Avennia

It seems like every month I am writing about the wines by Avennia — one of the Pacific Northwest’s consistently great wineries. This time I am the first to present the wines from their Estate Vineyard on Red Mountain. Of course it was nearly three years ago that Avennia made some big waves by acquiring the Tapteil Vineyard on Red Mountain. The 45-acre site was one of the first vineyards planted on Red Mountain, by longtime owners Larry and Jane Pearson. This has become the Avennia Estate Vineyard where Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the dominant plantings, with some vines dating back to 1985. There is also a small amount of Cabernet Franc planted here which is the oldest of its kind on Red Mountain. The site is managed by Dick Boushey.

Avennia’s Chris Peterson is one of the region’s great winemakers. Formerly at DeLille Cellars, he partnered with Marty Taucher to form Avennia more than a decade ago. These are the inaugural wines from their estate vineyard and are the finest set of overall wines that I have ever tasted from them. I am enamored by the 2021 Avennia ‘Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 98) which is one of the great Cabernet Franc wines that you will taste in Washington and really in North America. Heady, deep and concentrated with a silky texture, this will easily last 20 years. Learn more about Avennia at https://avennia.com and here are my reviews of the fantastic new ‘Estate Vineyard’ wines by Avennia.

2021 Avennia ‘Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- This is the first edition of this wine that comes form the Avennia Estate Vineyard on Red Mountain. At this site only a small amount of Cabernet Franc was planted back in 1988. The nose is wonderfully herbal with sagebrush and thyme alongside dark cherry and boysenberry notes, with dusty soils. The palate is fresh and refined with a silky texture and beautiful sense of freshness, weight and length. A total stunner, this is truly one of the great wines of its kind in Washington State. Keep in mind that this really needs a two hour in the decanter if savoring in its heady youth. Drink 2024-2044- 98

2021 Avennia ‘Estate Vineyard’ Red Wine- The phenomenal 2021 ‘Estate Vineyard’ Red Wine is an incredible release by winemaker Chris Peterson. Mainly Cabernet Franc (59%) with 37% Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, this offers violets, tar and tobacco leaf on the nose with scorched earth notes. The palate is plush and seamless with good concentration and great underlying finesse. This is seamless stuff throughout the drinking experience. Very savory and delivering fantastic flavor and aromatic range, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next twenty years to come. Give this an hour or two in the decanter of enjoying now. Drink 2024-2044- 98

2021 Avennia ‘Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A marvelous wine from a great vintage for red wines, the 2021 Avennia ‘Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is up there with the finest wines that this house has ever produced. On the nose this exudes class with black rose petals that mingle well with fresh sage, dark chocolate shavings, graphite, black plum and shades of loamy soils. The palate is plush and neatly textured with good flavor density and weight. Delicious and bright, showing excellent verve, enjoy this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044- 98

Long Shadows 'Saggi' Vertical Tasting

Tasting with Long Shadows maestro Gilles Nicault, high atop the Smith Tower in downtown Seattle we looked out at the beautiful panoramic views. We had an amazing tasting in front of us, savoring each vintage of ‘Saggi’ back to the first year in 2004. Nicault shared the story of ‘Saggi’ noting “Saggi was inspired when Allen Shoup was at Ste. Michelle because it was genius to shine the light on Napa by bringing the Rothchild family. He wanted to do the same here and he partnered with the Antinori family to make Col Solare and the Eroica project with Ernst Loosen. He had done the Gernam and Italian project and he wanted to bring in winemakers that specialized in different varietals. He wanted to have an Italian partner but it was in conflict with the Antinoris. He went to Piero and aside that he wanted to do an Italian project just like Col Solare. Pietro introduced him to the Folonari family.”

Nicault explained “We did a 2003 and decided against releasing it so the Folonari family were the last ones to come into the partnership.” Nicault noted “They were very Italian and they were dressed very well. Somehow I was talking with them and went over there to visit. Col Solare didn’t have Sangiovese because they didn’t want to use that because it was so Italian. It is true, it is so beautiful there but Giovanni said that there was some grown here but we can use it. I loved the brightness and red fruit and I thought that it would elevate a blend. In the beginning that is why we didn’t do the 2003. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Syrah but with the Sangiovese it went to the next level.”

