Almaviva

One of the stars of Chile, I always love writing about one of the famed wines of the world, Vina Almaviva. An illustrious story dating back to 1997, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle, Chairman of Viña Concha y Toro S.A., sealed a partnership agreement with a view to create an exceptional Franco-Chilean wine called Almaviva. Produced under the joint technical supervision of both partners, the first vintage had great acclaim upon its launch in 1998. The rest has been history. 

I have been drawn to these wines since I first tried them a decade ago. For those who have never had the cache to try Vina Almaviva, you are in for a great treat. The wines show incredible terroir and a wonderful veil of tension. They age gracefully too, as I tried the 2011 bottling not long ago and it was truly singing. One thing I love about this blend is how it captures the art of truly exceptional Carmenère. A varietal that has been a shining star for Chile, this wine really is one of the finest expressions of Carmenère that you will find. Although the blend is Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, Carmenère adds the lovely herbal tones and scorched earth accents to this formidable wine. 

Almaviva wines dense and massive, needing a lot of air prior to enjoying. Like many great modern wines of the world, they are approachable in their youth after a long decant. I recently had the chance to taste the 2018 Vina Almaviva and was absolutely blown away with the quality of the wines. The 2018 Almaviva Red Wie (OB, 97) is a spellbinding blend of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon with 19% Carmenère and small parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  It is nothing short of a magical blend that has a long life ahead of it. Learn more about this famed winery at http://www.almavivawinery.com/en/ Here is my review of the new 2018 Almaviva. 

2018 Almaviva Red Wine- A captivating blend by winemaker Michel Friou, the 2018 Almaviva Red Wine blends 72% Cabernet Sauvignon with 19% Carmenère, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Weighing in at 14.9% alcohol, the wine was aged for eighteen months in French oak (73% new) before bottling, a touch more Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch less Carmenère than the ’17 bottling. Right away the allure of green bell pepper notes entice alongside Turkish coffee, creme de cassis and blueberry compote that all take shape in the glass. The palate is dense and plush but shows a sterling veil of tension that runs through the core of the wine. Layers of anise, green bell pepper, blackberry cordial, and Black Forest Cake all parade on the palate. Absolutely gorgeous to consume in its youth, this really needs a two hour decant fully evolve if you can’t hold back from enjoying this gorgeous wine. Drink 2022-2040- 97

Andrew Will

It is not everyday that you take a ferry to visit one of the state’s top wineries. Yesterday I hopped aboard a ferry departing for Vashon Island to visit with one of Washington’s great winemaking talents. Andrew Will is one of Washington’s historic houses founded by Chris Carmada in 1989 that has consistently produced wines that stand the test of time. I’ve tasted several Andrew Will wines blind that were more than twenty years old and I incorrectly guessed that they were more in the ten year range in terms of aging. These are wines that are sensational when they are released but they have consistently good cellaring potential. 

Andrew Will was named his winery for Chris’s nephew Andrew and son Will, who now serves as head winemaker. Andrew Will is located on Vashon Island not far from Seattle. Chris started his winery by sourcing from two great vineyards in Washington, the Champoux and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards. Today they source all of their grapes from their Two Blondes Vineyard as well as those two historic vineyards. 

It has been a pleasure getting to know Will Carmada who is great winemaker just like his  father. Intelligent and down to earth Will is making some world class wines. Will loves wine as a study, constantly learning about new wines of the world and actively involved in his tasting groups.

Will has crafted a beautiful Bordeaux style white wine, his 2019 Andrew Will ‘Cuvee Lucia’ White Wine (OB, 93) which is amongst the best of its kind in the state with its aromatic and flavor range as well as poise and seamless texture.  I am crazy for the 2016 Andrew Will ‘Two Blondes Vineyard’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is soft, round and shows very pretty red fruits with light tannins. This wine has massive aging potential, as does the majestic 2016 Andrew Will ‘Sorella’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which is amongst the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines I have tried this year. Dense and chewy, yet lithe and light on its feet, this absolute gem will cellar well for many decades — possibly 25-30 years!  Learn more about these stunning wines at http://www.andrewwill.com/home/ Here are the beautiful new release wines by Andrew Will. 

2019 Andrew Will ‘Cuvee Lucia’ White Wine-  A sensational effort, the 2019 ‘Cuvee Lucia’ is one of the great white Bordeaux style wines made in Washington. On the nose tones of lychee and banana combine with beeswax and melon undertones on this complex bouquet. The palate has a downright awesome combination of finesse and richness. Layers of beeswax and Japanese apple combine with macadamia nut and cantaloupe all combine with minerals and brioche tones on the palate. A complete wine, this gorgeous new Bordeaux style white wine will cellar well over the next decade, picking up nutty and earthy tones as it ages gracefully. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2019 involuntary Commitment Red Wine- A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Involuntary Commitment shows rich red cherry and red raspberry tones alongside shades of creosote and milk chocolate with red bell pepper on the palate. Showing good length and persistence, with light tannins, this outstanding value will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2017 Andrew Will ‘Two Blondes Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Two Blondes Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a killer value from this warm vintage. Soft once on the mouth, this shows beautiful purity of fruit with its red cherry, red raspberry and mocha tones alongside a bright veil of tension. Salty undertones and shades of scorched earth complete this outstanding new bottling. This is very pretty Cabernet Sauvignon that serves as a great foil to the rest of the lineup and literally screams terroir. Great to enjoy in its youth, this outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2017 Andrew Will ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 Andrew Will ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding wine from this great vintage on Red Mountain. Once on the nose this takes on layers of cassis and anise that combine with tar and blackberry compote that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush, showing a great combination of viscosity and tension. Layers of black currants dance with mocha, tar, anise and dried sage on the palate. Sensational to enjoy now, this beautiful new Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2016 Andrew Will ‘Two Blondes Vineyard’ Red Wine- A knockout wine, the 2016 ‘Two Blondes Vineyard’ Red Wine is a stunning blend of 60% Merlot with equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with 8% Malbec. Once on the nose this takes on cocoa powder dusted red cherry and garrigue tones that mingle with black raspberry cordial and shades of sagebrush that all dance in the glass. The palate is soft and seamless, effortlessly gliding across the drinking experience. Layers of cassis, pipe tobacco, milk chocolate, red cherry cordial and bell pepper undertones all meld in the glass. Outstanding in its youth, this fantastic new wine will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 95

2016 Andrew Will ‘Ciel du Cheval Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Ciel du Cheval Vineyard’ Red Wine is a killer right bank style blend of 57% Merlot and 43% Cabernet Franc. Turkish coffee with anise, creme de cassis and sagebrush undertones march in unison in the glass. The palate is plush, showing a silky mouthfeel and great veil of tension that runs through the core of dark currants, dark chocolate shavings, graphite, sweet pipe tobacco and coffee ground flavors. The combination of verve, richness and length is really gratifying here. Lightly tannic, this beautiful wine needs a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth and will cellar well over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2016 Andrew Will ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Red Wine- Andrew Will has been sourcing from this famed site in the Horse Heaven Hills for decades now. A blend of 50% Merlot with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Cabernet Franc. A whiff of creme de cassis comes on immediately with Turkish coffee, violets, anise and sagebrush tones with tar all meld in the glass. The palate is rich and decadent, with layers of anise, creme de cassis, creosote, and chocolate covered espresso bean with blueberry compote, making this not only highly complex but really novel. Lightly tannic, with a great core of finesse throughout the drinking experience, the 2016 ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Red Wine is sinfully good in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for another two decades to come. Give this at least two hours in the decanter if enjoying in its nascency. Drink 2020-2038- 95

2016 Andrew Will ‘Sorella’ Red Wine- Sourced from the famed ‘Champoux Vineyard’ in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the ‘Sorella’ is a barrel selection wine made by superstar winemaker Will Carmada. Nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) with small portions Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this shows off mocha, tar, creme de cassis and shades of black cherry cordial that all meld in the glass. The palate is elegant and rich, showing a great combination of viscosity, tension and range. Dark chocolate covered espresso bean flavors with blueberry pie, anise, sagebrush and shades of fresh dark currants all meld in the glass. Complex and hedonistic yet showing a wonderful err of elegance, this classy effort will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this a three plus hour decant. Drink 2020-2040- 96

2017 Andrew Will ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Petit Verdot- Inky in the glass, this outstanding Petit Verdot shows anise, green bell pepper, creme de cassis and shades of tar that all mingle in the glass. Firm tannins line the core of dark fruits with espresso bean and dark chocolate shavings, with shades of blackberry cordial on the palate. Complex and delicious, this exceptional 100% Petit Verdot is one of the great wines of its kind. Give this a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2032- 93

Spottswoode

A famed Napa house with a great history, Spottswoode was founded in 1882 by George Schonewald. Spottswoode was christened by Mrs. Albert Spotts in 1910 and was later acquired by Mary and Jack Novak in 1972. Mary released Spottswoode’s first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, exactly one hundred years after the estate’s founding.

Today, Mary’s daughter Beth Novak Milliken manages the winery, and daughter Lindy Novak serves as the winery’s Marketing Ambassador. Every year Spottswoode produces an Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and an Estate Sauvignon Blanc in honor of their founder, Mary Novak. Spottswoode also crafts a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon called Lyndenhurst, a dual-appellation Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, and two limited-production wines for club members only (Spottswoode Estate “Mary’s Block” Sauvignon Blanc and Field Book Syrah). The estate is located at western edge of St. Helena at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains, as vines are set on alluvial clay loam while a strong wartime influence runs through Spring Mountain and the Mayacamas range. The estate has forty acres of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with portions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc which have been organically farmed since 1985.

I adored the new 2017 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which has incredible poise and tension with nice restraint and elegance. This is dense Napa Cabernet with serious finesse that has some great aging potential. Learn more about this famed Napa winery at https://www.spottswoode.com Here is my review of the 2017 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon. 

2017 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a remarkable wine from what was for some a challenging vintage in the Napa Valley. A blend of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (89%) with small portions Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the wine was aged in 60% new French oak for twenty months before bottling. Needing a two hour decant to fully be aroused, once unveiled this shows off layers of kirsch cordial and creme de cassis aromatics with loamy soils, graphite and shades of dark chocolate shavings that all meld in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, showing an incredibly pillowy texture. Ripe dark currants mingle with minerals, dark chocolate covered espresso bean, creosote and shade of pipe tobacco and crushed mint that all march in unison. The long finish adds to the drinking enjoyment as the sense of finesse is sensational. Gratifying to savor in its youth, this has at least twenty years of drinking enjoyment ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 96

Mt. Brave

As we honor the incredible and brave Americans who have given their lives to protect our freedoms, I thought that it would be fitting to write about Mt. Brave wines. An outstanding estate in the Napa Valley, Mt. Brave is a winery that pays homage to a the pioneering spirit of those who settled the rugged terrain of Mt. Veeder during the 1800s. 

The majestic Mt. Brave Vineyard is a high elevation site that is set on gravelly loam with large rocks throughout. This is very labor intensive land to farm and the wines from this site shows incredible density of fruit but also wonderful, earthy terroir. The elevation also adds to the freshness in the core of the wine. 

At the helm is superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter, who is truly one of Napa’s great winemakers. Chris has crafted another stunning release, this coming from the 2016 vintage. The 2016 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot (OB, 95) is dense and chewy wine that is remarkable even in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. LEarn more about this famed winery at mtbravewines.com Here is my review of the 2016 Mt. Brave Merlot. 

2016 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot- The 2016 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot is a simply gorgeous effort by superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter that impresses now at the four year mark. The complex and hedonistic aromas entice with sandalwood tones that are woven together with kirsch cordial, cassis and graphite with chocolate covered espresso bean that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft, seamless and very elegant, as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. A deep core of dark fruits collide with minerals, pipe tobacco, loamy terroir and suggestions of coffee grounds on the palate. Rich and layered, with tremendous aging potential, the 2016 Mt. Brave Merlot will cellar well for decades to come. Be sure to give this at least an hour decant if enjoying in its flamboyant youth. Drink 2020-2038- 95

Time & Direction

I am always honored to the first wine critic to write about great new winery projects. Such was the case with Time & Direction, founded by the talented Steve Wells. Steve has an inspired story, and began his wine education while waiting tables in New York City. Inspired by the world of wine Steve impressively passed both the Introductory and Certified Sommelier certifications through the the Court of Master Sommeliers within months of each other. Years later after chatting with Ron Coleman of Tamarack Cellars, Steve learned about the Center for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College. He then made a leap of faith moving from the Big Apple to Walla Walla, WA and attended wine school. He then began working in the tasting room and cellar at Gramercy Cellars and learned about production and the wine business. After two productive years at Gramercy Steve then began working under eminent Washington winemaker, Aryn Morell, and helped in crafting 60 different wines for 6 different clients.  Aryn allowed Steve to make his own wines at his production facility, and Time & Direction was born.

