Dr. Loosen

Today we present one of the all-time greats from the Mosel region of Western Germany. The Dr. Loosen estate has been in the same family for more than 200 years. Dr. Ernst Loosen assumed ownership in 1988, he realized that, with ungrafted vines averaging 60 years old in some of Germany’s top-rated vineyards, he had the raw materials to create stunningly intense, world-class Rieslings. He was the only one of his siblings interested in taking over the winery and Ernst focused on becoming one of the regions top winemakers, as he completed his studies at Germany’s renowned winemaking school in Geisenheim and then completed a self directed review of the great wines of the world including Austria, to Burgundy and Alsace, even to California. He wanted to visit these great winemaking regions and learn from other top winemakers.

Dr. Loosen has gained an International reputation for killer value Rieslings that shows that special blue slated terroir and bright minerality of the reigon. He has also been collaborating with Chateau Ste. Michelle for more than a decade and helps produce what is year after year one of Washington’s top Rieslings, the Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling.

For his wines Dr. Loosen sources from some of the Mosel’s top vineyards including the Wehlener Sonnenuhr and the Urziger Wurzgarten. I love the new range of wines that he produced. Check out the killer value 2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Blue Slate’ Riesling (OB, 91) which is very fresh and vibrant on the palate with a great core of fruits. The 2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Erdinger Teppchen’ Spatlase Riesling (OB, 94) which might not be the most dense Spatlase but is seamless and absolutely irresistible right now with its beautiful tension and stony tones. Learn more about this famed winery at https://drloosen.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Dr. Loosen

NV Dr. Lo With Bubbles Riesling (alcohol removed)- Peach and green apple notes mingle with sweetened gooseberry on the palate.  Drink 2023-2026- 88

2021 Dr. Loosen Riesling- A killer value, the 2021 Dr. Loosen Riesling shows plenty of minerality once on the mouth. Layers of Pink Lady apple collide with wet stone and shades of kerosene on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 89

2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Dry’ Riesling- Juicy and delicious, the Trocken-inspired ‘Dry’ Rielsing offers sourdough bread and Gravenstein apple flavors alongside plenty of stony minerals. Drink this great value now. Drink 2023-2028- 89

2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Red Slate’ Riesling- The 2021 ‘Red Slate’ is filled with marvelous tension once on the mouth. Layers of bright citrus rind flavors collide with Granny Smith apple and copious minerals on the palate. Enjoy now while the freshness remains intact. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Blue Slate’ Riesling- The 2021 ‘Blue Slate’ is an irresistible value buy by Dr. Loosen. Fresh and finesse-driven, this shows lovely stony undertones alongside sweet nectarine, Yakima cherry and green papaya notes on the palate. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Erdener Teppchen’ Spatlase Riesling- The impossible to resist 2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Erdener Teppchen’ Spatlase Riesling might not be the richest Spatlase on the market but the sense of balance is absolutely impeccable. Green apple and freshly sliced lime flavors combine with wet slate and shades of petrol on the palate. Seamless, and mineral-driven, this is quite frankly a joy to consume right now. Drink 2023-2033- 94

Laurent Perrrier 'Grand Siecle' Vertical

For my 43rd birthday I was able organize a tasting I’ve wanted to do for a decade. What I consider to be one of the great wines of the world, the ‘Grand Siecle’ is Laurent Perrier’s tête de cuvée which is blended from a host of vintages and also crafted from only grand cru vineyards. Established in 1812, Laurent Perrier is located in the heart of Champagne, in Tours-sur-Marne. Vines are set on limestone soil, highly chalky and showing the distinctiveness of the region. The chalk subsoil holds sufficient water, during dry spells and due its porous nature also provides good drainage when it is wet to prevent roots of becoming water logged, acting a bit like a sponge.

For my tasting I procured editions 23, 24 and 25 of this wine. I had tasted the 22nd edition in November 2022 and sadly the bottle did not show particularly well. The new edition, the 25 (OB, 97) is truly a thing of beauty. In this Grand Siecle 25 ed. chef du cave Michel Fauconnet has blended wines from the 2008, 2007, and 2006 vintages. This wine is truly one of the finest tête de cuvée champagnes in the world. The wine also needs about 40 minutes of air to really come into its own. Almost as good was the Grand Siecle 23 ed. (OB, 96) which was sourced from the 2006 (65%), 2004 (20%), and 2002 (15%) vintages. Mainly Chardonnay (58%) with the reminder Pinot Noir, this is a utterly fantastic wine right now, as it tapered off in terms of finesse after about an hour. Plump and ripe, this really shows off the fleshy character of the 2006 vintage in Champagne. A step back but still outstanding was the Grand Siecle 24 ed. (OB, 94) which was laden with finesse and stony character. A blend of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir from 100% Grand Cru vineyards this utilizes a base of the 2007 vintage as well as wines from the 2006, and 2004 vintages. Learn more about this historic Champagne house at http://www.laurent-perrier.com/en/the-wines/ and here are my reviews of the 23-25 editions of ‘Grand Siecle.’

Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle No. 25’ Champagne- The ‘Grand Siecle’ No.25 is mostly from the 2008 vintage (65%) with smaller parts from the 2007 (25%) and 2006 (10%). A blend of 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir, this comes from a selection of 9 Grand Cru Vineyards. The nose is wonderfully complex with lemon zest dusted biscuit and shades of kumquat blossom and salted cashew. The palate is deep and concentrated with plenty of weight and finesse. Gorgeous now, this will easily age for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2022-2038- 97

Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle No. 24’ Champagne- Outstanding but a step back from the 23 and 25 eds., the ‘Grand Siecle No. 24.’ utilizes the 2007 vintage as the base, with wines also coming from the 2006 and 2004 vintages. It comes off very stony and laden with finesse once on the mouth. Ginger and marzipan notes combine with shades of Gravenstein apple and quince on the palate. A delight to enjoy now with its laser freshness, I can see this easily cellaring for another ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle No. 23’ Champagne- One of the stars of this tasting, the Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle No. 23’ Champagne is a simply marvelous effort at now several years since release. This edition was mainly sourced from the warm 2006 vintage (65%) as well as the 2004 and 2002 vintages. It is wonderfully fleshy and rich once on the mouth with a silky mousse. Layers of honey dusted brioche and yellow plum combine with Pink Lady apple notes alongside notes of white truffle on the palate. This is one to consume now, as the finesse seems to slow down rather quickly after opening. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2028- 96

Quilceda Creek 2013 Retrospective

Today we have a very special feature for you. One of the great wines made in North America, Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably Washington State’s signature wine. I have had the chance to visit these wines back to the 1990s and it is remarkable how well they can cellar. Even in the most challenging vintages, Quilceda Creek has been a pillar of consistency. Originally founded by Alex and Jeanette Golitzin back in 1978, Quilceda Creek Director of Winemaking Paul Golitzin was entored by his father Alex Golitzin and his great Uncle Andre Tchelistcheff. Paul Golitzin took what he had learned and developed his own style that has been some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon made in Washington State.

Even in the smoke-filled 2020 vintage, Quilceda Creek shined. The wines I tasted came from my cellar and had not been moved at all. 2013 was a vintage that seems to be somehow overshadowed by the 2012 vintage which was very classic in Washington State. 2013 saw considerable more heat than 2012 but did not posses the intense heat spikes of 2015. Harvest saw some cooler temperatures which helped with the wines retaining acidity. I have found that many top Bordeaux style wines from 2013 are every bit as good — if not better — than those produced in 2012. My tasting of Quilceda Creek was a perfect example of this. Both wines that I tasted, their 2013 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) and the Galitzine Vineyard (OB, 99) flirted with perfection. They are now quite divergent, as the Galitzine is showing more non-fruit notes with tar, scorched earth and coffee notes. The 2013 ‘Columbia Valley’ is seamless and balanced, with lovely underlying freshness and a pillowy texture.  Both are an incredible piece of Washington wine history. Learn more about these wines at quilcedacreek.com and here are my reviews of the sensational Quilceda Creek wines from 2013.

