2020 Washington Merlot Report

As temperatures start to drop and football blares in the backgrounds, fall means a shift from white wine and rose to reds. Merlot is experiencing a solid comeback post-Sideways.  It was 2004 and I was sitting at a great restaurant in Seattle when my father ordered a 2000 Leonetti Merlot. As a graduate student I was slowly advancing my wine education and I was struck by the pillowy texture of this incredible wine. I won’t soon forget that seminal moment of exploring top notch Washington Merlot. 

This report highlights some of the great Merlot wines produced in Washington. Merlot is one of the great varietals that the state produces and it can certainly be argued that Merlot is what Washington does best. For me, I think the AVAs produce quite divergent wines. Merlot from Yakima Valley is typically higher-toned with bright red cherry tones, lacking the black, even blue fruit that you can see on Red Mountain and certainly lacking the scorched earth, tar or even creosote tones. 

Over the past year I have had the chance to taste some of the greats from Washington. I adore the 2016 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Merlot (OB, 96) which is dense, layered and has massive cellaring potential. One of the great Leonetti Merlots that I have tried, the 2018 Leonetti Merlot (OB, 95) is really just an infant now and needs a few more years of bottle age. Conversely the 2017 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot (OB, 94) is silky and expressive right out of the gate, showing great structure, mid-palate weight and smooth tannins. I both the 2015 Andrew Will ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Red Wine (OB, 94) and the 2017 Avennia ‘Valery’ Red Wine (OB, 94) for different reasons, the Andrew Will being inky brooding and more non-fruit note driven and the Avennia being quite pretty and floral with deep tones coming into play mid-palate. Also don’t miss on outrageously good new Merlots by Doubleback (OB, 94) and Passing Time (OB, 94) with NFL legends connecting with superstar winemakers on both projects.

The pandemic has brought plenty of stress and confusion but based on the quality of Merlot wines that Washington currently offers, you can be sure to have a great glass as we move into cooler temperatures and socially distance at home. 

A’MAURICE CELLARS

2017 a’Maurice Cellars ‘Night Owl’ Red Wine- The a’Maurice 2017 Night Owl is a blend of 56% Merlot with 21% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The herbal, red bell pepper and deep, concentrated dark fruits from the Petit Verdot really make this blend work, as softer layers of chocolate and black cherry cordial from the Merlot also add to the enjoyment. These working pieces are moving hand in hand. If enjoying in its youth, give the 2017 ‘Night Owl; a long decant. Drink 2020-2035- 93

ABEJA

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

ANDREW WILL

2015 Andrew Will ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Red Wine- One of the famed sites in Washington, the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is located in the Red Mountain AVA. A blend of mainly Merlot (63%) with 37% Cabernet Franc, this shows layers of blackberries and black currants that dance with suggestions of dark chocolate shavings and sagebrush that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft, round and generous, showing gorgeous creme de cassis, mocha, tar and blackberry cobbler flavors, alongside a bright sense of minerality. This is seriously good considering the heat spikes incurred at this location in 2015. Simply put, the wine is downright awesome now and will evolve well for another ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

AVENNIA

2017 Avennia ‘Valery’ Red Wine- A gorgeous Right Bank style blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 ‘Valery’ opens with a highly perfumed bouquet of red currants and Black Forest Cake with a light dusting of white pepper and espresso bean that all come together in the glass. The palate is not only silky smooth but shows great elegance, finesse and viscosity. The weight of the wine really provides a layer of hedonistic enjoyment as bright Bing cherry and mocha flavors come together with shades of sandalwood, exotic spices and black tea on the palate. Fresh and vibrant, yet having great richness, this beautiful wine will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Try to give this a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2038- 94

BAER WINERY

2016 Baer ‘Star’ Merlot- This great 100% Merlot wine was entirely sourced from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. Not really needing a decant at tall, the ‘Star; is soft, round and generous, as the Merlot yields a silky, pillowy mouthfeel that entices. A light dusting of salinity falls upon a deep core of red fruits with milk chocolate and sagebrush undertones. Outstanding in its youth, the highly elegant 2016 ‘Star’ will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 93

BETZ FAMILY WINERY 

2018 Betz Family Winery ‘Clos de Betz’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Clos de Betz’ is a compelling blend of 55% Merlot with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Petit Verdot. The wine shows nice herbal tones on the nose with the core of dark fruits, coffee grounds and chocolate. The texture is soft and seamless with bright acidity that really entices. Layers of dark fruits and Turkish coffee line the palate, with marvelous length and a great feeling of tension. This is seriously good for the price. Drink 2020-2033- 93

DAMA WINES

2017 DAMA Wines Merlot- The 2017 DAMA Wines Merlot was sourced from the esteemed ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Valley. The nose is classic Walla Walla Merlot with its sagebrush and red currant tones that mingle with ripe blackberry and coffee ground tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate has a kiss of sweetness that connects with copious minerals and ripe red and dark fruits, with tobacco leaf and milk chocolate undertones. This is seriously good now, as the 2017 DAMA Wines Merlot will provide drinking enjoyment for the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 91

DELILLE CELLARS

2017 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine- The awesome 2017 ‘D2’ delivers copious red and dark fruits with chocolate and sagebrush tones on the palate. Plush texturally and full-bodied, this shows even more opulence and mouthfeel after an hour of air. Great to enjoy right now, this outstanding effort will be best enjoyed over the next eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 92

DOUBLEBACK

2018 Doubleback Merlot- This is the inaugural vintage of this wine that adds a layer of spice to the beautiful Doubleback lineup. Needing an hour decant to fully evolve, once aroused this shows layers of cassis and mocha, with tar and underbrush on this beautiful nose. The palate is dense, plush and polished, with a great sense of viscosity and acidity. Layers of blackberries and tar are woven together with sagebrush, dark chocolate shavings and graphite flavors. Intense and rich, with a Pomerol like balance, this great new Merlot will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Try to resist this beautiful wine for another year or so. Drink 2021-2038- 94

DUNHAM CELLARS

2016 Dunham Cellars Merlot- Sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, the 2016 Merlot is a wine club only wine that has beautiful, silky tannins. Layers of blackberry compote and black cherry cordial combine with shades of milk chocolate and coffee grounds. This is seriously good stuff that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 92

EFESTĒ

2018 EFESTĒ ‘Upright’ Merlot- The ‘Upright’ Merlot was sourced from the ‘Taylor Mag Vineyard’ on Red Mountain. Once on the nose this takes on ripe red cherry cordial, woven together with creosote, coffee grounds and shades of milk chocolate that all take shape in the glass. The palate is dense and chewy with gorgeous red and dark fruits with dark chocolate shavings, mocha and creosote tones. Delicious to savor right now in its glorious youth, this beautiful Merlot has at least another decade ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 93

GRAMERCY CELLARS

2017 Gramercy Cellars ‘Gramercy Estate’ Red Wine- This is the second edition of this wine which was sourced from mostly the JB George Vineyard as well as the Octave Vineyard. Aged for twenty two months in 40% new French oak, the nose leads with toasty oak that gently wraps around blackberry compote, coffee grounds, graphite and dark currants. The palate is silky smooth, giving off an err of opulence with its wonderfully plush texture. The length of the wine really entices, finishing exceedingly long with black fruits, sagebrush and minerals. A long ager, this has another fifteen years or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

KONTOS CELLARS

2017 Kontos Cellars Merlot- The nose is quite decadent with ripe dark currants that mingle with cigar box, red cherry cordial and shades of black tea and exotic spices on this great bouquet. The palate has a soft mouthfeel and great length with rich dark fruits that mingle with minerals and smoky undertones. This is sturdy Merlot that should cellar well for another ten plus years. Drink 2020-2030- 92

L’ECOLE NO. 41

2017 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot- The 2017 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot is sourced in equal parts from the Seven Hills Vineyard and Ferguson Vineyard. Needing an hour in the decanter to be fully aroused, once awoken you experience dark currants and sandalwood aromatics, woven together with with shades of milk chocolate and roasted figs. The palate is fresh and vibrant with intense tannins that collide with the core of dark fruits, espresso bean and violets on the palate. With incredible tension and solid viscosity, this sturdy Merlot will enjoy a long life in the cellar. Drink 2022-2035- 93

LEONETTI CELLAR

2018 Leonetti Cellar Merlot- This outstanding 100% Merlot was largely sourced from the Loess Vineyard (66%) with smaller portions from the Mill Creek Upland and their 40-year-old original block at the Leonetti winery. Needing a two hour decant to fully open, the 2018 Leonetti Merlot slowly unveils layers of toasty oak that are woven together with black cherry cordial, sagebrush and milk chocolate tones that all come together in the glass. The silky texture truly impresses, as the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Cocoa powder dusted red cherries greet you, while flavors of underbrush, damp earth and espresso bean all enliven the senses. A complete wine, the 2018 Leonetti Cellar Merlot will enjoy a long life in the cellar. Try to resist this stunning new wine for at least another two years. Drink 2022-2040- 95

LONG SHADOWS

2016 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Pedestal’ is a monumental effort from this famed Walla Walla house. A blend of 75% Merlot with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, this was aged in 85% new French oak barrels for 22 months before bottling. The nose is hedonistic and gratifying with layers of toasty oak that wrap around the core of kirsch cordial, chocolate covered espresso bean and tobacco leaf tones that all meld in the glass. The mouthfeel is both pillowy and voluptuous as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Chocolate covered cherries, pipe tobacco and Turkish coffee flavors mingle with garrigue and creosote undertones on this complex palate. The generous length adds to the enjoyment. While enchanting to savor in its youth, the 2016 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ has another two decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 96

MARK RYAN

2018 Mark Ryan ‘Little Sister’ Merlot- Entirely sourced from Red Mountain, this beautiful new wine shows ripe red cherry dusted with cocoa powder and shades of black tea, anise and sagebrush tones that all mingle together. The palate is vibrant showing great weight and freshness. Layers of ripe dark fruits meld with chocolate, sagebrush and earthy undertones of the wine. Ripe and downright delicious to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine has another decade or more of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 93

MATTHEWS  

2017 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Merlot- The 2017 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Merlot shows off its deep hue in the glass, delivering Black Forest Cake and sagebrush tones that combine with black licorice and graphite tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, showing a great sense of freshness and verve. Medium to full-bodied dark fruits mingle with minerals, sagebrush, coffee grounds and chocolate tones alongside fine grained tannins on the palate. This has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2035- 93

NORTHSTAR

2016 Northstar ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- I’ve been enjoying this bottling since the 2002 vintage and the 2016 edition by the talented David Merfeld really impresses with its silky texture, polished tannins and depth.This edition has a whopping 24% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in.  Coming off soft, round and generous, a light dusting of salinity falls on the core of red and dark fruits with shades of garrigue, tar and mocha that meld together on the palate. Complex and delicious to enjoy in its youth, this has some nice potential for the cellar. Drink 2020-2032- 92

