Querciabella

One of the great wineries based in Tuscany, Querciabella produces a magical range of wines everywhere from Maremma to Chianti. The name Querciabella means ‘beautiful oak’ as the estate dates back to 1988 when Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni, an investor and entrepreneur, converted the family estate to organic viticulture in 1988, making Querciabella one of the first wineries in Italy to employ this practice. Under his leadership, Querciabella became known as one of Italy’s most well-known producers in this region. What was now a single hectare is now 100 hectares for their estate. 

The winery produces a range of wines from their ‘Batar’ which is an extraordinary white wine blending Chardonnay and Pinot Blanco, to their incredible Chianti Riserva, which was first made in 2011 and sees extended barrel age. The new edition of their Riserva comes from 2015 (OB, 95) as this wine is hedonistic but nicely structured with incredible finesse and length. I also really adored the 2015 Querciabella ‘Palafreno’ IGT Toscana (OB, 95) which is a Merlot wine that is truly extraordinary with its florals and finesse. This is one for any lover of unique Merlots of the world. Learn more about this famed Italian estate at https://querciabella.com and here are my notes from the gorgeous Querciabella releases. 

2017 Querciabella ‘Batar’ White Wine- The 2017 ‘Batar’ is a downright stunning blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. The palate is utterly seamless and hugely complex. Salted Macadamia nut and wild mushroom tones mingle with cantaloupe, banana and stony minerals on the palate. Showing great viscosity and verve, this beautiful wine will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2019 Querciabella ‘Mongrana’ Maremma- Sourced from vineyards planted back in 2000, this wine blends Sangiovese (50%) with Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Merlot (25%). Beautifully textured, the wine shows smoke and sage that mingles with salted red fruits, orange rind and tobacco on the palate. Beautiful even at the two year mark, this should cellar well for another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 91

2018 Querciabella Chianti Classico- This Sangiovese saw twelve months in French oak before bottling. Soft and generous, this shows very pretty tart red fruits that collide with tobacco leaf, cigar ash and dried herbs on the palate. Plush and soft, with a beautiful sense of texture, this outstanding bottling will continue to live on for another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 91

2015 Querciabella Chianti Reserva- Sourced from vineyards in Radda and Greve, this ‘Riserva’ is a barrel selection wine that saw sixteen months elevage prior to bottling. The nose is beautifully perfumed with red rose petals and blood orange zest, as well as iodine and menthol tones that all meld together in the glass. The palate is deeply concentrated but also wonderfully elegant. Ripe red fruits collide with minerals, smoke, pipe tobacco and green herbs on the palate. The length and generous viscosity add to the enjoyment here. This beauty has only just begun its long reign. Drink 2021-2038- 95

2016 Querciabella ‘Camartina’ IGT Toscana- A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and the reminder Sangiovese, this saw sixteen months of French oak before bottling. The nose is quite extraordinary with red bell pepper and thyme that mingle with the massive core of dark fruits and chocolate. The palate is plush with a seamless texture. Rich blackberry and huckleberry flavors mingle with fresh herbs, tobacco leaf, baking spices and Mandarin orange rind on the palate. Compelx and highly delicious to savor now, this will provide drinking enjoyment for many decades to come. Drink 2021-2037- 94

2015 Querciabella ‘Palafreno’ IGT Toscana- The ‘Palafreno’ is 100% Merlot sourced from vineyards in Greve. The nose is beautifully perfumed with red florals and salty tones that mingle with wild blackberry compote and tar undercurrents. The palate is soft and sinfully good. The seamless texture really impresses here as ripe red and dark fruits come alive, with great freshness and earthy tones adding to the complexity. Firm tannins hold everything in place brilliantly, as this beautiful wine will cellar well for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2021-2038- 95

Viader

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

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

I have been impressed with their newer wine in their collection, the VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine, which has Syrah blend into Bordeaux varietals. I adored the new 2018 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which is dense and chewy with some massive aging potential considering the variety and place. I am just as enamored by the 2018 VIADER Red Wine (OB, 96) which is very tightly wound and really needs several years of bottle age to fully show its stride. This dense and decadent wine will go for decades. Learn more about this storied Napa winery at https://viader.com Here are the beautiful new wines by VIADER.

2018 Viader Red Wine- The sensational 2018 Viader is a beautifully terroir-expressed rendition of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Cabernet Franc, all sourced from this mountainous site set on a rocky hillside at 1200 feet. The stony aromatics really add to the enjoyment as creme de cassis, anise, and boysenberry preserve tones all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and fresh, with a sterling sense of minerality despite the heat of the vintage. Creme de violette, tar, roasted figs, anise and allspice all collect momentum alongside blackberry compote and a light dusting of salinity on the palate. This really needs time to develop in the glass, as several hours of air develop even more viscosity and tension in the glass, showing a gratifying combination of weight and freshness.  Downright gorgeous even at the three year mark, this outstanding Right Bank style of wine will have another twenty years in front of it. If enjoying over the next few years, be sure to give this at least a two hour decant. Drink 2023-2045- 96

2018 Viader ‘Black Label’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Black Label’ is a crazy good blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon with 33% Syrah and smaller parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Once on the nose this takes on a massive range of aromatics from tar and tobacco to espresso grounds dusted smoked brisket and boysenberry compote. The palate is dense, plush and downright hedonistic. The palate is dense and beautifully textured, showing the same level of insanely good range. Smoked meats alongside volcanic damp stones, salted black fruits collude with smoky minerals, Earl Grey tea and blueberry pie on the palate. This is highly novel and impressive stuff that has the wonderful compliment of fruit and terroir to match. Drink 2021-2040- 96

King Estate Turns 30

One of Oregon’s historic wineries, King Estate is remarkably celebrating 30 years as an Oregon winery. “Thirty years later, the King family has remained true to the vision of producing world-class wines that showcase the spirit and character of Oregon” said King Estate winemaker Brent Stone. “By staying focused on that, the winery has evolved and grown to what it is today, and we’re still going strong,” Stone added.

CEO and co-founder Ed King founded King Estate in 1991 with his father, Ed King, Jr. (1921 – 2012). “When we filed papers with the Secretary of State in January 1991, we were not even sure what we would call our wine enterprise” said King. He continued “As we mark this 30th anniversary, on the heels of the most challenging and memorable year of our history, we take stock of all that we have accomplished and yet it feels like we are just getting started – because we are. We have so much more to do. The resolve and determination our people showed this past year is what will carry us forward to accomplish even more.”

As an objective critic I have been so impressed with this estate over the past twenty years. This is an Oregon estate that has been synonymous with value. I’ve tasted older renditions of their Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris and have bee found them to be exceptionally age-worthy as well. Having recently visited the estate, this is truly one of the most beautiful sites for growing grapes that you will find in the Pacific Northwest. Sitting down with winemaker Brent Stone, we talked about the recent vintages as well as the aging potential of these wines. They have made a downright killer aged sparkling wine and the 2008 King Estate ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) is focused and electric with an outstanding mouthfeel and really good flavor range. I absolutely adored the new 2018 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is amongst the best Pinot Noirs that I have ever tried from this famed Willamette Valley estate. The flavor range here is glorious as is the bright beam of tension that runs through the core of the wine. Learn more about this famed estate at https://www.kingestate.com and here are my tasting notes from the new release wines by King Estate.

2008 King Estate ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine- Unabashedly bold and beautifully textured, the 2008 ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling wine shows off heady golden delicious apple, baking spices and sourdough bread tones with shades of forest floor on the nose. The palate is soft and round, with ripe Japanese pear and starfruit flavors with loads of minerals and smoky undertones. This is really singing now. Drink 2021-2028- 93

2019 King Estate ‘Steiner Block’ Pinot Gris- A very limited production wine, the 2019 ‘Steiner Block’ impresses with its silky smooth texture and wonderful kiwi and melon tones on the palate. Shades of wet stone, white grapefruit and wild mushroom add to the enjoyment here. This is Oregon Pinot Gris at its best. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2017 King Estate ‘Kennel Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2017 ‘Kennel Vineyard’ is a seriously strong showing by the talented Brent Stone. The oily texture is really outstanding as lemon rind, cantaloupe, wet stone and shades of toasted hazelnut all meld together on the palate. With great length and showing some flinty undertones, this outstanding new Chardonnay will cellar well for another eight to ten years. Drink 2021-2028- 93

2015 King Estate ‘Hyland’ Pinot Noir- The 2015 ‘Hyland’ Pinot Noir is a glorious showing at the six year mark. Ripe redcurrant and menthol tones combine with good freshness and light tannins on the palate. The light sense of salinity and earthy undertones add to the complexity. With plenty of finesse and verve, this is sensational Pinot Noir to savor right now. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2018 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Noir- Refined and elegant for the vintage, the 2018 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Noir shows gobs of sour red fruits alongside good tension and a light dusting of salinity. Fresh and polished, with light tannins, this outstanding effort is simply singing now and will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2033- 94

2017 King Estate ‘Quintessence Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The2017 King Estate ‘Quintessence Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows good dense dark fruits with tar, tobacco leaf and scorched earth tones on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with firm tannins and a soft sense of mouthfeel, this is a gorgeous effort that has at least another decade of life in front of it. Drink 2021-2033- 92

Rivaura

Truly one of the unique sites in the Pacific Northwest, Rivaura is a very scenic location just outside of Lewiston, Idaho, set on the Clearwater River. It was back in 2014 that Rivaura founders Ron Hewett, Sr., along with his sons Ron, Jr., and Reece Hewett, founded this winery. For more than 60 years, this family has grown up along the banks of the Clearwater River in the Lewis-Clark Valley, just a tad east of Lewiston, Idaho at Arrow near Juliaetta, Idaho.

Before founding Rivaura they consulted with Kevin Pogue, PhD, RG, of VinTerra Consulting based in Walla Walla, Washington. Dr. Pogue's noted "The Rivaura vineyards are ideally situated to grow grapes to make superb wines.” Touring the vineyards I was very impressed with the vine health and the location in close proximity to the river which serves as a mitigating factor.

The new wines were really good across the board. Billo Naravane, MW, of Rasa Vineyards fame, has crafted a splendid range of wines for Rivaura. I adored the 2019 Rivaura Viognier (OB, 92) which is an ode to Condrieu and shows off a silky texture from the considerable battonage given to the wine. I was really impressed with the 2019 Rivaura ‘Insomniac’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is an ode to the founder Ron Hewett Sr. and locks in plenty of dense dark fruits with a soft texture. Learn more about this really exciting new Idaho wine project at rivaura.com and here are my reviews of the new Rivaura wines. 