Steve sources from a host of great sites including the Lawrence Vineyards in the newly formed Royal Slope AVA. His smoky and earthy 2019 Time & Direction ‘Space Pants’ Mourvedre (OB, 91) shows brilliant freshness and refinement. Even better is a wine that is an homage to his parents, the gorgeous 2018 Time & Direction ‘Wellspring Reserve’ Syrah (OB, 93). This is a stunning Syrah that is beautifully viscous but has also great complexity and bright acidity. Learn more about Time & Direction at https://timeanddirectionwines.com Here are the great new wines by Time & Direction. 

2018 Time & Direction ‘Diamond Cutter’ Syrah- The ‘Diamond Cutter’ Syrah was sourced from they Columbia Valley and has a touch of Mourvedre (5%) blended in. White pepper, tar and shades of bacon fat all build together aromatically. The palate is wonderfully fresh with good acidity. Layers of red cherry and smoked pork shoulder mingle with orange rind and green olives on this complex palate. Delicious now to savor, this beautiful wine has another eight to ten years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2018 Time & Direction ‘Wellspring Reserve’ Syrah- The ‘Wellspring Reserve’ is a tribute to owner/winemaker Steve Wells’s parents, with his heartfelt gratitude written on the bottle.  Smoked meats and blackberry compote with shades of tar and dark licorice all meld in the glass aromatically. The palate is fresh with a great sense of acidity, weight and mouthfeel. Layers of rich dark fruits collide with dark chocolate shavings, tar and coffee grounds on this dense palate. Delicious to enjoy in its youth, this great new bottling will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2019 Time & Direction ‘Space Pants’ Mourvedre- Sourced from the newly minted ‘Royal Slope AVA’ the ‘Space Pants’ shows off cracked black pepper encrusted bacon with huckleberry and orange rind tones that build in the glass. The palate is fresh with great acidity and pretty dark fruits that collide with minerals and smoky undertones. The finesse here is great as this is best enjoyed over the next six to eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 91

Two Hands

One of the great houses of the Barossa Valley, Two Hands relies the talented Michael Twelftree, one of Australia’s iconic makers of Shiraz. The story of Two Hands dates back to 1999 when founders Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz sat at a friend's engagement party and decided it was time to make their own wine and be judged by the world. We are all so glad that they did. Their Garden Series wines have been internationally known and immediately received critical acclaim as well as their ‘Angel’s Share’ Shiraz also getting great press. Two Hands’ first vintage was in 2000, after a modest $30k investment and starting with just 17 tonnes of fruit.  The journey had started. Michael’s wine contacts in the US and UK helped launch the brand and also helped Two Hands increase production to launch their full Garden Series with the 2003 vintage. The rest has been history.

I had a chance to sit down and interview Michael at the last Hospice du Rhone festival two years ago. I had just tried their 2010 Two Hands ‘Ares’ Shiraz (OB, 99) which was one of the best wines I had tried all year and we talked about his history in wine as well as that special ‘Ares’ which he described as ‘liquid silk.’ Michael is kind-hearted and so knowledgable and I can imagine that he is so gratified to see where his brand stands today.

I recently had the chance to revisit the new Two Hands lineup and was really impressed with the overall quality. While I was not sent the Garden Series wines, the wines that I tried are more commonly found in the United States and offer seriously good value. I loved the 2018 Two Hands ‘Gnarly Dudes’ Shiraz (OB, 91) which has a great veil of freshness and a gorgeous sense of mouthfeel with pretty ripe red fruits. Just as good was the 2018 Two Hands ‘Angel’s Share’ Shiraz (OB, 92) which is dense and hedonistic, offering serious bang for the buck. Learn more about this iconic Aussie brand at https://www.twohandswines.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Two Hands. 

2018 Two Hands ‘Gnarly Dudes’ Shiraz- Aged for twelve months in French oak (13% new), the 2018 Two Hands ‘Gnarly Dudes’ Shiraz shows lovely kirsch cordial and shades of strawberry puree that come together alongside the smoky and earthy undertones on this exotic nose. The palate is dense, showing off its plush mouthfeel. Ripe red berries collide with minerals and shades of lavender on the palate. The combination of weight and length is awesome here. Drink 2020-2027- 91

2016 Two Hands ‘Hopes and Dreams’ Red Wine- The avenue that links the Two Hands winery to its vineyards is known as the Avenue of Hopes and Dreams, lined with 100 year old date palms. The wine is a blend of mostly Grenache and Shiraz, with small portions Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre. Dense, vibrant and simply marvelous, the 2016 ‘Hopes and Dreams’ reveals layers of black and blue fruits with creosote and damp stone undertones. This is a seriously good value that will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2018 Two Hands ‘Angels’ Share’ Shiraz- The 2018 ‘Angels’ Share’ by Two Hands is a seriously good new wine by their talented winemaking team. The nose shows deep dark fruits with shades of blueberry compote and espresso bean that all mingle in the glass. The brightness of the wine is lovely as the soft texture entices. Blueberry pie and black licorice flavors connect well with the lovely mouthfeel and long finish. Outstanding in its youth, the ‘Angels’ Share’ will provide drinking enjoyment over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2018 Two Hands ‘Sexy Beast’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Inky once in the glass, the beautiful new ‘Sexy Beast’ Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a dense core of scorched earth with blackberries, black cherry cordial and shades of tar with black licorice. Full-bodied and showing good freshness, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next seven plus years. Drink 2020-2027- 91

Portlandia Vintners

While tasting this morning, I had realized that it had been several years since I had visited the value Oregon project, Portlandia Vintners. There are so many producers in Oregon making good wines but I think few can match Portlandia in terms of sheer value. Certainly the wines of St. Innocent come to mind, but many of Portlandia’s wines hover around $20.00. That is certainly a challenge, particularly considering the impressive body of vineyards that they work with. Founder Damien Davis made his way from his home in Florida to Oregon in 1999 to work a harvest and fell in love with the region. Fast forward to 2008, Portlandia was founded to create wines that showcase terroir at a great price. 

I tried three new releases from Portlandia and all were equally impressive but for different reasons. Under $20.00, the 2019 Portlandia Pinot Gris (OB, 90) is fresh, vibrant and a killer match for any fresh shellfish. I adored the 2018 Portlandia ‘Momtazi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) with its killer terroir and freshness, with fleshy red fruits and great aromatic and flavor range. Learn more about these great wines at https://portlandiavintners.com Here are my reviews of the new Portlandia wines. 

2019 Portlandia Pinot Gris- This shows a wonderfully bright degree of minerality with lovely Bosc pear, wild mushroom and salty minerals on the palate. While not particularly geared towards weight, the freshness is outstanding. Pair this with fresh Kusshi oysters. Drink 2020-2023- 90

2018 Portlandia Pinot Noir- This 2018 bottling is soured from a host of great sites throughout the Willamette Valley including the ‘Hyland’ and ‘Loubejac’ vineyards. Very pretty rose water and red cherry with guava puree tones collide with minerals and a soft mouthfeel on the palate. This is a great value. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2018 Portlandia ‘Momtazi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-I have long admired wines from the ‘Momtazi Vineyard’ set on two distinct soils and a vineyard whose wines seem to scream terroir. This edition is complex and delicious with its dusting of volcanic rocks, saline drenched Ranier cherry, blood orange zest and vibrant sense of minerality. Full-bodied and downright delicious, enjoy this fabulous new Pinot Noir over the next decade.  Drink 2020-2028- 93

Reynvaan Family Vineyards 2012 Retrospective

Since 2007 Reynvaan Family Vineyards has been one of Washington’s premier producers of Rhone style red and white wines. At the helm, a man not needing any introduction, Matt Reynvaan, deftly crafts wines that embody balance, weight, and range. Starting with their first vintage in 2007, Matt has taken the wine scene by storm and continues to make some of the most compelling wines on the west coast. 

As part of my retrospective piece, I had a chance to revisit many of the 2012 Reynvaan wines, which was also the first vintage that Matt made his ‘MTR Productions’ Syrah which has a cult following. Matt has a very old world style of winemaking, training at famed Bordeaux house Chateau Smith Haut-Lafitte and also learning under eminent vigneron Christophe Baron. The wines that he made in 2012 have impeccable balance and are really peaking right now at the eight year mark. I was blown away with the 2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Grenache Blanc (OB, 94) which is one of the great Washington white wines I have tried all year and is getting to show lovely tertiary tones alongside the core of orchard fruits and stony terroir. I was completely blown away with the 2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah (OB, 95) which shows gobs of aromatic and flavor range, with plenty of bright acidity. Grab this wine if you still can. Learn more about these great wines at reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com Here are the 2012 wines by Reynvaan Family Vineyards. 

2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Grenache Blanc- Deeply colored and deeply perfumed once in the glass, the thrilling 2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Grenache Blanc shows pink grapefruit blossom and starfruit tones alongside shades of wet stone and unripe honeydew melon on this complex bouquet. The palate is beautifully texture and elegant, showing a beautiful combination of length and verve. Even more complex as the wine warms up, layers of Meyer lemon buttercream and sweetened gooseberry mingle with wet gravel and Japanese pear on the palate. This is layered, elegant and highly novel Grenache Blanc that is amongst the best you will find on the West Coast. Drink 2020-2025- 94

2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- I adore the 2012 ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah for its ever-stony presence and good poise. Right out of the gate you can smell the rocky, indulgent aromatic profile with wet stone and horse manure, alongside green olive tapenade, beef fat, blood orange zest and iron tones that all sing in unison. The hedonistic, rather dazzling aromatic display brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Once on the mouth this takes on a soft,  silky texture. You are immediately greeted to a very pretty red fruit core, alongside kumquat zest tones, woven together with bacon fat, cigar ash, and charcuterie flavors. Complex and absolutely irresistible now, this is peaking and won’t improve so grab a few bottles of these if you can. Drink 2020-2025- 95

2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- I have been fortunate enough to recently sample the 2013 and 2014 editions of this wine over the past several months from my personal collection. A deeper shade of purple than the ‘In The Rocks’ the 2012 ‘Foothills Reserve’ shows menthol tones that combine with shades of cigar box, blackberry compote, and bacon fat tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is very elegant with a light vein of salinity that runs through the core of dark fruits alongside, citrus rind, flinty and minty undertones. The length and elegance of this wine is apparent as this is drinking beautifully now and has another five plus years to go. Drink 2020-2025- 94

Champagne Delamotte

One of the great Champagne houses with some serious history, Champagne Delamotte can be traced to the 1760s. Delamotte sources from some of the great vineyards in Champagne, including those located in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize and Oger, as well as the Cote des Blancs, marvelously highlight world class Chardonnay. I’ve been enchanted by these wines for many years. Didier Depond serves as general manager for Delamotte as well as their sister winery, famed house Salon. Like Salon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes for Delamotte are sourced  from Grand Cru-rated vineyards. The Delamotte range of wines offers more approachability, than those made at Salon — but also share some really good cellaring potential.

I adored all of the new releases by Delamotte including their gorgeous NV ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne (OB, 92), a which is wonderfully citrus-driven and shows an awesome core of diatomaceous earth. Equally good, the NV Delamotte ‘Brut Rose’ Champagne (OB, 92) is fresh and vibrant with tart red fruits and racy acidity. Learn more about this historic Champagne house at https://www.champagne-delamotte.com/en/ Here are the gorgeous new wines by Champagne Delamotte

NV Delamotte ‘Brut’ Champagne- The ‘Brut’ Champagne by Delamotte is a blend of 55% Chardonnay with 35% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier. The silky mousse is outstanding here, as layers of toasted brioche, lemon zest, kumquat and crushed seashell all come together marvelously on the palate. With great length and tension, this beautiful NV Champagne will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2028- 91

NV Delamotte ‘Brut Rose’ Champagne- A blend of 80% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay, this shows off pretty teaberry and red rose petals with citrus rind accents that all mingle in the glass. The palate shows a great sense of diatomaceous earth. Cran-raspberry, Mandarin orange zest, smoke, with salty minerals take shape on the palate. Nicely textured, with a sterling minerality, this will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2028- 92

NV Delamotte ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne- 100% Chardonnay, this beautiful wine was aged on the lees for four years before disgorgement and contains a small amount of reserve wines. The freshness is really good here with saline drenched pear, white peach, Gravenstine apple and lemon zest infused sourdough bread tones on the palate. Wonderfully balanced, with great finesse, enjoy this over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 92

Cristom Vineyards

Today we share one of the greats out of Oregon. Cristom founder Paul Gerrie hired Cristom’s winemaker Steve Doerner bak in 1992. There now a co-winemaker, Daniel Estrin, who joined over the past year. Paul Gerrie named his four estate vineyards after the four females of his family, Eileen, Jessie, Louise and Marjorie. Gerrie's son, Tom, now leads the company and heads the winemaking team alongside Paul and Mark.  Winemaker Steve Doerner had a previous stint at Calera prior to coming to Cristom in the early 90s. A world traveler, Doerner makes some world class Pinot Noir at Cristom.