PASSING TIME

2018 Passing Time ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Merlot- The 2018 Passing Time ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Merlot beautifully showcases this outstanding site and vintage. Once on the nose the bouquet of ripe chocolate covered dark kirsch tones combining with sandalwood, sagebrush and hints of cassis all meld seamlessly in the glass. Once on the mouth there is a sensational purity of fruit and sense of elegance, as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Deep dark fruits are woven together with tobacco leaf, dark currants and graphite tones on the palate. Fantastic now, the 2018 ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Merlot will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Drink 2020-2036- 94

PEPPER BRIDGE

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

SEVEN HILLS

2017 Seven Hills ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot- The 2017 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot shows rich layers of toasty oak that wrap around a deep core of dark fruits and chocolate that all take shape in the glass. Medium to full-bodied blackberry and sagebrush flavors collide with minerals and suggestions of mocha. This is really good in its youth and will evolve well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2029- 91

SLEIGHT OF HAND

2016 Sleight of Hand ‘The Archimage Reserve’ Red Wine- The ‘Archimage Reserve’ is a gorgeous blend of Cabernet Franc (50%) and Merlot (47%) with just a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. Toasty oak wraps around a deep core of dark fruits on the nose. The soft texture is seriously good as deep chocolate covered dark cherry and mocha flavors meld with the tar and sagebrush undertones. Delightful in its youth, this will provide drinking enjoyment for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2019-2032- 93

SPRING VALLEY

2016 Spring Valley ‘Uriah’ Red Wine- The ‘Uriah’ is named after Uriah Corkrum who was born in Walla Walla on June 1, 1866, and began successfully farming on his own during the 1880s. The wine is a fantastic blend of 59% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec that was aged in 100% French oak (25% new) prior to bottling. The red bell pepper and sagebrush tones entice and meld with the shades of black licorice, exotic spices and deep dark fruits that all collide in the glass. The palate shows a soft texture ands silky mouthfeel, delivering rich dark fruits with milk chocolate covered espresso bean and herbal undertones. Wonderful in its youth, the ‘Uriah’ will provide drinking enjoyment for the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

UPCHURCH VINEYARD

2016 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Counterpart’ Red Wine- A compelling blend of 65% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, the ‘Counterpart’ opens with a bouquet of toasty oak with red bell pepper, red cherry preserves and shades of mocha aromas that fill the glass. Silky smooth on the mouth, the wine shows really good elegance. Black and red fruit flavors dance with a great sense of minerality. A long-ager, this will continue to evolve for the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2033- 93

WOODWARD CANYON



2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Merlot- Sourced from both an older (23 year old) and newer block, the Merlot shows black cherry and black currants that mingle with Asian spices and pipe tobacco on the nose. The palate is soft, round and generous with a silky mouthfeel. Layers of kirsch cordial and allspice connect with chocolate and black plum on the palate. Downright delicious even at this juncture, this beautiful wine has at least another decade of aging to go. Drink 2020-2032- 92

Schloss Lieser

The estate of Schloss Lieser and its top site, the Niederberg Helden, produced some famous wines in the first part of the 20th Century.In the 1970s that the estate was struggling with ownership changes and quality in the glass. In 1992 Thomas Haag saw the potential of this winery and was particularly was enchanted by the Niederberg Helden site right on the Mosel. Just south out of the village of Lieser, the Niederberg Helden is set on a plateau and has excellent drainage. Schloss Lieser have about 9.5 hectares of vines planted including a five acre parcel on the Niederberg Helden site and 1.7 hectares in Brauneberg with some smaller parcels in the Graacher Himmelreich and the Bernkasteler Schlossberg. The site even has a classy hotel located amongst the vineyards on the Mosel.

I loved the two releases by Schloss Lieser that I sampled, the 2017 Schloss Lieser ‘Niederberg Helden Trocken GG’ Riesling (OB, 94) has incredible balance and a great veil of tension with a rich texture. This beautiful wine has decades to go. Learn more about this famed estate at https://en.weingut-schloss-lieser.de Here are two great wines by Schloss Lieser. 

2017 Schloss Lieser ‘Niederberg Helden Trocken GG’ Riesling- Sourced from this vineyard located in Lieser and set on Devonian slate, the 2017 ‘Niederberg Helden Trocken GG’ is showing seriously good weight and density upon entry. The tension cuts through the core of green apple, green papaya and wet slate tones on the palate. Fresh and vibrant, drinking beautifully in its youth, this has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2013 Schloss Lieser ‘Niederberg Helden Auslese Goldkapsel’ Riesling- The texture here really sings with an unctuous feel. Shades of petrol and brandy soaked pear mingle with apricot jelly and ripe pineapple on this complex palate. The minerality at this stage is starting to slow a bit, as this is right at its peak. Drink 2020-2025- 93

Liminal Wine

An unabashed terroir junkie, I love great new winery projects that showcase a great vineyard. In a short amount of time the ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ has become one of the hallowed sites in Washington State viticulture. The vineyard itself is perched on the windswept ridgeline of Red Mountain in Washington State and is planted to 30 acres of Rhône, Bordeaux, and Spanish varieties. Quite diverse, the vineyard ranges from 950’ to 1410’ of elevation, and has extreme slopes and soils ranging from dune sand to fractured bedrock basalt. The talented Ryan Johnson serves as vineyard manager, having previously managed the esteemed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard for 15 years

Liminal wines sought to focus on this individual vineyard, using superstar winemaker Chris Peterson of Avennia fame, to craft these single vineyard, sometimes single block wines. Chris sees the ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ as ‘the new frontier’ and I would agree that the terroir captured in these wines is really extraordinary. I was blown away with the 2018 Liminal ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Viognier (OB, 94) which has tremendous tension and is silky smooth throughout. This is one of the great Viognier wines made in Washington. Even better was the pillowy 2018 Liminal ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 95) which shows good density but also a lithe sense of minerality and really good range. Elegant and vibrant, this will enjoy another ten plus years ahead of it. Finally, I wanted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Marty Taucher and Chris Peterson on this exceptional new wine project. It isn’t easy starting a project winery like Liminal let along being a pioneering force upon release, so kudus to you both and your vision. Learn more at https://www.liminalwine.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Liminal Wines. 

2018 Liminal ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Viognier- The 2018 ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Viognier is a stunning effort by the talented Chris Peterson. Honeysuckle and pear tones collide with smoky minerals and shades of orange blossom that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and beautifully textured. Smooth throughout the drinking experience this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Vanilla cream and toasted hazelnut tones combine with ripe banana and mango tones giving this plenty of exotic appeal. Dense, with great viscosity, I can see this cellaring well for another eight years. Drink 2020-2027- 94

2018 Liminal ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Grenache- Sourced from this site high atop Red Mountain, the 2018 ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Grenache was aged for sixteen months in neutral puncheons and barriques before bottling. Pretty red rose petals mingle with orange rind, red cherry candy and underbrush tones on the nose. The palate is silky smooth, giving off an incredible sense of elegance. Lithe and light on its feet, this dances across the mid-palate delivering red rose water and cran-orange tones alongside a wonderful veil of tension and lighter damp earth and garrigue undertones. The seamless texture and gratifying length really add to the drinking experience as this beautiful wine has another decade or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 95

2018 Liminal ‘WeatherEye Vineyard GSM’ Red Wine- The ‘GSM’ is a compelling blend of 42% Grenache alongside 38% Mourvedre and the remainder Syrah.  The aromatic range is really good, from white pepper tones and garrigue alongside smoked meats, blackberry cobbler and mocha accents that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows a good degree of freshness, viscosity and elegance. Ripe red currants collide with minerals, smoke, beef fat and menthol on the palate. Akin to the other Liminal wines, this is exceedingly gratifying to consume with its silky texture and elegance. Simply outstanding in its youth, this beautiful wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 94

2018 Liminal ‘High Canyon’ Syrah- The 2018 Liminal ‘High Canyon’ Syrah was stored for sixteen months in 25% new French oak and 50% 500L puncheons before bottling. Smoky tones and soy sauce aromatics combine with wild blackberry cordial, garrigue and shades of smoked brisket that all mingle in the glass. The palate is soft, round and generous as this effortlessly glides throughout. Rich dark figs and blackberry compote collide with Korean BBQ beef ribs, Umami and sagebrush tones on the palate. Utterly sensational right now to savor, this ‘wow’ factor Syrah has another decade of life to go. Drink 2020-2032- 95

2018 Liminal ‘Block 16’ Syrah- The ‘Block 16’ at the WeatherEye Vineyard is the highest planting at this site. North-facing, it is incredibly tightly spaced unlike any site on Red Mountain. A glass-staining purple, this opens with violets and smoked brisket alongside shades of boysenberry liquor and dried Provencale herbs that all meld in the glass. The palate is plush, showing a good depth and concentration but also a seamless texture. Ripe dark fruits mingle with smoky and dried herbal tones on the palate. The combination of bright acidity and texture brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Sensational now in its youth, this silky wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 94

Two Vintners

A harvest visit to Two Vintners brought me some really great smelling ferments across their brand new space in Maltby. My gracious host for the afternoon, Morgan Lee is one of the nicest guys you will meet. A former Purdue grad, Morgan is fun loving but very serious in his winemaking. There’s a good reason why Paul Ziterelli connected with him to craft wines for Block Wines — Morgan’s an incredibly talented winemaker. Previously interning at Columbia Crest, Morgan makes a range of outstanding wines, including one, if not the best, Zinfandel in Washington.

I loved the new 2018 Two Vintners ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Grenache Blanc (OB, 93) which is truly one of the great wines of its kind in North America. This wine has a silky texture and marvelous veil of tension. A great value, the  2018 Two Vinters ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache (OB, 92) is fresh and vibrant with a soft mouthfeel and pillowy texture. I was crazy for the 2017 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Stones’ Syrah (OB, 94) which is wonderfully stony and shows amazing range from the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. Learn more about these great new releases at https://twovintners.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Two Vintners. 