2020 Rivuara Rose- The 2020 Cabernet Franc based Rose has a splash of Grenache and Malbec blended in. Weighing in at 12.7% alcohol, this shows off a very pretty red floral, orange blossom and red fruit aromatic profile. The palate is very dry as this shows very delicate red fruits that collide with minerals, and earthy undertones. Drink 2021-20243- 89

2019 Rivaura Viognier- Aged on the lees, this saw battonage every two weeks. This was aged in used puncheons before bottling. Star jasmine and honeysuckle mingle with ripe white peach and juicy pear notes on the nose. The wine shows really good freshness with a beautiful texture and silky mouthfeel. Drink 2021-2026- 92

2019 Rivaura Grenache- Estate grown, this weighs in at 14.1% alcohol. The nose shows garrigue notes alongside guava and red cherry candy with orange rind undertones that all meld in the glass. The palate is soft and generous with pretty red fruits that collide with minerals, smoky undertones and copious minerals. Drink 2021-2028- 91

2019 Rivuara Syrah- Sourced from their south block property, this is sourced from roughly four different clones of Syrah. The palate shows good flavor density with iodine, wet stone, blackberry compote and smoky accents. Seamless with a soft texture and good degree of minerality, this is generous, fleshy Syrah that has another decade to go. Drink 2021-2031- 92

2019 Rivuara ‘Reserve’ Syrah- This is sourced from a low-yielding site and showing off an inky color the wine yields black tea, exotic spices, blackberry compote and espresso bean tones. This shows great richness and balance, yet has a great acid backbone. Creme de violette and stony undertones add to the enjoyment. Drink 2021-2031- 92

2019 Rivuara ‘River Ranch Red’ Red Wine- This Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend has all five varietals blended in. Sagebrush and dark fruits mark the nose with chocolate undertones. The palate is soft and generous with ai smooth texture and great core of dark fruits with sagebrush undertones. Drink 2021-2028- 91

2019 Rivuara Malbec- The 2019 Malbec by Rivuara shows off rich dark and blue fruits with chocolate and sagebrush accents on the palate. The balance is great with a dusting of white pepper and good acid backbone. Drink 2021-2028- 91

2019 Rivaura Merlot- The 2019 Rivaura Merlot shows off black tea, blackberry compote and black cherry cordial with chocolate undertones. The palate is soft and plush with a silky texture and smooth mouthfeel. The flavor density is really good as this finishes long. Drink 2021-2028- 92

2019 Rivaura Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this saw 40% new French oak before bottling. The palate is plush with decadent roasted figs, coffee grounds, blackberry compote, wild herbs and scorched earth undertones. This is just sensational wine for the price. Drink 2021-2029- 92

2019 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This saw 55% new French oak before bottling. Sagebrush and intense dark fruits mark the nose with Turkish coffee accents. The palate is dense and nicely concentrated. Layers of chocolate fudge, fresh sage, toasty oak and dark currant cordial with smoky minerals all connect momentum on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2019 Rivaura ‘Insomniac’ Red Wine- A dense and silky blend of41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot with smaller parts Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The palate is soft and seamless with salty undertones that add to the enjoyment. Chocolate, sagebrush, tar, tobacco leaf and blackberry compote all connect momentum with a great acid backbone. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2021 Pacific Northwest Rosé Report

2020 was a more than challenging year for most of us. Not only did we experience the worst pandemic in centuries, 2020 brought us plenty of challenges throughout the Pacific Northwest on the winemaking side, with smoke issues wrecking havoc on harvests in both Washington and Oregon. Having tasted through more than 100 Rose wines, I sadly was not able to rate many due to smoke influence in the wines. 

The idea behind this report is to highlight the best of the best, and share some of the outstanding values that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I would argue that the best thing that a wine critic can do is point the consumer in the right direction in terms of what the reviewer considers to be not only the creme de la creme but wines that overdeliver for the price. 

It is little surprise that the quality of Rose wines continues to impress despite what mother nature throws at us. I have loved seeing this trend, as I long have admired the great wines of Provence, including Domaine Ott, Domaine Tempier and others. 

Vigneron Christophe Baron has long admired the top wines of Provence and is one of the Northwest’s innovators in terms of having specific grapes and blocks for his Rose wine, which continues to be for my palate the finest expression of Pacific Northwest Rose that you will find. 

Kerry Shiels is another innovative winemaker who for many years has showcased her famed vineyard’s Cabernet Franc in making a pale and delicate Rose with great nuance. Similarly Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm has made sensation Pinot Noir Rose for years with very intentional maceration and barrel treatment. Walter Scott has made their first Rose wine and it is a downright awesome, highly nuanced, knockout of an inaugural effort. For my report I have categorized both good value Rose wines and top scoring Rose wines. I don’t think you will find a more comprehensive Pacific Northwest Rose report available to the consumer.

2020 was not kind to Oregon but there were many beautiful bottlings made that did not see smoke influence. Look to the gorgeous 2020 Toil Rose (OB, 93) which a brightly colored, highly nuanced and finesse-driven Rose made by winemaker Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar fame. Brian Marcy’s 2020 Big Table Farm Rose (OB, 92) is one of the Rose wines of the vintage, beautifully textured and showing incredible length and verve. Other beautiful Rose wines were crafted by Brick House, Walter Scott, Audeant, Argyle, Stoller, and many others.

Washington also offers some excellent value Rose, including the new 2020 ‘Le Rose’ by Chateau St. Michelle (OB, 90), has really good finesse and delicate red fruits. Look to the 2020 Charles and Charles Rose (OB, 88) which impresses at only ten bucks. Also don’t miss the impressive 2020 Purple Star Rose (OB, 90) which is one of the state’s great value Rose wines. I adore the new 2019 XOBC Rose (OB, 92) which is fresh and beautifully textured with incredible stony character. Just as good is the 2020 Rose by Kerry Shiels of Cote Bonneville, with a silky mouthfeel and very pretty red fruits.

One again famed vigneron Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards has created a downright epic new Rose which is amongst the best I have ever sampled from him. The sinfully good 2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose (OB, 94) is silky, rich and layered with gobs of flavor density and complexity. This is one for any serious lover of North American Rose. I have been particularly impressed what winemakers Greg Harrington and Brandon Moss have crafted over the past five or so years. Their joint effort, the 2020 Gramercy Cellars Rose (OB, 93) shows insanely good range and lovely nuance. Do not miss out on the 2020 DeLille Cellars Rose (OB, 93) which is rich and viscous with a great veil of tension by director of winemaking Jason Gorski. Also do not miss out on new Rose wines by, Avennia, EFESTE, Cote Bonneville, and many more. Cheers to you all from and I hope you enjoy a wonderful, Rose-filled summer. 

OREGON

Top Values ($25.00 and under)

2020 A to Z Rose- This is a light style of Rose with rose water, orange rind and cinnamon infused red fruits that is meant to be consumed right now. The wine seems to show considerably better at a cooler temperature. Drink 2021-2023- 87

2020 Cloudine Rose- This offers delicate red fruits that collide with minerals and shades of peat moss on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, enjoy now. Drink 2021-2023- 87

2020 Elizabeth Chambers Rose- This is an inviting, leaner style of Rose with sour apple, melon and red cherry tones alongside brisk acidity. Enjoy this good effort in the short-term. Drink 2021-2024- 89

2020 King Estate Rose- The 2020 Rose by King Estate shows soft guava, strawberry, bubblegum and melon tones on the palate with plenty of acidity. The rich sense of texture adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2021-2025- 90

2020 Lange Rose- Right way the 2020 Lange Rose’s vibrant color catches you off-guard with a seamless texture and wonderful sense of mouthfeel. Soft red fruits collide with minerals, green apple, peat moss and stony undertones on the palate. This is highly complex, gratifying Rose that is best enjoyed at a slightly warmer temperature. Drink 2021-2026- 91

2020 Underwood Rose- Finesse-driven, the 2020 Underwood Rose offers very delicate guava, red cherry, kumquat and teaberry flavors alongside minerals and stony undertones. Enjoy now at a cooler temperature while the sense of freshness remains intact. Drink 2021-2023- 88

Top Wines: 

2020 Alexana Rose- Pale in color, the 2020 Alexana Rose shows green apple and melon with wild mushroom on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured and shows sour green apple tones that mingle with minerals and green papaya on the palate. Drink 2021-2025- 90

2019 Audeant Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this electric Rose shows wild strawberry and melon tones aromatically alongside shades of forest floor. The palate shows plenty of rich texture and vibrant acidity, as well as wonderful length. Pretty red fruits melange with red rose water and shades of orange rind on the palate. Great to savor now, this has some cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2026- 92

2020 Bells Up Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this brightly colored Rose shows great acidity and texture with bright guava and red cherry flavors, with orange rind and peat moss undertones. The poise and astringency here is really nice. This seriously good stuff finishes long and might just be the best edition of this wine that I have tasted. Drink 2021-2025- 91

2020 Big Table Farm ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose- Big Table Farm have earned a reputation for consistently producing some of the best Rose that you’ll find in the Pacific Northwest over the past several years. This edition is a direct-press wine that had a long ferment and then saw all neutral oak barrel aging prior to bottling. Silky and smooth on the mid-palate, the wine shows off gorgeous red fruits that dance with orange rind, cinnamon and cloves. This finishes exceedingly long. Drink 2021-2027- 92

2020 Brick House Rose- Made from Gamay grapes, the 2020 Brick House Rose shows pretty guava and orange rind tones that mingle with good freshness and a light dusting of salinity. Gorgeous now, this will continue to impress over the next five plus years. Drink 2021-2026- 91

2020 Chehalem Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2020 Chehalem Rose shows good freshness with green apple, kiwi and strawberry tones on the palate.  With good astringency and tension this really needs a hot summer day. Drink 2021-2025- 90

2020 Hazelfern ‘Summer Rose’ Rose- The ‘Summer’ Rose by Hazelfern saw six months of stainless steel aging before bottling and features Dijon clone 115 and 777 Pinot Noir. This is a lively and fresh style with gobs of verve and a plush texture. Very delicate guava and cranberry tones combine with shades of wild mushroom and tilled soils on the palate. Drink 2021-2025- 91

2020 Stoller Rose- The 2020 Stoller Rose is an awesome new release. Right away the wine reveals watermelon and Pink Lady apple tones alongside orange blossom on this beautiful nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and wonderfully textured. Very pretty red fruits dance with minerals, damp earth and orange rind tones. Drink 2021-2025- 91