2013 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 100% varietal 2013 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes entirely from the Champoux Vineyard. Stored for 20 months in French oak this shows off pencil lead, violets, freshly tilled loamy soils and dense dark plum notes on this captivating bouquet. The palate is soft and inviting with a silky texture and ultra-refined tannins. Plus, rich and very hedonistic, this is scintillating stuff that flirts with perfection and is really in its wheelhouse right now. Drink 2023-2033- 99

2013 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outrageously good 2013 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this site in Red Mountain. Very dark with a deep core, this was stored for 20 months in all new French oak as this is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon (95%) from Galitzine Vineyard with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Wallula Vineyard. The non-fruit notes are really rocking with scorched earth notes combine with Turkish coffee, tar, tobacco leaf and huckleberry cordial. The palate is silky and downright delicious, as this is showing brilliantly right now. Seamless and sensual wine right now, no reason to cellar this beauty any longer. Drink 2023-2033- 99

DeLille Cellars

I have long been enamored by the consistently great wines by DeLille Cellars. I fondly recall tasting there twenty years ago during my time in graduate school. DeLille rose to prominence under the guidance of eminent winemaker Chris Upchurch. Their director of winemaking Jason Gorski, has consistently crafted incredible wines regardless of vintage. DeLille Cellars was the first winery in Washington to focus on creating Bordeaux style wine blends and makes arguably the best Bordeaux style white wine in North America with its ‘Chaleur Blanc.’ For my palate the Chaleur Blanc will challenge some of the finest white wines you will find in Bordeaux. DeLille sources from their estate, 20-acre vineyard in Red Mountain as well as premier vineyards in the Yakima Valley. Their new Woodivinlle winery is a must visit as it boasts modern decor with a fantastic rooftop that even has views of Mt. Ranier.

2020 was not a vintage kind to most wineries. It is very impressive how Gorski navigated this vintage with his team. He has created wines that are clean with good concentration. As I recommend for all red wines made in this vintage, it is best to consume them young. I also adored the 2022 DeLille Cellars Rose (OB, 93) which has been one of the most consistently great Rose wines over the past five years made in the Pacific Northwest. Don’t miss out on the 2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Four Flags’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is one of the finest renditions of this wine that I can remember over the past decade. Learn more about this fantastic winery at www.delillecellars.com Here are the great new release wines from DeLille.

2022 Metier Sauvignon Blanc- Sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills, the 2022 Metier Sauvignon Blanc shows pretty white rose petals and pink grapefruit blossom notes that combine with kiwi notes on the nose. The palate is soft and nicely textured with bright acidity that holds together a core of green apple and kumquat with green papaya notes. Drink 2023-2027- 90

2021 Metier Red Blend- The 2021 Red Blend by Metier is a medium-bodied combination of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot that shows good stuffing and brightness. Milk chocolate and black currants combine with shades of baking spices on the palate. Drink 2023-2027- 90

2021 Metier Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Metier Cabernet Sauvignon is a really good value that is nearly 100% varietal. Roasted herbs and dark cherry dominate the nose with tobacco leaf accents. This shows good balance with medium bodied dark fruit and coffee ground flavors. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2022 DeLillle Roussanne- For years DeLille Cellars has been making some of the finest Roussanne that you will find in the state. This 2022 edition is entirely sourced from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. Stored in a combination of natural oak, concrete and stainless steel this shows amazing flavor range with serious texture and verve. This is silky and very easy to drink with citrus blossom, kiwi, cantaloupe and brie cheese notes. Drink now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 94

2022 DeLille Cellars Rose- This 2022 edition combines Grenache (50%) with 39% Mourvèdre and the remainder Cinsault. Very fragrant on the nose with white peach and guava notes alongside Yakima cherry and damp soil undertones. The palate is soft and beautifully textured with serious underlying verve. A pure core of red fruit flavors greets you, showing strawberry and red raspberry notes alongside kumquat rind and stony undertones. Complex and delicious, this will age brilliantly for another eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Blanc’ White Wine- This edition of the ‘Chaleur Blanc’ combines 69% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Semillon. Showing a deep color, this offers roasted hazelnuts on the nose with bright pear and starfruit tones. The palate is marvelously textured with showing good viscosity and weight without coming off as heavy. Very youthful and finesse-driven, this is beautiful wine to cellar over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Marguerite’ White Wine- The 2020 ‘Marguerite’ is named after the Marguerite daisy which is a symbol of patience. Stored for more than a year in oak barrels, this comes from some of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc in the state. Very smooth and rich on the mouth, this shows a beautiful range of flavors from juicy peach and kiwi notes alongside honeydew melon and stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Sagemoor Vineyards’ Riesling- Coming from the White Bluffs AVA, this 2022 Riesling was sourced from the Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards. This shows a sterling tension with green apple, kumquat and petrol notes on the palate. Nicely textured, this is really great wine to enjoy on a hot summer day. Drink 2023-2029- 92

NV Forget-Me-Not Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine- The NV Forget-Me-Not Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine is the first bottling of sparkling wine that DeLille Cellars has produced. This fruity bubbles offers up peach and lemon zest flavors that combine with copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘StoneTree Vineyard’ Mourvèdre- Coming from the Wahluke Slope, this 2020 Mourvèdre offers chocolate and smoked meat tones on the nose alongside a rich core of dark fruits. The palate is fresh and refined with silky tannins that frame a core of ripe dark plum, tobacco and mocha flavors. Drink 2023-2029- 93

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Le Dessein’ Red Wine- A Rhone inspired blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2020 ‘Le Dessein’ evokes Provencale herbs notes with black currants and pipe tobacco on the nose. The palate comes off fresh and lithe with a soft mouthfeel. Red raspberry combine with loamy soils, and dried sage on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Signature’ Syrah- The 2020 ‘Signature’ Syrah is a seriously good effort out of the Yakima Valley. The nose is seriously good with blood orange and iodine alongside sagebrush and shades of creme de violette. The palate is fleshy and big with bright underlying acidity. Very smoky and savory with great concentration, this is fantastic wine to enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 94

2019 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah- The outstanding and very inky 2019 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah (clone 383) was stored in 30% new French oak before bottling. Kirsch and black olives combine with loamy soils and scorched earth notes on the palate. This is very fresh and rich Syrah that is built to age. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Doyenne’ Red Wine- The Provence-inspired 2020 ‘Doyenne’ comes from Columbia Valley and combines Syrah (60%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. This is rich and viscous wine that shows brilliantly salty and savory undertones on the palate. Black olives, black tea and rich dark fruits parade with chocolate notes on the plate. Drink 2023-20230- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Malbec- The delicious 2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Malbec is a dense and concentrated effort that is great to enjoy right now. Kirsch and dark currant flavors combine with huckleberry and suggestions of violets on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 93

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Minuet’ Red Wine- The 2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Minuet’ Red Wine is a beautifully balanced wine from the Yakima Valley. Nicely textured, with medium weight, this displays ripe boysenberry and black cherry flavors with chocolate and good structure on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine- The 2020 ’D2’ combines 61% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot. This comes off very clean on the palate with chocolate, blackberry and black cherry flavors, with tilled soil notes. Enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Le Colosse’ Red Wine- This 2020 by DeLille combines mostly Merlot (92%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is fresh showcasing ripe red currant flavors that combine with pipe tobacco, red raspberry and loamy soil notes. Finishing long, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2029- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow’ Red Wine- This outstanding blend from the Red Willow Vineyard combines 47% Cabernet Franc with 40% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine displays beautiful florals with ripe red currants, menthol and shades of chocolate covered red cherry. The palate is fleshy and intense, with fantastic underlying verve. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Four Flags’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% varietal, the 2020 ‘Four Flags’ is a marvelous showing from this challenging vintage. Right away this offers alluring garrigue and violet rose petal notes on the nose alongside espresso grounds. The palate is impeccably balanced, with good weight and a gorgeous core of dark fruit flavors. This is very clean and is best consumed now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Shaw Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Also 100% varietal, the 2020 ‘Shaw Vineyard’ displays ripe huckleberry notes that combine with espresso grounds and dark current with roasted fig accents on the nose. The palate is refined and rich with plenty of concentration and depth. This is truly outstanding and decadent Cabernet Sauvignon that is best consumed now and over the next seven years. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Klipsun Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This comes from this famed site in the heart of Red Mountain. Scorched earth and dried herbal notes come together with rich dark fruits on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with salty undertones and a bright underlying acidity. Drink 2023-2029- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Harrison Hill Vineyard’ Red Wine- Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this shows tar and mocha on the nose with garrigue and shades of wild blackberry. The palate is soft and refined with silky tannins that combine with a rich core of dark fruit flavors. Drink 2023-2029- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine- The 2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine blends 63% Cabernet Franc with the remainder Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a dash of Petit Verdot. Rich dark chocolate and roasted dates combine with garrigue and freshly tilled soils on the nose. The palate is very fresh and refined with silky tannins that combine with rich dark fruits and creme de violette flavors. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Red WIne- Coming from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, the 2020 ‘Grand Ciel’ offers terrific concentration and finesse with great balance. Sagebrush, black currants, loamy soils and Turkish coffee flavors. The balance is here. Drink 2023-2029- 95

Cristom Vineyards

One of the premier producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, Cristom Vineyards has been on the world stage, particularly for their single vineyard Pinot Noir bottlings that you can find at some top New York Michelin Star restaurants. While Cristom has made their name in Pinot Noir, they also craft some incredible single vineyard Chardonnay bottlings. The new wines I tried were all from the 2021 vintage, one that had consistently warm weather during the summer. Check out their entry level 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is a steal considering the weight and flavor density this packs. I love the 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which shows these wonderful stony and flinty tones from this acclaimed site. Check out more about these outstanding wines at https://www.cristomvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new releases by Cristom.