2017 City Limits Red Wine- A touch sweet, this delivers straightforward blackberry and black cherry flavors with a good mineral backbone. Drink 2020-2024- 88

2017 City Limits ‘Detour’ Red Wine- The ‘Detour’ shows good concentration from the 10% Petite Sirah blended into Caberent Sauvignon. Medium bodied dark chocolate and mocha flavors connect with minerals on the palate. Drink 2020-2024- 89

2018 City Limits Syrah- The terroir here really shines as medium bodied red cherry and smoked brisket tones connect with shades of citrus rind on the palate. This shows really good balance and value. Drink 2020-2024- 89

2018 City Limits Chardonnay- The balance here is really good as buttered popcorn and lemon curd flavors mingle with shades of Pink Lady apple on the palate. This is a really good value. Drink 2020-2024- 89

2019 City Limits Roussanne- The freshness here really makes this shine as lip-smacking acidity connects with kiwi, pink grapefruit and melon tones on the palate. Seriously good, enjoy over the next several years. Drink 2020-2023- 90

2018 City Limits Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 City Limits Cabernet Sauvignon shows sagebrush tones with the core of dark fruits and dark chocolate on the nose. The palate is well-balanced with its dark fruit flavors but lacking a bit in concentration, coming off a touch sweet. Drink 2020-2024- 87

2017 McCarthy & Schering Red Wine- A blend of mostly Grenache (75%) with smaller portions Cinsault and Syrah this shows wonderful high tones from the lemon blossom and sour red fruits that dance with smoky minerals on the nose. The palate has good freshness and a lovely sense of mouthfeel. Layers of pomegranate seed and red cherry candy dance with the salty, earthy and smoky undertones of the wine. Enjoy this fantastic value wine over the next seven years. Drink 2020-2027- 91

2018 Make Haste Cinsault- Smoky and bright, this shows orange rind and bacon fat tones that collide with shades of wet asphalt on this evocative nose. The palate is wonderfully fresh, with great acidity and a light dusting of salinity that falls upon the very pretty red fruit profile. This definitely punches above its weight class. Drink 2020-2027- 91

2019 Two Vintners ‘Das Riesling’ Riesling- Sourced from the ‘Olsen Vineyard’ this ‘Trocken’ style Riesling shows bright lemon zest and kiwi with gooseberry and green apple tones on the palate, with wet stone accents. The minerality here is fabulous. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 Two Vintners Grenache Blanc- The 2019 Two Vintners Grenache Blanc shows fantastic vibrancy with great acidity and a light veil of salinity that runs through the core of kiwi, lemon rind, Gravenstein apple and gooseberry flavors. Fresh and vibrant, enjoy right now on a hot day. Drink 2020-2024- 92

2019 Two Vintners ‘Weather Eye Vineyard’ Grenache Blanc- the 2019 ‘Weather Eye Vineyard’ Grenache Blanc is a sensational effort, unlike any other Washington Grenache Blanc that I have sampled. The texture, mouthfeel and weight of the wine is gorgeous,  as is the bright acidity at its core. Honeydew melon, green papaya and lychee flavors come to mind. This is nearly impossible to resist right now but given the weight and acidity, I can imagine this cellaring well for another seven years. Drink 2020-2027- 93

2018 Two Vintners ‘From Mars’ White Wine- The 2018 ‘From Mars’ blends Picpoul (55%) with Marsanne (44%) and Grenache Blanc (3%). The wine opens up incredible flavor and aromatic range. Tropical fruits mingle with melon, wet stone, and even wild mushroom flavors. The vibrant acidity and seamless texture really make this sing. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2019 Two Vintners ‘O.G.’ Gewurtztraminer- The ‘O.G. is an orange wine crafted from ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Gewurtztraminer. Highly fragrant, chamomile tea and banana leaf tones connect with pretty star jasmine and green apple on the nose. The texture and length of the wine is every bit outstanding as highly gratifying tropical tones mingle with cantaloupe and minerals on the palate. The weight and acidity suggest some nice cellaring potential here. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2018 Two Vintners ‘Claire’ Grenache- Sourced from the esteemed Boushey Vineyard, this limited production bottling shows wet stone and Umami tones that connect well with the core of pretty pomegranate seed and red raspberry tones aromatically. The palate is lithe with its silky mouthfeel and great feeling of elegance. Bright red fruits dance with blood orange, charcuterie and damp stone flavors alongside the good feeling of tension. Bright and delicious to enjoy right now, this has another seven to ten years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2018 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache- The 2018 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache is an awesome wine for the price. Right away the guava and red currant tones entice, woven together with Asian spices and earthy undertones on this complex bouquet. The palate is complex and rich, with an err of decadence. Bright red fruits dance with shades of orange rind, wild mushroom and damp earth in this highly Pinoesque Grenache. Fantastic in its youth this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2017 Two Vintners ‘Lola’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Lola’ is a Provence style blend of 64% Syrah with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine comes of quite fresh with layers of red currant jelly, cigar box, and bright red florals that mingle with shades of smoked meats. Delicious in its youth, enjoy this great wine over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2027- 91

2017 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- Inky once in the glass, the 2017 ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah sheds rich dark fruits that are woven together with anise, baking spices and shades of smoked brisket on this fantastic nose. The palate is elegant and wonderfully balanced. Ripe dark currants mingle with sage, blackberry compote and exotic spices on the palate. The length and bright acidity really makes this tick. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2017 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Diamonds’ Syrah- Sourced from the ‘Discovery Vineyard’ this shows potpourri tones that provide immediate appeal, with its core of dark fruits and tar on the bouquet. The palate is fresh and vibrant with racy acidity and good weight. Bright blueberries collide with smoke, minerals, sagebrush and blackberry cordial on the palate. The length makes this really imrpessive. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2017 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Stones’ Syrah- The ‘Some Days Are Stones’ is sourced from the esteemed ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. The wonderfully stony character really impresses as pretty red currants dance with blood orange rind, Umami and green olive tapenade on this seductive nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and elegant, with a soft mouthfeel and silky texture. Wild blackberry and Yakima cherry flavors connect well with the wet stone, Hoisin sauce and charcuterie tones on the palate. The mouthfeel and finish really provide an added layer of decadence, as this gorgeous new Syrah is singing at the three year mark and will provide drinking enjoyment for another eight plus years. Drink 2020-2028- 94

2017 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- Nicely balanced, the 2017 ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot reveals a good core of dark fruits with milk chocolate and sagebrush tones alongside the veil of tension. Medium-bodied, enjoy this over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 91

2017 Two Vintners ‘Legit’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Legit’ starts off with layers of mocha, cassis and sagebrush tones that all meld in the glass. The palate has good vibrant tension that cutes through the core of dark currants, blackberry compote and coffee grounds, with firm tannins holding everything in place. This is beautiful stuff that has another decade or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 92

2017 Two Vintners ‘Sal’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Sal’ was sourced from the ‘Discovery Vineyard’ in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The nose is glorious with the cassis tones, woven together with exotic spices, sagebrush and espresso bean. The palate has firm tannins that connect the core of dark fruits, dark chocolate shavings and Turkish coffee tones. With great length, this deep yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2017 Two Vintners ‘Stone Tree Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Despite weighting in at 16.5% alcohol, the bright acidity doesn’t make you notice the high levels. Fresh and vibrant, the core of red and dark fruits mingle with smoky and earthy undertones of the wine. Lightly tannic, this downright awesome, one of a kind Zinfandel will enjoy a decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2019 Covington Cellars ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Lemon zest and vanilla cream brûlée tones fill the nose. The palate is rich and nicely textured, with great poise, orchard fruits and an extremely long finish that gratifies. This will cellar well for the next seven years, picking up nutty and earthy tones as it rests. Drink 2020-2027- 91

2017 Covington Cellars ‘Lawson’ Red Wine- Mostly Merlot with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2017 ‘Lawson’ Red Wine shows sandalwood with garrigue and blackberry cordial on the nose. The palate has good freshness and length with medium bodied dark fruit flavors with chocolate and sagebrush undertones. Drink 2020-2028- 91

2017 Covington Cellars ‘Franc’ Cabernet Franc- Lovely red bell pepper tones connect with the core of dark fruits and chocolate fudge on the nose. The palate is silky and soft, with a great feeling of elegance. The length really entices as layers of bell pepper and dark chocolate shavings connect with boysenberry compote on the palate. This is fantastic stuff that can cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2016 Covington Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Franc- The 2016 Covington Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Franc shows fresh herbs that combine with red bell pepper, blackberry pie and mocha tones on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with good length and verve, this beautiful wine has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2028- 91

Kobayashi

A few years back I wrote that Travis Allen is one of the great up and coming winemakers in Washington State. Based on his track record of past releases, I would say that he has firmly cemented himself as one of the state’s great winemakers. A nurse-anesthetist by trade, Allen has taken the Washington wine scene by storm with his unique, single vineyard bottlings that are made in very small quantities. These wines are highly poised, showing incredible finesse and terroir. 

Allen relies on famed Rhone stalwart Yves Gangloff as his consultant. His new wines are nothing short of extraordinary. Years ago when I first met Allen I was immediately intrigued by his confidence and wine knowledge. And my initial intrigue came not only from my background as a wine journalist but as a clinical psychologist. When I tasted these two new white wines I am reminded by what Allen mentioned when we first met. ‘There are too many people doing the same thing in Washington,’ Allen said with conviction. ‘I want to do something different.’ Learn more at https://kobayashiwinery.com Without further adieu, here are my reviews of the nothing short of scintillating new wines by Kobayashi winery. 

2019 Kobayashi ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Viognier- One of the most exciting spots to grow grapes, located on a high elevation, northern facing site on Red Mountain, the ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ is carefully maintained by former Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Manager Ryan Johnson. Showing better range at a warmer temperature, right away the layers of honeysuckle and ripe banana offer intrigue, mingling with orange blossom and Japanese pear tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is beautifully textured as this wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Silky smooth throughout the drinking experience, the 2019 ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ delivers ripe white peach, salted Macadamia nut, starfruit, vanilla cream and papaya tones, giving this an exotic edge. The weight and finesse is extraordinary here as this beautiful wine is absolutely gorgeous to savor in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for another eight to ten years. Drink-2020-2028- 95

2019 Kobayashi ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Marsanne- The 2019 ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Marsanne is nothing short of an insanely good effort by superstar winemaker Travis Allen. Aged in new French Oak as well as used French Acacia wood barrels and needing a one hour decant to be fully expressive, once aroused this takes the lead with layers of lychee and cinnamon infused baked apple tones that combine with roasted pineapple and nutty undertones on this gratifying bouquet. The palate is sinfully good, with a silky texture, rich mouthfeel and bright beam of acidity that provides exquisite balance. Rich buttercream tones combine with damp earth, honeydew melon, Pazazz apple and copious minerals on the palate. While showing plenty of weight, this is extremely light on its feet, this deftly walks the tightrope  giving this a very Hermitage Blanc feel. Utterly sensational in its youth, this will cellar well for a decade or more to come. Drink 2020-2030- 96

WALT Wines

One of the great California producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, WALT was named after Kathryn’s parents, Bob and Dolores Walt who were originally vintners and were  a source of daily inspiration for her. WALT Wines sources from some Pacific Coast's most distinctive vineyards from Sonoma to Oregon. This unique winery project really showcases unique terroirs. I have been really impressed with the wines coming from this house and in particular those sourced from their estate vineyard, Bob’s Ranch, which is located in the Petaluma Wind Gap near Sebastapol. This site was purchased by the HALLs and has been producing some absolutely epic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that rivals anything out of Sonoma. The wines from this site are big, beautiful and full of bright acidity.