He continued “In the beginning in 2004 we used almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese, alongside Syrah and Barbera.” Sangiovese evolved to be a larger part of this wine, as Long Shadows President Dane Narbaitz explains “It has become more stand alone over time and richer.” Narbaitz mentioned that Sangiovese has surprised both consumers and the winemaking team as a variety that can be world-class. I certainly have loved tasting these wins in my personal collection and seeing how gracefully they can age.

In the process of making this wine Nicault blends in a small portion of Syrah and he stated “This is a really important part of the wine, brings the darkness to the color and extra layer of complexity, the spiciness. Sangiovese brings brightness but this Syrah elevates the wine and softness, richness to the palate.”

We all sat down to taste the wines and were really impressed with the stability and consistency in the winemaking. A wine that is delicious and definitely not improving is the 2004 Saggi (OB, 94) which was dense and chewy with some beautiful acidity. I was not at all surprised at the 2018 Saggi (OB, 96) which has gotten better with age. That was a wine that I tasted professionally for Decanter, Vinous and my publication and I was enamored by the texture and weight each time I enjoyed that wine. The 2012 Saggi (OB, 96) is another complete knockout of a wine that still has quite a bit of life left. It was a marvelous day tasting at our scenic location. At the end we all enjoyed a glass of our favorite bottling. I moved towards the 2018 and also revisited the 2004 — a little piece of Washington State wine history. At the time we all had no idea that Sangiovese would be such a Pacific Northwest icon. Long Shadows has proven vintage after vintage that a world-class Washington Sangiovese can be made and can sit at the high table with other greats from the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about this famous wine at https://longshadows.com/wines/2020-saggi/133 and here are my reviews of an epic ‘Saggi’ vertical tasting.

2004 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2004 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine is near equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Syrah and Barbera. Damp earth and black truffle shavings combine with boysenberry fruit notes on the nose. The palate is soft and savory with loads of mouth-watering acidity. This is showing really good viscosity and flavor density despite being twenty years old. Drink now. Drink 2024-2030-94

2006 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2006 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine was the first vintage that they made this wine at their Walla Walla facility. Comprised of 42% Cabernet and 39% Sangiovese with the remainder Syrah, this is very fresh and fragrant on the nose. Rich dark fruits parade with loads of acidity, chocolate, sagebrush and worn later notes on the plate. This is totally stunning. Drink 2024-2032- 95

2008 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2008 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine is a gorgeous wine from a fantastic vintage. This shows similar richness and tension to the 2006 bottling. Milk chocolate and blackberry tones combine on the palate, alongside garrigue and refined tannins on the palate. Finishing long, this is drinking marvelously now — and still has a long way to go. 45% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2010 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2010 ‘Saggi’ comes from this cooler vintage and is a blend of 53% Sangiovese with smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This has marvelous freshness and is a touch leaner than the 2008, showing good structure and red bell pepper notes alongside boysenberry fruit flavors and coffee grounds. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2012 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2012 ‘Saggi’ is made of considerably more Sangio (59%) with smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Right away this shows dark currants n the nose alongside milk chocolate and shades of star with black licorice. The palate is elegant and refined with good richness. The balance here is impeccable. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2014 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine The 2014 ’Saggi’ 52% Sangiovese with 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Syrah. Roasted dates and dark chocolate shavings fill the nose alongside shades of freshly tilled soils. Soft on the mouth, this is loaded with depth and flavor density.  The palate is absolutely dazzling with serious richness and verve. Espresso grounds, roasted fig and refined tannins greet you on this expressive palate. This still has at least another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2024-2036- 96

2016 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Saggi’ is a totally stunning wine that is shining brightly right now. A blend of 60% Sangiovese, with 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Syrah, this offers Bing cherry notes on the palate alongside rich boysenberry and espressos ground notes. With a generous mouthfeel this shows a seamless texture. Finishing long with rich dark fruits and copious minerals, and fantastic finesse, this is drinking marvelously right now and still has a long way to go. Drink 2024-2040- 96

2018 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Saggi’ is a marvelous blend of 58% Sangiovese with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah from this outstanding vintage in Washington State. This offers fantastic flavor density with mocha, tar and Turkish coffee notes alongside loads of depth and finesse. Stony minerals finish off this beautiful Wien that has a long life head of it. Drink 2024-2040- 96