2020 Toil Oregon Rose- Year after year, Toil Oregon continue to produce a really serious Rose, with an electric color and fabulous aromatic and flavor range. This 2020 edition shows lovely earthy tones alongside Yakima cherry, white peach and shades of guava puree that all dazzle in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant but also beautifully textured. Ripe red fruits collide with smoke, kumquat zest, peat moss and wild mushroom on the palate. The flavor range is nothing short of outstanding. The gratifying length adds to the enjoyment, as this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2021-2027- 93

2020 Walter Scott Rose- Ken always mentioned that he swore he would never made Rose. The wine utilizes Aryln Vineyard Gamay as well as Freedom Hill and Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir that was whole cluster pressed. This shows pretty guava and cranberry flavors with bright acidity and a smooth texture. This is very nuanced stuff with orange rind, wild mushroom and peat moss accents. Drink 2021-2025- 92

WASHINGTON

Top Values  ($25.00 and under): 

2020 14 Hands Rose- Lean but showing good freshness, this outstanding value wine reveals delicate red fruits that mingle with kiwi and gooseberry tones on the palate. This is great for the price. Drink 2021-2023- 88

2020 Mark Ryan ‘Lu & Oly Flowerhead’ Rose- Light and dazzling with its tension, this delivers delicate red cherry and strawberry tones with good acidity and light orange rind undertones. Drink 2021-2023- 88

2020 Cairdeas Rose- Fresh and lively, with good verve, this new Rose delivers straightforward ripe red fruits with stony minerals and good earthy undertones. Very lively, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2021-2023- 89

2020 Charles and Charles Rose- A blend that combines Syrah and Grenache, the 2020 Charles and Charles Rose delivers light red currant, watermelon and damp earthy tones on the palate. Fresh, enjoy this good value over the next several years.  Drink 2021-2023- 88

2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Le Rose’ Rose- Chateau Ste. Michelle has crafted this limited production Rose for 2020 that blends 79% Cabernet Sauvignon with 21% Syrah. The good sense of mouthfeel is appealing as the Rose exhibits melon and ripe Yakima cherry tones with plenty of minerals. Enjoy now. Drink 2021-2023- 90

2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle Rose- Fresh and vibrant, the 2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle Rose has light red raspberry and Bing cherry tones alongside minerals and shades of sweetened lemon rind on the palate. Drink 2021-2023- 89

2020 Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Rose- This shows good finesse with ripe cherry and wild mushroom tones on the palate, showing off its earthy edge. Mineral-driven, enjoy this in the short-term while the freshness remains. Drink 2021-2023- 88

2020 Columbia Winery Rose- This is mainly Syrah (95%), as the wine delivers forward red fruits and melon tones alongside a  good air of freshness. Enjoy over the next several years. Drink 2021-2023- 87

2019 DAMA Wines Rose- Entirely made from Cabernet Franc grapes, the 2020 DAMA Rose shows bright green apple and kiwi with nectarine flavors, alongside a great veil of minerality. Brighter red fruits and orange rind undertones add to the complexity here, as this delicate and intricate style of Rose would be a marvelous combination with fresh Kusshi oysters. Drink 2021-2024- 90

2020 Fortuity Cellars Rose- The 2020 Fortuity Cellars Rose is crafted from Cinsault grapes sourced from the Yakima Valley. The nose is very pretty with red florals that mingle with honeydew melon and Yakima cherry tones that all march in unison. The palate is fresh and nicely structured with delicate red fruits that dance with minerals, Mandarin orange water and damp earthy undertones. Drink 2021-2025- 90

2020 Goose Ridge Rose- Lithe and showing off a vibrant color, the 2020 Goose Ridge Rose reveals wet stone and orange rind accents alongside the core of slightly sweet red fruits and watermelon. Drink 2020-2023- 88

2020 Milbrandt ‘Lulu’ Rose- This shows plenty of bright red fruits and bubblegum favors with brisk acidity and citrus rind accents. The freshness suggests this should be enjoyed soon. Drink 2021-2024- 89

2020 Purple Star Rose- Consistently one of the great value Rose wines made in the state, this is another awesome rendition in the 2020 vintage by Kyle Johnson. Ripe watermelon with cantaloupe, red cherry candy and bubblegum tones all mark the palate. Enjoy this delicious new Rose over the next five years. Drink 2021-2026- 90

2020 Seven Hills Rose- This outstanding value Rose shows good elegance and a soft texture. Very delicate red fruits collide with minerals, wet stone and watermelon flavors. Drink 2021-2025- 90

2020 Sin Banderas Rose- This light pink shaded Rose shows good astringency and a soft texture. Very delicate red fruits mingle with red rose water and shades of Japanese pear on the palate. Drink 2021-2024- 89

2020 Smak Wines ‘Spring’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Spring Rose’ is a bright and inviting new 100% Sangiovese Rose release by Fiona Mak. The nose is nicely fragrant with honeysuckle and orange blossom tones that mingle with peach and wet stone undertones. The palate is restrained in terms of fruit flats but shows wonderful nuance especially once warmed up a bit. Wet gravel, green apple, unripe melon and very delicate red fruits greet you, with great acidity. Drink 2021-2025- 91

2020 Smak Wines ‘Summer’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Summer’ Rose is lighter than color than the other two bottlings, as this is 100% Pinot Gris sourced from the ‘Gamache Vineyard.’ This too shows considerable more complexity once warmed up a bit. The combination of weight and finesse is really nice as layers of honeydew melon, bright starfruit and wet stone come together with Japanese pear accents. Drink this delightful release over the next several years. Drink 2021-2025- 91 

2020 Smak Wines ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose is 100% Syrah sourced from the ‘Gamache Vineyard’ in the Columbia Valley. This was aged in 100% neutral oak and was given considerable lees stirring prior to bottling. This Syrah Rose shows off a beautiful texture with layers of pretty red raspberry, strawberry and guava, with cantaloupe and damp stone undertones. In terms of texture and brightness, this shows closer to a bigger style of Bandol than the bunch. Drink 2021-2026- 91

2020 SoDo Cellars ‘Love Birds’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Love Birds’ Rose is a serious value in Washington Rose. Pretty nectarine and Yakima cherry tones alongside guava and wet stone undertones all mark the nose. The palate shows just a hint of residual sugar alongside amazing freshness and bright red fruits with melon tones. This is amazing juice for the price. Drink 2021-2024- 90

2020 Spring Run Rose- The 2020 Spring Run shows just a kiss of sweetness with lovely melon and red currant tones, with pomegranate seed and earthy accents. The feeling of minerality is really nice here, as this is best consumed over the next few years. Drink 2021-2024- 90

2020 TruthTeller ‘Quip’ Rose- The Mourvedre based 2020 ‘Quip’ Rose is a killer value that shines with its bright acidity, delivering gobs of juicy red fruits that combine with orange rind, white rose water and smoky undertones. Add a light dusting of salinity and you have a really good wine for the price. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2020 Underground Wine Project ‘And Why am I Mr. Pink?’ Rose- Produced as a joint project between Trey Busch and Mark Ryan McNeily, this pale colored rose reveals light guava and red cherry tones alongside a good veil of tension. While not particularly dense, this is very refreshing stuff. Drink 2021-2023- 89

Top Wines:

2020 Amavi Cellars Rose- The 2020 Amavi Cellars Rose is an elegant and beautifully textured wine made by the talented Jean-Francois Pellet. Rose water and orange blossom aromas fill the nose with shades of nectarine as this comes off very high-toned. The palate is soft and delicate with pretty red fruits that mingle with mineral, peach and Japanese pear flavors with faint damp earthy accents. Gorgeous in its youth, this has some aging potential, becoming more earthy as it ages. Drink 2021-2026- 92

2020 Avennia ‘L’Egerie’ Rose- This gorgeous new bottling shows very pretty guava, white peach and cranberry flavors alongside a beautiful texture and veil of tension. Medium to full-bodied, with great acidity and citrus/earthy undertones, this outstanding effort has at least another five years to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2026- 92

2020 Baer Rose- Made entirely from ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc grapes, the wine shows off a slightly darker hue than the 2019 edition. The freshness imparted is just as good with great acidity and a soft texture. Layers of green apple and cantaloupe mingle with shades of Yakima cherry on the palate. Drink 2020-2025- 91

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

2020 Cote Bonneville Rose- Made from Cabernet Franc grapes, this shows off guava and pink grapefruit blossom alongside shades of gooseberry and earthy underrtones on the nose. The palate is smooth and exceedingly polished with bright acidity and a silky mouthfeel. Lush red fruits collide with Japanese pear and white peach flavors alongside a bright sense of minerality. Drink 2021-2026- 92

2020 Devison Rose- Delicate and very pretty, the 2020 Devison Rose shows wet stone and melon aromatics with very light red fruits that parade on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with lighter cantaloupe and kiwi flavors that collide with red cherry and red raspberry. Lithe, and nicely textured, this beautiful wine is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2021-2025- 91

2020 Dunham Cellars Rose- Dunham has been making this Cabernet Franc Rose since 2015. This is their first year sourcing from the Gamache Vineyard. Aged in stainless steel, this shows pretty red rose petals and white peach tones aromatically alongside shades of wet stone. The bright acidity is impressive, as is the sense of mouthfeel.  Ripe guava and melon tones mingle with wet stone and tons of lip-smacking acidity. Drink 2021-2026- 91

2020 DeLille Cellars Rose- The 2020 Rose by DeLille Cellars has only slightly changed their blend, having 52% Mourvedre, and 43% Grenache with a splash of Cinsault. The nose is wonderfully earthy with melon, citrus blossom and watermelon tones that round out the nose. The mouthfeel and texture of the wine is seriously good. This is refreshing style of Rose with bright red fruits that shows a great sense of weight and length. Gratifying to drink now, this has some cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2028- 93

2020 EFESTE ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose- This vintage winemaker Mark Fiore has chosen not to add any Syrah, as this entirely Mourvedre and Grenache based. The nose shows very pretty high tones with red rose petals, orange peel, guava and shades of strawberry and damp earthy tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is beautifully textured with a bright sense of tension. Layers of pretty red fruits march on with melon and serious length. Drink 2021-2026- 92

2020 Gramercy Cellars Rose- Rich, beautifully textured and every bit outstanding, the 2020 Gramercy Cellars Rose is a silky blend of 50% Cinsault, 26% Grenache and 24% Syrah all sourced from the ‘Olsen Vineyard’ in the Yakima Valley. Pretty red raspberry and Bing cherry tones mingle with guava, orange zest and damp earthy tones on the nose. The palate is soft, round and very inviting. Silky and elegant, the palate delivers red rose water, stony minerals and a wealth of red fruits, with suggestions of wild mushroom. The long finish adds to the enjoyment. Sensational now, this has some good aging potential. Drink 2021-2026- 93

