach and green apple flavors with vanilla cream accents. Enjoy this in its youth while the bright veil of tension remains. Drink 2020-2024- 91

2017 Gård Vintners ‘Vaucluse’ Red Wine- The ‘Vaucluse’ shows pretty thyme and lavender tones that combine with the bright red fruits, citrus rind and bulls blood tones on the nose. The palate is seriously good, with downright awesome range from citrus rind and smoke to Hoisin sauce and floral tones with smoky accents. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2017 Gård Vintners ‘The Don’ Red Wine- ‘The Don’ is a great value wine that shows great balance with medium-bodied chocolate and black fruit tones, with a light salinity. Forward and delicious, enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2017 Gård Vintners ‘Winemaker’s Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Lawrence Vineyard, the ‘Winemaker’s Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers heady blackberry compote and mocha tones with sagebrush accents on the nose. The palate offers good freshness with a seamless texture. Medium to full bodied dark fruits alongside refined tannins line this great new wine that will cellar well for a decade or more to come. Drink 2020-2032- 92

Rasa Vineyards

‘I think these are some of the best wines we have made,’ Billo Naravane, MW proudly proclaimed. I think he was right. One of the most talented winemakers on the west coast and also one of the nicest people you will meet,  Billo Naravane, MW is the brilliant mastermind behind all Rasa Vineyards bottlings. Alongside his brother, Pinto Naravane, Billo crafts very precise and singular expressions of Washington State terroir. His new lineup of wines is truly one of the best in the state — from crisp Rieslings to inky Syrahs.

Billo Naravane initially was inspired by wine while working in the computer world and living Austin, Texas. During that time Billo was exposed to some of the finest wines in the world and he fully caught the wine bug. Finally, he and his brother, Pinto, made the bold decision to start Rasa Vineyards in 2007. My first exposure to these great wines was many years back when I was served a 2007 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED’ Syrah blind. I was absolutely mesmerized by the seamless quality of the wine. With a bachelor’s degree from MIT and a master’s degree from Stanford, Billo then studied viticulture an enology at UC Davis. He is now one of the few masters of wine (MW) in the world. The wines he crafts show tremendous texture, richness, poise and terroir — and are only getting better by each vintage. 

I loved these wines, mostly from the warm 2016 vintage, across the board. Billo has said that “2016 we cut the canopy back to slow the ripening and get good acidity. Even though this was one of our warmest years, we were able to get some really good acidity in the wine. We didn’t want to add any acid to the wines because we handed things in the vineyard so well.” 

The Bordeaux style wines all showed bright acidity despite the obvious heat of the vintage. Billo noted “Around July 20th I was tracking the heat units and at that time I went to the vineyard managements and I hedged the canopy by 30%, and they were all surprised. I needed to slow down ripening and every leaf o the vine is a sugar producing factory so then I would be ripening too fast. But making that call was a bit risky because we didn’t know what the weather was going to do but in hind sight this was the right call. We were able to maintain the fresh acidity.” 

I was blown away once again by the 2018 Rasa Vineyards ‘The Composer’ Riesling (WWB, 93) which is amongst the best of its kind in North America. The Syrah wines by Billo were just incredible and I loved the 2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘Principia Reserve’ Syrah (WWB, 96) which is a masterful effort that shows incredible aromatic and flavor range. 2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘For the Love of the Game’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 96) which is one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Washington that I have sampled over the past year. Learn more about this fantastic Walla Walla winery at rasavineyards.com Here are the gorgeous new wines by Rasa Vineyards. 