2020 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘Saggi’ is a really brilliant showing that is already brilliantly evolved. A touch more Sangiovese (62%) than most vintages, with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This shows great mid-palate viscosity and freshness. Bright red and dark fruits parade with wet stone, coffee grounds and garriage notes. This is already beautifully evolved stuff that is highly nuanced and structured. Drink 2024-2032- 94

Amos Rome

I have been impressed with one of the new, up and coming houses in Chelan County, Amos Rome relies on two vineyards for their wines. They have an estate site which is planned to a wide range of varietals including Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also utilize their High Blossom Vineyard located three miles from the tasting room and is set at 2000 feet. The location is planted to Riesling (planted in 2003), Grüner Veltliner (planted in 2019), and a block of Tempranillo & Albariño (planted in 2021). Wines show good body with texture and excellent acidity considering the heat of the region.

Owners Travis and Brianna Clark run the winery that has sweeping views of Lake Chelan. Travis serves as winemaker and has completed the WSU Viticulture Certificate program. The new wines were really good across the board. I love the 2022 Amos Rome ‘Sandstone’ Gruner Veltliner, which is the finest wine I have tasted from this estate yet. Salty and showing up smooth throughout the drinking experience, you have to love the novelty here. Learn more at https://www.amosrome.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Amos Rome wines.

2022 Amos Rome ‘Estate’ Gruner Veltliner- Really well-done, the 2022 Amos Rome ‘Estate’ Gruner Veltliner offers bright starfruit and kiwi favors that mingle with a smooth texture and plenty of lithe minerality on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2022 Amos Rome ‘Sandstone’ Gruner Veltliner- One of the few wines from the Pacific Northwest that was aged in sandstone vessels, this 2022 Gruner Veltliner is rich, viscous and also wonderfully salty from this treatment. Lovely melon and tropical fruits fill this melange, alongside good tension. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2023 Amos Rome ‘Estate’ Albarino- Other than the Otis Vineyard, Albarino seems to be a sparsely planted varietal. This 2023 edition is soft and approachable with kiwi and nutty undertones with good verve. Slightly sweet, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2028- 90

2022 Amos Rome ‘Estate’ Riesling- Made in the Kabinett style, this is neatly textured 2022 Riesling that offers light petrol with green melon, honeysuckle water and shades of orange blossom on the palate. Round on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2023 Amos Rome ‘Dionne’s Vineyard’ Chenin Blanc- The 2023 Chenin Blanc delivers cantaloupe and kiwi flavors that mingle with minerals on the palate. Medium-bodied with light effervescence, enjoy now. Drink 2024-2028- 90

2023 Amos Rome ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- Only 60 cases produced of this ‘Estate’ Chardonnay that was picked at 23 Brix. This is really well-made stuff with a creamy texture, showing bright Japanese pear and baked apple flavors wth pie crust notes. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2023 Amos Rome White Pinto Noir- Coming from their estate property this 2023 Estate White Pinot Noir offers cashew nut and melon flavors that mingle with a smooth texture on the palate. Really great to savor with its mouthfeel and good underlying acidity, savor this now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2023 Amos Rome Rose- Made from Cabernet Franc grapes, this 2023 Rose is soft and generous on the mouth, showing damp earthy tones alongside bright cranberry and red cherry. Enjoy now. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2022 Amos Rome ‘Concrete’ Malbec- This 2022 Malbec was stored in concrete tanks prior to bottling. This takes on violets and black currants on the nose alongside shades of boysenberry and creosote. Soft and nicely textured on the mouth, enjoy this medium-bodied effort now and over the next eight years to come. Drink 2024-2032- 91

Purple Hands

An outstanding house in Oregon, Purple Hands was founded by Cody and Marque Wright. The name Purple Hands is meant to depict this work: the work of harvest when your hands are purple and black and rugged from long days and nights of pushing yourself to create and sustain quality. Cody is an environmental scientist by education and in 2005, at 25 years old, Cody founded Purple Hands Winery with a production of 250 cases. Five years later Marque joined Cody, and together their guidance and focus on quality create the foundation of the company. Two decades of vintages later—Purple Hands Winery works with three estate vineyards and sources from the most acclaimed vineyards in Oregon.

Wines were seriously good across the board. I love the 2022 Purple Hands ‘Haakon/Lenai’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is dense and rich with serious aging potential. Even better is the incredible 2022 Purple Hands ‘Dundee Reserve’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is a refined and elegant bottling with fabulous flavor range. Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://www.purplehandswine.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Purple Hands wines.