2020 J. Bookwalter ‘Scarlet Hexflame’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Scarlet Hexflame’ delivers plenty of sexy red fruits with racy acidity on the palate. While on the leaner side, the outstanding sense of minerality really makes this need a hot summer day. Combine with fresh Kushii oysters. Drink 2021-2025- 90

2020 J.  Bookwalter ‘Winter Rose’ Rose- Dark and brooding for a Rose once in the glass, the 2020 ‘Winter Rose’ has wonderful weight and texture that impresses. Sensational now with its pretty red fruits and earthy tones, this has some cellaring potential based on the combination of depth and finesse. Drink 2021-2027- 91

2020 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose is another impressive bottling by famed winemaker Gilles Nicault. 100% Pinot Gris sourced from the the Yakima Valley, and was whole cluster pressed. Right away this shows peach and orange rind tones alongside wet stone, strawberry and shades of wild mushroom on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured with a great sense of weight and finesse. Kiwi and Mandarin orange rind flavors collide with minerals, wet stone and guava tones. Fresh and lithe,  this has some nice medium-term cellaring potential. This is very nuanced stuff. Drink 2021-2025- 91

2020 Kerloo Cellars ’Lonesome Springs. Vineyard’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Lonesome Springs Vineyard’ Rose is 60% Mourvedre with the remainder Grenache all sourced from the Lonesome Springs Vineyard. This was entirely aged in concrete and was left on the lees before a clean racking prior to bottling. This vintage contains slightly more Mourvedre and shows a nice aromatic range from pretty red fruits to kiwi and melon tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth with a marvelous sense of texture. This is really highly nuanced Rose with the wet stone and orange rind character alongside the lighter melon and strawberry tones. This has outstanding length, providing the resounding crescendo. Drink 2021-2026- 92

2020 Pursued By Bear ‘Blushing Bear’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Blushing Bear’ is a beautiful new Rose made by Dan Wampfler. Once on the nose this takes on Bing cherry, damp earth and blood orange zest that all take shape in the glass. The palate is very stony and earthy, with a polished texture. Very delicate red currant and red raspberry flavors mingle with minerals, wet stone, and lemon zest.  This is very fresh and vibrant Rose that is best enjoyed over the next few years. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2020 Saviah Rose- Made from Barbera and Sangiovese grapes from the Dugger Creek Vineyard, the 2020 Saviah Rose saw all stainless steel aging. The soft texture and sense of finesse is outstanding as cantaloupe, kumquat zest and watermelon flavors collide with ripe Yakima cherry, minerals and earthy accents. This is a beautiful effort that  Drink 2020-2025- 91

2020 The Walls ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose- This pale colored Rose wine shows some really good aromatic range from green apple and melon tones to wet stone and high-toned strawberry, adding some good complexity. The palate is soft and round with a generous texture. The flavors almost mimic the aromas but in a good way, with even more earthy undertones of damp earth. Great to consume now, this beautiful wine shows better at a warmer temperature, reveling in considerably more complexity. Drink 2021-2025- 91

2020 Time & Direction Rose-Just the faintest hue of pink, the 2020 Time & Direction Rose is a beautiful and delicate new release wine. Once on the palate, the freshness and texture of the wine really impress with a light dusting of salinity. Wet stone, peat moss and melon tones combine with shades of Yakima cherry and kiwi on the palate. Just wait for the exceedingly good finish.  Drink 2021-2025- 91

2020 Tranche ‘Pink Pape’ Rose- Minerals, green apple and very fresh red fruits all brilliantly combine on the palate. Soft, with a smooth mouthfeel and great veil of tension, this is outstanding stuff to enjoy right now. Drink 2021-2026- 91

2020 Upsidedown Wine ‘Rescue’ Rose- The ‘Rescue’ Rose saw a touch of puncheon fermentation as this was largely aged in stainless steel. Right away the wine shows pretty white rose petals with white peach, red raspberry and stony undertones on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great acidity. Layers of pretty red fruits collide with minerals, citrus rind and wet stone accents on the palate. Drink 2021-2025- 91

2020 Walla Walla Vintners Rose- This shows off nectarine with ripe pear and melon tones. On the nose. The freshness, finesse and soft mouthfeel does its thing marvelously as melon, kiwi and wet stone flavors nicely combine with minerals. The length and texture is great. Drink 2021-2025- 90

2019 XOBC ‘Evangeline’ Rose- One of the few Rose wines produced from Rocks District, the outstanding 2019 ‘Evangeline’ Rose combines equal parts Grenache and Syrah. The palate displays a downright thrilling texture, deftly combining with the stony accents of this highly nuanced Rose. White rose water, wet stone, cantaloupe and green apple flavors all meld together, with very delicate red fruits. This is one to buy by the case. Drink 2021-2027- 92

Upchurch Vineyard Vertical Tasting

As we all sat and marveled at the wines, we began with a marvelous speech by the maestro himself. Famed Washington winemaker Chris Upchurch talked about his background at DeLille and producing one of North America’s top Bordeaux style white wines before starting his own project, Upchurch Vineyard. We all sat and listened as he shared his thoughts on each individual vintage. It was such a fantastic tasting experience going back into time and tasting every vintage of Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of the wines were graciously brought by my friend Erik Meyer. 

One thing that struck me was the consistent fruit quality exhibited in each wine. Obviously coming from Red Mountain and a very warm growing environment that brings challenges and advantages each vintage. One thing that stuck me was how well the cold vintage wines showed. I was floored with the 2010 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is refined and showing a Bordelaise edge now at the eleven year mark. Another surprise was the sinfully good 2013 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which was silky and dense with refined tannins and a massive core of dark fruits. The best wines that we tried for my palate were the 2012, 2014 and 2018 wines (all OB, 96). These wines shared a similar vein in the weightless character as well as the elegance and power, with 2014 showing the most power and 2012 the most elegance. These are some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines made in their respective vintages. Learn more about these sensational wines at upchurchvineyard.com and here are my tasting notes from my Upchurch Vineyard Vertical Tasting. 

2010 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- Taken from this cool vintage, the 2010 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon shows off dark florals with red bell pepper and sagebrush tones alongside huckleberry on the nose. The palate is savory and refined with layers of rich dark fruits and chocolate tones alongside menthol undertones on the palate. This is truly singing right now. I would drink this over the next few years. Drink 2021-2026- 93

2011 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- Showing brilliantly considering the coolness of the vintage, the 2011 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon opens with ripe red fruits that collide with black tea and shades of milk chocolate on the palate. This is a touch leaner but shows really good finesse and a soft mouthfeel. This is definitely at its peak. Drink 2021-2024- 92

2012 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- Singing and highly youthful now at the nine year mark, the 2012 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon shows highly perfumed black rose and red bell pepper, tobacco and rich black fruits. The palate is silky and elegant with light tannins that frame wild blackberry cordial and coffee ground flavors with shades of graphite. This beauty is absolutely singing now and has another decade to go. Drink 2021-2031- 96

2013 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2013 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a highly perfumed and intense effort that is absolutely sensational to enjoy right now. The palate is dense, decadent and downright magical. Tar and anise tones combine with blueberry compote, boysenberry and smoky minerals on the palate. Dense and showing a hedonistic bent, this extraordinary effort is right at the perfect spot. Right now this powerhouse wine shows no signs of giving up. Drink 2021-2033- 95

2014 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- I adore the 2014 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon which is really just starting to shed its baby fat. Ripe dark currants collide with smoke, sweet pipe tobacco, dark florals and sandalwood tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush, dense and highly hedonistic. Layers of creme de cassis, anise, dark chocolate covered espresso bean, leather, garrigue and huckleberry come together on the palate, with firm tannins and a sterling tension. Gorgeous to enjoy now at the seven year mark , this gratifying effort will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2035- 96

2015 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is showing brilliantly now and is probably peaking at this juncture. Once on the nose this takes on rich dark fruits with creosote and scorched earth toners. The p[alate is dense and hedonistic with layers of black fruits with firm tannins and tar with tobacco leaf. Drink 2021-20231- 94

2016 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- Stunning now at five years, the 2016 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon exudes class with sagebrush tones that combine with boysenberry preserves, black rose and shades of tar on the nose. The palate is dense and plush with a soft mouthfeel. Tar, anise and creme de cassis collide with minerals and herbal undertones on the palate. Gorgeous now, this is really only starting to hit its stride. Drink 2021-2038- 95

2017 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead with gorgeous black floral aromatics that mingle with espresso bean, black currants and tar. The palate is soft and highly gratifying.Layers of rich dark fruits collide with tar, Turkish coffee, marionberry cobbler and black licorice with anise accents all marvelously combine. Silky tannins and a very long finish add to the enjoyment here as this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2021-2038- 95

2018 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- Massive and brooding, the 2018 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a sensational effort in this fabulous vintage for red wine on Red Mountain. Once on the nose pretty dark florals combine with espresso bean and blackberry cordial tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is deep, concentrated and downright seductive. Mocha, anise, creme de cassis and blueberry pie flavors provide an exotic edge. Simply magical in its youth, this has another twenty years head of it. Drink 2021-2040- 96

Domaine Serene Retrospective

As I sat alongside the winemaking team at Domaine Serene, we were all thrilled with what we saw in the glass. ‘Ooohs’ and ‘ahhs’ rang out amongst us all as we revisited some of the great wines made in Oregon spanning many decades. It had been more than a year since I had visited Domaine Serene, last frequenting right before Covid struck. It is hard to believe that more than thirty years ago Domaine Serene was founded by Dundee Hills pioneers Grace and Ken Evenstad, One of the most beautiful wineries in the Pacific Northwest, Domaine Serene is an absolute must visit for any Oregon wine lover. I fondly recall my first visit to Domaine Serene in 2002 and was absolutely blown away not only with the sweeping views of the Willamette Valley but the stunning wines. The consistency in these wines is something I really admire. The wines have some seriously good cellaring potential which is something that I and the entire winemaking team all agreed upon during our visit back into time. 

Tasting through this incredible retrospective I was so impressed by the aging potential of the older wines — both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The 1997 Domaine Serene ‘Cote Sud Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) still has a long way to go in the cellar. This wine shows insanely good range with a light Fino sherry quality. Even better is the sensational 2012 Domaine Serene ‘Etoile Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is a silky and shows immense concentration even at nearly ten years of age. I was just blown away with one of the stars of 2012, the Domaine Serene ‘Mark Bradford Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which is really singing with its magnificent texture and dense mouthfeel. This has decades of life ahead of it. Learn more about this famed Oregon estate at http://domaineserene.com/ Here are the incredible new release wines by Domaine Serene.