2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay- Coming from a host of great vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, this 2021 Chardonnay opens with salted cashew nut with peach and stony undertones on the nose. The palate is soft and is filled with lemon zest, brioche and wonderful tension that frames this outstanding value. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The exceedingly good 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a stunning effort from this warm vintage in the Willamette Valley. Chardonnay was planted in the lower part of this site which was first planted back in 1993. It is nicely concentrated but also very nicely poised. Kumquat rind, Japanese pear and honeydew melon flavors combine with shades of hazelnut topped shortbread on the palate. Only 100 cases made of this brilliant Chardonnay. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The famed ‘Seven Springs Vineyard; was founded back in 1982 as this site is set on ancient volcanic soils. This is a very nervy and tension-filled Chardonnay once on the mouth, showing a delicious set of melon and citrus fruits. With more air the stony and flinty tones become more evident as this is drinking beautifully right now and will surely provide drinking enjoyment for another decade or more. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The ‘Royer Vineyard’ is located southwest edge of the Eola Hills. This 15 acre site is planted to Riesling and Chardonnay. This 2021 Chardonnay is a deep and concentrated wine that is irresistible in its youth. Heady, and laden with its core of starfruit, Pink Lady apple and baking spice and buttered French bread flavors, it is a stellar wine to consume right now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 95

Brandlin Estate

A great story in Napa history, Brandon Estate 1870s, when the Brandlins emigrated from Switzerland. They later descended on the Napa Valley and started their homestead high on Mount Veeder. They saw the potential of the land and soon began their fruit orchard, ran the local grain store and stagecoach. In 1926, Henry Brandlin planted his first grape vines at Brandlin Estate—vines that are still alive today.

Today the site boasts 49 acres of vines, with many nearly 20 years of age. I have long admired the wines by Steve Rogstad, who has crafted outstanding Chardonnay and other varietals at Cuvaison for decades. I adored the two new wines that I tasted, the outstanding 2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 93) which is rich and beautifully textured stuff with great length. Even better is the 2019 Brandlin Estates ‘Mount Veeder’ Malbec (OB, 94) which is a steal at under 80 bucks and shines with its brilliant core of black and blue fruits. Learn more about these great wines at brandlinestate.com and here are my reviews of the new Brandlin wines.

2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The outstanding 2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc was stored for 11 months in 50% new French oak before bottling. The wine comes off soft and beautifully textured, showing great weight and concentration with underlying finesse. Kiwi, cantaloupe and sweet gooseberry flavors all come together seamlessly on the palate. This is seriously good stuff. Drink 2023-2029- 93

2019 Brandlin Estates ‘Mount Veeder’ Malbec- This beautiful new Malbec has 6% Cabernet Sauvignon bleed in, as this was stored for 22 months in 40% new French oak before bottling. Violets, tar and anise all fill the nose with shades of boysenberry cordial. The palate is wonderfully concentrated, with plenty of depth and richness, displaying fantastic underlying acidity. Absolutely fantastic to enjoy now, this beauty will shine on for at least another decade to come. Drink 2023-2038- 94

Reynvaan 'Foothills Reserve' Syrah Vertical

This feature is made for Syrah lovers. One of the best Syrahs in on the West Coast that still seems to creep under the radar, the ‘Foothills Reserve’ is a barrel select wine made by the talented Matt Reynvaan. Years ago Matt and his parents Gayle and Mike Reynvaan took a leap of faith and planted their estate vineyard in the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains. There were several people who suggested that their site was not a good place to grow Syrah but the Reynvaans have proved them wrong. If you have never visited the Reynvaan property, their ‘Foothills In The Sun Vineyard’ is one of the most scenic sites that you will find in the Walla Walla Valley.

This location is is one of the highest elevation vineyards in Washington at1600 feet with a gradual western and southwestern exposure. The high elevation allows the site to have extreme diurnal shifts, as temperatures can range from 100 degrees to 50 or even 40 degrees at night. This impact improves the natural acidity in the wines. The soils consist of deep silty loam, with small amounts of clay, iron and pockets of rocks. There is a distinct stony character in the wines that is unlike those produced in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. I recently had a chance to taste through the last three vintages of the ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah. This bottling has been one of the finest Syrah wines produced in the Pacific Northwest and is a former #1 on my Top 100 list.

I am amazed what Matt Reynvaan did with the 2020 ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah (OB, 96) as the wine comes off very clean and revels in its fantastic flavor range and bright black fruits. Like any red wine from 2020, I recommend enjoying this beauty early. The 2019 ‘Foothills Reserve’ (OB, 98) and the 2018 ‘Foothills Reserve’ (OB, 98) are equally excellent but could not be more divergent at this moment. The 2019 bottling is nervy and tension-filled, with brighter acidity and less depth, yet shows insanely good flavor and aromatic range. Conversely, the 2018 bottling is dense, heady and plush with silky tannins and a gorgeous deep concentration of dark fruit flavors. Both wines will surely satisfy any lovers of Pacific Northwest Syrah. Learn more at reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah wines from 2018-2020.

2020 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- I have long admired the ‘Foothills Reserve’ which is a barrel select Syrah coming from the Reynvaan ‘Foothills In the Sun Vineyard. This 2020 edition is the finest wine in the new lineup. The nose takes on really good range with green peppercorns, wintergreen and wild blackberry notes alongside wet rock and Umami notes. The palate is lithe with great underlying finesse, coming off very clean.  This is super novel stuff with iodine, wintergreen and graphite notes that combine with the beautiful core of black fruits and black florals. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 96

2019 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- The 2019 ‘Foothills Reserve’ is one of the great wines made in a challenging vintage for red wines. Coming from the ‘Foothills In the Sun Vineyard’ which neighbors the the Blue Ridge Mountains and is several miles outside the town of Walla Walla, this shows amazing aromatic range from Cuban cigar, wet stone, black currants and shades of exotic spices with red floral undertones. The palate is less-fleshy than the 2018 but more fresh and leans considerably more old-world. Showing good length, like I wrote several years ago, this is about as close as you will get to Washington meets Cote Rotie. Downright thrilling with its brightness, and its red fruit-driven core with citrus rind and tilled soil accents, enjoy his beautiful wine now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2023-2033- 98

2018 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- I have long admired this Syrah that comes from one of the great vintages that Washington has seen over the past two decades. The 2018 ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah offers a literal cornucopia of aromatics. Bulls blood, Mandarin orange blossom, Nori, white pepper dusted bacon and shades of creme de violette all collide on the nose. The palate is silky smooth and beautifully textured, with impeccable balance and weight. This is just marvelous stuff to savor right now. Find this wine, buy it and you will thank me later. Drink 2023-2033- 98

Chateau Ste. Michelle

A world-class Washington producer, you might not know that Chateau Ste. Michelle produces roughly 8 million bottles of Riesling a year. The remarkable thing about that is their entry level Riesling is seriously good. You also might not know that it is the oldest winery in Washington state, as Chateau Ste. Michelle was originally founded as the American Wine Company, set on 87 acres that was once a rural farm. Many great Washington winemaking talents have come through Chateau Ste. Michellle, from Dan Wampfler to Jason Gorski. Chateau Ste. Michelle owns some of the state’s historic vineyards including the Cold Creek Vineyard which was founded in the 1970s. 