The new wines were sensational across the board. I absolutely loved their new 2018 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is dense with incredible viscosity and a bright beam of acidity. I was crazy about the 2018 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is a match made in heaven for any serious collector of California Pinot Noir. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.waltwines.com Here are the beautiful new wines by WALT.

2018 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay- This shows a big nose with creme brûlée and Meyer lemon zest with shades of baking spices that complete the seductive aromatics. The mouthfeel is gorgeous here with layers of buttercream, toasted hazelnuts, ripe apricot and shades of nutmeg infused Challah bread. This carries a slight salty nuance. Ripe and seductive, yet showing a good veil of acidity, the wine is gorgeous in its youth and has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 94

2018 WALT ‘Blue Jay’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from an area just outside of Boonville in the Anderson Valley AVA, this Pinot Noir shows damp earthy tones that mingle with shades of wild blackberry and black cherry on the nose. The palate is plush with great texture and bright red and dark fruits that mingle with shades of cola and baking spices. With a great sense of mouthfeel and acidity, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2018 WALT ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Dick Shea was a former Wall Street investor that decided to move and invest in the Willamette Valley. WALT has now been working with the ‘Shea Vineyard’ since 2010. The earthy tones come alive immediately as the core of red and dark fruits march with shades of blood orange zest. The palate is soft and shows a great sense of mouthfeel. Layers of pretty rose water tones combine with peat moss and ripe red raspberry and with wet stone accents. Full bodied and downright delicious to consume in its youth, this outstanding bottling will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 94

2018 WALT ‘La Brisa’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘La Brisa’ Pinot Noir is sourced from several Sonoma Coast AVA vineyards, with a substantial portion coming from ‘Bob’s Ranch.’ Cran-cola and orange rind tones combine with shades of peat moss on this exotic nose. The palate is plush with gobs of mouth-watering acidity with the feeling of texture is really good. Layers of rich dark fruits combine with peat moss and suggestions of salted orange rind and cola tones on the palate. With exotic spices notes and a long finish, this great new Pinot Noir will cellar well for the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2018 WALT ‘Clos Pepe’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Clos Pepe’ Pinot Noir is another gorgeous wine by HALL. Many years back this vineyard was leased by HALL, planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this 26 acre parcel. You have to love the salty character on the nose with its bright red fruits and shades of blood orange rind. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great acidity and length. The mouth-watering acidity entices as does the sour red fruits that dance with minerals and forest floor tones. Complete and gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this great new wine will cellar well for the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 94

2018 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Pinot Noir- Bob’s Ranch is a site purchased by the HALLs and the wine is a barrel selection wine. The vineyard was planted for them with varied clones and rootstocks, as this vineyard has a very diverse Pinot Noir selections. The first vintage of this wine was in 2014. The elegance of the wine and seamless texture is simply magical. This shows gorgeous dark fruits with cola and citrus rind tones, with a err of salinity. With gorgeous length, this scintillating new Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. This is a complete wine. Drink 2020-2038- 95

Avennia

I am constantly impressed with the upper echelon of Washington wine. One of the consistently great houses in Washington, Avennia has been producing great wines for now nearly a decade. A partnership between former Microsoft executive Marty Taucher and superstar winemaker Chris Peterson, Avennia focuses on high quality Rhone and Bordeaux style wines. One of the state’s great winemakers, Chris Peterson was formerly DeLille Cellars winemaker for many years prior to starting Avennia. I had the great chance to sit down with him for Instagram Live this summer. Articulate and highly intelligent, Chris has a very polished style to his winemaking that combines new world richness with old world poise and aging potential.

I absolutely adored his 2018 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah (WWB, 95) which is deeply concentrated and smoky with seriously good texture and range. This beautifully shows off this cooler site in the Yakima Valley. Just as good is the stunning new 2019 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine (WWB, 95) which is probably for my palate the best edition of this wine. The ’18 ‘Justine’ is rich and layered but also very pretty, with incredible purity of fruit. These wines are not to be missed for any serious collector of Washington red wine. Learn more about these special wines at avennia.com Here are my reviews of the two new Avennia wines. 

2018 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine-The 2018 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine is a thrilling blend of 61% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, and 16% Syrah that underwent 15% whole cluster fermentation. Aged for sixteen months in 80% neutral oak and the remainder concrete, this shows pretty pomegranate seed and garrigue tones that mingle with bulls blood and wild strawberry on this complex bouquet. The palate is soft, elegant and highly gratifying with its pillowy mouthfeel. Gorgeous range follows with orange zest, red cherry candy and guava tones that mingle with damp earth and shades of smoked pork shoulder on the palate. This is truly one of the great Southern Rhone style wines you will find in Washington. Drink 2020-2030- 95

2018 Avennia ‘Arnaut Boushey Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘Arnaut Boushey Vineyard’ Syrah is a thrilling new wine by superstar winemaker Chris Peterson. Showing off its deep core, the wine shows smoked brisket and violet aromatics that mingle with blackberry compote and creosote on this complex bouquet. The palate is deep, round and generous, taking on a silky mouthfeel. The wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate delivering intense Black Forest cake flavors woven together with damp earth, smoked BBQ beef ribs, and Kalamata olive, giving this a savory edge. With great weight and length, this beautiful wine has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 95

Opus One

One of the storied California wineries, Opus One is a monumental partnership between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild founded in 1979. At the time Opus One was the first ultra-premium California wine to be sold in France and Internationally.  Opus One produces only one wine and a second wine (Overture) – both of which are typically a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Opus One sources from four estate vineyards. This includes two sites comprising roughly 100 acres within the famed ‘To Kalon Vineyard’ and their ‘Ballestra’ and ‘River’ parcels comprising 70 acres which envelop the winery.  Head winemaker Michael Silacci is one of California’s great winemakers. I was fortunate enough to sit down with him earlier this summer and talk about his illustrious career, as well as taste two vintages of Opus One.

Blends in his Opus One can vary year to year but his new vintage combines Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Petit Verdot (9%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Merlot (5%) and Malbec (1%). His new 2017 Opus One Red Wine (WWB, 96) is simply magical with its beautiful texture that improves after a few hours of air. Highly poised and marvelous at this stage, this beautiful wine has decades to go. Learn more about Opus One at http://www.opusonewinery.com/ Here are my notes of the gorgeous new release by Opus One.

2017 Opus One Red Wine- The 2017 Opus One is a seamless, impeccable effort from this somewhat challenging vintage in the Napa Valley. A gorgeous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Petit Verdot (9%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Merlot (5%) and Malbec (1%), the wine shows rich creme de cassis and mocha tones, woven together with violets and sweet pipe tobacco tones on this compelling bouquet. Once on the attack fine grained tannins frame this densely packed wine that seamlessly glides across the mid-palate. Gorgeous layers of creme de cassis and Turkish coffee combine with minerals, menthol and lighter garrigue undertones. Simply magical after a one hour decant, the highly elegant and gratifying 2017 Opus One will have decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2040- 96

Long Shadows

Today we share one of the stars of Washington wine. I have long admired these wines and the brilliant vision of Allen Shoup, former CEO of Chateau Ste. Michelle. Long Shadows has made their name by crafting outstanding red wines with a superstar cast of winemaking talent that spans the globe. I have tasted at Long Shadows for well over a decade and year in, year out, they are one of the most consistently good producers of Washington red wine. Their wines age marvelously as well. Over the past year I have had a chance to try a few absolutely epic bottles of their ‘Pedestal’ Merlot, made by famed enologist Michel Rolland. Their 2012 bottling of ‘Pedestal’ was tried recently which is absolutely singing. 

I recently had the chance to review the new Long Shadows releases and was once again blown away with their consistency, showing a beginning, middle and an end. The 2017 Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ Syrah (WWB, 95) is dense, chewy and downright delicious with its texture and weight. Even better was the incredible 2016 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Red Wine (WWB, 96) which rivals any Washington Merlot out there. This dense wine has a massive cellaring potential but is pillowy and nearly impossible to resist right now. Learn more about this amazing winery at http://www.longshadows.com/ Here are the amazing new release wines from Long Shadows.

2018 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling-Long Shadows has long been producing one of the best Rieslings made in the Pacific Northwest. This new edition from the warm 2018 vintage has an exceedingly small trace of residual sugar (1.20g/ML). The freshness imparted is downright awesome, as is silky texture. Layers of green apple and wet stone collide with the great degree of mouth-watering acidity. Just an infant at this stage, the 2018 ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling will have another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2027- 93

2017 Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ Syrah- One of the famed Syrah wines of Washington crafted by famed Aussie winemaker, John Duval, the 2017 ‘Sequel’ is another gorgeous bottling by Long Shadows. John Duval first made this wine in 2003 and the wine has been a massive success ever since. The Syrah was sourced from a warm vintage that saw few major heat spikes and had cooler conditions at harvest. Aged for 18 months in all French oak barrels (60% new) the wine arrives with a massively inky, glass-staining core. Layers of black fruits, dark chocolate covered espresso bean, smoked brisket aromatics and a dusting of white pepper all mingle in the glass. The plush texture offers an err of decadence. Not only showing great weight, the wine has a great acid backbone that collides with the rich core of dark fruits, chocolate cake, sagebrush and smoky tones. If offered a glass of this balanced, yet hedonistic dense wine, how could you resist? Drink 2020-2030- 95

2016 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Pedestal’ is a monumental effort from this famed Walla Walla house. A blend of 75% Merlot with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, this was aged in 85% new French oak barrels for 22 months before bottling. The nose is hedonistic and gratifying with layers of toasty oak that wrap around the core of kirsch cordial, chocolate covered espresso bean and tobacco leaf tones that all meld in the glass. The mouthfeel is both pillowy and voluptuous as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Chocolate covered cherries, pipe tobacco and Turkish coffee flavors mingle with garrigue and creosote undertones on this complex palate. The generous length adds to the enjoyment. While enchanting to savor in its youth, the 2016 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ has another two decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 96