1997 Domaine Serene ‘Cote Sud Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The wine is remarkably elegant and fresh now at the twenty four year mark. Roasted hazelnuts and brioche tones combine with damp earth and white peach on the palate. Remarkably this shows a light Fino sherry profile. Stunning and gorgeous, with its finesse and beautiful texture, this is just singing now and will cellar well for at least another five years. Drink 2021-2025- 94

2012 Domaine Serene ‘Etoile Vineyard’ Chardonnay-The 2012 ‘Etoile Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a stunning effort that is really hitting its secondary stride right now. The sense of mouthfeel and veil of tension is seriously good. Lemon zest and chalky terroir combine with salted Macadamia nut and shades of vanilla creme brûlée on the palate. The gratifying length adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2021-2033- 95

2011 Domaine Serene ‘Coer Blanc’ White Pinot Noir- Fresh and vibrant now at the ten year mark, the 2011 ‘Coer Blanc’ White Pinot Noir is a beautifully evolved white Pinot Noir. Banana and nutty tones combine with papaya and suggestions of macerated Japanese pear on the nose. The palate is plush and beautifully textured. Layers of buttercream and white peach combine with salty earth and a seamless sense of mouthfeel. The veil of tension really drives this wine. Drink 2021-2031- 95

2012 Domaine Serene ‘Winery Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Winery Hill Vineyard’ is a beautiful, fresh and dense Pinot Noir by Domaine Serene. Once on the nose sour cherry and pomegranate seed tones combine what sandalwood and blood orange zest aromatics. The palate is plush and seamless with a soft texture. Salty undertones and a touch of volcanic earth add to the enjoyment here as this outstanding effort will provide drinking enjoyment for another fifteen years. Drink 2021-2035- 95

2012 Domaine Serene ‘Mark Bradford Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2012 ‘Mark Bradford Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a dense and tightly wound effort that is just singing now at the nine-year mark. Lightly tannic and showing a gratifying sense of weight and mouthfeel, this reveals dark cherry and red raspberry cordial alongside tilled soil and kumquat flavors. This is really just a baby even at nearly ten years old. Drink 2021-2036- 96

2018 Domaine Serene ‘Cellar Society Triple Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 Domaine Serene ‘Cellar Society Triple Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a special, limited production wine made for their top tier wine club. Dense red and dark fruits collide with smoky minerals and shades of blood orange zest on the palate. The sensational sense of texture and bright acidity really drive the core of fruit. Gorgeous now, this has another fifteen plus years to go. Drink 2021-2038- 95

Domaine Drouhin Oregon

It is my pleasure to share one of the bright stars of Oregon. Founded back in in the 1980s, the Domaine Drouhin Oregon was founded by famed Burgundy producer, Domaine Drouhin, headed by Robert Drouhin, who decided to purchase land in the Dundee Hills. What was previously only Christmas trees and wheat, the Drouhin family began planting their first vineyards in Oregon. Robert chose his daughter, Véronique, to serve as DDO winemaker, and her brother Philippe Drouhin took responsibility for viticulture.  In 1988, DDO produced its first vintage, from purchased grapes, and in 1989 built the landmark, four-story gravity flow winery.

I visited the winery several times last year and am always blown away with the sweeping views of the valley. Domaine Drouhin Oregon has been one of my favorite stops since I first visited the Willamette Valley in 2002. My uncle, Dr. Brian Lueth, first introduced me to this estate, with some epic ‘Laurene’ bottling from the 1990s and early 2000s. Needless to say, quality has remained very high at this famed Oregon estate.

Last week I had a glorious visit to the estate on a warm spring day. I was so impressed with the overall quality in the wines. Overall these brought great finesse with a darker fruit profile than many other vintages, capturing the heat of 2018 but showing a good acid backbone. These are big wines meant to age. I adored the 2018 Domaine Drouhin Oregon ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which really needs a bit more time in the bottle but shows immense aging potential. I adored the 2018 Domaine Drouhin ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which shows excellent value and is dense and chewy — really benefiting from some air right now. Learn more about this iconic Oregon winery  at http://www.domainedrouhin.com/ Here are the awesome new releases from Domaine Drouhin Oregon. 

2019 Domaine Drouhin ‘Arthur’ Chardonnay- The 2019 ‘Arthur’ saw roughly 15% new oak and this was the first vintage where the entire wine went through malolactic fermentation. Green apple and tangerine peel with stony tones fill the nose. The palate shows off a silky mouthfeel with a grpeatsense of texture. Layers of buttercream and papaya alongside melon and stony undertones all collide on the palate. Drink 2021-2028- 92

2018 Domaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay- The 2018 Roserock Chardonnay shows a vibrant sense of salinity with pear and green apple tones alongside baking spices and sourdough bread. Nicely textured and showing a soft mouthfeel, this gorgeous effort will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2019 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Chardonnay- The 2019 ‘Edition Limitee’ is a stunning new wine that has incredible density and finesse. On the nose this takes on pear and baking spices alongside buttered brioche and banana tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and plush with a soft texture. This shows a weightless quality that makes this effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. With incredible verve and finesse, this outstanding effort will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2036- 95

2018 Domaine Drouhin ‘Maigold’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Marigold’ Chardonnay shows flinty undertones on the nose with Japanese pear and kumquat tones. The palate is silky and elegant with a big sense of mouthfeel. Layers of sourdough bread and lemon zest collide with minerals and smoky undertones. This concentrated and dense Chardonnay has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2035- 94

2018 Domaine Drouhin ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir is a stunning effort from this famed estate. Once on the nose this unveils teaberry and orange rind alongside smoke and black tea on the nose. The palate is silky and elegant with a seamless texture. Ripe dark currants collide with wild blackberry, black tea and red raspberry cordial on the palate. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2019 Domaine Drouhin ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir is fresh and pretty effort that is showing brilliantly right now. The palate shows a soft mouthfeel with good elegant and a core of red currant, red cherry and red raspberry flavors alongside silty terroir and a light dusting of salinity. Drink 2021-2031- 92

2019 Domaine Drouhin Roserock Pinot Noir- The 2019 Domaine Drouhin Roserock Pinot Noir shows brilliantly even in its youth. Rich red fruits mingle with smoke and lavender accents on the palate. This finishes long, as this great new Pinot Noir will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92

2018 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Laurene’ is a blockbuster effort that will be released in July 2021. The nose is beautifully evolved with black florals and baking spices alongside shades of black tea and blackberry compote. Silky tannins line the line of silky red and dark fruits with tobacco and tilled salty soils on the palate. This is just an infant but is utterly sensational to enjoy right now. Drink 2021-2040- 95

2018 Domaine Drouhin ‘Zephirine’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Zephrine’ is a stunning new wine from this estate. Teaberry and red rose petals angle with orange rind and mulberry on the nose. The palate is silky and elegant with a seamless texture. Layers of ripe red and dark fruits mingle with minerals, smoke and tobacco leaf on the palate. Drink 2021-2038- 94

2018 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Edition Limitee’ Pinot Noir is one of the great wines made this vintage. Cran-orange, teaberry and herbal undertones all mark the nose with shades of peat moss all fill the nose. The palate is seamless and elegant with a gorgeous sense of mouthfeel and texture. Layers of pretty red and dark fruits mingle with minerals, smoke, and menthol undertones on the palate. Drink 2021-2040- 95

2018 Domaine Drouhin ‘Cuvee Louise’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Cuvee Louise’ is a dense and polished effort from 2018. This shows more of a hedonistic edge than the other bottlings, with ripe dark fruits that combine with smoke, damp soils and black truffle on the palate. This shows off incredible length and finesse as this beautiful wine will cellar well for another twenty years. Drink 2021-2039- 94

Quaintrelle

I love the wealth of new wineries in Oregon. An Oregon outpost you may have never heard of, Quaintrelle has its roots from Brick House Vineyards and the talented Doug Tunnell. His niece, Savannah Mills, is making some seriously good wines on her own.  Formerly stuck in her corporate job, she had a yearning to join Oregon’s wine country. After another harvest at Brick House, followed quickly by a harvest in New Zealand her uncle offered me the chance to buy a small amount of fruit from his farm to begin making her wine. 

The wine started with the 2014 vintage, utilizing Dijon 115 and Pommard clones grown according to Demeter BioDynamic standards at Brick House Vineyards. The wine is lighter in style than Brick House wines, showing seriojsluy good finesse and tension. Her wine is a downright steal at 38 bucks. Learn more at https://www.quaintrellewines.com and here is my review of the new Quaintrelle Pinot Noir from the 2018 vintage.

2018 Quaintrelle Pinot Noir- Pretty and highly vibrant with a great veil of tension, the 2018 Quaintrelle Pinot Noir shows off pretty red rose water with orange rind and red cherry candy on the nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and silky with soft tannins that line the great core of guava, teaberry and red raspberry. Earthy undertones add to the enjoyment here. Drink 2021-2031- 92

Raptor Ridge

As we continue our journey through Oregon Wine Month we share the story of one of the historic Oregon wineries. Raptor Ridge was founded in 1995 and almost immediately gained national acclaim for their Pinot Noirs. Founder and former winemaker, Scott Shull, first started making terroir driven wines in1995. Originally from Missouri, Scott is a self-taught winemaker, having learned by doing, reading, and attending extension service courses on viticulture and enology offered by U.C. Davis and Oregon State University.

The current winemaker, Shannon Gustafson, is originally from Paso Robles, and formerly served as winemaker for Hawks View winery in Oregon prior to coming to Raptor Ridge. I loved her new wines from the 2019 and 2018 vintages. The 2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Gran Moraine’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) is fresh, vibrant and beautifully texture.  Just as good is the 2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which shows insanely good range and great terroir from this warm vintage. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at http://www.raptorridgewinery.com Here are the beautiful new releases by Raptor Ridge. 