I have loved the wines over the years produced by former winemaker Bob Bertheau, as Katie Nelson took over as head winemaker several years ago and has been doing a fantastic job. Nelson has serious pedigree formerly with K Vintners and Columbia Crest (head winemaker).

I recently had the chance to taste the range of Chateau Ste. Michelle wines which truly shine even in the challenging 2019 vintage for Bordeaux wines. Don’t sleep on the 2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica XLC’ Riesling (OB, 94) which is a ‘GG’ style wine that saw extended barrel age. Dry and polished, with a smooth texture, this is a treat to enjoy now and over the next decade. The best wine I tasted is one that will easily dance with any dessert wine made in North America. A must try for a very special occasion, the new 2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Single Berry Select’ Dessert Wine (OB, 99) flirts with perfection with its insanely good concentration and depth. If you have never tasted a Trockenbeerenauslese, this is a must-try.  Learn more about these fantastic new wines at https://www.ste-michelle.com Here are the recent Riesling releases by Chateau Ste. Michelle

2022 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Indian Wells’ Riesling- An absolutely stellar value, the 2022 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Indian Wells’ Riesling offers sweetened peach and gooseberry flavors with stony accents and a cascade of minerality on the palate. Enjoy now while this brilliant freshness remains intact. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica XLC’ Riesling- Very dry, the ‘Eroica XLC’ saw extended barrel aging and is done in the GG style. Stored in large oak casks, the Riesling shows a smooth texture with serious underlying verve. Green apple, cantaloupe and stony minerals greet you on the palate, with outstanding length. This is just a beautiful wine that is unlike anything you will taste in the Pacific Northwest. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica Gold’ Riesling- Intense and heady, the outstanding 2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica Gold’ Riesling shows ripe pineapple, honeyed mango and shades of sweet peach on the palate with loads of bright acidity. This is superb stuff that is only starting to hit its stride. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica Single Berry Select’ Riesling- Without a doubt the top dessert wine produced in the Pacific Northwest (and arguably in North America), the Trockenbeerenauslese-inspired 2016 ‘Eroica Single Berry Select’ is another dazzling edition of this wine that flirts with perfection. Once on the nose this takes on a literal cornucopia of stunning aromatics. Honeysuckle, apricot jelly, vanilla creme brûlée, candied kumquat and ginger notes all combine on the nose. The palate is deep and penetrating yet comes off very weightless and displays a dazzling level of underlying finesse. Decadent and rich, this is going to be an epiphany wine for you to savor. Drink 2023-2045- 99

2022 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Indian Wells’ Rose- A delightful new Rose, the 2022 ‘Indian Wells’ shows Japanese pear flavors alongside starfruit and ripe red raspberry tones on the palate. The underlying finesse really gets going, as does the very long finish to this bright and lip-smacking new Rose bottling. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Canoe Ridge Estate’ Chardonnay- Chardonnay harvest was early in this warm vintage, as the wine comes from a south-facing old site near the Columbia River. This edition shows bright nectarine and kiwi flavors alongside copious minerals and a good veil of tension. It comes off very clean, as this is fantastic stuff to enjoy now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Canoe Ridge Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- I’ve been purchasing this wine since the 2002 vintage and this edition comes off very inky. The weight, balance and mouthfeel is excellent here as black plum, dark chocolate shavings and shades of blackberry cobbler all wonderfully come together on the palate. Enjoy this excellent value now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Cold Creek Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Very dark in the glass, the 2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Cold Creek Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon displays a soft mouthfeel with good viscosity. Layers of dark chocolate shavings, espresso grounds and dense dark fruits greet you on the palate, with a good underlying sense of verve. Outstanding now, enjoy this great value Cabernet Sauvignon over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Artist Series’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Artist Series’ Red Wine is a glorious effort from a slightly cooler vintage in the Columbia Valley. Everything marches in unison here, as this edition is a pillowy combination of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 31% Merlot, 6% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc, this is already beautifully evolved stuff with mocha, tar, violets and stony minerals that all meld together on the palate. With silky tannins and a smooth mouthfeel, this will cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 94

Col Solare

Perched high atop Red Mountain, Col Solare is one of the most gorgeous wineries in the Pacific Northwest. The views from this legendary site are extraordinary. Col Solare is a historic partnership between Chateau Ste. Michelle and the Antinori Family that began with their first vintage in 1995, as Col Solare’s mission has been to amalgamate these two distinct viticultural and winemaking backgrounds to create a fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine from choice Red Mountain fruit.

I have been really impressed with these wines since they first began making them with the 1995 vintage. I have been tasting this wine since their first vintage and I have been so impressed with the consistency of the wines. Winemaker Darel Allwine made fantastic botltings for so many years and has now recently passed the torch to winemaker Stephanie Cohen, who has been at Col Solare training under Allwine. Cohen has been at Col Solare since May 2020, following a year-long stint as Enologist at Columbia Crest. She was promoted to Winemaker in June of 2022

I love the new 2019 Col Solare Red Wine (OB, 94) which is dense and chewy, as well as seamless on the mid-palate. Even better is the remarkable 2019 Col Solare ‘Tenuta’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is even more heady and intense, showing some seriously good aging potential. Darel Allwine really did a magnificent job in this vintage, despite the coolness and the freeze conditions of October 2019. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.colsolare.com and Here is my review of the great new Col Solare wines.

2019 Col Solare Red Wine- The beautiful and nicely balanced 2019 Col Solare is an outstanding effort in this slightly cooler vintage. Only 5% of Cabernet Franc has been blended in as the beautiful bouquet takes on layers of tar, black currants, black plum, violets and scorched earth notes. The palate is plush with a seamless texture and shows some lovely weight. Nicely poised, this beautifully perfumed wine is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2023-2035- 94

2019 Col Solare ‘Tenuta’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Tenuta’ is one of the great wines from Red Mountain that I have tasted from this slightly cooler vintage. Aged for 28 months in entirely new French oak, this shows off its inky color in the glass. Black licorice, tar and anise flavors combine with mocha and espresso grounds on the palate. The finish is exceedingly long with dense dark fruits and minerals. Very dense and heady, with a silky mouthfeel, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

Passing Time 'Horse Heaven Hills' Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical

It has been now nearly ten years since Passing Time has been making world-class wines. Starting with the 2012 vintage, Passing Time sought to make some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in Washington State. Founded by NFL legends Dan Marino and Damon Huard, Passing Time utilizes the talents of famed winemaker Chris Peterson. 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. He makes wines that are very well-structured and are built for aging. I love the bold style that he utilizes with these wines, which show great acidity and aging potential. There is plenty of new French oak but Peterson has things dialed back so the fruit and non-fruit flavors really do the talking.

Back in 2012 they made their first ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ bottling. Damon Huard’s family have a history in this region formerly in the farming community many decades ago. The Horse Heaven Hills is a highly scenic AVA in Washington that actually holds roughly one third of all grapes produced in the state. The region is home to some of the finest vineyards in the state including the Champoux and Discovery Vineyards.

I loved tasting through the past ten vintages of the ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon. The first vintage from 2012 (OB, 94) was still very fresh and layered, with a superb texture. This is one to drink right now. Even better was the 2013 ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ (OB, 95) which was more inky and intense, with more concentration and just as much finesse. Arguably the finest wine I tasted came from what I consider to be the best vintage in the past ten years. The 2018 ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) is a monstrosity of a wine — still a bit tightly wound — but insanely delicious. This beauty needs a bit of air if consuming now. Similarly, another total stunner was the 2016 ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ (OB, 97) which is extremely dense and delicious to enjoy right now.

It was such a pleasure tasting through these older wines and kudos to Dan Marino and Damon Huard for having this incredible vision of creating world-class Washington wines way back during their playing days with the Miami Dolphins. These wines also show the aging prowess of what Chris Peterson can craft in the cellar, as they can age just as well as those he made at DeLille. Learn more about this famous Washington wine project at passingtime.com and here are my reviews of the ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon vertical tasting.