2016 Long Shadows ‘Chester Kidder’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Chester Kidder’ is a downright awesome wine made by superstar winemaker Gilles Nicault. A blend of 58% Cabernet with Sauvignon 30% Syrah and 12% Petit Verdot, the herbal undertones really impress here, as green bell pepper, sagebrush and dark chocolate shavings emerge aromatically alongside the core of rich dark fruits. The palate is well-balanced and rich with its soft mouthfeel. Green bell pepper, dried herbs, blackberry cordial and coffee grounds all sing in unison on the palate. With great length and persistence, this outstanding wine will provide drinking enjoyment for another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2017 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ Red Wine- The 2017 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ is a gorgeous new bottling by famed winemaking consultant Philippe Melka. A complex blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot with smaller portions Malbec and Petit Verdot, the wine opens with heady dark currants woven together with toasty oak, espresso bean and shades of green bell pepper and blueberry compote that contribute to the hedonistic bouquet. The palate is rich and decadent, with a decadent mouthfeel. Beautifully textured, this displays layers of rich chocolate covered dark cherries that dance with minerals, scorched earth, sagebrush and black licorice candy. This finishes exceedingly long. Gratifying to savor in its youth, the 2017 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2040- 95

Woodward Canyon

Today we share one of Washington’s historic wineries that continues to fire on all cylinders. It is hard to imagine how different Walla Walla was back in 1981 when Rick and Darcey Small decided to found Woodward Canyon. I have fond memories back as a Whitman College senior tasting at Woodward Canyon in 2002. The quality of these wines have been electric and a pillar of consistency. I’ve had the great opportunity to try every edition of their ‘Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon and have been so impressed with how that wine ages. It is hard to believe that they are now on their 27th edition of this wine. The 2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 93) is delicious and shows a generous mouthfeel and bright acidity. Woodward Canyon have developed a nationwide reputation for great Chardonnay. I loved both new releases but the 2019 Woodward Canyon ‘Washington’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) is particularly a great value with its bright acidity and great weight.  I was absolutely enamored by the 2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Old Vines Washington’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) which is hedonistic and gratifying but has a great core of acidity and freshness. This beautiful wine has decades of life ahead of it. Learn more about this historic Washington winery at https://www.woodwardcanyon.com/ Here are the gorgeous new release wines by Woodward Canyon.

2019 Woodward Canyon ‘Washington’ Chardonnay- Sourced from a host of great sites spanning the state, the 2019 ‘Washington’ Chardonnay shows ripe pear and vanilla cream tones with shades of orange blossom on this beautiful bouquet. The palate is plush and filled with bright, mouth-watering acidity. Layers of buttercream and Meyer lemon zest collide with minerals and hints of baking spice infused sourdough bread. Gorgeous in its youth, the weight and acidity suggests some nice cellaring potential. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2019 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- Sourced from north-facing vines planted in the North Block at the Estate Vineyard, this 100% Wente clone is a stunning new Walla Walla Valley Chardonnay. Suggestions of macadamia nut and vanilla cream combine with rich Challah bread on this beautiful nose. The palate shows a great combination of weight and verve, as lemon zest and shades of Gravenstein apple connect with minerals and damp earth undertones of the wine. Like the 2019 ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay, this has some great aging potential but is irresistible in its bright youth. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Merlot- Sourced from both an older (23 year old) and newer block, the Merlot shows black cherry and black currants that mingle with Asian spices and pipe tobacco on the nose. The palate is soft, round and generous with a silky mouthfeel. Layers of kirsch cordial and allspice connect with chocolate and black plum on the palate. Downright delicious even at this juncture, this beautiful wine has at least another decade of aging to go. Drink 2020-2032- 92

2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Rich, lithe and polished, the 2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a downright awesome bottling by this famed Walla Walla Valley producer. Once on the nose this takes on wonderful garrigue tones, woven together with exotic spices, loamy terroir and rich dark currants that all sing in unison. The palate is soft and seamless, showing great depth, concentration and poise. Rich creme de cassis and anise tones combine with shades of sandalwood and Turkish coffee, giving this an exotic appeal. Absolutely gorgeous to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 2018 marks the 27th edition of this famed Washington wine and the new edition really impresses. Right away the rich creme de cassis aromatics entice, with layers of dark chocolate shavings, espresso bean and shades of dried sage all take shape in the glass. Generous dark fruits connect well with menthol, anise, cassis and shades of red bell pepper and tar on this complex palate. The balance here is really good, as they 2018 ‘Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy another fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Old Vines Washington State’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Old Vines’ by Woodward Canyon is a simply stunning bottling by famed winemaker Kevin Mott. Sourced from their estate vineyard as well as Sagemoor and Champoux Vineyards, this opens with a beautiful bouquet of violets and mocha tones that combine with shades of creme de cassis, creosote, and cigar ash with lighter graphite and red bell pepper undertones that all march in unison. The palate is deep and concentrated, yet elegant and light on its feet. A light dusting of salinity adds to the drinking enjoyment as shades of chocolate covered espresso bean and Black Forest Cake collide with minerals, sagebrush and scorched undertones. Full-bodied with fine grained tannins that line this outstanding production, the 2018 ‘Old Vines’ will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2040- 95

Betz Family Winery

One of the great Washington wineries, Betz Family Winery was founded under Washington wine legend, Bob Betz, Currently at the helm is the Uber-talented Louis Skinner whom I interviewed last year.  We were not able to get together in person this year but did enjoy a wonderful chat on Instagram Live. Like many winemakers, Louis had a previous career prior to catching the wine bug which in his case was highly contagious. Louis literally read everything he could on wine and got a job working at a wine shop which allowed him to taste wines of the world constantly.

Having some seriously good pedigree, Louis has trained under legendary winemakers, Chris Upchurch and Bob Betz, MW, prior to taking over for Betz at his namesake winery. Louis is an unabashed Burgundy lover who has an encyclopedic knowledge of wine. His wines are technically very well-made as each wine tells a story with a beginning, middle and end. I am very excited about the wines he continues to produce from their estate ‘Old Stones Vineyard,’ located adjacent to the River Rock Vineyard in Milton-Freewater. 

The wine from this vineyard, the 2018 Betz Family Winery ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah (WWB, 95) which has a great core of fruit and nice weight but is wonderfully complex and stony. This is a wine for any serious collector of The Rocks District wines. Just as good was the 2018 Betz Family Winery ‘Heart of The Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) which is inky, dark and highly gratifying yet shows a vibrant sense of minerality. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.betzfamilywinery.com Here are the great new wines by Betz Family Winery.

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

2018 Betz Family Winery ‘Besoleil’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Besoleil’ is a downright sexy blend of mostly Grenache (55%) with smaller portions Mourvedre, Counoise and a small dusting of Syrah all sourced from the Yakima Valley AVA. High toned blood orange zest and red cherry candy with guava puree combine with damp earth undertones on this evocative nose. The palate is plush, showing off a wonderful sense of mouthfeel. Layers of pretty red fruits dance with rose water, orange rind and damp earthy tones on the palate. The weightless effect mid-palate may be the most impressive aspect at play.  Complex and delicious in its youth, the 2018 ‘Besoleil’ will cellar well for the next ten plus years. Drink 2020-2032- 94

2018 Betz Family Winery ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah- Farmed from their ‘Ancient Stones Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA, this whole cluster fermented Syrah was aged for sixteen months in oak barrels before bottling. Right away you smell the wonderfully stony aromatics of the wine, with horse manure, green olive tapenade and white pepper dusted potpourri with bacon fat that take shape in the glass. The palate is soft and plush, with a great sense of elegance and tension. This effortlessly glides across the mid-palate delivering a core of wild blackberry cobbler, charcuterie, green olive and salty, stony terroir. Nothing short of outstanding, kudos to Louis Skinner for crafting this heavyhitter of a wine that is best enjoyed within the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 95

2018 Betz Family Winery ‘La Serenne’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘La Serenne’ Syrah is entirely sourced from the Yakima Valley AVA and underwent 100% whole cluster fermentation before being aged in French oak for sixteen months. A core of dark and red fruits meld with shades of baking spices, and dried herbal tones on the nose. The palate has good freshness and balanced with layers of sour red fruits that dance with Mandarin orange zest, cinnamon and cloves, with sagebrush undertones. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2018 Betz Family Winery ‘La Cote Rousse’ Syrah- A blend of nearly all Syrah (94%) with the remainder Viognier, this wine was sourced from the famed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard and underwent 50% whole cluster fermentation. The alluring high tones from the Viognier really captivate with pink grapefruit blossom and bright red fruits that meld with menthol and damp earth on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a great veil of tension. Layers of red and dark fruits are woven together with suggestions of wintergreen, milk chocolate and dusty terroir on the palate. The length and elegance of this wine is seriously good as the 2018 ‘La Cote Rousse’ Syrah will be best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2018 Betz Family Winery ‘La Cote Patriarch’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘La Cote Patriarch’ Syrah is a sensational new wine by the talented Lous Skinner. Sourced from the Yakima Valley, right away you are drawn to the deep dark fruit aromatics with smoky and damp earthy tones melding well. The palate is plush, showing an utterly fantastic sense of texture. Deep dark fruits combine with undertones of kumquat, coffee grounds and salted meats. The terroir here is seriously good, as is the exceedingly long finish. Enjoy this stunning new Syrah over the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 94

2018 Betz Family Winery ‘The Untold Story’ Red Wine- Entirely sourced from the Columbia Valley, ‘The Untold Story’ is a sensational blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Syrah, with equal parts Merlot and Grenache. Rich, layered and decadent, the wine shows a soft mouthfeel with pretty red fruits that dance with chocolate, sagebrush and milk chocolate tones. Medium-bodied and highly elegant, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next seven years. Drink 2020-2027- 91

2018 Betz Family Winery ‘Clos de Betz’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Clos de Betz’ is a compelling blend of 55% Merlot with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Petit Verdot. The wine shows nice herbal tones on the nose with the core of dark fruits, coffee grounds and chocolate. The texture is soft and seamless with bright acidity that really entices. Layers of dark fruits and Turkish coffee line the palate, with marvelous length and a great feeling of tension. This is seriously good for the price. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Betz Family Winery ‘Pere du Famille’ Cabernet Sauvignon- I absolutely adore the 2018 Betz Family Winery ‘Pere de Famille’ Cabernet Sauvignon for its weight, elegance and depth. Dark fruits march with anise, creme de cassis and tobacco leaf with tar accents on this gorgeous nose. The palate is rich and marvelously viscous with a great veil of tension that runs through the core of cassis, mocha, tar, graphite and blackberry compote flavors. The seamless texture is really outstanding, as this gorgeous new bottling will enjoy at least another fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 94

2018 Betz Family Winery ‘Heart of the Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Betz Family Winery ‘Heart of the Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a sensational effort by superstar winemaker Louis Skinner. The evocative nose entices with layers of blueberry compote, espresso bean, graphite and tar that all march in unison in the glass. Soft and silky on the palate, this has a great err of elegance despite showing off its hedonistic bent. Layers of Black Forest Cake, blueberry pie, espresso grounds and creosote all mingle marvelously together on the palate. WIth great weight, length and mouth-watering acidity, this show-stopping Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2039- 95

Cayuse Vineyards

There is something enchanting about pure terroir. You inhale it, you taste it in the glass and it can be haunting beyond belief. Such is true with the wines by superstar vigneron and Walla Walla wine pioneer Christophe Baron. An amazing story in wine, famed vigneron, Christophe Baron, was the youngest heir of the famed Champagne house, Baron Albert and his ancestors had worked the land at Baron Albert since 1677. Christophe learned about harvests and wine as a young boy and eventually studied viticulture in Burgundy and Champagne. After some travels he was drawn to the Willamette Valley, and was set on making great Pinot Noir. One day he was outside of Walla Walla and saw terroir inspired by the stony galets of Chateauneuf du Pape. We are all thankful that he decided to plant his vineyard back in 1997 and the rest has been history. Christophe has had unparalleled success in the Walla Walla Valley since that time, crafting stony wines that show an incredible combination of tension, range and terroir. 