For many years Cristom has been producing a fantastic cuvee that blends the vineyards, their Mt. Jefferson Cuvée. This years 2018 Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir was one of the finest I have ever sampled from this estate (OB, 92) as this offers some seriously good value. I absolutely adored the 2018 Cristom ‘Jessie Vineyard' Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which shows incredible finesse and really good range with its earthy tones and deep core of high-toned fruits. Learn more about these great wines at https://www.cristomvineyards.com

2019 Cristom Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this outstanding new Rose shows pretty red fruits that dance with shades of green apple on the nose. The palate has a smooth texture with pretty lighter red fruits with rose water tones. Drink 2020-2023- 90

2019 Cristom ‘Estate’ Viognier- Lighter honeysuckle, gooseberry and white peach tones connect on the nose. The palate showcases its bright acidity with copious minerals and lighter pear, green apple and green papaya tones. Enjoy in the short-term while the great acidity is intact. Drink 2020-2023- 90

2018 Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir-  A whiff of cola and wild strawberry entice on the nose with layers of teaberry and damp earth on this complex bouquet. The palate is soft, round and voluptuous with pretty red fruits that dance with minerals, smoke and shades of peat moss. With great concentration and length, this is beautiful wine now that has some good cellaring potential for the next eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2018 Cristom ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Named after founder Paul Gerrie, the 2018 ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir underwent 50% whole cluster fermentation before bottling. Shades of wild mushroom and guava puree combine with damp earth and lighter orange rind tones on this beautiful bouquet. The palate offers copious tart red fruits that dance with minerals, kumquat zest and iron tones with shade of white truffle shavings adding to the complexity. WIth seriously good range, the beautiful 2018 ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2025- 94

2018 Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir really shines brightly in this warm vintage. Named after Cristom’s co-founder, Eileen Gerrie, the ‘Eileen Vineyard’ was first planted in 1997 and was later expanded in 2006 to a total of 16.61 acres. Once on the nose this takes on ripe pomegranate and blood orange zest tones that combine with shades of salty and sandy terroir with wet stone accents on this complex bouquet. The freshness and tension mid-palate is gorgeous, as layers of pretty red fruits mingle with orange rind, cigar ash and a lovely saline streak. Delicious to savor in its youth, the 2018 ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will enjoy another fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2018 Cristom ‘Marjorie VIneyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows baking spice tones woven together with Mandarin orange zest, teaberry and shades of salted red cherries that all meld aromatically.  The palate is very well-balanced, showing tremendous poise and length with its core of bright red fruits and citrus rind accents. Medium-bodied, and downright delicious to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will enjoy another fifteen years in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2018 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Louise Vineyard’ was first planted back in 1993, and was named after Cristom winegrower and owner Tom Gerrie’s great-grandmother, Louise Dinkelspiel. Ripe red currants march on with smoky minerals, shades of peat moss and Yakima cherry tones on this gorgeous nose. The palate is beautifully textured with a great sense of mouthfeel and tension. Gratifying with its core of red fruits and red florals that mingle with the earthy undertones, this complex wine will cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2018 Cristom ‘Jessie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Jessie Vineyard’ is a steep, east-facing hillside that was planted in 1994, named after winegrower-owner Tom Gerrie’s great-grandmother Jessie Sommers. Once on the nose this shows a gorgeous range from potpourri and orange zest to forest floor and shades of menthol that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth with a soft mouthfeel and great veil of minerality. Bright pomegranate seed and guava puree flavors intermingle with minerals, damp earth and dark truffle undertones. Complex and delicious in its youth, this beautiful Pinot Noir will cellar for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

Lingua Franca

It is easy to look back fondly on our pre-covid moments. Sitting across from Thomas Savre, we both reveled in what crazy good bottle of Bollinger we were enjoying. Soft spoken, but highly passionate and fiercely competitive, Savre is a young Frenchman accomplishing far more than most of his peers. Savre is a special talent in Oregon, crafting some of the most compelling and novel terroir-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines you will find in the state. One of the premier Oregon producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Lingua Franca begins with their estate vineyard, located between the Lone Star, Jerusalem Hills and Seven Springs vineyards. It is a truly sensational site for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Larry Stone, MS, previously managed wine portfolios for Francis Ford Coppola as well as Augustin Huneeus before founding Lingua Franca with David Honig. 

In late 2014, Dominique Lafon of Evening Land fame indicated that he would be interested in collaborating on the project and the team began work together in February of 2015. A Lafon protégé, Thomas Savre previously served as assistant winemaker at Evening Land before being chosen to be winemaker for Lingua Franca. Savre described 2018 in two words as “Subtle Power.” He continued “Unique, this vintage tested us in the vineyard and in the cellar. Exceptional weather led to concentrated and generous Pinot Noir but also precise delicate Chardonnay.”

 2018 was a great vintage for Lingua Franca and I adored the 2018 Lingua Franca ‘Sisters’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is fresh and vibrant with an incredible texture. Just as good is the 2018 Lingua Franca ‘Mimi’s Mind’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which has insanely good range, beautiful astringency and novel character with its sour fruit profile and earthy terroir. This is just an infant now and has decades of life ahead of it. Learn more about Lingua Franca at https://www.linguafranca.wine Here are the beautiful new releases by Lingua Franca.

2018 Lingua Franca ‘Sisters’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Sisters’ Chardonnay is a sensational new wine by Lingua Franca. Named after Larry Stone’s mother and her sister, the 2018 ‘Sisters’ shows bright Challah bread and lemon zest tones that mingle with shades of wet stone on this fantastic bouquet. The texture is insanely good. Lemon oil infused sourdough bread and vanilla cream mingle with minerals and flinty undertones on the palate. Seamlessly textured, this finishes exceedingly long. Gratifying to enjoy in tis youth, this will provide drinking enjoyment for another ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 95

2018 Lingua Franca ‘Tongue ’N Cheek’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Tongue ’N Cheek’ is another outstanding new release by the talented Thomas Savre. Once on the nose this takes on layers of wild blackberries and bramble tones that mingle with shades of teaberry and citrus rind on this complex bouquet. The palate is vibrant and fresh, with a silky texture. Layers of red currants, tilled soil, cigar ash and shades of Mandarin orange rind all come together seamlessly on the palate. Sensational to enjoy right now, this beautifully textured 2018 Pinot Noir will cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 LIngua Franca ‘Mimi’s Mind’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Mimi’s Mind’ is sourced from the ‘Hope Well Vineyard’ in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, utilizing Dijon clone 667. The aromatic range is seriously good from white truffle shavings, teaberry and blood orange zest, to forest floor tones that all dazzle in the glass. The palate is seamless, effortlessly gliding throughout the drinking experience. Red currants and pomegranate seed flavors mingle with minerals, black cherry compote, peat moss and sour wild blackberry on this complex palate. The generous length and soft texture really entice, as this beautiful wine has a long way to go in the cellar. This is a broad-shouldered Oregon Pinot that needs an hour of air if enjoying at this stage. Drink 2020-2035- 95 

2018 Lingua Franca ‘Petit Geant’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Petit Geant’ utilizes Block 8 Calera Pinot Noir clone, blended with Clone 115 from Block 9 in their estate vineyard. Aged in 20% new French oak barriques, this shows intense dark fruits that mingle with damp earth, pine needles and suggestions of chanterelle mushroom on this gratifying bouquet. The palate is sinfully good, showing incredible tension and a silky smooth texture. The gratifying length and deep core of dark fruits collide with minerals and orange rind accents, with shades of black truffle. Complex and utterly delicious to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 95

2018 Lingua Franca ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous effort by the talented Thomas Savre. A dry-farmed site in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, set on Jory, Gelderman and Nekia soils, the wine shows complex cran-pomegranate and tilled earthy aromatics, mingling with smoky and flinty accents that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and very elegant. Showing a great core of red and dark fruits, the silky mouthfeel and gratifying length really makes this shine. While not quite as dense as some of their other bottlings, the combination of finesse, tension and texture is nothing short of magical. Drink 2020-2035- 94

FIGGINS

Walla Walla icon Chris Figgins has done it again. One of the outstanding talents of the Pacific Northwest, also making great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Chris Figgins took over for his father at Leonetti back in 2002 which created quite a stir. We are all very glad that he did, as Chris has had incredible success at his family winery. It is no surprise that Chris wanted another project. From what was originally a wheat farm, the 32 acre Figgins Estate Vineyard was first planted in 2004 and plays host to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Originally Figgins Estate only made two wines each year, a Riesling and a Red Blend and they now produce their ‘Figlia’ as a tribute to Chris’s two daughters. The ‘Figlia’ really showcases the magic of Petit Verdot, a varietal that when done right can truly rival anything in the state. The Figgins Estate Vineyard is an incredible property that has sweeping views of the the Walla Walla Valley. Set at 1750 feet this great vineyard experiences massive diurnal shifts. The first vintage was 2008 and the wines from the vineyard just get better and better.

I adored the 2018 Figgins Family ‘Figlia’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which is unlike anything made in the state with its incredible power and herbal tones from the Petit Verdot. This is a dense, hedonistic monster of a wine that needs a lot of air before enjoying. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.figginswine.com Here are the stunning new wines by Figgins Estate.

2018 FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ Red Wine- Literally translated as ‘daughter’ in Italian, the 2018 ‘Figlia’ is a seductive blend of Petit Verdot and Merlot all sourced from the Figgins Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. Aged in French oak for 23 months before bottling, this inky colored wine shows classic green bell pepper tones from the Petit Verdot, alongside pencil lead, blackberry coulis and creme de cassis tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is deep and inviting, with a massive degree of concentration but plenty of bright, mouth-watering acidity. Layers of blueberry pie, blackberry compote, mocha, creosote and exotic spices come together on the palate. The novelty here is really impressive. Intense and evocative, this is like nothing made in Washington State. Gorgeous in its youth, be sure to give the 2018 ‘Figlia’ a two hour decant if savoring in its infancy. Drink 2021-2040- 96

2012 Washington Wine Retrospective

I’ll admit that I was pretty excited when the 2012 Washington red wines were finally released. Coming out of the challenges that occurred in 2010 and 2011 there was a massive buzz in the Washington wine community about 2012. I think some producers might proudly proclaim 2012 the best in state history. After revising many great wines of the vintage I think that 2012 was a really great vintage that stands tall amongst the best in the past 20 years. 2002 and 2005 are also really beautiful vintages that I have witnessed — wines that are typically a bit richer than wines from 2012. A common vein between 2002, 2005 and 2012 is that so many producers from these years that I have sampled made great wines. 2012 achieved great successes regardless of regions, from cooler climate Yakima Valley wines or stony Syrahs of the Walla Walla Valley. 

Wines made in 2012 gear slightly more towards acidity than 2002 and 2005 as I see 2012 as a hybrid between 2008 and 2005. For those who love balanced red wines that show a good core of fruits, this is a near perfect vintage for you. For those seeking a more hedonistic side of Washington, this may not satisfy you as much as red wines made in 2013, 2014 or 2016. 

I hand selected many of the producers for this retrospective tasting and was very pleased with the consistency of wines across the board. In terms of value, you would be hard pressed to find a wine with a better price point than the fifteen dollar retail 2012 Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 90) which is a wine that punches above its weight class. This wine still has another five years to go. Dunham Cellars produced a beautiful 2012 ‘Trutina’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which is silky, elegant and right at its peak now. Similarly the 2012 Kerloo Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah (OB, 92) is soft and generous, showing a soft texture and delivering amazing value as many Kerloo wines do. 