2018 Rasa Vineyards ‘The Composer’ Riesling- The 2018 Rasa Vineyards ‘The Composer’ shows marvelous acidity and texture that you want in a dry, one of a kind, Alsace style Riesling. Right out of the gate this Riesling shows petrol aromas with shades of Japanese pear and starfruit that mingle in the glass. The palate is bone dry with good freshness and texture. Lemon rind and unripe cantaloupe with baking spices dominate the palate. The exceedingly long finish lingers. While marvelous to enjoy in its youth, the combination of freshness and weight suggests this will cellar brilliantly for at least another eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2018 Rasa Vineyards ‘Dream Deferred’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Dream Deferred’ Chardonnay was sourced from the Frenchman Hills Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope AVA. Mango and ripe pineapple combine with shades of nectarine rind, cloves and vanilla cream on the nose. The palate shows terrific verve, with great depth and concentration. Layers of vanilla cream and banana mingle with baking spice infused Challah bread and nutty as well as damp earth undertones and a faint dusting of salinity. A complete wine, this is sinfully good in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2019 Rasa Vineyards ‘Occam’s Razor’ White Wine- The 2019 ‘Occam’s Razor’ white wine is a new wine made by Rasa Vineyards. The Pinot Gris is slightly pink-hued as this wine saw extended skin contact and shows a great bouquet of Macadamia nut and cantaloupe with shades of saline drenched pear. The palate is wonderfully textured, as this is round and generous, revealing a silky mouthfeel. Ripe nectarine and baked apple flavors mingle with minerals and vanilla cream tones on the palate. This is seriously good stuff for the price. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2018 Rasa Vineyards ‘Occam’s Razor’ Red Wine-  This awesome value blend shows smoky and sagebrush tones that meld with the core of dark fruits on the nose. The freshness is impressive as the wine delivers medium-bodied layers of dark berries with chocolate and sagebrush undertones on the palate. While not the most complex, this is delicious wine to savor in the short-term. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED Convergence’ Red Wine- A blend of mainly Syrah (69%) with smaller portions Mourvedre, Grenache and Viognier, this shows orange blossom with ripe red and dark fruits with chocolate and sandalwood tones on the nose.The palate is silky smooth with a voluptuous mouthfeel but the wine maintains a good degree of freshness. A light dusting of salinity runs thorough the core of red and dark fruits, with orange rind undertones. The freshness and sense of mouthfeel is outstanding. You have to admire the high tones of this wine from the Viognier that really add to the experience. A complete wine, this scintillating new release will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 94

2018 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED Reductio ad Absurdum’ Syrah- This Columbia Valley bottling shows gorgeous underbrush undertones alongside smoked brisket, dark currants and kirsch cordial tones that all mingle in unison on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant, showing a great veil of tension that runs through the core of dark currants, blackberry compote, creosote and cocoa powder flavors, with saline accents rounding out this great Syrah. Delicious in its youth, the ‘QED Reductio ad Absurdum’ Syrah will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2018 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED Choice Function’ Cabernet Franc- Sourced from mainly the Weinbau Vineyard (roughly 75%) with the remainder Firethorn Vineyard, the ‘Choice Function’ opens with pretty, high toned red rose petal tones with shades of red currants, cocoa powder and a hint of red bell pepper. Silky smooth through the mid-palate, the Cabernet Franc reveals a seamless mid-palate with a light dusting of salinity. This is impeccably balanced wine, and while not showing a massive weight this has some seriously good right bank appeal. Fantastic to enjoy in its youth, I can see the ‘Choice Function’ providing drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED The Strong Law’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘QED The Strong Law’ is a downright awesome wine that was sourced from a host of vineyards including Bacchus, Dionysus, DuBrul, and the Kiona Vineyard. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon with the reminder Merlot, the 2016 ‘QED The Strong Law’ shows toasty oak with black currants, florals, blackberry compote and mocha aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush, showing elegant tannins that line the layers black fruits with cocoa powder alongside great freshness and richness. This has a seamless effect mid-palate that is truly inviting, as the long finish lingers. Great to enjoy right now, the 2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED The Strong Law’ will provide drinking enjoyment for more than a decade to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Rasa Vineyards ‘Tilting At Windmills’ Red Wine- A truly great wine, the 2018 ‘Tilting at Windmills’ is superstar winemaker Billo Naravane, MW’s homage to the great wines of Priorat. Sourced from the ‘XL Vineyard’ this is a blend of mostly Grenache (54%) with the remainder near equal parts Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromatics jump out of the glass with pretty red rose petal tones that mingle with shades of with orange blossom and star jasmine that collide with the core of red and dark fruits. The palate is silky smooth with a soft mouthfeel and velvety texture. Layer of Bing cherry, cigar box and anise combine with the bright sense of minerality on the palate. The long finish lingers. Be sure to give this at least a one hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘Principia Reserve’ Syrah- Sourced from a core of old vine Bacchus, fruit with a touch coming from the Upland and SJR Vineyard, the 2016 ‘Principia Reserve’ is a barrel selection wine that saw extended barrel age before bottling. This was aged in 25% new French oak for 22 months before bottling and underwent 50% whole cluster fermentation.The nose is nearly intoxicating with its smoky and damp earth tones that combine with shades of black currant jelly and blackberry pie that all mingle in the glass. The palate is marvelously balanced, showing a silky texture and wonderful sense of mouthfeel. The mouth-watering acidity catches you off guard but in a good way. Fresh and vibrant, the weight here is also truly outstanding as this wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. This is Billo Naravane, MW, at his best. Drink 2020-2035- 96