Each year I sit down with Christophe and vigneronne Elizabeth Bourcier to taste their wines but this year due to the pandemic that wasn’t an option. I deliberately took my time with the wines sent to me and was completely floored with what they have achieved in 2017 — one of the great vintages of Cayuse wines that I have tried across the board. The freshness and tension in the wines is extraordinary. While these may not have the weight of the 2016 wines, there is plenty of stuffing and the ’17s are extremely light on their feet. 

There are many highlights in this incredible new lineup. A dazzling new Rose, the 2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose (WWB, 94) is amongst the best Rose wines in North America that I have sampled in the past year. Make sure this beauty opens up after an hour and you will be treated to nothing short of an extraordinary aromatic and flavor range. One of the great Grenache wines in North America, the  2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine (WWB, 99) flirts with perfection with its insane aromatic and flavor range. Bright and dazzling on the palate, the wine is sumptuous to enjoy now. Just as good was the 2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah (WWB, 99) which shows a seamless, pillowy texture and absolutely gorgeous range. This is one for any serious collector of Cayuse wines.Learn more about these incredible wines at https://cayusevineyards.com Here are the dazzling new wines by Cayuse Vineyards.

2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Edith’ Rose is a highly refreshing and gratifying new wine that has benefited that is amongst the best in North America. Sourced from the ‘Armada Vineyard’, once on the nose this takes on pretty red rose petals that mingle with cantaloupe and wet stone and smoky tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is wonderfully fresh and vibrant with great acidity and a seamless texture. Layers of Gravenstein apple, watermelon, nectarine and kumquat zest collide with minerals and smoky undertones on this complex palate. As the wine warms up, it becomes even more nuanced and complex. Scintillating in its youth, this stunning new Rose will enjoy another eight plus years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 94

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine- Primarily Grenache based, the 2017 ‘God Only Knows’ is a spellbinding, one of a kind effort by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. The nose shows remarkable range from pretty red rose petals to green olive tapenade and charcuterie alongside wet stone and roasted figs that all meld in the glass. The palate shows an incredible verve and tension. Layers of bright guava and orange zest collide with smoky minerals, Umami, peat moss and salted prosciutto ham. The exceedingly long finish lingers. A complete wine, the 2017 ‘God Only Knows’ is absolutely scintillating in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade to come. Drink 2020-2030- 99

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Syrah- Showing some incredible range, the 2017 ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Syrah is a stunning wine by vigneron Christophe Baron. Smoky tones combine with Hoisin sauce, Umami, green olive tapenade and wet stone with wild blackberry cordial tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with an incredible veil of tension that creates the lovely mouth-watering acidity. Satsuma orange rind and guava compote combine with salted charcuterie, and bacon fat with dried Provencale herbs and a dusting of white pepper all round out this monumental wine. This is the closest you can get to Hermitage in Washington. Outstanding in its vibrant youth, I can imagine this cellaring well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 97

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah is a captivating wine that has beautiful finesse, texture and range even at the three year mark. The wine is seamless, effortlessly gliding across the mid-palate. The Syrah takes on a beautiful purity of fruit alongside the outstanding range on the palate. Layers of green olive tapenade, bacon fat, white pepper and shades of wild mushroom and peat moss combine with the deep core of dark fruits and light veil of salinity that falls upon this complex wine. Viscous, with a soft mouthfeel and a wonderful sense of length, the 2017 ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah will enjoy another decade or life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 96

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah- Stony, savory and downright sexy, the 2017 ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah is a sensational new release by Cayuse Vineyards. Once on the nose the gorgeous Pink Grapefruit blossom tones artfully combine with Umami, white pepper, green olives and shades of smoked brisket with wet stone tones on this highly intoxicating nose. The palate shows incredible freshness and verve with a great sense of minerality. Layers of wild blackberry and huckleberry combine with Hoisin sauce, green peppercorns, black truffle shavings and shades of peat moss on this gorgeous palate. Complex, with great length, viscosity and tension, the 2017 ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 96

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Syrah is a gorgeous effort from this famed estate in the Walla Walla Valley. Once on the nose the gorgeous rose water and Umami tones really entice, combining with wet stone, guava puree and shades of blood orange zest on this complex bouquet. The palate is beautifully textured with a silky mouthfeel. Layers of bright red fruits are woven together with Umami, wet stone, salted parma ham and seaweed tones on this complex palate. The flavor range is absolutely stunning as this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 96

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah No. 11’ Syrah- A blend crafted from a host of Cayuse Vineyards sites, the ‘Wallah Wallah No. 11’ is a spellbinding new release that has incredible terroir and tension. Once on the nose this takes on bacon fat with dried Provencele herbs and bulls blood with wild blackberry compote and Umami tones that all march on parade. The palate shows great tension and viscosity with a silky mouthfeel. Beautiful layers of bright black fruits meld with blood orange zest, smoked Kielbasa sausage, Kalmata olive tapenade and shades of white truffle shavings. The stony undertones really add to the enjoyment, as does the exceedingly long finish. Drink 2020-2030- 97

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah- The 2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah is a simply magical bottling by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. The evocative nose takes you constantly back to the glass with glorious roasted duck, bacon fat, white pepper and shades of huckleberry compote with Umami tones that all sing in unison. The palate is seamless and profound, effortlessly gliding throughout the tasing experience. Densely packed kirsch notes collide with minerals, charcuterie, green peppercorns, seaweed and shades of bulls blood and kumquat zest. This rivals the best in Cote Rotie with its glorious range and texture. Utterly seamless and flirting with perfection now at the three year mark, the 2017 ‘Bionic Frog’ is truly one of the great wines of the vintage. Drink 2020-2032- 99

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo- One of the iconic Tempranillo bottlings in North America, the 2017 ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo is a spectacular effort by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. Sourced from the ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’, the Tempranillo takes the lead with layers of Umami, bacon fat, cigar ash and green olive tapenade woven together with shades of blackberry compote and salted meats on this complex bouquet. The gorgeous aromatics bring you back to the glass for more indulgence. Once on the attack, the silky mouthfeel effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. The elegance of this wine is truly profound, as wild blackberry jam and Satsuma orange zest flavors meld with shades of Umami, bacon fat, tar and Yakima cherry on this complex palate. Wait for the exceedingly long finish that adds a brilliant crescendo to top off this masterpiece. Drink 2020-2030- 97

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘The Lovers’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘The Lovers’ is a gorgeous blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah. The nose shows wonderful smoky tones with wet stone and smoked brisket that are woven together with Asian spices and rose water tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and downright vibrant showing a great veil of tension that falls on the core of dark fruits, with coffee grounds, wet stone, Umami and black olive tapenade flavors. This finishes extremely long. Gratifying to enjoy right now, this scintillating new bottling will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 95

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Flying Pig’ Red Wine- Always a one of a kind bottling, the 2017 ‘Flying Pig’ is a gorgeous Right Bank style blend of 50% Cabernet Franc with 39% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The Provencale herbal tones really impress on the nose, with roasted dates, seaweed and creosote aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a soft texture. Bright red currants collide with Umami, bacon fat, wild blackberry complete and shades of black licorice with smoky pipe tobacco all brilliantly combine on the palate. I love the finesse here. Long and generous, this has another ten plus years to go. Drink 2020-2030- 95

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Camaspelo’ Red Wine- A proprietary blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from t the En Cerise and Cailloux vineyards the 2017 ‘Camaspelo’ shows sage and black pepper tones alongside wet stone that all mingle together. The palate is soft and vibrant with wild blackberries and black cherry flavors with wet stone undertones alongside incredible freshness and verve. The brilliant freshness will make this sing over the next decade. Drink 2020-2028- 94 

2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘The Widowmaker’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Downright awesome, the 2017 ‘The Widowmaker’ is a sensational new wine by eminent vigneron Christophe Baron. Once on the nose the Hoisin sauce and Asian spices really impress alongside wet stone, Umami, bacon fat and salted Kalamata olive tones. The palate is fresh and vibrant with wonderful tension. Layers of pretty dark fruits collide with minerals, Umami and smoky undertones on the palate. Seamless, with its incredible verve and texture, this beautiful wine has another ten plus years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 95

The Orcas Project

I am always on the lookout for great new wineries. A relatively new project by sommelier Cole Sisson, The Orcas Project takes the Long Shadows Vintners model of using great Pacific Northwest winemakers to craft unique, terroir-driven bottlings spanning Oregon and Washington. 

Sitting down with Cole at his brilliant and cozy Orcas Island wine shop, Doe Bay Wine Company, he shared some of his wine journey that has now gone full circle. Growing up on Orcas Island, Cole who returned home after fifteen years to realize his dream, with an incredible wine shop and awesome winery project. An advanced sommelier, many years back I recall meeting Cole for the first time during a glorious meal at famed Las Vegas outpost Michael Mina. Cole was a somm at RN74 Seattle before becoming wine director at Michael Mina at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas. Cole has even sat for the Master Sommelier Exam. His Orcas Project wines are geared towards acidity and terroir and labels are crafted from local Orcas Island artists. 

I really enjoyed these wines across the board. The 2019 The Orcas Project Rose (WWB, 90) has incredible tension and wonderful texture with layers of sour red fruits and sterling minerality. I am not going to lie that I’m enchanted with the 2019 The Orcas Project Grenache Blanc (WWB, 92) which is one of the best of its kind in the state, crafted by the talented Morgan Lee of Two Vintners fame. Learn more about this fantastic winery project at https://www.theorcasproject.com Here are the great new wines by The Orcas Project.