There were many top class wines produced in 2012. The 2012 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) makes its case for the wine of the vintage with its pillowy mouthfeel and deep core of dark fruits. Christophe Baron hit a home run with his bevy of terroir-driven Syrah and Grenache wines. A world-class bottling that I have been fortunate to sample several times over the past year, the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Grenache (OB, 99) is novel, complex and downright delicious wine that flirts with perfection. I was blown away with the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah (OB, 98) which is rich, dense and hedonistic Syrah that shows a downright ethereal texture. 

Christophe’s horses ride on parade in this retrospective, dazzling with the 2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 98) and the 2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 98) which are monumental wines from 2012. There were so many beautiful wines that impressed including true heavyhitters crafted by Andrew Will, Avennia, Corliss, Delmas, DeLille Cellars, Leonetti Cellar, Long Shadows, MTR Productions, No Girls, and Reynvaan Family Vineyards. 2012 was a monumental vintage in Washington and cheers to the incredible success that our great state shares in 2020. 

ABEJA

2012 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Deep, dark and rich, the 2012 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a striking example from this enticing vintage. The nose is beautifully perfumed with dark currants that mingle with exotic spices, mocha, tar and sagebrush undertones. The palate is fresh and elegant with medium to full-bodied dark fruits that mingle with cocoa powder, fresh sage, tobacco leaf and espresso bean flavors. Showing wonderful minerality and weight, this outstanding 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy another decade or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 94

ANDREW WILL

2012 Andrew Will ‘Sorella’ Red Wine-Entirely sourced from the famed ‘Champoux Vineyard’ this rich yet elegant wine is a seamless blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc. Highly perfumed, the beautiful floral aromatic tones catch your eye, with cassis, graphite, anise and dark chocolate shavings all singing in unison. The palate is incredibly balanced with its soft, pillowy texture. Layers of blackberry compote, sandalwood, anise and dried herbs all connect with minerals and chocolate tones of the wine. A light veil of salinity falls upon the core of dark fruits, further creating a mouth-watering effect. Long and seamless, the 2012 ‘Sorella’ is seriously good right now at the eight year mark and has a decade or more to go. Drink 2020-2032- 95

AVENNIA

2012 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine-  I absolutely adore the 2012 ‘Justine’ a complex, balanced yet dense blend of mostly Mourvedre, with Syrah and Grenache, this shows gorgeous florals and rich dark fruits with garrigue aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows the dense, smoky tones from Mourvedre (49%). Ripe dark figs and blackberry compote with chocolate and rich underbrush all collide nicely. The length really impresses. This still has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2028- 94

2012 Avennia ‘Gravura’ Red Wine- A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a touch Cabernet Franc, this shows red bell pepper with loads of dark fruits and sagebrush tones on the nose. The palate shows good freshness even at the eight year mark. Layers of dense dark fruits and chocolate mingle with sagebrush tones on the palate. The length is generous, as this silky red blend will cellar well over the next five plus years. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2012 Avennia ‘Sestina’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Sestina’ is a sensational blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The florals here with violets and purple rose really impress as cassis, mocha and anise all impress on the nose. Silky smooth on the palate, the mouthfeel here is nothing short of incredible. Layers of pretty dark fruits with chocolate fudge, coffee grounds and violets. The length really impresses. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2032- 95

BETZ FAMILY WINERY

2012 Betz Family Winery ‘Le Parrain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Ceil du Cheval, Kiona, Heart of the Hill Vineyards, the 2012 ‘Le Parrain’ shows sagebrush and wild blackberry cobbler on the nose with shades of creosote. The palate has great freshness and verve with a silky texture. Bright dark fruits collide with minerals and espresso bean tones, with firm tannins that line this beautiful wine. Finishing its stride with great length, this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2012 Betz Family Winery ‘Pere de Famille’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2012 ‘Pere de Famille’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a sensational wine from this outstanding vintage. Violet rose petals and sweet pipe tobacco tones are woven together with chocolate covered kirsch and coffee ground  aromatics that all sing in unison. The palate shows off a seamless texture and great verve, with bright acidity. Medium to full-bodied wild blackberry and Black Forest Cake tones mingle with fresh sage and minerals on the palate. This finishes long with minerals and dark fruits, as this beautiful wine has another decade or more to go. Drink 2020-2032- 93

CAYUSE VINEYARDS

2012 Cayuse Vineyards Viognier- Stony and salty once on the nose, the gorgeous 2012 Cayuse Vineyards Viognier shows pink grapefruit blossom and white peach tones that combine with shades of honeysuckle that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant yet shows its unctuous side with a velvety texture. With more air the wine becomes even more irresistible and complex, with its bright orchard fruits, melon, starfruit and papaya tones. Best enjoyed on the warmer side, this is one of a kind stuff from legendary vigneron Christophe Baron. Drink 2020-2027- 95

2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Grenache- I have had the good fortune to try this stunning wine several times over the past two years. The 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine borders on ethereal now at eight years of age. Sourced from the ‘Armada Vineyard’ this thrilling joyride begins with pretty red rose petals and orange blossom tones that combine with charcuterie, green olive, bacon fat and exotic spices that all sing in unison. The palate shows good weight and balance with its pillowy texture. Emotions are awoken with the incredible combination of flavor range and length here, as this wine continues on seemingly forever. The stony character and salty undertones add to the drinking enjoyment as the 2012 ‘God Only Knows’ is absolutely singing now and has another eight to ten of drinking enjoyment ahead of it. Quite simply, this is new world Grenache at its finest, in my mind only rivaling Sine Qua Non. Drink 2020-2028- 99

2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah opens with wonderful wet stone and Umami tones that combine with shades of pork rilette and Satsuma orange zest with bulls blood that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a seamless texture. Bright red fruits march on with Umami, bacon fat, cigar ash, kumquat rind and shades of salted meats on the palate. The length and seamless texture is truly outstanding here. Generous but weightless, this is a stunning achievement from this great vintage. Drink 2020-2028- 96

2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah is a gorgeous example of Syrah from this stony terroir. Right away the core of dark fruits connect momentum with dried Provencale herbs, wet stone and salted meats with Umami tones on this complex bouquet. The palate has great length and freshness with tremendous verve. Layers of bright red fruits mingle with citrus rind, salted summer sausage, and Kalmata olive tones on the palate. Exceedingly gratifying with its weight, yet not heavy, this gorgeous 2012 Syrah will show well for at least another eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 96

2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Syrah- I am totally blown away by the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Syrah. You can almost smell the eye-catching freshness and verve that runs through this wine as saline drenched meats combine with wet stone and loads of Umami tones with middle-eastern spices on this exotic bouquet. The palate is remarkably fresh, showing a vibrant sense of mineralty. Lighter dark raspberry tones combine with smoked brisket and charcuterie with Spanish green olives and wet stone on the palate. Complex and novel, this is quite different than the other ‘Cru’ Syrah botltings but is every bit as good. The finesse here suggests another eight years, or maybe more. Drink 2020-2028- 96

2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah Special #4’ Syrah (1.5L)-  A blend of several vineyards, it has now been several years since I have visited the epic 2012 ‘Wallah Wallah Special #4’ by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. The nose is highly complex, ranging from Umami and bacon fat tones to cinnamon and clove infused red fruits, to wet stone and green olive tapenade that all parade on point. The exotic range displayed on the nose brings you back to more hedonistic pleasure. The palate is fresh, plush and downright sexy. Bacon fat and Umami tones collide with minerals, smoked pork shoulder, cigar ash and a marvelous saline steak. The generous length provides the resounding crescendo here, as the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah Special #4’ Syrah is utterly sensational wine that has another decade or more of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 97

2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Syrah- The only Syrah to be co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier (5%), the gorgeous 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Syrah is shining brightly at the eight year mark. The high-toned white grapefruit blossom aromatics from the Viognier artfully combine with shades of anise, salted pork pate and green peppercorns that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh, vibrant and downright seamless. Layers of huckleberry compote collide with minerals, smoked lamb, bulls blood, green olives and wet stone on the palate, with underlying orange blossoms rounding out this insanely good flavor range. Long and generous, with great elegance and finesse, the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah is a stunning wine that still has long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 97

2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah- This is now the second time in the past year that I have been able to sample the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah. Wild blackberry compote and Umami tones combine with green olives and Hoisin sauce with smoked duck on the nose. The gorgeous aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Once on the palate the seamless texture really impresses. Layers of roasted figs and boysenberry collide with minerals, lemon rind, smoked brisket, milk chocolate and dried sage with a light dusting of white pepper on this complex palate. This is extremely complex and delicious Syrah to sit and deconstruct. Either way, if you are sitting with this wine, consider yourself very lucky. Still fresh and vibrant, with good weight, the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah will enjoy at least another eight years ahead of it. But why wait? Drink 2020-2028- 98

2012 Cayuse ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo- Entirely sourced from the ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ the 2012 ‘Impulsivo’ is an incredible, one of a kind wine. The Hoisin sauce tones really entice aromatically, as smoked duck, creosote and red cherry candy mingle with shades of Kalmata olive on this complex, mesmerizing bouquet. The palate is fresh, showing a vibrant sense of minerality. This has a great core of dark fruits but is wonderfully nuanced. Layers of salted meats, cran-orange, smoky minerals and wet stone all add to the drinking experience. A complete wine, this is new world Tempranillo at its finest. While remarkable at the eight year mark, this still has a lot of life left. Drink 2020-2028- 97

2012 Cayuse ‘The Flying Pig’ Red Wine- The awesome 2012 ‘The Flying Pig’ is a gorgeous right bank style blend of 40% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc with the reminder Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate shows incredible tension with salty undertones that mingle with the smoked meats, guava puree, lemon rind and baking spices. The combination of length and mouthfeel is particularly gratifying as this fantastic, one of a kind blend has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 95

2012 Cayuse ‘Camaspelo’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Camaspelo’ is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (84%) with the remainder Merlot. The nose shows salted meats with dark cherries and orange rind with wet stone tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great acidity. Ripe dark fruits collide with minerals and savory undertones on the palate, with wet stone accents. Delicious now, this has another eight years or more to go. Drink 2020-2028- 94

2012 Cayuse ‘The Lovers’ Red Wine- Every bit outstanding, the 2012 ‘The Lovers’ is a sensational blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Syrah by superstar vigneron Christophe Baron. Once on the nose this takes on layers of Umami, boysenberry puree, charcuterie and damp gravel that all meld in the glass. The palate has really nice viscosity and tension, as layers of dark fruits meld with Mandarin orange rind, cigar ash, and exotic spices with wet stone undertones. Complex and delicious to enjoy now, the 2012 ‘The Lovers’ has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 94

2012 Cayuse ‘The Widowmaker’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Entirely comprised of ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon the 2012 ‘The Widowmaker’ is a gorgeous wine that has incredible finesse and tension. Bright and medium-bodied, the wine yields layers of black fruits that mingle with milk chocolate, Umami and wet stone tones. The vibrant acidity and wonderful gratifying length add to the experience. Gorgeous now at the eight year mark, this has another eight plus years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 94

COL SOLARE

2012 Col Solare Red Wine- The 2012 Col Solare Red Wine is absolutely singing in its silky State now at the eight year mark. Following a two hour decant the wine shows marvelous graphite, and anise aromas, followed by tones of tar and milk chocolate that all melded brilliantly in the glass. The palate showed really good viscosity and depth with a pillowy texture. Brandy soaked cherries, pipe tobacco, blackberry compote and cocoa powder with sagebrush accents all collide on the palate. The long, dark fruit and mineral-driven finish completes this stunning wine. A long-ager, this glorious Col Solare is truly hitting its stride and has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 94

COLUMBIA CREST

2012 Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Shades of sagebrush and black currants mingle with chocolate tones on the nose. The palate is fresh and well-balanced. Layers of dark fruits mingle with cocoa powder, baking spices and minerals on the palate. This won’t improve but is an awesome value that is impressing at the eight year mark. Drink 2020-2024- 90

CORLISS

2012 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon- Very classic and elegant, the 2012 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon is a spectacular offering by superstar Aussie winemaker Andrew Trio. Once on the nose you are greeted by heady cassis and anise tones that combine with sagebrush and crushed mint, with blackberry cordial tones that all sing in the glass. The palate is soft and plush, offerings a seamless texture. Highly elegant and gratifying, the length and viscosity with its core of dark fruits and chocolate covered espresso bean tones, makes this really gratifying to savor now at the eight year mark. A long-ager, the 2012 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 95