2012 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from this very classic vintage in Washington State, the  2012 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon combines 86% Discovery Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Klipsun  Vineyard Merlot with the remainder Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Franc. Right now this appears to be peaking with its crushed lavender and damp soil notes alongside blackberry and black currant tones. Enjoy over the next five to seven years. Drink 2023-2030- 94

2013 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- I am now never surprised how well the top wines from 2013 are showing now. The rich and layered 2013 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another prime example why Washington Bordeaux style wines from 2013 are equally good — if not better — than those produced in 2012. Creme de violette, baking spices, dark chocolate covered kirsch and shades of tar all parade with a light dusting of minerals and soft tannins on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that is drinking right at its peak now. Drink 2023-2033- 95

2014 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Deeply perfumed with violets, creosote, graphite and heady dark fruits, the 2014 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely singing now at the eight year mark. Very smooth on the mouth, this delivers an intense combination of black and blue fruits with freshly rolled cigar leaf at the moment with great underlying poise and light tannins that frame everything neatly in place. The 2014 ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ is in a fantastic spot. No need to cellar this beauty. Drink 2023-2035- 96

2015 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon is showing several steps behind the other wines of this tasting. It is intense and rich, yet is starting to lose momentum in terms of its acid backbone due to intense heat spikes that occurred this vintage. Violets, tar, and heady blue fruits mingle with a light level of tension on the palate. This is a fantastic effort considering the challenges faced this vintage. Drink 2023-2028- 93

2016 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Dense, heady and every bit delicious, you have to adore the 2016 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ which is an astonishingly good blend of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (89%), with 7% Merlot, and a touch of Cabernet Franc. Inky in the glass, this is very polished and seamless stuff that effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Turkish coffee flavors combine with freshly tilled loamy soils, tobacco leaf and shades of creme de cassis that all give hedonistic pleasure without being out of balance. This is going strong now. Drink 2023-2043- 97

2017 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The brilliant 2017 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes form a slightly cooler vintage. The wine combines  mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from the Discovery and Champoux Vineyards, as well as 5% Merlot and Cabernet Franc each blended in. This comes off very smooth and polished on the mouth, with violets, sagebrush, black currants, ripe huckleberry and shades of dark licorice on the palate. A touch less concentrated than the 2018, yet silk and well-balanced, this Cabernet Sauvignon is shining brightly right now. Drink 2023-2040- 95

2018 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2018 ’Horse Heaven Hills’ combines 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with 9% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Coming from mainly the Discovery and Champoux Vineyards, this offers impeccable balance and poise with loads of blue and black fruits on the palate, alongside coffee grounds, pencil lead, sandalwood and scorched earth notes. Complex and delicious, this is really shining right now and will continue to evolve well for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2023-2040- 97

2019 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Taken from this slightly cooler vintage, the 2019 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon which has 10% Merlot and  5% Cabernet Franc blended in. Coming from mainly the Dionysus Vineyard, as well as Champoux, and Wallula vineyards, this offers incredible balance and poise, with slightly less concentration than other vintages. This is beautifully evolved wine already with its black tea, exotic spice, pipe tobacco and brilliant core of dark fruits that parade with espresso grounds. Enjoy the beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2020 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This is truly an outstanding effort from a challenging vintage. The 2020 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon is densely packed on the palate with ripe kirsch, mocha, tar and sandy soil flavors. Very plump and heady, with a smooth texture this is open for business right now. Fantastic to consume now, I see no reason to cellar this any longer. Drink 2023-2028- 96

Dossier

I love the new range of wineries that Washington offers. One of the most electric new brands from 2022, Dossier was founded by former NFL star Sidney Rice and businessman and fellow Whitman grad Tim Lenihan. For years I have admired the wines made by master of wine, Billo Naravane, who over the years has become one of Washington’s great winemakers. Naravane makes the beautiful wines of Rasa Vineyards. Each bottling has incredible intension and attention to detail. Longtime Washington wine industry veteran Brandon Kubrock serves as general manager, formerly owning his own Ardor Cellars label.

Naravane has crafted another incredible Rose wine. The 2022 Dossier Rose (OB, 93) is every bit as good as the last release and is one of the great Rose wines I have tasted from Washington in the past year. Beautifully textured, with serious weight and nuance, this is a must-buy for any lover of Rose wines. Even better is the outstanding 2021 Dossier ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah (OB, 94) which shows outstanding viscosity and flavor range, with smoky and savory tones that you love to get from a top class Washington Syrah. These wines will be released later this spring. Learn more about this exciting new project at dossierwine.com and here are my reviews of the new Dossier wines.

2021 Dossier Viognier- Made in the Condrieu style by winemaker Billo Naravane, the 2021 Dossier Viognier shows outstanding flavor and aromatic range from this warm vintage. Seamless on the mouth and very buttery — yet showing outstanding structure — flavors range from buttered popcorn, salted Macadamia nut, white peach and juicy kiwi notes, with stony undertones. This is really well-done and refined Viognier that will stand up with some of the best renditions in the state. Drink 2023-2031- 94

2022 Dossier Rose- Made from Columbia Valley Syrah grapes, the 2022 Dossier Rose is a magnificent follow up to the outstanding 2021 bottling. On the nose this takes on green papaya and red raspberry notes alongside Yakima cherry and nutty accents. The palate is incredibly fresh and fragrant with a seamless texture and wonderful sense of weight. Brilliant to enjoy now, savor this beautiful 2022 Rose over the next seven years. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2021 Dossier ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- The 2021 Dossier Syrah is a brilliant new bottling. The nose shows beautiful range from smoked meats and bacon fat as well as creme de violette and shades of lavender. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is lithe and polished but also shows bright acidity and a marvelous sensation of weight. This beauty will surely live on for another decade. Drink 2023-2035- 94

Champagne Billecart-Salmon

One of the brilliant and incredibly consistent producers in Champagne, Billecart-Salmon is pretty small in production as they control an estate of 100 hectares, obtaining grapes from an area spanning 300 hectares across 40 crus of the Champagne region. The majority of the grapes used for vinification come from a radius of 20km around Epernay, where the Grand Crus of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay co-exist, in the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs. It is incredible that this house now spans seven generations, originally formed with the marriage of 1818 when Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. This remains a family winery since the beginning with Louis Salmon, brother of Elisabeth and a passionate oenologist, getting involved in the creation of the wines.

Their tete de cuvee, ‘Cuvee Nicolas Francois’ was first crafted in 1964 crafted to serve as an homage to their founder. The house has received considerable critical acclaim over the years, not only for their top wines, including the Clos Saint-Hilaire cuvée, first created with the 1995 vintage, but their Rose and vintage champagnes in particular. On the west coast of the United States, their Rose champagne is particularly one of the most popular champagnes that you will find in bars and restaurants.

Last year I had the honor of being hosted by seventh generation CEO Mr Mathieu Roland-Billecart, who assumed his position back in January 2019 from his cousin François Roland-Billecart, who headed the House since 1992. Mathieu is a larger than life personality with incredible knowledge and passion for his house and champagne. Lets just say that he doesn’t drink other houses champagnes!

I recently had the chance to try their new 2008 Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvee Nicolas Francois’ Brut Champagne (OB, 96) which is a masterful wine now at the fifteen year mark. Very fresh and polished with plenty of viscosity, this will live on for another twenty years — and potentially more!! Learn more about this famed champagne house at https://www.champagne-billecart.fr Here are the beautiful new Champagnes by Billecart-Salmon.

2008 Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvee Nicholas Francois’ Brut Champagne- From this famed vintage this is a stunning 2008 wine now at the fifteen year mark. The 2008 Cuvee Nicolas Francois’ was stored on the lees for ten years and given 2.9 G/L dosage, this is a blend of Grands Cru wines from the classified Côte des Blancs vineyards (Chardonnay) and the Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir). The palate offers a seamless mousse and considerable concentration. Salted Macadamia nut, kumquat rind, Japanese pear and shades of Meyer lemon oil dusted brioche all brilliantly combine on the palate. This is very seamless and beautifully textured wine that will live on for decades to come. Give this at least 30 minutes of air if consuming now to take on the marvelous flavor range. Drink 2023-2042- 96

Duckhorn Vineyards

It is hard to believe that Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Duckhorn Vineyards all the way back in 1976. What began with a mere 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, Duckhorn now has many arms of their dynasty including a winery in Washington (Canvasback) as well as Goldeneye out of the Anderson Valley, who is steadily producing a gorgeous lineup of Pinot Noirs. Duckhorn relies on seven estate vineyards for their wines and makes some of the most consistently great Merlot in Napa Valley.