2022 Purple Hands ‘Dundee Reserve’ Chardonnay- The 2022 Dundee Reserve Chardonnay comes from blocks 13 and 14 in the Haakon/Lenai Vineyard. Stored mainly in stainless steel, this offers juicy pear and fig flavors with bergamot notes and salty minerals on the palate. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2022 Purple Hands ‘Haakon/Lenai’ Chardonnay- Brimming with tension and texture, the outstanding 2022 Purple Hands ‘Haakon/Lenai’ Chardonnay delivers oyster shell and salty peach flavors that combine with suggestions of Meyer lemon and brioche notes on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, showing good viscosity and verve, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten years. Don’t serve too cold! Drink 2024-2034- 94

2021 Haakon/Lenai ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- This 2021 ‘Estate’ Chardonnay was stored for 10 months in 40% new French oak before bottling and comes from this 35 acre site in the Dundee Hills AVA. This is rich and viscous Oregon Chardonnay showing bright pear and peach flavors that combine with salty minerals and shades of white pepper on the palate. Brisk and mineral-laden, with Meyer lemon cream accents, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years to come. Don’t serve this beautiful wine too cold. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2021 Haakon/Lenai ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2021 Haakon/Lenai ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir comes from Jory soils and utilizes Pommard, Dijon 115 and 777 clonal selections at this site planted back in 1998. The palate is very Dundee Hills in its smoldering stony profile alongside red currants, menthol and shades of wild blackberry. Fresh and lithe on the mouth, this is a beautiful rendition of a warm vintage wine from this region. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 94

2022 Purple Hands ‘Lone Oak Ranch’ Pinot Noir- This outstanding new Pinot Noir comes from a range of sites throughout the Willamette Valley. Stored in only 5% new French oak, this offers a beautiful bouquet of pink grapefruit blossom alongside red currants, tobacco leaf and shades of loamy soils. The palate is plush and fresh with serious texture and tension. Delicious to savor now, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2022 Purple Hands ‘Latchkey Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 Pinot Noir was sourced from this site in the Dundee Hills, set at 500 feet on Jory soils. Stored in 30% new French oak before bottling, this delivers dark raspberry and wild blackberry notes on the palate, with freshly tilled salty soils, tobacco and shades of black truffle. A beautiful wine now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036-94   

2022 Purple Hands ‘West Wind Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The West Wind Vineyard is an estate site set in the heart of the Ribbon Ridge AVS. Planted to a range of Pinot Noir clones, vines are set on Willakenzie soils. Translucent in the glass, this delivers loads of juicy guava, red cherry and red raspberry fruits with pomegranate seed and orange rind accents. Smooth throughout, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2022 Purple Hands ‘Haakon/Lenai Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 Pinot Noir was sourced from a site which was acquired by Purple Hands back in 2019 as this dry-farmed vineyard is set on Jory soils. Rich red cherry and red raspberry candy combine wth garrigue notes and baking spices on the palate. Medium to full-bodied and very fresh, enjoy this outstanding 2022 Pinot Noir now and over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2022 Purple Hands ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- One of the acclaimed sites in the Willamette Valley, the Shea Vineyard was planted by Dick Shea back in 1989. Stored for 10 months in 30% new French oak this offers rich marionberry fruit flavors with pie crust notes alongside lavender and shades of salty soils. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2022 Purple Hands ‘Kropf Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Kropf Vineyard is a two acre side set on alluvial Jory soils with basalt rock sediment. The 2022 Pinot Noir was stored in 30% new French oak for 10 months before bottling. This comes off wonderfully stony and earthy, loaded with flint and dried herbs alongside bright strawberry and guava. This exudes class with its sensational combination of texture, viscosity and tension. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Purple Hands ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Freedom Hill vineyard is located in the Oregon Coast Range near the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. This 2022 Pinot Noir opens with a beautiful bouquet of red rose petals with citrus rind, stony minerals and shades of fresh sage. The palate is plush, round and generous with a seamless texture and good sense of weight and length. A stunning wine that is drinking marvelously now, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 95

2022 Purple Hands ‘Dundee Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Dundee Reserve is a barrel selection wine that comes from Block 8 at the Haakon//Lenai Vineyard. Stored for 10 months in all stainless steel, this Pommard Clone Pinot Noir delivers good concentration and stony character on the mid-palate. Pomegranate seed, loganberry and red cherry flavors parade with kumquat rind and copious minerals on the palate. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy this delightful new bottling now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2039- 95

2022 Purple Hands ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from this famed site on Red Mountain, the 2022 ‘Ciel du Cheval’ offers loads of dark currants and tobacco leaf on the nose with shades of chocolate and scorched earth. Medium to full-boded with good verve and mid-palate depth, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 93

Whitehall Lane

One of the great spots in the Napa Valley to taste, Whitehall Lane was founded by Art Finklestein and Alan Stein in 1979 on the 25 acre site that had first been planted back in the 1800s. They operated for over a decade before selling the winery to the Leonardini Family in 1993.