2017 The Orcas Project ‘Willamette Valley Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2017 The Orcas Project ‘Willamette Valley’ Sparkling Wine is an outstanding wine that shows great astringency and poise. Sourced from the ‘Chalice Vineyard’ is the southern part of the Willamette Valley, this is crafted by winemaker Aaron Lieberman. Bright lemon zest with minerals, damp earth and shades of aged gouda, this has terrific range and a great sense of tension. Layered and vibrant, enjoy this great fresh style of Oregon sparkling wine over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2027- 90

2019 The Orcas Project Rose- Made by Aaron Lieberman, this Pinot Noir Rose is sourced from the Chalice Vineyard in the Willamette Valley. Right away you notice the guava and bright Bing cherry on the nose with peat moss undertones that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a great sense of texture. Lemon rind and sour red fruits dance with minerals and suggestions of forest floor on the palate. The length is really good, as is the mouth-watering acidity. Fresh, lively and tart, yet soft on the mouth, this is a great foil for fresh shellfish. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2019 The Orcas Project Albarino- Not typically a varietal grown in Washington, the 2019 The Orcas Project Albarino is sourced from the Dutchmen Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. The texture is immediately rewarding as the layers of gooseberry, starfruit and banana all come together marvelously in the glass, with smoky mineral accents. Exceedingly good to enjoy in its youth, the 2019 The Orcas Project Albarino will provide drinking enjoyment over the next five to seven years. Grab some fresh Kusshi oysters and run with this. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2019 The Orcas Project Grenache Blanc- The 2019 The Orcas Project Grenache Blanc is mainly sourced from the Boushey Vineyard (78%) with a small portion from the Weather Eye Vineyard (19%) and a has dollop of Roussanne added (3%). Straw aromatic tones with honeydew melon and shades of baking spices and damp earth all mingle in the glass. The palate shows great freshness and tension with layers of melon fruits with Gala apple, kiwi and copious minerals, with flinty undertones. The combination of tension, finesse and richness is seriously good. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2017 The Orcas Project ‘Snipes Mountain’ Graciano- Sourced from the esteemed ‘Upland Vineyard’ this Graciano shows wonderfully briny tones on the nose with the core of bright red fruits with citrus rind and bacon fat tones on the nose. The palate is soft, with great length. Layers of ripe figs dance with red cherry preserves and red raspberry cordial, with smoky and herbal undertones. This is seriously good stuff for the price, as the ‘Upland Vineyard’ Graciano will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 91

2016 The Orcas Project ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Merlot- One of the great sites in the Yakima Valley, the famed ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ grows great Bordeaux varietals as well as Syrah. This Merlot shows light toasty oak tones alongside shades of wild blackberry compote and coffee grounds with light sage undertones on the nose. The palate is silky smooth, showing great balance and a seamless factor mid-palate. Medium-bodied, with light tannins that line the core of dark fruits, tobacco leaf and milk chocolate flavors, this is a gorgeous effort that will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 92

2018 The Orcas Project Syrah- This Yakima Valley bottling smells Syrah immediately with its smoky tones and shades of milk chocolate with creosote and dried sage on the nose. Once on the mouth you are drawn to the elegance of the wine, as the silky smooth texture effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Layers of smoked meats, violets, coffee grounds and blackberry compote with minerals all collide on the palate. The length provides the wonderful ending as this gorgeous wine will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 92

Spring Valley

One of the great established Walla Walla wineries, Spring Valley is perched on Walla Walla land that was originally used for farming that dates back to the the 1880s. More than 100 years later, Shari and Dean Derby planted vines on the land and made their first vintage in 1999. The Derbys’ son Devin Corkrum Derby served as winemaker until his passing in 2004. Devin’s assistant and friend Serge Laville took over as winemaker and has been crafting some beautiful wines over the past decade. Originally from the Northern Rhone region in France, Serge has created many impressive vintages of Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. These are wines that typically show great weight and texture and the 2016 releases were absolutely outstanding across the board.

Look to the fantastic 2016 Spring Valley ‘Fredrick’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is dense, chewy and downright delicious at the four year mark. I love the 2016 Spring valley ‘Uriah’ Red Wine (OB, 94) which shows insanely good range and a silky mouthfeel. Learn more about these outstanding wines at springvalleyvineyard.com

Here are my reviews of the fantastic new Spring Valley wines. 

2016 Spring Valley ‘Nina Lee’ Syrah- The 2016 Spring Valley ‘Nina Lee’ Syrah is another fantastic effort from this storied Washington winery. Salted smoked meats and black tea, as well as black licorice and milk chocolate aromas meld together in the glass. The palate has good weight and freshness, with a deep core of dark fruits that mingle with shades of mocha, tar and anise. Fantastic now, showing its silky mouthfeel, this will continue to develop for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2029- 92

2016 Spring Valley ‘Katherine Corkrum’ Cabernet Franc- Entirely comprised of Cabernet Franc, the wine was aged in 100% neutral French oak for eighteen months before bottling. this shows ripe dark fruits that connect with spicecake and tar aromas that take shape in the glass. The palate has a silky texture, delivering a great feel of elegance. Toasty oak wraps around blackberry pie and milk chocolate with sagebrush flavors, providing a soft texture that entices. Enjoy this fantastic Cabernet Franc bottling over the next decade. Drink 2020-2029- 93

2016 Spring Valley ‘Fredrick’ Red Wine- Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (93%), the ‘Fredrick’ has lovely herbal tones that collide with dark chocolate shavings, boysenberry, leather and pipe tobacco on this expressive bouquet. Soft, round and generous, this has an inviting mouthfeel and velvety texture. Light tannins line a core of dark fruits, chocolate fudge and baking spices. Truly fabulous now, the 2016 ‘Fredrick’ Red Wine will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2016 Spring Valley ‘Uriah’ Red Wine- The ‘Uriah’ is named after Uriah Corkrum who was born in Walla Walla on June 1, 1866, and began successfully farming on his own during the 1880s. The wine is a fantastic blend of 59% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec that was aged in 100% French oak (25% new) prior to bottling. The red bell pepper and sagebrush tones entice and meld with the shades of black licorice, exotic spices and deep dark fruits that all collide in the glass. The palate shows a soft texture ands silky mouthfeel, delivering rich dark fruits with milk chocolate covered espresso bean and herbal undertones. Wonderful in its youth, the ‘Uriah’ will provide drinking enjoyment for the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2016 Spring Valley ‘Derby’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Derby’ Cabernet Sauvignon (100%) was aged in French oak (35% new) for eighteen months prior to bottling. Red bell pepper and baking spices with chocolate and roasted figs fill the nose. The palate is plush, delivering a wonderfully generous mouthfeel. Dense pipe tobacco and mocha flavors mingle with blackberry pie and shades of black olive and anise that all meld together in unity. While beautiful now, the 2016 ‘Derby’ will have a long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2033- 93

Domaine Carneros

My wife and I sat down, socially distanced and looked out across the valley. One of the most beautiful sites in Napa, Domaine Carneros is a stunning winery in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Taking inspiration from a French chateau in Champagne, Domaine Carneros towers over the valley, showcasing sweeping views of the Napa Valley. Claude Taittinger of famed Champagne house Taittinger, began his search for a good spot to make California Sparkling Wine in the late 1970s. Finally in 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. 

Domaine Carneros has a new CEO, Remi Cohen who in 2015 was named to Wine Enthusiast’s 40 under 40 recognition as a tastemaker and influencer in the Napa Valley. Sitting with Remi she talked about their winery program and the success built by famed Napa pioneer Eileen Crane provided to Domaine Carneros for 33 years. Tasting through the new lineup of wines, I was and have been consistently impressed how good their lineup across the board has been. 

I absolutely love the NV Domaine Carneros ‘Cuvee de la Pompadour’ Rose Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which is a really great flavor and aromatic range for the price. I was absolutely blown away with the 2013 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) which is amongst the best sparkling wines made in North America. The wine was initially inspired by Champagne Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne, as their tête-de-cuvée, and impresses its silky mouthfeel and wonderful veil of tension. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new sparkling wines by Domaine Carneros

NV Domaine Carneros ‘Cuvee de la Pompadour’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The NV Domaine Carneros ‘Cuvee de la Pompadour’ Sparkling Wine is an outstanding effort from this storied Carneros estate. The wine is named after Madame de Pompadour (the great courtesan and mistress of Louis XV) who is credited with introducing Champagne to the court. A lovely salmon hue, this shows pretty guava and teaberry tones on the palate, with minerals a nice dusting of salinity. Fresh and vibrant, the ‘Madame de Pompadour’ will cellar well for the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2013 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine- Always 100% Chardonnay, the 2013 ‘Le Reve’ is a tour de force from this storied Carneros house. The mousse here is highly refined. Salted biscuit aromatic tones grab your attention with Meyer lemon zest and shades of wild mushroom and toasted hazelnuts all take shape in the glass. The silly mousse is downright incredible. Bright kumquat zest and sourdough bread tones mingle with macadamia nut and suggestions of white truffles on this complex palate. This is salty and savory California sparkling wine at its best. Beautifully textured, with great length, this stunning new bottling will enjoy a very long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 95

2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir shows black cherry and cola on the nose with shades of sandalwood that all mingle in the glass. The palate is soft and round with layers of bright red and dark fruits with cola tones giving this a hedonistic edge. Drink 2020-2027- 90

2018 Domaine Carneros ‘The Famous Gate’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘The Famous Gate’ is a barrel selection Pinot Noir by Domaine Carneros, as they began making this bottling back in 1992. Once on the nose, you are awoken to bright red rose petals woven together with red cherry, guava puree and baking spices. The palate is soft and silky with a wonderful sense of mouthfeel. The length and tension here is seriously good as the core of red fruits mingle with minerals and cola tones. While obviously quite rich, the elegance of this wine is really compelling. Every bit outstanding, this fantastic new bottling is great to savor right now, and will provide drinking enjoyment for another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

Argyle: The Art of Sparkling

One of the famed houses in Oregon, I fondly recall visits to Argyle back in 2002 — more than a decade before their beautiful and modern facility was erected. Back when I first began tasting in Oregon I took notice that Argyle was steadily gaining a sterling reputation for sparkling wines under their guidance of Oregon legendary winemaker Rollin Soles.  For anyone who has visited the Willamette Valley, Argyle is always an awesome stop as they offer a really cool flight of bubbles and also produce not only one of the consistently great ‘Brut’ sparkling wines that you will find, but also their famed ‘Extended Tirage’ which has been one of the top sparkling wines made in North America. 

A few years back Argyle launched ‘The Art of Sparkling’ which is an amazing project that support the talents of student artists. A collaboration with the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA), every year three PNCA student artists are selected to receive the Argyle scholarship. The students then immerse themselves in the Argyle story by visiting the vineyards, winery and Tasting House. This experience serves as inspiration for their artwork. The three pieces of art are then turned into labels for the Art of Sparkling 3-bottle set. This is just an amazing program that helps support the arts and includes three bottles of their glorious new 2017 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 91) which overdelivers for the price. 