2017 Rasa Vineyards ‘Veritas Sequitur’ Grenache/Syrah- This is the first year that Billo Naravane has made this incredible wine. The Grenache entirely aged in natural oak while the Syrah saw 20% new oak before bottling. The wine is a stunning blend of 71% Grenache with 29% Syrah which was entirely sourced from the ‘SJR Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. Pretty red rose petals, red cherry candy and orange rind combine with shades of Hoisin sauce and Umami tones on this exotic nose. The palate is silky smooth with wonderful freshness and a great sense of elegance. The seamless effect on the mid-palate is nothing short of captivating, as is the exceedingly long finish that provides the crescendo. Vibrant and youthful, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another decade — but why wait? Drink 2020-2028- 96

2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘Veritas Sequitur’ Syrah- The 2016 ‘Veritas Sequitur’ is a stunning wine that is truly one of a kind Syrah from the famed ‘SJR Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. Fermented in puncheons, the perfumed nose is snippy incredible with horse manure, white truffle, green olive tapenade, bacon fat and gobs of Umami that all sing in harmony in the glass. The aromatic range is truly profound and takes you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is silky smooth and seamless, as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Showing great texture, verve, weight and elegance, this wine truly has it all. Smoky and damp earth tones combine with seaweed, blood orange zest, smoked pork shoulder, and a core of red and dark fruits on the palate. The aromatic and flavor range is nothing short of magical. Sinfully good in its youth, this beautiful wine will provide drinking enjoyment for another decade. This is ‘wow factor’ stuff. Drink 2020-2028- 97

2017 Rasa Vineyards ‘Plus One’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 Rasa Vineyards ‘Pius One’ was entirely sourced from the Kiona Vineyard which was first planted in 1973. The wine was aged in 50% new oak and all four year stave barrels before bottling. Translucent in the glass, the nose shows highly perfumed aromatics with shades of potpourri and suggestions of baking spices that collide with a deep core of wild blackberry cobbler and mocha that all come together in the glass. Once on the mouth the wine is seamless, effortlessly gliding across the mid-palate. The palate shows refined tannins that line a deep core of dark fruit with loads of non-fruit flavors from herbal undertones to milk chocolate. This drinks like a great warm vintage left bank Bordeaux. With great length the gorgeous 2017 ‘Plus One’ has the potential to cellar well for decades. Drink 2020-2038- 95

2017 Rasa Vineyards ‘For The Love of the Game’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the ‘Wallula Vineyard’ this wine was aged in 60% new French oak prior to bottling. And after trying this beautiful wine I am somewhat surprised that this is translucent in color when you consider the great weight of the wine. Charcoal and anise with suggestions of baking spices, black currant jelly and Turkish coffee tones all entice on the nose. The wine has marvelous sense of balance and texture, creating a seamless effect. Full-bodied, yet elegant, the ‘For The Love of the Game’ shows pretty rose water undertones that meld with suggestions of pipe tobacco, Black Forest Cake, exotic spices and black currants. The length of the wine is truly exceptional. Seamless and simply magical to enjoy in its youth, the 2017 Rasa Vineyards ‘For The Love of the Game’ Cabernet Sauvignon will be extremely long lived. Be sure to give this at least a two hour decant if enjoying right now. Drink 2020-2040- 96

2016 Rasa Vineyards ‘Fianchetto’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the ‘XL Vineyard’ this is a massive, gorgeous wine by Billo Naravane. The wine is a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon with 29% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc. Aged entirely in 100% new French oak barrels, this nose is hedonistic and downright intoxicating. Layers of creme de cassis, red rose petals, anise, blackberry compote and tar all collide on the nose. The palate is silky smooth as this creates a seamless effect mid-palate. Layers of cocoa powder and blackberry pie connect with gobs of mouth-watering acidity, a light salinity and tar tones. This has an impeccable sense of balance. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth this stunning wine will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Be sure to give this a long decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2040- 95

Abeja

One of the most consistently producers of Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Washington State, I have long admired the wines of Abeja, founded by John Abbott. Set in the foothills of Walla Walla’s Blue Mountains, Abeja has seven luxury cottages, creeks, and gardens on the 32 acre property. Abeja relies on the winemaking talents of Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler. Both Dan and Amy have roughly a combined 30 years of winemaking experience. They work closely together on the wines and craft truly one of the great overall lineups of wine. 