COTE BONNEVILLE

2012 Côte Bonneville ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Red Wine- I have always admired how Côte Bonneville ages their wines. Now released after eight years, the 2012 Côte Bonneville ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Red Wine is a masterclass by Kerry Shiels. A blend 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, this opens with cloves and herbal undertones that mingle with black currants, coffee grounds and boysenberry cordial on this fantastic nose. The palate is deep and gratifying with its soft texture and tremendous sense of mouthfeel. A light veil of salinity falls on the core of dark fruits with chocolate covered espresso bean and pipe tobacco tones on the palate. With great length and elegance, this beautiful wine will have a long life ahead of it in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 94

DELMAS

2012 Delmas Syrah- It has now been several years since I have visited the 2012 Delmas Syrah, co-fermented with higher percentage of Viognier, 7.5%. This was also the first vintage that they elected not to include any estate Grenache to the blend. The tertiary aromatic notes really arouse with wild mushroom, forest floor and candied strawberry with shades of bulls blood and charcuterie that all take center stage. The texture is absolutely stunning as layers of wild strawberry and red cherry candy collide with minerals, wet stone, Umami and Hoisin sauce on the palate. The length and elegance of this wine is really refined, as the 2012 Delmas Syrah is really peaking now. Drink 2020-2025- 95

DELILLE CELLARS

2012 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘D2’ Red Wine is gorgeous showing that still has a lot of life ahead of it. Once on the nose this shows lovely tar and red cherry tones that mingle with shades of mocha that all meld in the glass. The palate is nicely concentrated with a good core of dark fruits. Showing good finesse, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2026- 92

2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine is absolutely singing at eight years of age. Aged for 20 months in oak, this shows red cherry candy and coffee grounds with wild blackberry and red rose petals on this great bouquet. The youthful feeling mid-palate is quite impressive. Showing gorgeous length, with a great core of dark currants, wild blackberry preserves, mocha and tar, this glorious red blend will cellar well over the next ten years. But why wait? Drink 2020-2028- 94

2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Red Wine- The 2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Red Wine is a gorgeous effort crafted by legendary Washington winemaker Chris Upchurch that is absolutely singing at this stage in its development. Dense volcanic terroir and sagebrush tones combine with the core of dark fruits on this evocative nose. The palate is silky smooth and highly elegant, with an extremely long finish. Coffee grounds, creosote, dark currants and sandalwood tones all impress on the palate. Enjoy this gorgeous effort over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 95

DEN HOED

2012 Den Hoed ‘Marie’s View’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Densely colored once in the glass, the ‘Marie’s View’ leads with sagebrush, tar, red bell pepper, mocha and creme de cassis tones on the nose. The palate mirrors the nose with creme de casiss, anise and mocha with creosote tones and minerals on the palate. Nicely cocentrated, with a great acid backbone, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2020-2032- 93

DOUBLEBACK

2012 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon- It has now been several years since I have visited the beautiful 2012 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon — nothing short of a masterpiece by superstar winemaker (not NFL coach) Josh McDaniels. A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller portions Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot the Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 20 months in 83% new French oak prior to bottling. A whiff of sagebrush and creosote combine with dark currants, blackberry pie and shades of sandalwood on this expressive bouquet. Once on the mouth, this deftly glides across the mid-palate, creating a seamless effect. Layers of kirsch cordial and creme de cassis, tar and menthol all brilliantly combine in unison on the palate. With great length and weight, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 95

DUNHAM CELLARS

2012 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine- A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon with 38% Merlot and small portions Malbec Syrah and Petit Verdot. The herbal tones are really nice as sage and thyme combine with wild blackberries and shades of milk chocolate on the nose. The palate is wonderfully balanced and elegant with layers of dark fruits and chocolate that combine with the seamless texture. I think this is really at its peak. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2012 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine was aged in largely new French oak (75%) before bottling. The palate is extremely elegant, showing a great combination of verve and weight with a soft, pillowy texture. Suggestions of sagebrush meld with black currants, exotic spices and coffee ground flavors. While great to savor right now, this beautiful eight year old Cabernet Sauvignon has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93

DUSTED VALLEY

2012 Dusted Valley Malbec- The 2012 Dusted Valley Malbec shows ripe dark figs with mocha and shades of Black Forest cake on this exotic bouquet. The palate is dense, chewy and downright delicious. Layers of rich dark fruits meld with chocolate and Turkish coffee tones on the palate. This is seriously good stuff now as the 2012 Dusted Valley Malbec will cellar well over the next eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2012 Dusted Valley ‘Stained Tooth Alice’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Stained Tooth Alice’ is a blend of mostly Grenache and Mourvedre with a touch of Petite Sirah blended in. The high aromatic tones from the Grenache really entice with pretty guava and red rose petals alongside the smoky and underbrush tones from the Mourvedre on the nose. The mouthfeel is really nice here as layers of bright red and dark fruits mingle with smoked meats and dried herbs on this complex palate. The combination of balance and weight really makes this sing. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2012 Dusted Valley ‘Stone Tree Vineyard’ Petite Sirah- Always a one of a kind wine, the 2012 Dusted Valley ‘Stone Tree Vineyard’ Petite Sirah is a sensational wine now at the eight year mark. Ripe blueberries and smoky tones fill the nose with suggestions of black tea. The palate is dense, fresh and delicious with ripe dark and blue fruits alongside minerals and chocolate undertones. Drink 2020-2028- 92

FIGGINS

2012 FIGGINS Red Wine- It has now been several years since I have visited the 2012 Red Wine by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins. The wine is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that was aged for 22 months in 70% new French oak before bottling. A whiff of green bell pepper from the Petite Verdot catches your eye, as layers of rich dark fruits and chocolate fudge tones all meld in the glass. The palate is fresh, vibrant and highly Bordelaise. Ripe dark currants meld with chocolate, blackberry cobbler and sagebrush tones. With great finesse and tension, the 2012 Figgins Red Wine has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2033- 94

GRAMERCY CELLARS

2012 Gramercy Cellars ‘L’Idiot Du Village’ Mourvedre- Making their case for the best Mourvedre in Washinton State, the 2012 Gramercy Cellars ‘L’Idiot du Village’ Mourvedre is shining brightly after some age. The core of pretty red fruits entice with lemon rind, smoked pork shoulder and creosote tones all taking shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and elegant, now showing some tertiary tones with wild mushroom and damp earth that combine with suggestions of huckleberry, salted meats and green peppercorns. The aromatic and flavor range here is sensational. I don’t see this getting any better, so drink in the near future. Drink 2020-2025- 93

2012 Gramercy Cellars ‘John Lewis’ Syrah- It has now been several years since I have visited this 2012 bottling and this complex Syrah does not disappoint at eight years of age. A blend of fruit sourced from the SJR, Les Collines and Red Willow Vineyards, I adore the Umami and stony tones from the Rocks, as pretty red rose petals and herbal undertones round out this complex and downright incredible bouquet. The palate is seamless, creating a silky mouthfeel that is utterly sensational. A light salinity shines throughout as bright Bing cherry, charcuterie, green olive tapenade, dried Provencale herbs and Umami flavors all marvelously combine on this complex palate. The combination of freshness, weight, range and texture is downright thrilling. A true heavyhitter, the 2012 ‘John Lewis’ will enjoy surely another decade of life, but is right in its sweet spot right now. Drink 2020-2028- 96

2012 Gramercy Cellars ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2012 ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Gramercy Cellars is a show-stopping effort that has a long life ahead of it. Once on the nose this highly fragrant effort slowly unveils layers of mocha, tar and anise, woven together with violets and suggestions of blackberry cordial that all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and plush, showing a great mouthwatering acidity and freshness that combines with the deep core of dark fruits. Lighter nuances of chocolate cake, cigar box, and coffee grounds all combine, as the extremely long finish adds to the crescendo. Gorgeous at the eight year mark, the 2012 ‘Reserve’ will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 95

HORSEPOWER VINEYARDS

2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’Grenache is a scintillating bottling that is amongst the best of its kind. The stony character on the nose is insanely good, with bright guava puree, red currants, Umami and green olives mingled with salted coppa that all mingle in unison. The palate has incredible verve and freshness, with really nice viscosity and insanely good length. Seaweed and bran-pomegranate tones combine with blood orange zest, rose water, wet stone and smoky minerals on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy now at the eight year mark, this is clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Drink 2020-2028- 98

2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2012 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah is nothing short of a head-turning effort at now the eight year mark. On the nose this takes on Umami and green olive tapenade with charcuterie and bulls blood with a core of dark fruits on this exotic bouquet. The palate has a great combination of verve and richness. Layers of seaweed and white truffle crudo combine with wild blackberry preserves, white truffle crudo, and wet stone on the palate. The range is absolutely thrilling here, as the length provides the wonderful crescendo. Gorgeous right now, this still has another eight years to go. Drink 2020-2028- 98

2012 Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2012 ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah is a gorgeous effort by this famed Walla Walla estate. Smoky tones prevail on the nose with damp earth, pork pate, and Asian spices with cran-orange tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and inviting with a seamless texture. Beautiful layers of black and red fruits mingle with minerals, pipe tobacco, potpourri and salted meats on the palate. A complete wine, this scintillating effort will enjoy another eight plus years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 95

KERLOO CELLARS

2012 Kerloo Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The smoky tones grab your attention right away with the core of dark fruits, chocolate fudge and dried herbs that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows good astringency and richness with the core of smoked meats, blackberry compote and dried herbs. Complex and delicious, this shows beautifully now and has at least another eight years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2012 Kerloo Cellars ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah- Ryan Crane has made a name for himself crafting a wonderfully old world style of Syrah and the 2012 ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah is is very Cote Rotie at the eight year mark. Dried herbs and green peppercorns dance with the core of wild blackberry compote on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Layers of huckleberry collide with minerals, smoke, garrigue and salted meat flavors all wonderfully intermingle on the palate. The tension and salty character of the wine add to the intrigue as this captivating and elegant Syrah will go for another decade. Drink 2020-2028- 94

KONTOS CELLARS

2012 Kontos Cellars ‘Progeny’ Red Wine- This 2012 Walla Walla Valley blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (66%) with 25% Merlot and 9% Syrah is really singing now at the eight year mark. The palate is dense with a lovely veil of tension that falls on the deep core of dark currants, roasted figs, tobacco leaf and dark chocolate covered cherry flavors. The length and mouthfeel here is really good as the 2012 ‘Progeny’ still has easily another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93

L’ECOLE NO. 41

2012 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- I absolutely love where the 2012 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is at the eight year mark. Once on the nose, toasty oak wraps around a core of dark currant jelly, cigar box, blackberry compote and shades of anise that all sing in unison. The palate is plush showing off a silky elegance and soft mouthfeel. The core of black fruits is great, but the length is downright captivating, with dried herbs and exotic spices rounding out this resounding success. Great to enjoy right now, the 2012 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon has another decade of life to go. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2012 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Perigee’ Red Wine- Sourced entirely from the ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ the 2012 ‘Perigee’ is a fantastic blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with 21% Merlot and smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The lighter herbal tones no doubt from the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot give this a very Bordelaise character aromatically. The combination of tension and power here is downright gorgeous as ripe dark currants collide with graphite, garrigue and shades of dark chocolate and kirsch cordial. This finishes exceedingly long. Captivating now at eight years, the structure and weight of the wine suggest this has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2033- 94

LA RATA

2012 La Rata Red Wine- A blend of 60% Grenache with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 La Rata is a stunning wine from this great vintage in Walla Walla. Once on the nose the Umami tones deftly combine with green olive tapenade, exotic spices and bacon fat with lighter blackberry compote that all meld in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with an incredible veil of tension. The flavor range is nothing short of insanely good, moving from black and red fruits to kumquat zest, peat moss, Spanish green olives and charcuterie tones. Complex and downright delicious to savor right now, this gorgeous Priorat style wine has a lot of gas in its tank. Drink 2020-2028- 95

LEONETTI CELLAR

2012 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon- From this great vintage in Washington (using 89% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend) comes lifted aromas of sweetened pipe tobacco, leather, mocha and creme de cassis. Amid its soft texture, the bright acidity of the wine is apparent, combining with unctuous dark fruits and herbal undertones. Gorgeous now, with great tension, finesse, richness and length, this will mature well for another 15 years in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 95

2012 Leonetti Cellar Merlot- Aromas of sandalwood and anise join red cherry compote, mocha and spicy undertones. Then the fresh, vibrant and energetic palate boasts layers of bright red fruits which meld with velvety tannins, chocolate and sagebrush tones. This outstanding Merlot (85% in this vintage) is drinking beautifully now but will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 95