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

I love the new 2022 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 91), which has great poise and a soft mouthfeel that has a splash of Semillon blended in. 2020 was not kind to Napa vintners but the 20020Duckhorn ‘Three Palms Vineyard’ Merlot (OB, 93) is one of there great Merlot wines that I have tasted from this vintage. This is one for any serious collector of new world Merlot. Learn more about this famed winery at duckhorn.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Duckhorn.

2022 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc- Soft and very approachable right now, the 2022 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc offers a smooth texture, showing good weight and a touch of sweetness. Kiwi and honeydew melon flavors collide with minerals and shades of salted cashew nut on the palate. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2020 Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon- A really good blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 7% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, this was stored in 50% new oak for 16 months before bottling. This comes off clean with ripe dark currants, espresso grounds, and milk chocolate tones. Enjoy now and over the next several years. This is really good considering the challenges faced this vintage. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2020 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Three Palms Vineyard’ Merlot- It was back in 1978 that Dan and Margaret Duckhorn took the plunge and were the first in Napa to craft a single vineyard Merlot sourced from‘Three Palms Vineyard’ which is located in Calistoga. This 2020 edition is a combination of A blend of nearly all Merlot with 2% Malbec blended in. Right away this is extremely alluring aromatically with chocolate pie, blueberry and violets with freshly tilled loamy soil notes. The palate is concentrated and shows good tension and weight. This is an amazing effort in a tough vintage. Drink 2023–2030- 93

2019 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘The Discussion’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘The Discussion’ is a superb blend from this outstanding vintage. A combination of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon with 31% Merlot and a dash of Malbec and Cabernet Franc, this shows a wonderful combination of weight and finesse once on the palate. Rich dark currants collide with dark chocolate shavings, tar, espresso grounds, and blueberry compote on the palate. A wow-factor bottling, this will live on for decades to come — but is irresistible to consume in its heady youth. Drink 2023-2038- 94

L'Ecole No. 41

I am a bit nostalgic when it comes to Walla Walla wine. I can’t help harken back to my days at Whitman College, more than 20 years ago. I fondly remember tasting at L’Ecole No. 41 for the first time, walking through their big set of double doors and tasting their beautiful range of wines. For several years now winemaker Marcus Rafanelli has been crafting a beautiful range of wines. Last summer I had a chance to taste with him and GM Marty Clubb who shared some really cool older wines.

The new wines from L’Ecole are outstanding despite the obvious challenges of the vintage. Don’t miss out on the 2021  L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Semillon (OB, 92) which is a steal at under 25 bucks. I love the new 2020 L’Ecole No. 51 ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah (OB, 92) which is concentrated and comes off clean with rich dark fruit flavors. I think that people will really adore the new 2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is a resounding success in this vintage with great richness and stony character from this one of a kind site in the Walla Walla Valley. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://lecole.com/ Here are the great new wines by L’Ecole No. 41.

2021 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Semillon- Another killer value by this house, the 2021 ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Semillon offers a very smooth texture upon entry. Layers of salted macadamia nut, white peach and lychee come together nicely on the palate. Very seamless, with bright underlying acidity, enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next several years. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot- Coming from both the Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards, this Merlot offers ripe red cherry with tobacco leaf, milk chocolate, black raspberry and firm tannins that hold everything in place. Highly structured and delicious, give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- This outstanding value comes from some choice sites — Estate Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Dionysus, Stone Tree, Estate Ferguson, and Summit View Vineyards. It is ripe and irresistible right now in its light cocoa powder notes alongside Bing cherry, menthol and coffee grounds. Enjoy now and over the next few years. 82% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Franc and small parts Petit Verdot and Malbec. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- Inky in the glass, this has 16% Grenache and a dash of Mourvèdre blended in. This wine has been consistently great and the 2020 edition is just as good as the others. Ripe dark berry notes combine with salty soils, wintergreen and sage notes alongside a touch of mocha on the palate. Complex, mineral-driven and fantastic to savor now with a juicy steak, I can’t help but think what a wonderful glass pour this would be at a top steakhouse. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Cabernet Franc/Merlot’ Red Wine- A 50/50 split of varietals, this is also equally from the Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyard. Red bell pepper, crushed mint, black pepper and gobs of dark fruits greet you with silky tannins and bitter chocolate notes on the palate. Finishing long, this is really fantastic stuff from a challenging vintage. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Really good right now, the 2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another fantastic release from this house. The palate is medium to full-bodied with refined tannins and a refined texture. Delicious to consume right now, this black fruit and espresso ground-driven gem is already ready to go. Savor this now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-208- 92

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley 40th Anniversary’ Red WIne- Showing off the iconic schoolhouse label that I enjoyed for more than a decade prior to my writing career, the 2020 ‘Walla Walla Valley 40th Anniversary’ blends Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge fruit and is mostly Merlot (50%) with the remainder Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine comes together pillowy and soft with a seamless texture and glorious sense of length. Bright black currants and blackberry tones combine with shades of creosote, garrigue and coffee grounds on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that is best enjoyed after a one to two hour decant. Drink 2023-2030- 95

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ Red Wine- Many years ago L’Ecole had the idea to plant their high elevation vineyard on ancient lave flow soils. For years I have admired this wine which is remarkably stony and age-worthy. This edition comes from the challenging 2020 vintage and is a marvelous blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (59%) with 24% Merlot and the remainder Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. There is power with restraint here, as the underlying tension and stony terroir really tells the story. Medium to full-bodied cassis, anise, Turkish coffee and creme de violette flavors combine with refined tannins on the palate. Give this beauty a two hour decant if enjoying now. Drink 2023-2030- 95

Rivaura

If done right, Idaho wine can be world-class. Such is the case with one of the most scenic wineries that you will find in the Pacific Northwest — Rivaura. Set on a stunning riverfront location just outside of Lewiston, Idaho, 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. Prior to stating their winery the Hewetts talked to Kevin Pogue, PhD, RG, of VinTerra Consulting who confirmed that their site was perfect for grape growing.

I am so impressed with the new wines by Rivaura. Billo Naravane, MW, of Rasa Vineyards fame, has crafted another outstanding range of wines for Rivaura, coming from the very challenging 2020 vintage. A killer value is the 2020 Rivaura ‘River Ranch Red’ Red Wine (OB, 91) which shows good richness and flavor complexity.  I adored the new 2020 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Syrah (OB, 93) which shows very unique terroir and plenty of dense dark fruits with savory notes. This is delicious wine to consume now and over the next ten years. Learn more about this really exciting new Idaho wine project at rivaura.com and here are my reviews of the new Rivaura wines. 

2020 Rivaura Merlot- The 2020 Rivaura Merlot is an excellent effort from this challenging vintage. Ripe black plum, cigar box and anise notes mark the nose. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and plenty of weight. Layers of kirsch and black raspberry dominance, with salty undertones, as this beauty is best enjoyed now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2020 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 ‘Reserve’ comes from the north blocks of the vineyard that is a combination of three clonal selection Cabernet Sauvignon. This is marvelously concentrated and silky with a refined texture. The wine comes off very clean despite the obvious challenges of the vintage. Cloves and mocha tones combine with shades of black licorice, cigar box and black currants on the palate. Complex and delicious, this is drinking marvelously now so I see no reason to cellar. Drink 2023-2029- 94

2020 Rivaura ‘Insomniac’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2020 ‘Insomnia’ is sourced from the southern portion of the Rivaura Vineyard. This vintage blends mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Petit Verdot. This was stored in 55% new French oak for eighteen months prior to bottling bottling, and opens with black currant cordial, tar, espresso grounds and creme de violette on the palate. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2030- 94

Hundred Suns

Hundred Suns is a story by Grand Coulter and Renee Saint-Amour who left California for Oregon where Grant first worked as assistant winemaker at Hamacher wines and then spent the bulk of 10 years as assistant winemaker and then winemaker at Beaux Freres. Then in 2015 they both sold their Portland house and bought a house in the Willamette Valley to start their project, Hundred Suns. Grant became winemaker for Flaneur Wines and in 2018 they bought a 4.5 acre property in the Eola-Amity hills.

For years I have admired the wines. These wines are technically very brilliant, each showing a beginning, a middle, and and end. They tell you a story about each individual site. I was blown away with the value wine, their 2021 Hundred Suns ‘Old Eight Cut’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is a killer deal at under fifty bucks and gives you serious concentration and underlying acidity for a great price. One of the outstanding Oregon Pinot Noirs that I have sampled over the past year, the 2021 Hundred Suns ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) is a downright sexy wine with a brilliant core of bright red fruits and florals. Learn more about these outstanding wines at hundredsunswine.com and here are my reviews of the brilliant new Hundred Suns wines.