2019 Raptor Ridge ‘Vineyard Select’ Pinot Gris- Fresh and vibrant with serious tension, the 2019 Raptor Ridge Pinot Gris shows gooseberry and white peach flavors alongside kumquat rind and stony undertones on the palate. This is great stuff for a hot summer day. Drink 2021-2024- 90

2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Gran Moraine’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Gran Moraine’ Chardonnay is a beuaitufllyp textured effort sourced from this esteemed site in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. The palate is ripe and layered, showing good acidity and flavor density. Banana and starfruit flavors brilliantly combine with wild mushroom, Challah bread and Pink Lady apple on the palate. Juicy and rich, yet showing a really good sense of range, this beautiful 2018 Chardonnay will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2019 Raptor Ridge ‘Barrel Select’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Barrel Select’ Pinot Noir comes off a touch leaner than usual with pretty red fruits and rose water tones on the palate, with lighter orange rind undertones. Drink 2021-2025- 89

2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Tuscowallame Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Tuscowallame Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a whole-cluster fermented effort that is dense and flavorful at the three year mark. From tannins hold in place a great core of red and dark fruits with tobacco leaf and tilled soil undertones. Drink 2021-2033- 92

2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this famed location in the Eola-Amity Hills, the 2018 ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir has seriously good range on the nose from cardamom and red currants to peat moss and ripe Bing cherry tones. The palate has firm tannins and bright acidity with dark cherry and orange rind flavors that collide with minerals, smoke and forest floor. Complex and delicious now this has some great aging potential. Drink 2021-2033- 93

Calera

I love producers that share an illustrious history. Calera dates back to the 1970s when their  founder Josh Jensen was exploring Europe, and decided to work a harvest at famed winery Romanée-Conti. Josh was inspired to make great Pinot Noir in California and 1974, he purchased land located on steep slopes of Mount Harlan, a 3,278-foot peak in the Gavilan Mountains that divide Monterey and San Benito counties. Josh founded Calera in 1975 and p[anted his three estate vineyards: Jensen, Reed and Selleck. Josh achieved incredible critical acclaim for his Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. 

A few years back Calera was sold to the Duckhorn wine group as Josh described Calera as his “life work.” The winery itself is located in Hollister, and boasts sweeping views of the Diablo Mountain Range. Head winemaker Mike Waller previously worked as assistant winemaker at storied property Chalone, before coming to Calera. Mike has served as head winemaker for the past decade. While they may have new winery ownership, the new releases by Mike Waller were gorgeous across the board. I adore the 2018 Calera ‘Central Coast’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) is a downright killer bargain at $30.00. This wine exudes class with balance, weight and salty terroir. I love the 2018 Calera ‘Reed Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which offers good weight but shows almost a warm vintage Oregon take. Learn more about these outstanding new wines at https://www.calerawine.com Here are the great new releases by Calera. 

20018 Calera ‘Central Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2018 Calera ‘Central Coast’ Chardonnay saw only 5% new French oak before bottling, as this is mostly sourced from the Santa Maria Valley and San Benito County. The wine is wonderfully balanced with bright pear and starfruit flavors alongside baking spice dusted Challah bread. Delicious now, this has another ten years to go. Drink 2021-2029- 92

2018 Calera ‘Central Coast’ Pinot Noir- The exceedingly good ‘Central Coast’ Pinot Noir by Calera saw only 10% new French oak before bottling. On the nose teaberry tones combine with red currants, pipe tobacco and salty tilled soils. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a seriously good texture. Layers of red plum and menthol combine with a great core of pomegranate seed and blood orange zest. Drink 2021-2031- 92

2018 Calera ‘de Villiers Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- I adore the new 2018 de Villiers Vineyard’ Pinot Noir which is entirely planted to Calera clone Pinot Noir. Right away the nose takes on a good combination of red and dark fruits that mingle with saline drench citrus fruits on the nose.  dense kirsch tones that combine with sandalwood, orange zest and exotic spices that mingle in the glass. The palate shows good depth, structure and flavor density. Rich boysenberry and orange rind tones mingle with wet rock, tilled soils and suggestions of black truffle on the palate. This finishes exceedingly long. Refined and generous, the 2018 ‘de Villiers Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2021-2035- 94

2018 Calera ‘Reed Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from a high elevation site atop Mt. Harlan, the 2018 ‘Reed Vineyard’ reveals a dusting of salty and volcanic earth alongside ripe red cherry and guava tones on the nose. The feeling of weight is seriously good as a great core offered fruits collide with minerals, smoke and pine needles on the palate. This has a very warm vintage Oregon feel — yet is entirely its own. Drink 2021-2035- 94

2018 Calera ‘Jensen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Named after California Pinot Noir icon, Josh Jensen, thisbeuatifulwine shows off peat moss and rich raspberry coulis with red currants and smoky undertones on the nose. Once on the palate the silky texture entices. Seaweed and blood orange zest mingle with rich pomegranate seed and red cherry cordial on the palate. The sense of texture really makes this sing. Great to savor now at the three year mark, the 2018 ‘Jensen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will provide drinking enjoyment for at least a decade to come. Drink 2021-2035- 94

Signorello Estate

One of the outstanding estates in the Napa Valley, Signorello has a storied past and is making some exceedingly good wines right now. Back in 1977 Ray Signorello purchased 100 acres of land prime for Cabernet Sauvignon with his son, Ray Jr. Their first vintage was 1985 and they have overcome tragedy with the winery being burned down during the California wildfires of 2017. The fires consumed winery production facilities, offices, hospitality space and even Ray Jr’s home. There is now a proposed site on the western hillside of the Silverado Trail which is very exciting.

Since that tragic event the wines have been made at a custom facility and I was massively impressed with what I tasted from the 2018 vintage. Winemaker Priyanka French assumed the role in spring 2019 and has done amazing work with her team. The 2018 Signorello ‘Edge’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) is plush and juicy — truly a delight to drink right now. Even better is the sinfully good 2018 Signorello ‘Padrone’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which has some massive cellaring potential. Learn more about this famed winery at signorelloestate.com and here are my reviews of the beautiful new Signorello wines. 

2019 Signorello ‘Hope’s Cuvee’ Chardonnay- The 2019 ‘Hope’s Cuvee’ takes on a gorgeous plush mouthfeel. Layers of brioche and buttercream combine with banana and minerals on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that will cellar well over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2028- 93

2018 Signorello ‘Edge’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Edge’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 9% Petite Sirah blended in. The palate is wonderfully complex with sagebrush, menthol, black currants and tar, loaded with minerals and captivating acidity. This finishes very long. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2035- 93

2018 Signorello ‘Padrone’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Padrone’ is a sinfully good effort by Signorello. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (89%), this has small parts Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blended in. Massively inky once in the glass, and needing an hour in the decanter to be fully aroused, this takes on layers of tar, anise, espresso bean and Black Forest cake on the palate, with great acidity. Deep and concentrated, yet showing some good restraint, this is a sinfully good effort that will provide drinking enjoyment for many decades. Drink 2021-2041- 95

Walla Walla Vintners

It was 2008 and I was back in Walla Walla tasting at Walla Walla Vintners, one of the older places to taste in the valley. At the time there were few guests in this rustic, unpretentious setting. I was really impressed with the overall quality of the red wines, wines that had good structure but also good depth, concentration and varietal typicity. Walla Walla Vintners was the town’s eighth bonded winery. Founded in 1995, the, Scott and Nici Haladay were first introduced to Walla Walla Vintners in 2017. Already familiar with the historic winery, they were excited to get the chance to be the new stewards of the iconic red barn and Cut Bank Estate vineyard as Scott comes from a technology background and Nici is a licensed nurse. 

At the helm is winemaker Derrek Vipond, is a native Washingtonian who started his career at Walla Walla Community College in the Enology and Viticulture program. After completing his education with a degree from Oregon State University in Fermentation Science, Derrek worked several harvests across the globe before eventually moving back to Walla Walla and joining Walla Walla Vintners in January 2019. Their estate vineyard, the ‘Cut Bank Vineyard’ is set in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. at 1467 ft. along the Mill Creek Valley.

Derek’s new wines were beautiful across the board, including their entry level red wine, the 202- Walla Walla Vintners Rose (OB, 90) which is fresh and vibrant with a soft texture. Even better is they 2018 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 92) as this is a beautiful wine to enjoy now with plenty of richness and will cellar well for at least another decade. Learn more about these great new releases at https://wallawallavintners.com Here are my reviews of the new wines by Walla Walla Vintners. 

2020 Walla Walla Vintners Rose- This shows off nectarine with ripe pear and melon tones. On the nose. The freshness, finesse and soft mouthfeel does its thing marvelously as melon, kiwi and wet stone flavors nicely combine with minerals. The length and texture is great. Drink 2021-2025- 90 

2020 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The soft texture is inviting here as white peach, gooseberry and pink grapefruit tones all fill the palate. Fresh and nicely fleshy, enjoy this wine over the next several years. Drink 2021-2025- 90

2020 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Sagemoor Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- Aged on the lees for six months and receiving some battonage, the 2020 ‘Sagemoor Vineyard’ Sauvignon yields ripe melon and citrus fruits with toasted brioche and baking spice notes on the palate. Drink 2021-2027- 91

2018 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot-Aged for 22 months in 65% new French oak the 2018 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot shows ripe chocolate covered red cherry and cigar box accents aromatically with a good core of dark fruits. The palate is sturdy with good fruit weight and acidity, unveiling ripe blackberry and black plum flavors alongside the air of freshness. This has some good cellaring potential considering the combination of weight and finesse. Drink 2021-2033- 92

2018 Walla Walla ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Walla Walla ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful new wine from this house. Dense dark fruits parade with tobacco leaf, mocha and tar on the palate. Fresh and vibrant with a good feeling of weight, this beautiful wine will be best enjoyed over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2033- 92

Betz Family Winery

A few weeks back I had a wonderful stop to Betz Family Winery, hosted by the talented Louis Skinner. Like many winemakers, Louis had a previous career prior to catching the wine bug which in his case was highly contagious. Louis literally read everything he could on wine and got a job working at a wine shop which allowed him to taste wines of the world constantly. He became particularly fond of the wines of Burgundy and then trained under some famed Washington wine icons, Chris Upchurch and Bob Betz, MW, prior to taking over for Betz as head winemaker a few years back. I had the chance to barrel taste with him the 2019 future releases that were stunning across the board.

Betz is now under new ownership and is very focused on producing some of the great wines in the state. I have been massively impressed with the wines produced from the stony terroir of the Walla Walla Rocks AVA, formerly called the ‘Old Stones Vineyard.’ The location is right near the River Rock Vineyard, quite near the highway running through Milton-Freewater. This vineyard was formerly overgrown and not well-kept but is absolutely thriving at this time.

The wine from this vineyard, the 2019 Betz Family Winery ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah (OB, 95) shows gobs of finesse and wonderful stony tones. This is one for any lover of The Rocks District. I was blown away with the 2019 Betz ‘Pere de Familie’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is an utterly sensational effort from this somewhat challenging vintage for Bordeaux varietals. Dense and chewy with a soft mouthfeel, this will age beautifully for decades to come. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.betzfamilywinery.com Here are the great new wines by Betz Family Winery.