An outstanding Chardonnay, the 2018 Abeja ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) shines with its great texture and a silky mouthfeel. This beautiful wine has some good cellaring potential. One of the outstanding Merlots made in Washington, the 2017 Abeja Merlot (WWB, 94) is dense, chewy and downright delicious right now, also having some massive cellaring potential. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://www.abeja.net/ Here are the great new wines by Abeja.

2018 Abeja ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay- Sourced from a host of vineyards, the 2018 ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay was aged for nine months in 100% new French oak before bottling. The nose is gorgeous with bright pear and citrus rind tones that mingle with vanilla cream and shades of baking spices that all march in unison in the glass. The palate is ripe and beautifully textured with layers of citrus zest, vanilla cream, baking spices and amazing length and tension. A light veil of salinity caps off what is truly an outstanding Chardonnay with some good aging potential. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2017 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- Sourced from a host of great vineyards this wine was aged in 48% new oak for nineteen months prior to bottling in May 2019. The tones of red bell pepper and milk chocolate covered Bing cherry sing with tobacco and sandalwood accents on this fantastic nose. The palate is silky smooth and remarkably textured, as this seamless wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Layers of red and dark fruits combine with coffee grounds and chocolate tones with sagebrush accents on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2017 ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot is a spectacular wine by a very talented winemaking team at Abeja. Be sure to give this a one hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2016 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon by the talented team of Amy and Dan Wampfler is a gorgeous effort from this warm vintage in Washington. The aromatic expression entices from pencil lead to mocha and sagebrush alongside a deep core of dark fruits on the nose. The palate is silky smooth, with a wonderfully soft texture. Rich cassis and mocha flavors collide with minerals and shades of anise on the palate. Round and generous, with great length, the 2016 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2040- 94

2017 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous new wine by Dan and Amy Wampfler. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this was aged in 45% new oak for 21 months before bottling. The palate is silky smooth, showing very refined tannins that line a deep core of dark fruits, chocolate fudge, baking spices and Turkish coffee flavors. While wonderfully balanced, this is deep, delicious wine that has plenty of hedonistic appeal. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this several hours of air. Drink 2021-2040- 94

Granville Wine Company

I love sharing new winery projects. A really exciting project out of Oregon, Granville Wine Company has its roots deeply rooted in Oregon viticulture. Jackson and Ayala Holstein founded their winery paying homage to Jackson’s father who was a viticulturist. As a child Jackson spent time pruning vines and washing bins and didn’t fall in love with Oregon wine until college when he and his wife found their calling. They began making wine as a hobby and also worked at wineries and traveled to international wine growing regions. 

They work with their father’s vineyard which they lease to craft really good wines. I was really impressed by their 2018 Granville Wine Company ‘Spirit Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 92) which is a famed site that Argyle has sourced from for so many years. This wine has great nutty tones alongside a great veil of tension. The best wine I tried was the 2018 Granville Wine Company ‘Holstein Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which is deep and dark, showing a silky mouthfeel and wonderful tension. Learn more about these great new wines at http://www.granvillewines.com Here are the new wine releases by Granville Wine Company. 

2018 Granville Wine Company ‘Spirit Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the famed ‘Spirit Hill Vineyard’ the 2018 Chardonnay shows buttercream and hazelnut tones alongside shades of Pink Lady apple on the nose. The freshness here is downright awesome as lemon vanilla cream and baked apple flavors combine with the nutty undertones. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2018 Granville Wine Company ‘Farmhouse Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- Layers of red fruits dance with peat moss and cardamom infused citrus rind tones on the nose. Fresh and nicely textured, this delivers a good range of bright red fruits with shades of peat moss and forest floor accents. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2018 Granville Wine Company ‘Murto Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Seaweed and bright red fruits fill the nose with shades of salted earth that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush and beautifully textured with delicate red fruits with great finesse and elegance. The fainter earthy tones add to the enjoyment. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2018 Granville Wine Company ‘Holstein Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Holstein Vineyard located in the Dundee Hills AVA, the day fruit tones really sing aromatically with damp volcanic earthy accents. The palate has gobs of mouth-watering acidity and freshness, showing deep layers of wild blackberry and huckleberry flavors with citrus rind and forest floor tones that entice. The silky mouthfeel accentuates this great new wine. Drink 2020-2030- 93