2021 Hundred Suns ‘Old Eight Cut’ Chardonnay- The ‘Old Eight Cut’ is a reference to a diamond cut which dates back to the 1400s. Stored in French oak, this 2021 Chardonnay offers brilliant flavor range and texture once on the mouth. Layers of Meyer lemon cream, nutmeg dusted brioche, green honeydew melon and suggestions of Japanese pear on the palate. Finishing very long with light cream and minerals, this is nothing short of world-class Chardonnay that will live on for a decade or more. Drink 2023-2035- 94

2021 Hundred Suns ‘Marianas’ Chardonnay- A barrel select wine from the 2021 vintage, the ‘Marianas’ is named after the deepest part of the ocean. Stored in French oak for 11 months and then an addition 4 months in stainless steel prior to bottling this shows off hazelnut and pie crust notes on the nose alongside suggestions of white peach. The palate is smooth and silky with amazing complexity. Nutty and flinty undertones give way to a very pretty core of citrus and melon fruits, with cardamom dusted brioche and copious minerals on the palate. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2019 Hundred  Suns ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this famed site located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the beautiful 2019 ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir opens with ripe Yakima cherry aromas alongside freshly tilled soils and cran-orange tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is plush and lithe with glorious length and weight. Enjoy this beautiful, finesse-driven wine over the next decade. Drink. 2021-2033- 94

2021 Hundred Suns ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- I am unabashedly enamored by wines from this site planted by Oregon wine legend Mike Etzel and located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. The 2021 ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is loaded with bright underling acidity, reveling in its Bing cherry and pomegranate seed flavors alongside wet stone and a silky texture. The finish just won’t stop. Glorious now in its heady youth, enjoy this beautiful Pinot Noir over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Hundred Suns ‘Eola-Amity Hills AVA’ Pinot Noir- The brilliant 2021 Hundred Suns ‘Eola-Amity Hills AVA’ Pinot Noir comes mostly from the Big Cheese Vineyard (80%) as well as from the Koosah Vineyard with both sites having a strong Pacific Ocean influence. This is very concentrated and well-structured Pinot Noir with plenty of nuance. Wet stone and salty undercurrents combine with a gorgeous core of red fruits and baking spices. Complex and delicious, enjoy this delicious Pinot Noir now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 94

2021 Hundred Suns ‘Carson Phillips Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- I will fully admit that this is the first that I have tasted a wine from this site which is located in the Dundee Hills AVA. This is beautiful wine that will age gracefully. Rich dark cherry and black raspberry flavors with freshly tilled salty soils all come together on the palate. Drink 2023-2038-  94

2021 Hundred Suns ‘Own Rooted’ Pinot Noir- Coming from the Bednarik, Noren and Koosah Vineyards, this delivers marvelous tension on the mouth with dazzling minerality. Rich red and dark fruits parade with wet stone, wild mushroom and tons of minerals. Complex and absolutely impossible to resist, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 94

2021 Hundred Suns.‘Old Eight Cut’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Old Eight Cut’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous effort from this warmer vintage. This is concentrated and delicious Pinot Noir with a brilliant core of wild strawberry, red raspberry, salmonberry and plenty of beautiful finesse alongside red floral accents. Stony and salty, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 93

Corison

2020 was nothing short of a disaster for much of Napa. I was there during the most intense days of the fires in early September for my wife’s birthday. Tasting outside we even had ash fall in our wine glasses! Many Napa producers chose not to make Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux varietal wines from this vintage because of the intense conditions at harvest. My ears immediately perked up when I heard that Cathy Corison had made her wines during this vintage.

For those not familiar with Cathy Corison, she is one of the famed women in California winemaking. Corison is a master’s degree graduate of the Enology program at UC Davis and has previously served as Chappellet winemaker prior to starting her own winery. For years Corison has implemented a trademark more Bordelaise, and restrained style to her Napa wines. If you have never had the opportunity to try these beautiful wines, you will find them to be highly elegant and a wonderful contrast to wines that simply focus on power or concentration. I will not lie that I absolutely love her 2020 releases. These are very clean wines that you can purchase with confidence. Don’t miss out on her 2020 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet (OB, 94) which exudes class and elegance while maintaining a silky mouthfeel and bright underlying acidity. Even better is the 2020 Corison ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which shows amazing depth and verve, coming off very clean and showing great finesse. Learn more about these elegant Napa wines at https://corison.com/ Here is my review of her new Corison wines.

2020 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is an astonishingly good wine from this Uber-challenging vintage in the Napa Valley. It shows beautiful black florals on the nose with creme de cassis and coffee ground notes. The palate is silky smooth and very refined tannins that frame a beautiful core of bright black fruits. Espresso grounds and tar notes add to the enjoyment, as this beauty is best enjoyed now and over the next several years. Drink 2023-2029- 94

2020  Corison ‘Helios Sunbasket Vineyard' Cabernet Franc- The 2020 ‘Helios Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc is one of the great wines of its kind that I have tasted from this vintage. Red currants mark the nose alongside bright red raspberry, sandalwood and shades of purple rose petals. The palate comes off very bright with soft tannins that frame a core of bright red fruits, salty soils and a strong acid backbone. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 94

2020 Corison ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 ‘Subbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another lively and very focused effort from this downright tough vintage in the Napa Valley. Once on the nose this takes on layers of Turkish coffee alongside loamy soils, creme de cassis and Kalamata olive notes. The palate is soft and refined with a smooth texture and plenty of concentration. The bright underlying finesse combined with good weight and is classic Corison. Drink this beauty now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2029- 96

2019 Corison ‘Kronos Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The gorgeous 2019 Corison ‘Kronos Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning effort from this fantastic vintage in the Napa Valley. Cathy purchased this old vineyard surrounding the winery which was first planted in 1971 on St. George rootstock. On the nose this displays beautiful red and dark florals that are followed by pencil lead, anise and suggestions of dark currant jelly. The palate is intense and impeccably balanced, with a seamless texture and marvelous length. The bright core of underlying acidity makes this nearly impossible to put down right now. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2022-2040- 97

Chateau Haut-Brion

For years I have admired one of the most famous houses in Bordeaux. Chateau Haut-Brion is one of the world’s great historic wineries of France, and is one of five to achieve the Premier Grand Cru Classé  (First Growth). Located in Pessac, right outside the town of Bordeaux, the winery itself is outside the city, which is rather intriguing as this is the only first growth from the Pessac-Leognan appellation. A visit there is a must, as I had a fantastic visit a few years back. Remarkably there are historical records of the cultivation of this property dating back to 1423. The property was bought by Jean de Ségur in 1509, and in 1525 was owned by Admiral Philippe de Chabot. The estate Château Haut-Brion dates back to April 1525 when Jean de Pontac married Jeanne de Bellon, and in 1533 the Admiral bought the title to the domain of Haut-Brion, while construction actual chateau commenced in 1549. Remarkably there are first records of Chateau Haut-Brion wine found in the wine cellar ledger of the English King Charles II in 1660. In 1787, former United States President, Thomas Jefferson, visited Chateau Haut-Brion and his notes ranked Chateau Haut-Brion among the four estates of first quality in Bordeaux. It is well-known that Jefferson had a great deal of Chateau Haut-Brion in his personal collection and was a longtime admirer of this house.

Fast forward to the twentieth-century, following a series of unsuccessful owners during difficult times, the American banker Clarence Dillon purchased Chteau Haut-Brion in 1935 for roughly 2 million Francs. Dillon quickly turned around the quality of the wines, investing heavily into the property. Chateau Haut-Brion devotes nearly 120 acres to the production of their red wines, while a mere 7.1 acres are planted to white varietals (Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon).

Walking along the vineyards, you are just amazed with how close to town everything is. There are even condos that have been recently built that overlook the vineyards. Hopefully one is for sale! The iconic chateau lies in the center of the property and it literally gave me the chills thinking about the history of all that have graced this famed property.

I recently had the chance to taste the 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion, which came from a challenging vintage. This was my second visit to this wine in several years. The 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion Bordeaux (OB, 94) is a wonderful effort from this vintage. It is truly peaking right now and doesn’t seem like it will gain more depth. Learn more about this famed chateau at https://www.haut-brion.com Here is my review of the 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion.