LONG SHADOWS

2012 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Made my famed vintner Randy Dunn, the 2012 ‘Feather’ is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine sourced from the The Benches, Dionysus and Stone Tree Vineyards. The nose is already beautifully evolved with its herbal undertones. Layers of spice cake and tar, with coffee grounds and dark currants all meld in the glass. The palate has incredible freshness and verve, with a silky mouthfeel. A delightful veil of salinity runs through the core of kirsch cordial, mocha, anise and black licorice candy flavors, mingling with the damp earth and dried herbal undertones of the wine. A sensational effort now at the eight year mark, I see no reason to wait on this beauty. Drink 2020-2030- 95

MATTHEWS

2012 Matthews ‘Claret’ Red Wine- The 2012 Matthews ‘Claret’ Red Wine is a silky blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot. The palate is beautifully balanced and elegant with layers of kirsch cordial, cigar ash, scorched earth and blackberry pie. Complex and delicious now at the eight year mark, the 2012 ‘Claret’ will provide drinking enjoyment for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 91

2012 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Red Wine- Nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) with small parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the wine shows deep anise with toasty oak woven together with chocolate and boysenberry liquor on this complex bouquet. The palate is soft and generous revealing very silky tannins. Layers of creme de cassis, anise, Asian spices and blackberry cordial flavors all combine with coffee ground and sagebrush undertones. Hauntingly good at this juncture, this still has another fifteen years to go. Drink 2020-2034- 93

MTR PRODUCTIONS

2012 MTR Productions ‘Memory Found’ Syrah- It has been several years since I have had the pleasure to revisit this glorious bottling. Umami with red cherry candy and wild baclkebrry tones combine with the wet stone accents on this evocative nose. The palate has gobs of freshness, showing great range form Mandarin orange rind to pretty guava and wild blackberry flavors, as well as charcuterie and green olive tones that all march in unison. The combination of weight and verve really makes this special as the outstanding ‘Memory Found’ Syrah will enjoy another eight years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 95

MARK RYAN

2012 Mark Ryan ‘Long Haul’ Red Wine- Sourced from Red Mountain, this blend of near equal parts Merlot (49%) and Cabernet Franc (44%) combines a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Gorgeous violet aromatics mingle with scorched earth, sagebrush and shades of blackberry compote. The palate is fresh, rich and wonderfully balanced. Layers of toasty oak wrap around the core of dark fruits with espresso bean and sage undertones. With a great combination of tension and richness, this is an awesome Red Mountain wine that has another decade to go. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2012 Mark Ryan ‘Wild Eyed’ Syrah- The 2012 ‘Wild Eyed’ Syrah is sourced for Red Mountain and shows off a dusting of white pepper with chocolate and dark currants on the nose. The palate is deep, concentrated and wonderfully balanced. The mouthfeel and texture here is downright awesome as rich black fruits collide with minerals, smoke and cocoa powder. Complex and delightful at the eight year mark, this has at least another eight years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 93

MURET-GASTON

2012 Muret-Gaston ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah- The 2012 Muret-Gaston ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah shows smoky tones on the nose with shades of black pepper, black licorice and dark currants that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and balanced with medium bodied dark fruits that mingle with chocolate and espresso bean tones. With really good finesse and acidity, this is just hitting the sweet spot now. Drink 2020-2027- 91

2012 Muret-Gaston ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2012 Muret-Gaston ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows anise and dried herbs on the nose with the good core of dark fruit tones that all sing in unison. The palate has really good poise, showing surprising mouth-watering acidity. Layers of blackberry compote, mocha, tar and pipe tobacco all come together with minerals and scorched earth undertones on the palate. Drink 20202027- 91

NO GIRLS

2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache is a thrilling wine with loads of tension at the eight year mark. The aromatic range is quite profound from Umami and red rose petals to charcuterie and green olive tapenade with bacon fat on this gorgeous bouquet. Salty, savory and showing off a downright sexy mouthfeel, layers of bright red fruits and rose water tones meld with blood orange zest, salted meats and green peppercorns on this complex palate. Utterly profound at this stage in its development, this has at least another five to seven years at its peak. Drink 2020-2025- 95

2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah- Thrilling for its aromatic and flavor range, the 2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah is simply stunning now. Once on the nose this takes on a light dusting of white pepper that falls upon smoked pork shoulder, green olive tapenade and exotic spices with wet stone tones that all meld in the glass. The palate has gobs of freshness and tension with a great veil of minerality. Layers of sour dark fruits collide with minerals, smoky, salty and savory tones — literally a cornucopia of flavors. How good is this? Be lucky if you have some of this vibrant, stony Syrah still left. Drink 2020-2028- 97

2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo- I adore the 2012 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo which is truly one of the best of its kind in the state. Hoisin sauce, Umami and Mandarin orange rind tones combine with stony undertones in this complex bouquet. The palate is rich and complex, with a wonderful feel of salinity. Wet stone and green olive tones collide with the core of dark fruits on this gorgeous palate. Fresh and vibrant with great weight and balance, this beautiful wine still has another decade of life left. But why wait? Drink 2020-2026- 95

NOVELTY HILL

2012 Novelty Hill Merlot- Sourced from the Columbia Valley, this shows a soft texture with pretty red fruits that mingle with shades of milk chocolate and sagebrush tones on the palate. Silky and soft, this is right at its peak. Drink 2020-2025- 91

PEPPER BRIDGE

2012 Pepper Bridge ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- I have fond memories of tasting this wine many years ago at the Pepper Bridge outdoor patio on a warm spring day, looking out across the Walla Walla Valley. Now at the eight year mark, the 2012 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon is singing with its bright acidity and silky mouthfeel. Layers of dark currants mingle with minerals, blackberry compote and mocha with lighter violet rose water tones. WIth gobs of mouth-watering acidity and its soft texture, this is really enticing stuff to enjoy right now and over the next decade. Drink 2020-2033- 93 

2012 Pepper Bridge ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ red wine is a silky blend of near equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec with just a touch of Petit Verdot. Dark kirsch with toasty oak tones connect with sagebrush and shades of smoke with green bell pepper on this gorgeous bouquet. The palate is fresh and beautifully balanced. Layers of dark currants parade with minerals, smoke, black licorice candy and espresso bean on the palate. The length adds an extra dimension here, as the 2012 ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2035- 93

QUILCEDA CREEK

2012 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Spellbinding, scintillating and nothing short of epic, the 2012 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a monumental wine from this great vintage. A blend of Champoux, Klipsun, Palengat, and Wallula Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon,  the wine takes the lead with violet rose petals woven together with anise, espresso bean, dried sage and deep dark fruits that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky, weightless and highly elegant. Showing good concentration and depth, the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate delivering roasted figs and boysenberry cordial flavors that mingle with minerals, dried herbs and shades of blueberry pie, giving this an exotic edge. The freshness and richness is really outstanding here, as this stunning 2012 bottling is singing now at the eight year mark and has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2035- 98

RASA VINEYARDS

2012 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED Convergence’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘QED Convergence’ is a silky blend of 69% Syreah with smaller portions Grenache, Mourvèdre and a splash of Viognier. The freshness and high tones from the Viognier take center stage here as bright red fruits dance with shades of smoked brisket, green olive and wonderful freshness. This has great length as well, and the 2012 ‘QED Convergence’ is really peaking now. Drink 2020-2026- 93

2012 Rasa Vineyards ‘Principia Reserve’ Syrah- A barrel selection of what Billo Naravane finds to be his favorite lots, the gorgeous 2012 ‘Principia Reserve’ Syrah is a delight to savor now at eight years of age. The nose is delightfully complex with coffee grounds and rich dark currants woven together with allspice, and cocoa powder dusted dark cherries that all sing in unison. The palate shows incredible balance and poise. Ripe figs and wild blackberries meld with pipe tobacco and black raspberry cordial on the palate. The acidity and length of this wine is truly wonderful, as the 2012 ‘Principia Reserve’ Syrah will enjoy another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 94

2012 Rasa Vineyards ‘Creative Impulse’ Red Wine- Outrageously good, the 2012 ‘Creative Impulse’ is a spellbinding effort that is sinfully good now at eight years. Sourced from the famed ‘DuBrul VIneyard’ in the Yakima Valley, the nose evokes bright Yakima cherry with sagebrush, coffee ground and cassis tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate is wonderfully balanced with an incredible purity of fruit. The elegance and pillowy texture is otherworldly as the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Pure terroir here is at play with the bright core of red fruits that dance with minerals, menthol, damp earth and milk chocolate undertones. The gratifying length adds another dimension, as this stunning left bank inspired wine will cellar well for another fifteen years. . . but why wait? Drink 2020-2033- 96

REYNVAAN FAMILY VINEYARDS

2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Grenache Blanc- Deeply colored and deeply perfumed once in the glass, the thrilling 2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Grenache Blanc shows pink grapefruit blossom and starfruit tones alongside shades of wet stone and unripe honeydew melon on this complex bouquet. The palate is beautifully texture and elegant, showing a beautiful combination of length and verve. Even more complex as the wine warms up, layers of Meyer lemon buttercream and sweetened gooseberry mingle with wet gravel and Japanese pear on the palate. This is layered, elegant and highly novel Grenache Blanc that is amongst the best you will find on the West Coast. Drink 2020-2025- 94

2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- I adore the 2012 ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah for its ever-stony presence and good poise. Right out of the gate you can smell the rocky, indulgent aromatic profile with wet stone and horse manure, alongside green olive tapenade, beef fat, blood orange zest and iron tones that all sing in unison. The hedonistic, rather dazzling aromatic display brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Once on the mouth this takes on a soft,  silky texture. You are immediately greeted to a very pretty red fruit core, alongside kumquat zest tones, woven together with bacon fat, cigar ash, and charcuterie flavors. Complex and absolutely irresistible now, this is peaking and won’t improve so grab a few bottles of these if you can. Drink 2020-2025- 95

2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- I have been fortunate enough to recently sample the 2013 and 2014 editions of this wine over the past several months from my personal collection. A deeper shade of purple than the ‘In The Rocks’ the 2012 ‘Foothills Reserve’ shows menthol tones that combine with shades of cigar box, blackberry compote, and bacon fat tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is very elegant with a light vein of salinity that runs through the core of dark fruits alongside, citrus rind, flinty and minty undertones. The length and elegance of this wine is apparent as this is drinking beautifully now and has another five plus years to go. Drink 2020-2025- 94

SAVIAH

2012 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak’ Syrah- From this recent planting in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA, the 2012 ‘The Stones Speak’ shows great aromatic range from bacon fat tones that meld with exotic spices, green olives and charcuterie that all mingle together in the glass. The palate has a soft mouthful and wonderful texture. Layers of blackberry compote and chocolate mingle with Hoisin sauce, smoked brisket and a light dusting of white pepper. Complex and delicious to savor now, this beautiful wine has another eight plus years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 93

SOOS CREEK

2012 Soos Creek ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2012 Soos Creek ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Red Wine is a sensational wine now at the eight year mark. The nose shows deeper tones than the ‘Sundance’ on the nose with downright hedonistic roasted figs, mocha, tar and blackberry pie aromatics that all meld in the glass. The palate delights with a wonderful veil of tension, with rich boysenberry cordial and dried herbs with espresso bean tones and a long, gratifying finish. This is seriously good stuff. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2012 Soos Creek ‘Sundance’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Sundance’ is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (48%) with near equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine is soft and silky once on the mouth, showing a wonderful err of elegance. Blackberry compote and blueberry cordial flavors collide with coffee grounds and shades of milk chocolate. Beautifully balanced, this fantastic value wine will enjoy another eight to ten years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 91

TERTULIA CELLARS

2012 Tertulia Cellars ‘Reserve Estate’ Syrah- Primary black fruits combine with smoky and sagebrush undertones on the nose. The palate is remarkably light on its feet with a fine dusting of salinity across the core of boysenberry, black olive and stony undertones. The overall picture here is really nice, as the freshness drives this beautiful 2012 Syrah. Drink 2020-2026- 91

2012 Tertulia Cellars ‘Estate Reserve Excelsior’ Red Wine- A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (63%) with smaller portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this shows plenty of aromatic appeal with its garrigue and black currant tones that meld in the glass. The palate shows great poise and stony terroir, with loads of mouth-watering acidity that makes this truly one of a kind. While not particularly big, the finesse makes this really enjoyable at this stage. Drink 2020-2028- 92