Today they produce a great range of wines, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon. Jason Moulton has served as their winemaker in 2016. Moulton has a longstanding history in the industry having completed his winemaking degree from the Lincoln University Viticulture and Enology program in New Zealand. He spent more than a dozen years making wine in Napa Valley, Russian River, Canada, New Zealand, Bordeaux and South Africa. He has worked with renowned winemakers Philippe Melka, David Ramey, Kale Anderson and Ashley Heisey. The new wines were really good. I was most impressed with a wine from the more than difficult 2020 vintage. The outstanding 2020 Whitehall Lane ‘Millennium MM Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 94) comes off clean and shows a great core of black fruits. Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://whitehalllane.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Whitehall Lane.

2022 Whitehall Lane ‘Swan Clone’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Swan Clone’ comes from the Sonoma Coast AVA. It comes off neatly textured and salty with ripe red cherry and red raspberry flavors with hints of cola, dried herbs and orange peel. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2019 Whitehall Lane Merlot- Coming from several sites throughout the Napa Valley, the 2019 Merlot delivers concentrated black currants and cocoa powder flavors that mingle with loamy soils and beautiful texture on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, and showing good poise, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 92

2019 Whitehall Lane ‘Leonardini Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2019 Whitehall Lane ‘Leonardini Estate’ combines 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 7% Merlot, 6%, Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. It is elegant and rich Cabernet that offers dark chocolate shavings and graphite tones on the palate, alongside wet stone, creme de violette and tar notes. Full-bodied and fully delicious, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 94

2020 Whitehall Lane ‘Millennium MM Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This awesome 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon by winemaker Jason Moulton hails from the Millennium MM Vineyard located in the Rutherford AVA. 100% varietal, this is inky in the glass, revealing espresso grounds, cassis, Black Forest cake and pencil lead notes on the palate, with a refined texture. Full-bodied and delicious, this is a glorious wine from a more than tough vintage. Drink 2024-2030- 94

Tranche

Today it is my pleasure to share one of the outstanding value producers in the Walla Walla Valley. Tranche consistently offers a stellar lineup of wines sourced from their estate Blue Mounts Vineyard. They produce a brilliant range of wines from their higher elevation site that has a host of varietals planted — everything from Cabernet Franc to Mourvedre.

Tasting the new lineup last Friday with the winemaking team I was incredibly impressed with the overall quality of the wines. This is the finest overall lineup I have yet tasted from Tranche.

Don’t miss out on the bright and neatly textured 2023 Tranche ‘Pink Pape’ Rose (OB, 92) which is juicy and delicious, packed with loads of bright acidity. I love the new 2021 Tranche ‘Pape’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is arguably the finest edition of this wine yet. Learn more about these beautiful wines athttps://www.tranche.wine Here are the awesome new wines by Tranche.

2023 Tranche ‘Pink Pape’ Rose- Made from a combination of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Counoise and Cinsault, this was aged in stainless steel for only 3 months before bottling. Very fresh, this shows plenty of verve and a soft texture alongside pretty red rose water, orange peel, red raspberry and pomegranate notes on the palate. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2021 Tranche ‘Pape Blanc’ White Wine- The outstanding 2021 Tranche ‘Pape Blanc’ White Wines combines Roussane (36%) with the remainder Picpoul, Clarirette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Marsanne. Stored in only 10% new French oak this shows hazelnut and melon tones on the nose nutmeg drenched brioche and suggestions of ripe peach. This has beautiful body and richness with good verve. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2021 Tranche ‘Pape’ Red Wine- This wine is 100% sourced from their estate Blue Mountain Vineyard. The wine combines Grenache (50%) with Mourvèdre (43%) and a touch of Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Stored in all neutral puncheons, this offers beautiful red rose petals alongside citrus peel, tobacco and shades of wet stone. The palate is rich and beautifully textured with loads of mouth-watering acidity. This is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2024-236- 95