2019 Betz Family Winery ‘Besoleil’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Besoleil’ is a blend of 60% Grenache with 21% Grenache and 16% Counoise with just a splash of Rocks Syrah.The garrigue tones really impress, with shades of orange rind and red cherry candy that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great acidity and a soft mouthfeel. Layers of very pretty fruit with rose water, blood orange zest and bubblegum flavors with stony undertones and a dusting of white pepper. This is seriously good stuff that has already evolved nicely. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2019 Betz Family Winery ‘Cote Rousse’ Syrah- This is sourced from high-elevation Syrah on the WeatherEye Vineyard. The nose is downright killer with smoky tones alongside bacon fat, blackberry compote and dried herbs with black pepper. The palate has great concentration and mid-palate ripeness with good verve. Creme de violette and anise tones with black olive tapenade combine with salty undertones and a soft texture. The wine finishes long. Outstanding even at the two year mark, this is simply gorgeous stuff that will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2031- 95

2019 Betz Family Winery ‘La Serenne’ Syrah- sourced from the Boyshey VIneyard, the two lots are neighboring Dick Boushey’s house. Both Joseph Phelps plantings were planted in 1996. Given some whole cluster inclusion this shows off very pretty red fruits alongside smoked meats, green olives and a dusting of white pepper aromatically. The palate is plush showing a silky treater and great sense of mouthfeel. Ripe red cherry and pomegranate seed combine with baking spices and cured salami undertones on the palate. Fresh and vibrant in its youth, this has at least another decade in front of it. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2019 Betz Family Winery ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah- This vineyard has seen serious attention since it was first bought by Betz. Planted to a large amount of Syrah clones, this shows cigar ash, green olive, white pepper, charcuterie and exotic spices. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a silky sense of mouthfeel. Layers of Yakima cherry and red currants mingle with smoked meats, black olive and a dusting of white pepper. This is very refined stuff that is complex yet very light on its feet. The flavor and aromatic range here is really great, as is the long finish. Drink 2021-2028- 95

2019 Betz Family Winery ‘Cote Patriarch’ Syrah- Sourced from the famed Red Willow Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, part of this wine was first planted back in1986. Deep boysenberry cordial and coffee ground tones mingle with black cherry and salted meats on the nose. The palate has great freshness and finesse with a brilliant saline streak. The flavor concentration is outstanding. Decadent in its youth, this will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2019 Betz Family Winery ‘Clos de Betz’ Red Wine- This Merlot dominant (51%) wine with smaller parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot shows light white pepper tones alongside a great core of dark fruits, tobacco leaf and chocolate cake on this outstanding nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great acidity. Layers of ripe black raspberry and dark kirsch cordial tones are woven together with milk chocolate and hints of green bell pepper on the palate. This shows a nice veil of salinity, adding to the enjoyment. Drink 2021-2035- 94

2019 Betz Family Winery ‘Pere de Familie’ Red WIne- The nose here is quite decadent with espresso bean, blueberry compote and black cherry cordial tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant, showing good mid-palate flavor density. Rich dark fruits collide with minerals, smoke, violets and shades of creme de cassis. Rich and layered, and already quite refined at the two year mark, this beautiful wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2038- 95

2019 Betz Family Winery ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Betz has now been sourcing from this wine for many years, as they work with a host of vineyard blocks here. The 2019 edition shows mocha, creosote, blackberry compote and creme de cassis notes all mark the nose. The mouthfeel and freshness of the wine is seriously good, as is the mid-palate sense of weight. Espresso grounds and blueberry cordial mingle with exotic spices, black cherry and shades of scorched earth all artfully combine on the palate. This has plenty of accessibility now and will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2021-2038- 95

Sodhani Vineyards

Nestled just north of St. Helena, Sodhani Vineyards is a small, family run operation that is set on a 11 acre property which was purchased in 2013. Proprietors Arvind and Beverly Sodhani make a small amount of wine, utilizing the talents of Thomas Rivers Brown. Arvind has been interested in wine since his days studying in London. Over time be became a wine collector and even made his own wine from the famed ‘To Kalon Vineyard’ for several years at a custom crush facility before pulling the trigger on some hallowed land in St. Helena.

This hillside property was first planted back in 2000 and has some prestigious neighbors in Vineyard 29 as well as a Colgin owned vineyard next door. The wine that I tasted was their 2016 ‘Reserve’ which is a barrel selection of their finest lots. I adored the 2016 Sodhani ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is dense and complex, showing insanely good flavor range at even the five year mark. This beautiful wine will cellar well for decades to come. Learn more about this outstanding winery at sodhanivineyards.com and here is my review of the 2016 Sodhani ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon.  

2016 Sodhani ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The utterly fabulous 2016 ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Sodhani is a crazy good new wine by Thomas Rivers Brown. Aged for 20 months in new French oak, this takes on dark currant aromatics woven together with tobacco leaf, blackberry compote and mocha tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is plush, seamless and sinfully good. Rich dark fruits collide with creosote, leather, blueberry cordial and Turkish coffee. Highly complex, delicious and gratifying with its combination of verve and viscosity, this sensational new bottling will provide drinking enjoyment for another twenty years or more. But why wait? Drink 2021-2041- 96

DAMA Wines

Mary Tuuri Derby has a long history in the Washington wine industry. Back in 2000 Mary and her husband Devin Derby got their start in Washington wine by creating famed Spring Valley Vineyard. Devin’s unexpected death in 2004 was a huge shock to Mary’s life and left her wondering how best to support herself and her young son. Collaboration and community made the decision for her when nine Walla Walla wineries got together and donated a large quantity of wine, a “very large barrel of love,” says Mary, that ultimately became the beginnings of DAMA.  

Mary has been partnered at DAMA Wineswoth Judith Shulman over the last ten years. These are beautiful wines that I have particularly enjoyed over the past seven or so vintages. Mary’s wines have good tension and restraint — they are never overblown or over-extracted. She has been doing a fabulous job with her Rose wine over the years. The new 2020 DAMA Rose (OB, 90) is a fresh and vibrant effort made from Cabernet Franc grapes. Even better is the sensational 2018 DAMA ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 93) which has plenty of aromatic and flavor range with a seamless texture. Learn more about these fantastic wines at https://damawines.com Here are the great new releases by DAMA.

2019 DAMA Wines Rose- Entirely made from Cabernet Franc grapes, the 2020 DAMA Rose shows bright green apple and kiwi with nectarine flavors, alongside a great veil of minerality. Brighter red fruits and orange rind undertones add to the complexity here, as this delicate and intricate style of Rose would be a marvelous combination with fresh Kusshi oysters. Drink 2021-2024- 90

2019 DAMA Wines ‘GSM’ Red WIne- The 2019 ‘GSM’ combines Grenache (46%) with Syrah (39%) and Mourvedre (15%). Red currants and garrigue tones mingle with sage and red cherry cordial on the nose. The palate is fresh and refined with lighter red fruits with citrus rind, bulls blood and creosote tones. Drink 2021-2029- 91

2018 DAMA Wines ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah- Sourced from this famed side in the Walla Walla Rocks District, the 2018 ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah shows black tea with Umami, beef fat, black licorice candy and black olive tapenade flavors. Medium-bodied and full of finesse, this beautifully textured effort will provide drinking enjoyment over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2018 DAMA Wines ‘Lonesome Spring Vineyard’ Syrah- Lighter in the glass than the ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah, this yields smoky tones that mingle with blackberry compote, tar and baking spices aromatically. The palate has gobs of mouth-watering acidity with medium-bodied dark fruit flavors that come together with shades of salted meats and orange rind undertones. Drink 2021-2029- 92

2017 DAMA Wines ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Merlot- Sourced from this great high elevation site in the Walla Walla Valley, the 2017 ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Merlot reveals a soft texture and light dusting of salinity on the palate. Ripe red cherry and black raspberry flavors mingle with minerals, and cocoa powder undertones on the palate. This beautiful wine has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2035- 91

2017 DAMA Wines ‘XL Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- I have really admired wines from this newer, high elevation vineyard. The 2018 ‘XL Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc shows pretty dark florals with cigar ash, blackberry compote and shades of dark chocolate cake on this beautiful bouquet. The palate is soft and generous with a silky texture. This comes off as highly elegant and seamless with ripe dark fruits that combine with shades of tobacco leaf, tar and coffee grounds. The pillowy texture and good length add to the enjoyment. Great and highly gratifying to enjoy in its youth, this has at least another decade ahead of it. Drink 2021-2032- 92 

2016 DAMA Wines Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, the 2016 DAMA Wines Cabernet Sauvignon has layers of sagebrush and leather that are woven together with blackberry cobbler and tar on the nose. The palate has great elegance and restraint, yet yields a downright voluptuous mouthfeel. Layers of anise, cassis, blackberry compote and espresso bean flavors all collide with minerals on the palate. A joy to savor right now, the 2016 DAMA Wines Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy another decade or more in the cellar. Drink 2021-2032- 92

Clos Solene

I love the inspired stories of Paso Robles. Such is the case with Clos Solene, a tale of romance and following the heart. Clos Solene is an inspired story fueled by the love of two people who founded this outstanding winery. Guillaume Fabre met the love of his life, Solene Fabre and they both eventually settled in Paso Robles. Fast forward to today, the Fabre Family is now a family of five: Clémentine (their oldest daughter), Jean (their middle son), and Juliette (their youngest daughter). Guillaume has named all his favorite wines after his children – Sweet Clémentine, Cuvée Jean and the arrival of Cuvée Juliette in 2019. After purchasing an estate in 2017, the family lives at the farmhouse on the property, as their boutique winery lies the west side of Paso Robles in the heart of the Willow Creek District.

The new wines were simply outstanding across the board. The 2020 Clos Solene ‘La Rose’ Rose (OB, 92) is fresh and beautifully textured with insanely good range. Even better is the sinfully good 2018 Clos Solene ‘Cuvee Jean’ Syrah (OB, 97) which takes you straight to Cornas with the crazy good aromatics and salty tones Learn more about these beautiful new wines at https://www.clossolene.com Here are the outstanding new release wines by Clos Solene.