TWO VINTNERS

2012 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Diamonds’ Syrah- The 2012 ‘Some Days Are Diamonds’ is a great Syrah sourced from the 'Discovery Vineyard’ in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Rich violets combine with shades of scorched earth, blackberry compote and dark chocolate shavings on the nose. The palate shows good viscosity and freshness with a nice beam of salinity. Layers of dark fruits mingle with sagebrush, Asian spices, and coffee grounds on the palate. This has really good elegance and range, as this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

UPCHURCH VINEYARD

2012 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2012 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is shining brightly at the eight year mark. Comprised of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot, this was aged in 100% new French Oak prior to bottling. Shades of graphite, espresso bean and kirsch cordial all collide aromatically. The palate is dense, chewy and wonderfully balanced. The bright sense of minerality and red bell pepper tones give this a left bank Bordelaise edge as layers of roasted dates and blackberry compote mingle with tar and dried sage on this evocative palate. Complex and delicious, this will cellar well for another decade at least. Drink 2020-2032- 94

WOODWARD CANYON

2012 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Estate Reserve’ is a gorgeous blend of 28% Merlot with 27% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Petit Verdot. Exotic spices impress on the nose with red rose petals, red cherry preserves and suggestions of red bell pepper and chocolate that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and silky, showing off a great combination of mouthfeel and tension. Layers of blackberry compote and tar are woven together with sandalwood and sagebrush with lighter herbal undertones on the palate. Fantastic now at the eight year mark, this outstanding new release will cellar well over the next ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 94

VA PIANO

2012 Va Piano ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The smoky tones on the nose really impress, with dried herbs and bacon fat tones alongside the core of dark fruits that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh showing medium bodied dark cherry, roasted figs, and dark chocolate shavings with smoky undertones. Fantastic to enjoy right now, this has another eight plus years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 91

2012 Va Piano ‘Va Piano Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2012 ‘Va Piano Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous effort from this great vintage in the Walla Walla Valley. Right away you are entrenched with the dried herbs with deep dark fruits and coffee ground tones aromatically that all sing in unison in the glass. The depth, freshness and wonderful saline streak really impresses. This has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2030- 92

Hyde Estate

I absolutely adore great California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with great terroir. One of the hallowed sites in the Carneros region, the ‘Hyde Vineyard’ is a site used by some of the great wineries in California including Ramey, DuMOL and many more. The vineyard is a historic site first planted in 1979. Hyde Estate wines are very young, with their first vintage in 2009. Finally in 2017 their winery and tasting room was opened, located in Napa. Today the ‘Hyde Vineyard’ totals 200 acres and works with over 30 wineries in the valley. Larry Hyde still manages the vineyards with the help of his son Christopher, and serves as a director on the Napa Valley Grape growers, Issues Committee and GWISS committee.

Hyde Estate makes a range of wines from Sauvignon Blanc to Syrah. I tried three of their wine that were awesome across the board. I loved the 2018 Hyde Estate Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is sinfully good with its salty terroir and ripe tropical and citrus fruits. I also was very impressed with their 2018 Hyde Estate Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which has a soft texture and wonderful range. Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://www.hydewines.com Here are the great new wines by Hyde Estate. 

2018 Hyde Estate Chardonnay- The 2018 Hyde Estate Chardonnay is a downright awesome new bottling from this storied, 192 acre site in the Carneros AVA. Butterscotch and Meyer lemon cream fill the nose with baking spices and roasted pineapple tones. The palate shows off a downright sexy texture. Layers of buttercream, mango and lemon zest infused Challah bread all come together brilliantly on the palate. With great viscosity and length, this outstanding new Chardonnay will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 94

2018 Hyde Estate Pinot Noir-A whiff of saline drenched Bing cherry immediately impresses on then nose, with cran-pomegranate and orange rind tones with hints of cola rounding out this beautiful bouquet. The palate is fresh and vibrant with wonderful viscosity. Layers of bright cherries and raspberries mingle with minerals, cola and underbrush tones on the palate. Fantastic in its youth, this outstanding new wine will cellar well for a decade or more. This is silky and concentrated Carneros Pinot Noir. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2016 Hyde Estate Merlot- the 2018 Hyde Estate Merlot shows lovely cherry tomato tones alongside mocha and tar with milk chocolate covered blackberry on this beautiful nose. The palate is elegant, showing good freshness and mid-palate ripeness. Layers of espresso bean and wild blackberry cobbler mingle with scorched earth and a light saline streak. The long finish lingers. Drink 2020-2033- 92

Corliss Estates

It was a warm fall day and I was visiting one of the more beautiful tasting rooms you will find in the Pacific Northwest. Located right as you enter the downtown area of Walla Walla, Corliss is an ultra-premium producer of red and white wines founded by Michael and Lori Corliss, in 1999. Corliss has been met with some serious critical acclaim since their first release in 2008. I have been blown away with how some of these wines have aged, trying several of their older bottlings over the past year. 

Aussie winemaker Andrew Trio has a storied history in wine previously working throughout Australia, as well as New Zealand, California and Europe. He also has eminent winemaking consultant Philippe Melka by his side, a man who needs no introduction. The team crafts some stunning wines that are big, bold and well-balanced. For those who are not impressed by rich Washington red wines, look elsewhere. The textural elements to these red wines are just gorgeous. The wines that I reviewed are future release wines that are simply gorgeous across the board. The 2015 Corliss Estates Red Wine (OB, 95) is massive and becomes even more complex and layered after several hours of air. This is a gorgeous wine that wonderfully captures the art of blending as I think this is one of the great wines made this vintage. I adored the the 2015 Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 94) which is dense, hedonistic and a highly impressive effort from what was a hard vintage for many people with the tremendous heat spikes of the vintage. Learn more about these great wines at http://corlissestates.com Here are the outstanding new release wines from Corliss Estates.

2015 Corliss Red Wine- The 2015 Corliss Red Wine is a beautiful melange of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Aged for 28 months in French oak, the wine takes on heady kirsch cordial, smoke, baking spices and creme de cassis tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is deep, seductive and highly gratifying. Layers of toasty oak wrap around espresso bean, blueberry pie, sagebrush and cassis flavors on the palate. The amalgamation of verve, weight and length is really outstanding. This becomes even more silky and complex following several hours of air. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least two hours in the decanter to fully show its potential. Drink 2020-2038- 95

2015 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon- One of the great wines made in this somewhat challenging vintage, the 2015 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely singing on its high octave. Once on the nose, layers of toasty oak wrap around the core of dark currants, scorched earth, chocolate covered black cherry and mocha tones. The hedonistic bouquet brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is wonderfully fresh despite the heat spikes of the vintage. Deep dark fruits collide with Turkish coffee, creme de cassis, anise and sagebrush undertones. With a great veil of tension and weight, this beautiful wine will enjoy another fifteen plus years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 94

Liquid Farm

Years ago I was at a great wine event and ran into Liquid Farm founder Jeff Nelson. He talked about his wine background and his itch to start his own winery. I’ve really enjoyed visiting his winery in Santa Barbara. Jeff is an unassuming, down to earth guy that is passionate about old world wines. Jeff formerly worked many years for top Champagne houses and finally got the nerve to start his own winery, taking a Burgundian approach to new world Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

He crafts some incredible Chardonnay wines and originally Jeff only wanted to make Chardonnay but he has focused some of his attention to crafting great Pinot Noir as well. We are all very glad that he has done that.

The wines are sourced from some of the most esteemed vineyards throughout the county. Liquid Farm has gained a nationwide reputation for top notch Rose. His 2018 Liquid Farm ‘Dandi’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) is marvelously fresh with an inviting texture. Even better was the 2018 Liquid Farm ‘White Hill’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is Santa Barbara Chardonnay at its finest with the wine’s incredible brightness and salinity. This is truly one for the cellar. Learn more about this great boutique Santa Barbara County winer at http://www.liquidfarm.com/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Liquid Farm. 

2018 Liquid Farm ‘Dandi’ Sauvignon Blanc-  Sourced from the Central Coast AVA, the perfumed wine is highly inviting with its pretty sour lemon candy and orange blossom tones that combine with flinty undertones on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a great sense of weight. Gunmetal and cantaloupe flavors mingle with Meyer lemon zest, saline drenched Japanese pear and wet stone tones on the palate. With great length, this outstanding wine will cellar well for at least another five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2018 Liquid Farm ‘White Hill’ Chardonnay- The ‘White Hill’ Chardonnay is Liquid Farm’s ‘Chablisesque’ bottling, sourced from several sites in the Santa Rita Hills AVA. Aged for eleven months in neutral oak before bottling, the terroir-driven Chardonnay shows wonderfully flinty tones on the nose with shades of Meyer lemon oil diatomaceous soils and shades of baking spices and wild mushroom that all march in unison in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a silly texture. The length of the wine is truly astounding with its minute-long finish that does not stop. Do not miss out on this silky, highly Burgundian bottling that will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 95

2018 Liquid Farm ‘Golden Slope’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Golden Slope’ is another stunning new wine by Liquid Farm that is their tribute to Mersault. Showing off a more golden hue than the ‘White Hill’ bottling, this takes the lead with incredible aromatic range from allspice drenched pears to ripe banana and dried mango alongside the salty terroir. The mouthfeel and elegance of this wine is nothing short of incredible. Rich orchard fruits collide with lemon oil, white truffle shavings and exotic spices on the palate. The minute-long finish provides the perfect crescendo. Sensational in its youth, this beautiful wine will provide drinking enjoyment for decades. Drink 2020-2035- 95

2018 Liquid Farm ‘SBC’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from several sites throughout Santa Barbara County, this shows off very perfumed red fruits that mingle with tones of red rose petal, wet stone and orange rind on this beautiful bouquet. The palate is plush, showing a seamless texture and great sense of mouthfeel. Velvety tannins line the core of guava puree, cran-orange and wild strawberry with nice black tea and salty terroir. Complex, layered and truly delicious now at the four year mark, this outstanding new wine will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more to come. Drink 2020-2033- 93

Beringer Vineyards

One of the great historic houses in the Napa Valley, I first had the pleasure of visiting Beringer as I was finishing college in 2002. Beringer Vineyards dates all the way back to the 1860s. They had enjoyed a storied history at the winery with famed winemaker after another. I was very fond of the wines made by their former winemaker, Laurie Hooke, who crafted some of the best Chardonnay in Napa Valley. Their new winemaker, Mark Beringer, is the great-great-grandson of Beringer Vineyards’ founding brother Jacob Beringer. Mark is highly talented and has shown his great skill set with his last few sets of releases. Mark graduated from California State University in Fresno with an Enology degree in 1990. He then spent a year in the cellars at Benziger in Sonoma and then joined Duckhorn in 1992. Mark began as Enologist and worked his way up to Vice President of Winemaking at Duckhorn. In 2009 Mark joined Artesa as Vice President and Winemaker. In 2015, Mark Beringer came 'home' to Beringer Vineyards, joining as Chief Winemaker. It is quite amazing that they can produce so much high quality wine and keep their pricing extremely reasonable. These are some of the great value wines out of Napa.

Look to the crazy good 2017 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is nothing short of a sensational value and checks all the boxes in terms of texture, richness and length. I absolutely loved the new  which is up there with any top American Chardonnay for the price. I was absolutely blown away with the 2017 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is dense but marvelously structured, having some insanely good aging potential. Learn more about these awesome wines at beringer.com Here are the awesome new wines by Beringer Vineyards. 