2021 Tranche Syrah- This 2021 Syrah has 2% Viognier blended in. Coming from the Blue Mountain Vineyard, this offers venison drippings, blueberry compote, anise and Asian spices. The palate is very juicy and rich with good viscosity and tension. Showing loads of black and blue fruits, this is a beautiful edition of this wine that has a long way to go. Drink 2024-2036- 95

2021 Tranche Cabernet Franc- The 2021 Cabernet Franc was stored for 22 months in 40% new French oak before bottling. Dried sage and black currants mark the nose alongside violets.  The palace is dense and rich with layers of roasted dates, creme de violette, tar and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied, with good verve, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 95

2021 Tranche Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from their estate Blue Mountain Vineyard the outstanding and beautifully balanced 2021 Tranche Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in 45% new French oak before bottling. Anise, dark currants and milk chocolate flavors mingle well with plenty of garrigue tones on the palate. Full-bodied and showing good underlying finesse, enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 95

Baer

It has been so many years since I have admired the wines by Baer — one of the hidden gems of Woodinville. I have long enjoyed these wines and have many of them in my personal collection. Akin to those made by Cadence, Andrew Will and several others, Baer wines are made with serious tension and richness — both hallmarks of great aging for Washington wines. Winemaker Erica Orr took over this program more than a decade ago. She originally got her start in the wine industry back in 1998, working her first harvest with eminent winemaker Cathy Corison in the Napa Valley. She immediately caught the wine bug and enrolled in the enology master’s degree program at UC Davis where she completed her master’s degree in 2003. Erica also has a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from UC Berkeley and three years of research experience as a biochemistry lab technician for 2009 Nobel Laureate Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn at UC San Francisco. 

These wines are precise, showing great varietal character. Each wine has a beginning, middle and an end. I love the new 2023 Baer Rose (OB, 92) which is made from Cabernet Franc grapes. Even better is the 2023 Baer ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is dense and rich with a smooth texture. I adored the 2020 Baer ‘Ursa’ Red Wine (OB, 94 which is a remarkably good wine from a tough vintage. This has the wonderful herbal and leafy character from the Cabernet Franc, showing great stuffing. Learn more about this great Woodinville winery at at baerwinery.com Here are the great new releases by Baer

2023 Baer ‘Shard’ Chardonnay- This 2023 Chardonnay comes from the Stillwater Creek vineyard and was stored in all stainless steel before bottling. The nose shows ripe Japanese pear and shades of kiwi with nutty accents. The palate is plush and soft with a refined texture. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2031- 92

2023 Baer Rose- Made from Stillwater Creek Cabernet Franc grapes, this wine is now the 20th vintage that all wines come from this site in the Rotal Slope AVA. This was stored in mainly all stainless steel with one neutral oak barrel before bottling. The nose is really pretty guava and strawberry notes with kiwi and orange blossom. The palate is rich and shows great tension with good mid-palate stuffing. This is really well-done. Only 80 cases made. Drink 2024-2021- 92

2022 Baer ‘Reserve Chardonnay- The 2022 Chardonnay was stored in 33% new French oak before bottling with regular battonage. This underwent full malolactic fermentation. Toasty oak and brioche notes mark the nose alongside shades of white peach and nutty accents. The palate is seamless and soft with a beautiful texture and good sense of weight. Well-balanced and poised, enjoy this outstanding new Chardonnay now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2022 Baer ‘Shard’ Chardonnay- For years Erica Orr has been making the ‘Shard’ — arguably the best unoaked Chardonnay made in Washington State. This 2022 edition displays dazzling nerve and tension, with plenty of weight. Freshly cut pears, mango, and juicy peach flavors combine with shades of salted butter French bread on the palate. This is just a joy to drink right now and drinks better slightly on the warmer side. Drink 2023-2030- 92

2021 Baer ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- The ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay is a new wine to the Baer lineup, as this bottling is clone 95 Chardonnay from block 25 in the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. Stored in Tonnellerie Quintessance is called “Hydro-Dynamique” barrels, this offers a smooth mouthfeel with fantastic texture. Layers of orchard and tropical fruits combine, all leading to a minute-long finish. A steal at 35 bucks, this 2021 Chardonnay is flat-out fabulous stuff that has both the stuffing and verve to cellar well for another ten years. But why wait? Drink 2023-2033- 93