2020 Clos Solene ‘La Rose’ Rose- A simply delightful blend of 61% Grenache with 20% Mourvedre, 17% Cinsault and a splash of Syrah, this shows off a beautiful pale hue with a silky texture and vibrant sense of verve. Sour red fruits collide with minerals, honeydew melon,  green papaya and wet stone on the palate. This is very Paso meets Provence. Drink 2021-2027- 92

2020 Clos Solene ‘Hommage Blanc’ White Wine- The 2018 ‘Hommage Blanc’ is a compelling blend of nearly all Roussanne (78%) with smaller portions Viognier and Grenache Blanc. Beautifully textured, this is super refined stuff with gooseberry, lemon zest, cantaloupe and stony undertones. The silky texture and wonderful sense of weight and finesse makes this stunning wine have some cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2028- 93

2018 Clos Solene ‘Harmonie’ Red Wine- The Grenache dominant ‘Harmonie’ has smaller parts Mourvedre and Syrah blended in, as this is very Paso meets CDP. Aromatically the Grenache really dominates with its high-toned red rose peatals, orange rind and red fruits, while smoky undertones also add to the enjoyment. The palate is seamless and beautifully textured, with a great combination of pomegranate seed, Yakima cherry cordial, cigar box, and blood orange zest with salty undertones. Focused and highly poised, with good richness, this outstanding wine is utterly sensational to savor now and will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2033- 95

2018 Clos Solene ‘Hommage A Nos Pairs’ Syrah- Inky and brooding once in the glass, with just a touch of Viognier and Grenache blended in, this Syrah wine saw 23 months of French oak before bottling. The palate is seamless with a massive wall of blackberry and huckleberry fruits, with creosote, black licorice and anise, as well as nectarine undertones from the Viognier. With a light dusting of salinity, this terroir-driven and dense Syrah will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2021-2036- 95

2018 Clos Solene ‘Cuvee Jean’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘Cuvee Jean’ is a blend of nearly all Syrah with 3% Viognier co-fermented. Quite simply, this is one of the great California Syrah wines that I have tasted over the past year. The nose quite simply explodes out of the glass, unveiling deep layers of black olive tapenade, black tea and blackberry cordial, with a light dusting of white pepper encrusted smoked brisket. The palate is seamless and plush, with intense black fruits that collide with smoke, bacon fat and tar, as well as herbs de provence and green peppercorns. If smelled blind, I would go straight to Cornas. Rich and layered, yet showing insanely good tension, viscosity and terroir, this highly collectable wine will surely satisfy any serious collector of Paso Robles Syrah. Drink 2021-2038- 97

2018 Clos Solene ‘Fleur de Solene’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Fleur de Solene’ blends 51% Syrah with 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Grenache. The resultant wine is dense and highly perfumed from the Grenache with a silky texture. Red currants and roasted figs mingle with shades of dark chocolate and tobacco leaf on the palate. With good restraint and tension this outstanding and novel blend will cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2021-2035- 94

Passing Time

Yesterday I had the chance to taste with two legends in their respective fields — NFL legend Damon Huard and Washington Wine legend, Chris Peterson. Damon and Dan Marino had talking about owning a winery together for many years. They finally got the nerve to start a winery in Damon’s backyard and they have been crafting some seriously good Cabernet wines since their first release with the 2012 vintage. One of the great winemaking talents in the state, Chris Peterson was the first graduate of the Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture program and working at DeLille for eight years under legendary winemaker Chris Upchurch. 

I remember being excited when Peterson was hired to be head winemaker at Passing Time as this would be a quite different project than his Avennia wines. The new wines from the 2018 vintage were utterly fantastic across the board. I was enamored by his 2018 Passing Time Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is sourced from some of the great vineyards across Washington and has tremendous texture and length without heavy-handed oak treatment. I was enamored by their 2018 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is silky and elegant with very refined tannins and beautiful viscosity and length. This, like the other single appellation releases, has some outstanding cellaring potential.  Learn more about this fantastic  boutique winery at http://www.passingtime.com Here is my review of the new Passing Time wines.

2019 Passing Time Chardonnay- Sourced rom 1984 ‘Celilo Vineyard' plantings as well as Connor Lee, Boushey and Kenny Hill vineyards, this was aged for fifteen months in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. Right out of the gate this shows off toasty brioche with pear and marzipan tones all fill the nose. The palate is plush with a soft texture and wonderful brightness. Ripe Japanese pear and lemon zest dusted sourdough bread and a wonderfully long finish. This is incredibly well-balanced stuff that will cellar well over the next decade, picking up nutty and earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2018 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Red Wine- The2018 ‘Red Wine’ is sourced from a host of great vineyards including Champoux and Wallula, and blends 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot that was aged for twenty months in 50% new French oak before bottling. The nose showcases a great core of black and blue fruits with coffee grounds and shades of green bell pepper aromatics that meld in the glass. The palate is silky and harmonious with a great core of blackberry liquor, black cherry compote, tar and anise tones alongside espresso bean undertones. This is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2018 Passing Time ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon (1984 plantings from the Klipsun Vineyard and Red Mountain Vineyard fruit) with just a touch of Bacchus Vineyard Cabernet. Franc, this saw 75% new French oak before bottling. The nose is downright hedonistic yielding rich cassis and creme de violette tones alongs with scorched earth and mocha. The palate is plush with a scintillating texture and gorgeous sense of place. Rich dark and red fruits collide with minerals, smoke and tar undertones. The bright acidity and wonderful sensation of viscosity makes this absolutely sing. Be sure to give this a two hour decant if enjoying win its youth. Drink 2022-2040- 96

2018 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A blockbuster wine, the 2018 ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a downright stunning wine by Passing Time. This is the first time that they have added just a touch of Champoux Vineyard Merlot. Nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (86%) with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this shows off huckleberry compote and loganberry liquor on the nose with sagebrush and milk chocolate all combine on the nose. The palate shows great fruit weight and flavor density with a great wall of dark fruits that mingle with espresso bean and sagebrush tones. This is a dense but seamless expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. Still quite restrained and having massive potential, this outstanding wine really needs another year of bottle age before consuming. Drink 2022-2042- 96

2018 Passing Time ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards, this is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 60% new French oak for 21 months before bottling. The nose is downright hedonistic with blueberry compote and mocha tones that combine with shades of tar and dried herbs. Refined tannins line a massive core of black and blue fruits with Turkish coffee and violets on the palate. Muscular and dense, with a massive aging potential, this will live on for decades to come. Drink 2022-2042- 95

2019 Passing Time ‘Block 1311’ Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Sample (95-97

Piolet Vintners

A Washington winery with a very high ceiling, Piolet is the brainchild of Andy Ferguson, who is a winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Andy crafts some very limited production bottlings and I have been really impressed with what I have tried so far. His latest set of release are even more outstanding than the last set of wines I tried roughly two years ago. These are wines that are geared towards texture and mouthfeel sourcing from some outstanding vineyard sites including La Reyna Blanca and Stoneridge. It is worth noting that Andy also worked on the ‘Single Barrel Select’ TBA style wine by Chateau Ste. Michelle which is one of the best wines that I have tasted over the past year.

I love the new 2019 Piolet Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which has amazing texture and depth from the oak barrel regimen, yet shows wonderful verve. Look to the truly sensational 2018 Piolet Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 94) which completely overdelivers at under 50 bucks. This finesse driven wine shows good depth and concentration from this outstanding vintage. Learn more at pioletvintners.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Piolet.

2019 Piolet Sauvignon Blanc- This is sourced from a small block in the La Reyna Blanca vineyard which is a high elevation, windswept site that is southern facing. The wine was aged in natural oak and stainless steel prior to bottling. The wine is big and unctuous with grapefruit, lychee and passion fruit with lighter green herbs.. Drink 2021-2027- 92

2020 Piolet Sauvignon Blanc (barrel sample)- 89-91

2018 Piolet Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Piolet Cabernet Sauvignon (100%) is sourced from the Quintessence and Shaw Vineyards on Red Mountain as well as the Discovery Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. The nose is very pretty with black rose and blackberry compote as well as tar, black licorice and cigar box tones meld in the glass. The palate is silky and elegant with good viscosity and finesse. Layers of black fruits collide with chocolate covered espresso bean, sagebrush and anise tones. The length and generous texture is outstanding. Drink 2021-2038- 94

2018 Piolet Syrah- The 2018 Piolet Syrah is sourced from the famed ‘Stoneridge Vineyard’ as this is entirely Joseph Phelps clone Syrah from this south-facing site in the Royal Slope AVA. The wine his big and bold with good acidity and shows a beautiful texture. Roasted figs and red cherry puree collide with creosote, smoked pork shoulder and soy sauce undertones all impress. Showing good freshness and finesse, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2021-2029- 93

Saint K Wines

I love new winery projects that impress. Such is the case with Saint K Wines, Founder Chris Kiranbay grew up in the Middle East and has a longstanding history in the wine industry. A trip to Napa inspired a move across country to California. Chris worked a harvest there and visited Paso Robles back in 2010. Working in fine dining, as well as a wine brokerage, he began working for Herman Story Wines in 2013, and subsequently began making some of his own wines.

I love the new 2020 Saint K ‘Around the Way’ Rose (OB, 91) which has gorgeous freshness and finesse with seriously good range. Even better is the sinfully good 2019 Saint K ‘Everything Is Under Control’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which like the name states, shows great freshness despite its full-throttle demeanor. Learn more about this fantastic boutique winery at https://www.burkewine.comHere are my reviews of the great new Saint K wines. 

2020 Saint K ‘Around the Way’ Rose- Made from Mourvedre grapes, this shows off a beautiful texture with great lift and vibrant acidity. Soft red fruits collide with rose water, melon and orange rind tones on the palate. This is seriously good, vibrant Rose. Drink 2021-2026- 91

2020 Saint K ‘Flower Bomb’ Malvasia Blanc- Extremely floral, just as the wine suggests, the honeysuckle and ripe peach tones aromatically impress. The palate is beautifully seamless with a silky texture and gobs of melon and citrus fruits that connect w int stony minerals. This will get more earthy with some age as the weight and acidity suggest some cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2029- 92

2019 Saint K ‘Like The Snows of Yesteryear’ Sangiovese- Truly a unique and outstanding Sangiovese wine that is sourced from the White Hawk Vineyard, this shows off roasted fig flavors alongside minerals, tar and shades of menthol on the palate. Firm tannins hold everything in place brilliantly. The bright acidity and citrus rind accents add to the enjoyment here, as this compelling new wine will cellar well over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2019 Saint K ‘Everything Is Under Control’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Rangeland Vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 33% New French oak for 18 months before bottling. It comes up inky in the glass, delivering rich cassis, anise and blackberry compote flavors with tar undertones. Full-throttle and delicious to savor now, with good freshness, this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2032- 93