2011 Chateau Haut-Brion Bordeaux- One of the best wines made in a difficult vintage, the 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion shows off enoki mushrooms on the nose, alongside sandalwood, black cherries and shades of licorice. The palate is soft and refined with silky tannins that frame a core of medium bodied dark fruits, with coffee ground and stony undertones.  This is elegant Bordeaux that seems to be peaking now — and will surely provide drinking enjoyment over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 94

Reynvaan Family Vineyards

Today we share one of the jewels of Walla Walla. One of the famed and most beautiful sites in the valley, Reynvaan Family Vineyards was founded by two of the nicest people in the Washington Wine Industry — Gale and Mike Reynvaan. At the help is Matt Reynvaan who has been consistently producing some of the finest wines you will taste in the entire Pacific Northwest. Matt Reynvaan has long made world-class Syrah but I have found in more recent years that he is also making some of the most compelling Viognier and Grenache Blanc that you will find anywhere in North America.

I love the new 2020 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier (OB, 95) which is wonderfully stony and shows great richness and verve. Don’t miss out on the 2020 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah (OB, 96) which is one of the most impressive Syrahs that I have tasted from this vintage. Coming off very clean, with herbal, wet rock and glorious black fruits, this is a must-try for any lover of Washington Syrah. Learn more about this outstanding house at https://www.reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Reynvaan.

2020 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier- A gorgeous effort considering the challenges of the 2020 vintage, the new ‘In The Rocks’ was sourced from this stony site outside of Milton-Frreewater, Oregon. It comes off aromatically very pretty with honetsuckle, dried apricot and shades of nectarine rind on the nose. The palate is deep and concentrated with a downright oily texture and loads of mouth-watering acidity. This comes off very clean with beautiful stony and salty tones that make this truly impossible to resist right now. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next five years — and don’t serve too cold! Drink 2023-2028- 95

2020 Reynvaan Grenache Blanc- Really impressive from this vintage, the 2020 Grenache Blanc is truly one of the great wines of its kind that you will find in North America. Lychee and green papaya notes mark the nose alongside suggestions of white peach and Pazzaz apple. The palate is concentrated and also beautifully textured with plenty of stony minerality. Wait for the near minute-long finish as this beauty will cellar well over the next five years. Like the Viognier, this is best consumed at a slightly warmer temperature to take in the thrilling flavor and aromatic range. Drink 2023-2028- 94

2020 Reynvaan ‘In The Hills’ Syrah- The outstanding 2020 ‘In The Hills’ is co-fermented with 10% Viognier. This shows outstanding aromatic range with purple rose petals, creosote, iodine and charcuterie alongside shades of menthol The palate is very fresh and polished wth a smooth texture and good length. Ripe dark fruits combine with copious minerals and flinty undertones, with tobacco leaf on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2028- 94

2020 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- Really energetic and very stony, the 2020 ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah zombies a small amount of Viognier. It is very floral and fragrant with potpourri and black currants that combine with smoldering stones. The palate has good freshness and texture, alongside mouth-watering acidity. Suggestions of beef drippings, tar and crushed wet rock combine with orange rind tones on the palate.  Enjoy now and over the next few years, as this is really outstanding wine considering the vintage. Drink 2023-2027- 93

2020 Reynvaan ‘The Contender’ Syrah- You have to admire the 2020 ‘The Contender’ which blends in 5% Marsanne. Aged in oak for 18 months, this offers white pepper dusted bacon, wild blackberry, tar and shades of anise that all come together nicely on the nose. The palate shows good weight and concentration with plenty of bright acidity. Very salty, stony and savory on the palate, this is really good stuff that will be best enjoyed in its vibrant youth. Drink 2023-2027- 94

2020 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- I have long admired the ‘Foothills Reserve’ which is a barrel select Syrah coming from the Reynvaan ‘Foothills In the Sun Vineyard. This 2020 edition is the finest wine in the new lineup. The nose takes on really good range with green peppercorns, wintergreen and wild blackberry notes alongside wet rock and Umami notes. The palate is lithe with great underlying finesse, coming off very clean.  This is super novel stuff with iodine, wintergreen and graphite notes that combine with the beautiful core of black fruits and black florals. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 96

2020 Reynvaan ‘Stoneessence’ Syrah- You have to be impressed with the 2020 ‘Stoneessence’ which comes from the ‘In The Rocks Vineyard.’ Right away very alluring on the nose, this takes on layers of damp stones that combine with violets, bulls blood and huckleberry cordial notes that all meld in the glass. The palate comes off very soft and nicely textured with a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of toasty oak combine with a beautiful core of dark fruits, seaweed, and stony accents. This is fantastic with its weight and tension, as this is best enjoyed over then ext few years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2020 Reynvaan Merlot- This is only the second edition of this wine, which comes from the ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ outside of the town of Milton-Freewater. Roasted dates, tobacco leaf, tar and shades of red rose petals all show well on the nose, with light flinty undertones. The palate is polished and smooth with plenty of toasty oak that caresses the core of bright red and dark fruits, with pipe tobacco and scorched earthy accents. Showing off a silky texture, this is seriously good and is best consumed now and over the next few years. Dirnk 2023-2027- 94

2020 Reynvaan ‘The Classic’ Red Wine- The 2020 Reynvaan ‘The Classic’ is a really good Left-Bank inspired wine from their estate ‘In The Rocks Vineyard.’ Smoldering stones and shades of tar combine with Black Forest Cake, black tea and scorched earth notes all mingle well on the palate. Medium-bodied with a smooth texture, this is best enjoyed now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2027- 92

No Girls

One of the truly outstanding wineries in the Pacific Northwest, No Girls began as an idea between superstar vigneron, Christophe Baron and Cayuse GM Trevor Dorland, following the success of Cayuse Vineyards. This project features the stony, one of a kind terror found at the ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’. The ‘La Paciencia (patience) Vineyard' was planted between 2003 and 2005, and is located near the Armada vineyard, as the first couple of vintages of wine from this vineyard were initially declassified. The name ‘No Girls’ is connected with the history of Walla Walla. Christophe purchased a building in 2002 that was a former brothel and inside the new building, he noticed the words ‘No Girls’ painted on the wall— and the wine label is an actual photograph of the former brothel. Their first vintage was in 2008 and No Girls has been a remarkable success since then.

Bionic Wines Director of Winemaking Elizabeth Bourcier has been at the helm of this incredible project since 2011. She makes some of the finest wine that you will find on the west coast. The wines show very pure red and dark fruits and show incredible flavor and aromatic range from Umami and smoky tones to savory, stone  and salty notes. At around 100 dollars, they offer very good value as a special occasion wine. The 2020 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 96) is one of the great wines that I have tasted from this vintage. Stony, salty and very savory, this is a must buy for anyone that is crazy about Cayuse wines. Learn more about this special boutique winery at https://nogirlswine.com/nogirls/

2020 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache- Coming from this tightly space vineyard outside of Milton-Freewater. Coming off strong and heady on the nose, this shows blood orange zest, white pepper dusted bacon, red cherry candy and guava notes. Finishing long with wet stone and very pure red fruits, this is a fantastic, nicely textured rendition of this wine that is best consumed now and over the next several years. Drink 2023-2028- 95

2020 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah- The outstanding 2020 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah is a truly beautiful wine from this tough vintage in the Walla Walla Valley. On the nose this takes on layers of seaweed, smoked brisket, beef drippings and iodine with shades of wild blackberry. The palate is soft and refined with a beautiful core of black fruits, alongside hints of white truffle, cran-orange and oyster sauce. Salty, savory and fully delicious, enjoy this stunning Syrah now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2028- 96

2020 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo- One of the great Tempranillo wines you will find in North America, the 2020 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo pushes the envenope in terms of weight, intensity and flavor range. This is seriously good right now with dark plum, creme de violette, black currants and Kalamata olive. Really good to enjoy now, savor this over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2028- 95

2020 No Girls ‘Double Lucky No. 8’ Red Wine- Mainly Tempranillo, the 2020 ‘Double Lucky No. 8’ offers loads of bright acidity alongside black tea, seaweed, boysenberry and coffee grounds alongside citrus blossom. Complex and delicious, with a smooth texture and serious weight, this is an outstanding blend that will cellar well over the next five years. Drink 2023-2028- 94