2017 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2017 ‘Brut’ by Argyle is geared towards finesse, with a soft texture that entices. Layers of green apple and cantaloupe tones collide with minerals and damp earth undertones on the palate. With a silky mousse and good length, this is a beautiful 2017 bottling that will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2028- 91

Horsepower Vineyards

Christophe Baron has always loved animals. Growing up in France he fondly recalls spending time in the vineyards amongst the massive draft horses that helped till the soils. It is that childhood inspiration that led to creating one of the most coveted lineup of wines in the Pacific Northwest, Horsepower Vineyards. In his Walla Walla AVA vineyards his horses help cultivate vineyards ranging from 3,555 to 4,840 vines per acre with as little as 3' x 3' spacing—planted 1 vine per stake, or “sur echalas” in French. One of the most exciting vineyards in Washington State, the Sur Echalas Vineyard creates wines that are so profound they’re nearly impossible to describe. The struggle of the vines in these close quarters creates a remarkable tension and intensity. These stunning wines are made by Christophe and his highly talented assistant vigneronne, Elizabeth Bourcier. The wines from this vineyard are intense with a vibrant sense of minerality and they show exceptional range. Simply put, they are unlike any other wines from this region. These are wines that are vibrant in their youth but also have some great aging potential. I have visited several 2012 and 2013 Horsepower wines over the past year and have been impressed with the sterling tension intact. 

One of the monumental wines I have tried all year, the 2017 Horsepower ‘Sur Echelas Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 99) is not only insanely delicious but shows unrivaled complexity and pure terroir.I was also blown away with the 2017 Horsepower ‘Sur Echelas Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 98) which shows amazing smoky tones and good richness with incredible finesse. As I stated last year with the 2016 releases, I think that these are amongst the finest Rhone style wines made in North America. Learn more about these monumental wines at https://horsepowervineyards.com/horsepowervineyards/ Here are the stunning new wines by Horsepower Vineyards.

2017 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache- The ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ -is a 3-foot by 3-foot spacing and 4,840 vines per acre, this 2 acre site is the highest density planting in the Walla Walla Valley and one of the highest density plantings in North America. The intoxicating bouquet catches you off-guard. Layers of guava puree and red cherry starburst candy combine with horse manure, green peppercorns and cigar ash with potpourri and salted meats. The aromatic range is just insanely good. Once on the mouth, the ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache offers a pillowy texture that borders on ethereal. The finesse and beautiful tension runs through the core of bright red fruits that dance with kumquat zest, cigar box, white pepper and salted prosciutto ham on the palate. While quite big on the mouth, the weightless quality of the wine is superlative. A monumental wine that is amongst the best of its kind in North America, the 2017 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 99

2017 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah- Stony, complex and utterly sensational, the 2017 Horsepower vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah borders on pefection. It is not surprising that this shows a darker aromatic profile than the Grenache with wild blackberry compote, smoked brisket, creosote and Kalmata olive tapenade that all march in unison. The palate is fresh, vibrant and full of mouth-watering acidity. Umami tones are woven together with menthol, charcuterie, smoldering stones and Hoisin sauce. With a seamless texture, good sense of richness, yet very elegant, the 2017 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah is impossible to resist in its youth but will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 98

2017 Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah- One of the new plantings by Christophe Baron, the ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ is a high density site planted to 3 acres of Syrah and 1/3 acre of Viognier. The nose is wonderfully high-toned with orange blossoms that connect with smoked meats, black olive tapenade and shades of boysenberry cordial that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with gobs of mouth-watering acidity and a seamless texture. Very pretty kirsch and Satsuma orange rind connect with roasted dates, wet gavel and seaweed on this complex palate. Finishing very long, this beautiful new wine will enjoy another eight to ten years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 96

2017 Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah- Another vineyard planted in stony terroir, ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ is a 3.5 feet by 3.5 feet planted site, totaling 3,555 vines per acre. Smoldering rocks and cigar box tones connect with dark plum and green peppercorns with Umami tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh, vibrant and incredibly delicious. Ripe dark fruits collide with minerals, seaweed, Spanish green olives and salted meats on the palate. The generous length and wonderful purity of fruit is impressive. Highly gratifying to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful new Syrah will enjoy another decade of life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2030- 96

Leonetti Cellar Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

One whiff and I knew this wine was from the Rocks AVA. Not many people can make this kind of wine from the cobblestoned terroir. It is now roughly one year since I sat across famed winemaker Chris Figgins and tasted these wines for the first time. Leonetti has always been a highly traditional winery, making several wines each year and not branching out to new projects. The new single vineyard project is a great chance for Chris to enter another element as a winemaker and the end results is quite extraordinary. This time rather than tasting with Chris, I opened each bottle and tasted them over several hours, watching them evolve. As I noted last year, I am enamored by the expression of terroir here. Each wine is distinct but all share the same backbone of rich dark fruits with fantastic weight and cellaring potential.

Truly one of the unique wines made in Washinton, I adored the 2017 Leonetti Cellar ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) which is silky and shows a great lay of salinity from the stony terroir. This is amongst the finest expression of Rocks Cabernet Sauvignon that I have seen. A shining star, the 2017 Leonetti Cellar ‘Mill Creek Upland’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 97) is dense, chewy and massive with an incredible veil of tension. This will be a great wine to revisit in ten years, as it needs a long decant if enjoying in its unadulterated youth. Learn more about these stunning new wines at http://leonetticellar.com/ Here are my reviews of the beautiful new Leonetti Cellar Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines. 

2017 Leonetti Cellar ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Located in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, the ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ is a dramatic site planted on cobblestones, set at 950-970 feet elevation. Once on the nose the lighter stony character really entices as Umami tones combine with creosote, coffee grounds and dark chocolate shavings. The palate is soft, round and generous. I love the silky mouthfeel at play here, adding to the enjoyment as layers of kirsch cordial, blackberry compote, cigar box, wet stone and a light dusting of salinity all marvelously intermingle. Seamless and elegant, lined with light tannins, this beautiful new wine will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 95

2017 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Loess Vineyard’ was planted to Bordeaux varietals nearly 20 years ago just due east of the winery. Weighing in at 14.7% alcohol, layers of toasty oak aromatics are woven together with violets, Turkish coffee and shades of huckleberry liquor on this gorgeous nose. The palate is fresh and impeccably balanced. Ripe dark cherries combine with cigar ash, Turkish coffee and shades of blueberry compote on this deep and luxuriously textured wine. Sinfully good to enjoy in its hedonistic youth, the 2017 ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy drinking enjoyment for many decades to come. Be sure to give this a long decant if enjoying in its nascent phase. Drink 2020-2040- 96

2017 Leonetti Cellar ‘Mill Creek Upland Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Mill Creek Upland Vineyard’ by Leonetti is a superlative effort by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins. Needing a one hour decant to be fully expressive, once aroused this beautiful wine shows violet rose petals and creme de cassis woven together with black olives, baking spices and mocha tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is round and generous, showing really good viscosity but a gorgeous veil of tension that run through the core of dark fruits. Undertones of espresso bean and blueberry pie also add to the enjoyment. With a resounding long finish, the 2017 ‘Mill Creek Upland Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a monumental release that will cellar well over the next twenty years. Drink 2020-2040- 97

2017 Leonetti Cellar ‘Serra Pedace’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Serra Pedace Vineyard’ is named after the Leonetti’s Italian ancestors who originated from Calabria, Italy. Deeply colored in the glass, the Cabernet Sauvignon shows intense asian spices that mingle with black currants, cigar box and anise tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush and deep, with layers of dark fruits that mingle with coffee ground and dried herbs. Sensational in its youth, this needs about a two hour decant to fully get going. Drink 2020-2040- 95

Wine Critic Owen Bargreen Launches OwenBargreen.com

By Press Release

October 1, 2020

Seattle, WA., October 1, 2020—Today wine critic Dr. Owen Bargreen ushered in the launching of OwenBargreen.com, formerly Washington Wine Blog and washingtonwineblog.com. Leaving his position as senior editor at International Wine Report, Dr. Owen Bargreen will continue his expert coverage on Washington, Oregon and California wines, wineries and will share in-depth written interviews and video interviews on his Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/owenbargreen/

“I want to continue to produce independent, cutting edge content that highlight the finest wines of Washington, Oregon and California that I hope you all will enjoy,” said Dr. Bargreen. “This will be a chance to be more fully independent and continue to merge my skills as a clinical psychologist in the interviews and writing that I do.” All consumer and industry content will remain free to everyone. “These are challenging times and people need a bit of joy more than ever. I think not including advertising and making my content free to everyone is exactly what our industry needs right now,” remarked Dr. Bargreen. Owen will continue international wine reviews, particularly wines of Spain and Sauternes.

Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose

Sometimes when I find a wine so incredibly pensive and moving, I simply have to feature that single wine. Much of the world has fallen in love with the Syrah wines by Cayuse Vineyard and eminent vigneron, Christophe Baron. Together with his uber-talented vigneronne, Elizabeth Bourcier, they have been consistently crafting some of the most compelling wines on the West Coast. 

For the past three years the Cayuse ‘Edith’ Rose has been tied for the top performing Rose in my Pacific Northwest Rose Report. The wine is a very carefully crafted Rose, with incredible nuance. Christophe has spoken to me at length about how the top Rose wines of Provence (Domaine Ott, Domaine Tempier, etc.) have inspired him in creating his own Rose. 

Those who know me well understand that I am crazy for top notch Rose regardless of region. While some of my colleagues may disagree, I feel strongly that there is something about a great Rose wine with intention that really inspires. At its best it is a highly complex wine that stands with any great wine of its kind. The ‘Edith’ Rose is sourced from the ‘Armada Vineyard’ which is set on massive cobblestones. At this site Christophe has two rows of vines which are farmed at a mere two tons per acre. His Rose is usually very low alcohol, sometimes nearing 12%. The combination of weight, tension, and mouthfeel is consistently incredible. I feel that his 2018 Rose is amongst the best that I have ever tried. And no further adieu, I give you my tasting notes from the 2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose. 

2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Edith’ Rose is a highly refreshing and gratifying new wine that is amongst the best of its kind in North America. Sourced from the ‘Armada Vineyard’, once on the nose this takes on pretty red rose petals that mingle with cantaloupe and wet stone and smoky tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is wonderfully fresh and vibrant with great acidity and a seamless texture. Layers of Gravenstein apple, watermelon, nectarine and kumquat zest collide with minerals and smoky undertones on this complex palate. As the wine warms up, it becomes even more nuanced and complex, still showing wonderful mouth-watering acidity. Scintillating in its youth, this stunning new Rose will enjoy another eight plus years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 94