2018 Beringer Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay- Showing off its golden hue, the 2018 Beringer Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay delivers good richness and a soft texture. Layers of Meyer lemon cream and honeydew melon combine with the nutty and earthy undertones. The long finish lingers. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2017 Beringer Vineyards ‘Luminous’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the ‘Oak Knoll District’ this shows lemon zest and melon tones on the nose with shades of marzipan. The texture is outstanding as the wine has a seamless feel mid-palate. With great length, acidity and weight, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2017 Beringer Vineyards ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay- The 2017 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay is an utterly fabulous effort by the talented Mark Beringer. Sourced from the Gamble Ranch Vineyard closely located to the town of Yountville, in the Oakville AVA. This was aged for ten months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling, as the Chardonnay shows ripe pineapple with vanilla cream and mango and nutty tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is fresh, vibrant and seamlessly glides through the drinking experience. Layers of vanilla creme brulee, roasted pineapple, bananas foster and baking spices all brilliantly combine with the wonderful veil of tension. This is highly elegant, yet has great weight and acidity. Stunning to enjoy in its youth, the 2017 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay will have an exceedingly long life ahead of it, picking up lovely nutty and earthy tones as it ages gracefully. Drink 2020-2033- 95

2017 Beringer Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 Beringer Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet sauvignon shows aromatics of creme de cassis and blackberry tones with shades of sandalwood that take shape in the glass. The palate is medium to full bodied with gobs of black fruits that mingle with chocolate and sagebrush tones. This is seriously delicious, forward and well-structured wine that will cellar for the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 90

2017 Beringer Vineyards ‘Knight’s Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Beringer has been sourcing from this Sonoma Valley site since the mid-1960’s, and the Knights Valley designation was first used on a Beringer label in 1974. The wine shows wonderful volcanic earth aromatic tones that combine with chocolate, coffee grounds and shades of cassis. The palate shows good freshness and density with wonderful mid-palate weight. Layers of dark fruits combine with a vein of light tannins, mocha and tar. This is seriously good wine for the price. Drink 2020-2033- 91

2017 Beringer Vineyards ‘Knight’s Valley Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This barrel selection wine was aged for sixteen months in nearly all natural French oak before bottling. Espresso bean and blueberry compote tones combine with damp soil and black currants on this gorgeous bouquet. The palate combines great weight and structure as silky tannins line the deep core of dark fruits with dried sage and chocolate covered espresso bean tones. The excellent sense of length illuminates the crescendo. Great to enjoy right now, be sure to give this more than a one hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2017 Beringer Vineyards ‘Quantum’ Red Wine- The 2017 Beringer Vineyards ‘Quantum’ Red Wine is a thrilling new bottling from this storied Napa estate. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, the ‘Quantum’ shows gorgeous Turkish coffee aromas that mingle with exotic spices and creme de cassis. The palate is medium to full-bodied with layers of gorgeous dark fruits with dark chocolate shavings and herbal undertones. Beautiful to enjoy in its youth, the 2017 ‘Quantum’ will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 92

2017 Beringer Vineyards ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Beringer began this legendary program back in 1977. Aged for twenty months in 80% new French oak (Nevers), the 2017 ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows anise and creme de cassis aromatics that combine with chocolate covered espresso bean, graphite and blueberry compote, showing an exotic edge. The palate is impeccably balanced, showing both depth, concentration, verve and power. Layers of creosote, blueberry compote, mocha and creme de cassis, with silky tannins all sing in unison. Gorgeous in its youth, this beautiful wine really needs a few more years of bottle age before enjoyment. Drink 2022-2045- 96

El Gaucho Seattle Grand Opening

This Thursday November 5th marks the grand reopening of El Gaucho Seattle, one of the city’s historic restaurants that first opened their doors in 1953. The restaurant has moved from their popular 1st Avenue Belltown location to a historic building near Pike Place Market, the Union Stables building.

The restaurant will serve many of their favorite meals, having a heavy focus on steaks and a great cocktail program and wine list that made El Gaucho one of the great bars in the city.

Dine-in patrons can expect to be serenaded by live piano music while El Gaucho offers take-out food as well during the pandemic.

I personally cannot wait to celebrate this special grand opening as something really fun and festive despite the obvious challenges felt by 2020.

Bodega Catena Zapata

One of the outstanding and historic houses in Argentina, Catena was first founded in the 19th century. The founder, Nicola Catena, traveled from Italy to Argentina in 1898, and was described as an eternal optimist, who firmly believed that he had found the promised land in Mendoza, where he planted his first Malbec vineyard in 1902. Malbec had previously been a blending grape in Bordeaux Nicola and he saw its potential in Mendoza.

Nicola’s grandson, Nicolas, took over the winery in the 1960s but was faced with inflation and political turmoil in Argentina, so he took a job as a visiting economics professor at UC Berkeley. He then came back to Argentina and wanted to focus on the winery, deciding to plant Chardonnay and Malbec at a 5,000 feet elevation. This was an unusual vineyard practice at the time but the risk paid off. Soon Nicolas was crafting incredible wines from these vines that became blind tasted ahead of epic wine projects like Chateau Latour and Opus One. 

In 2001 Nicolas' daughter Dr. Laura Catena took over the Research & Development program at Bodega Catena Zapata. An Emergency Room physician, with degrees from Harvard and Stanford, Dr. Laura Catena brought a very strong science background to the family winery's R&D project. She immediately set about working with the high altitude Malbec that her father had planted and has achieved incredible success at the winery since taking over. I’ve had the chance to meet her on several occasions at world wine events and I have so much respect for the brand that she has created.

I loved the new releases from Catena. Look to their value driven 2018 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec (OB, 92) which is dense, chewy and has some really good aging potential. has beautiful dark and blue fruit flavors with nice tension. I was blown away with the 2016 Bodega Catena Zapata ’Nicolas Catena’ Red Wine (OB, 96). This was an absolutely epic bottling that will cellar marvelously for decades. Learn more about these wonderful wines at http://www.catenawines.com Here are the gorgeous new releases from Catena

2018 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘Tupungato’ Chardonnay- Brioche and toasted marshmallow mark the nose with shades of pecan praline. The palate is seamlessly textured as bright orchard fruits dance with Meyer lemon zest and vanilla cream flavors. Gorgeous in its youth, this has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2017 Bodega Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon-This shows nice scorched earth terroir on the nose with a deep core of dar fruits and shades of chocolate fudge. The palate is dense and plush with good acidity. Ripe blackberry tons mingle with chocolate fudge and coffee ground flavors on the palate. Seriously good in its youth, enjoy this great new wine over the next eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 91

2018 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec-The 2018 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec is an awesome new release that brings serious value. Showing off its deep hue, this reveals rich violets with blueberry compote, mocha and tar tones on the palate. Quite burly, yet maintaining good freshness, enjoy this over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2016 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘Nicolas Catena Zapata’ Red Wine-The 2016 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘Nicolas Catena Zapata’ red wine has now been produced for nearly twenty vintages. The wine is a stunning blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc that was aged in French oak casks for eighteen months prior to bottling. Roasted dates collide with boysenberry cordial, mocha and creosote tones on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured and seamless throughout the drinking experience. Layers of blueberry compote, tar, menthol and shades of Turkish coffee all marvelously come together on the palate, with red bell pepper and graphite undertones. Highly complex and novel, this scintillating new wine will enjoy decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2040- 96

2017 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘Argentino’ Malbec- Stunning and evocative, the 2017 ‘Argentino’ by Bodega Catena Zapata is a masterpiece by famed winemaker Alejandro Vigil. Made from vines more than 100 years old, the wine was aged for eighteen months in French oak before bottling. Deeply perfumed, this shows intense Asian spices and violets that mingle with creme de cassis, blueberry pie and graphite aromatics that all sing in unison. The palate is dense, yet has a weightless effect mid-palate. Bright acidity and a light dusting of salinity falls upon the core of blue and dark fruits, with espresso bean and pencil lead tones rounding out this incredibly complex palate. This finishes exceedingly long. A true heavyhitter, the 2017 ‘Argentino’ will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2040- 96

Saviah Cellars

One of the great Walla Walla houses that continues to somehow fly under the radar, Saviah Cellars was founded back in 2000, starting with only 300 cases produced. Today they particularly gain fame from their Syrah wines that are sourced from their two estate vineyards in the Walla Walla Rocks District. Saviah was started by winemaker Richard Funk and his wife, Anita, who are both natives of Montana who moved to Walla Walla in 1991 and later planted their first vineyard in 2001. Saviah is a family name from Anita’s great-grandmother, a schoolteacher, artist and author, who settled in western Montana in the early 1900s.  

I love spending time with Richard Funk who is one if the nicest people in Washington wine. Long before Covid hit we climbed in his new Jeep and took off towards the Walla Walla Rocks District, taking a gander of his two great vineyards, ‘The Stones Speak’ and ‘The Funk Estate’ vineyards. With a foundation  in microbiology, Richard previously worked as the Environmental Health Specialist with the Walla Walla County Health Department and is a self-taught winemaker. Richard has assisted several wineries with their start-up processes and served as the winemaker for Watermill Winery from 2006-2009, àMaurice winery from 2005-2006 and also has served as a consulting winemaker for several new wineries. 

I have been consistently impressed with these wines over the past five years. I was blown away once again with the 2018 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak’ Syrah (OB, 95) which has insanely good flavor and aromatic range and is just sensational in its vibrant youth.  Do not miss out on the utterly fabulous 2018 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah (OB, 96) which is one of the great wines from this region. Burly and marvelously textured, yet having insanely good range, this is truly one for the cellar.  Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://www.saviahcellars.com/ Here are the outstanding new wines by Saviah.

2019 Saviah Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Viognier- Fresh and vibrant, with lots of energy, the 2019 Saviah Cellars Viognier shows a soft texture with loads of lychee, Pink Lady apple and green papaya with mango flavors, alongside a great core of minerality. Medium to full-bodied, this is delightful in its youth and will make a remarkable foil for citrus glazed Halibut. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2019 Saviah Cellars ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Chardonnay- One of the great sites now in the Royal Slope AVA, the ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ has gained a serious reputation for great Chardonnay. The wine is vibrant with a exceedingly long finish, melding buttercream, Bosc pear, and creme brûlée flavors marvelously. Seamless and soft, this is really gratifying stuff. Gorgeous in its youth, this will develop nutty and earthy tones as it ages gracefully. Drink 2020-2027- 93

2018 Saviah Cellars ‘Big Sky Cuvee’ Red Wine- The ‘Big Sky Cuvee’ an homage to Montana, is mainly Merlot, showing roasted dates, kirsch cordial and smoky undertones on the nose. Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced this reveals a deep core of red and dark fruits with chocolate and coffee ground tones on the palate. This is seriously good stuff. Drink 2020-2027- 91 

2018 Saviah Cellars ‘Une Vallee’ Red Wine- the 2018 ‘Une Vallee’ is a compelling blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc sourced from a host of great vineyards sprinkled throughout the Walla Walla Valley. Graphite and anise entice immediately on the nose with raspberry cordial and black tea tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is sinfully good with its deep core of dark fruits and chocolate covered espresso bean tones. Full bodied and decadent, this gorgeous effort will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2018 Saviah Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Syrah- I have long admired wines from this singular, high elevation site in the Yakima Valley. The nose is smoky and savory with bacon fat, green olive tapenade and iron tones alongside the core of dark currants. The palate is classic ‘Lewis Vineyard’ with its smoked brisket tones, blackberry cobbler and gamey tones. I adore this wine that deftly walks the tightrope between richness and finesse. Enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2018 Saviah Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah-The 2018 Saviah Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah is another gorgeous effort by the talented Richard Funk. Showing off its deep core, this opens with kirsch cordial and cigar box tones that mingle with smoked meats and shades of wild mushroom on this wonderfully complex bouquet. The palate is wonderfully balanced, showing hoisin sauce and blackberry cobbler flavors that meld with milk chocolate and shades of smoked pork shoulder, adding to the complexity. The long finish adds to the enjoyment as this beautiful Syrah will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2018 Saviah Cellars ‘Reserve’ Syrah-The utterly stunning 2018 ‘Reserve’ Syrah is sourced from the Watermill Estate and the Funk Estate Vineyards. The nose is wonderfully stony with bulls blood and charcuterie tones that mingle with red cherry candy, coffee grounds and potpourri tones that all dazzle in the glass. The palate is seamless and remarkably textured. Layers of roasted figs, milk chocolate and black olive tapenade collide with smoked brisket, pipe tobacco and iron on the palate. Sinfully good in its youth, this is a spectacular Syrah from the Walla Walla Valley that will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 95

2018 Saviah Cellars ‘The Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘The Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah is a gorgeous effort by Richard Funk that brilliantly captures the heart of the Rocks District AVA. Right away a heavy dusting of white pepper impresses, alongside Hoisin sauce, Umami, blackberry compote and shades of baking spices all mingle in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, showing off its soft, voluptuous texture. Layers of Umami and roasted duck mingle with dark currants, bulls blood and boysenberry cordial. This finishes exceedingly long. Gorgeous in its youth, this beautiful wine will provide drinking enjoyment for another ten to twelve years. Drink 2020-2032- 95

2018 Saviah Cellars ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah is a stunning follow-up to one of last year’s best wines of North America. Aged in only 20% new French oak, once on the nose this takes on gobs of wet stone that mingle with ripe blueberries, cigar ash, nori, smoked BBQ beef ribs and espresso bean tones, giving off serious aromatic complexity. The palate is soft and inviting with its generous texture and marvelous length. The wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate, delivering a rich core of dark fruits that collide with wet stone, rose water, anise, Hoisin sauce and Umami tones. Utterly sensational in its youth, this marvels new Syrah bottling will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 96