2020 Baer ‘Star’ Merlot- The 2020 ‘Star’ is a blend of mainly Merlot (86%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. Milk chocolate and fresh herbs combine with shades of pencil lead, and violets on the nose. The palate is soft and approachable with a refined texture. Showing good structure and weight, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2020 Baer Cabernet Franc- The 2020 Baer Cabernet Franc has 11% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. This was stored in only 22% new French oak before bottling. This comes off soft and approachable on the palate with dried herbs and anise tones with coffee grounds and shades of black currant flavors. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2020 Baer ‘Ursa’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2020 ‘Ursa’ combines 42% Merlot with equal parts Cabernet Franc with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Stored for 22 months in 38% new French oak, this offers a soft texture and good sense of weight with plenty of mouth-watering acidity. Tar, tobacco and cocoa powder flavors collide with salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2024-2030- 94

2020 Baer ‘Arctos’ Cabaret Sauvignon- The 2020 ‘Arctos’ has 4% Petit Verdot blended in — all coming from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. This version of the wine was stored in mainly neural oak barrels before bottling. The palate is soft and refined with a great sense of texture. Black currants and graphite tones mark the palate alongside black licorice and creme de violette notes. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2020 Baer ‘Callisto’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘Callisto’ is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon with 36% Syrah and the remainder Petit Verdot. Stored for 20 months in 43% new French oak, this offers garrigue notes on the nose alongside dark chocolate shavings and suggestions of black licorice. The palate is fresh and lithe with a good sense of texture and verve. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2020 Baer Malbec- This 2020 Baer Malbec has 20% Syrah blended in. Stored for 20 months in only 20% new French oak before bottling, this delivers creosote and milk chocolate on the nose with graphite tones. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and pretty core of black and blue fruits. Very clean and well-balanced, enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2030- 93

Hyland Estates

Today we share one of the historic properties in Oregon, Hyland Estates was first planted in 1971 by four families working together (the Kreimeyers, Markleys, Welches, and Trenhailes). A very large site in the McMinnville AVA, the vineyard spans over 200 acres with roughly 185 acres under vine; making it one of Oregon's oldest and largest vineyards.

The site is located at roughly 600-800 feet and is located on a south facing bench which benefits from cool breezes. The soil type is volcanic Jory soil holding which somewhat mirrors the red dirt of the Dundee Hills AVA. Pinot Noir vines planted are  old, self-rooted Pommard, Wädenswil, and Coury Pinot Noir vines together with newer plantings in 1989 to Dijon 115.

The wines from Hyland in the 2022 vintage are the finest I have tasted yet.  I adored the 2022 Hyland Estates ‘Wadenswil’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which shows beautiful tart red fruits with plenty of earthy complexities. Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://www.hylandestateswinery.com and here are my reviews of the new Hyland Estates wines.

2023 Hyland Estates ‘Old Vine’ Riesling- The wonderfully nervy 2023 Hyland Estates ‘Old Vine’ Riesling is filled with mouth-watering acidity and beautiful tension, with good mid-palate depth. Rich kiwi and fig notes combine with shades of green apple and wet stone on the palate. Seriously good now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Shows best in a Riedel Riesling stem. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2021 Hyland Estates ‘Feinherb’ Riesling- Made in a lush, Spatlase style, the 2021 ‘Feinherb’ is big and brash on the palate with plenty of body. Loads of freshness combine with the brilliant  sense of weight on the mid-palate. Rich orchard and citrus fruits mingle well with honeydew melon and stony minerals. Complex and exceedingly delicious, this is one of the finest wines of its kind that I have tasted in years. Watch this beauty evolve over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2023 Hyland Estates ‘Old Vine’ Gewurtztraminer- Sourced from vines that are more than 20 years of age, the ‘Old Vine’ Gewurtztraminer offers peach and stony minerals on the palate alongside ripe melon tones. Fresh and neatly textured, enjoy now and over the next several years. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2023 Hyland Estates Rose- This is a lush and rich 2023 Rose that offers loads of bright red fruits on the nose, with citrus peel and suggestions of bergamot. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture. Showing good depth and bright acidity, with excellent length, enjoy over the next five plus years. Drink 2024-2029- 92

2022 Hyland Estates ‘Single Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Single Vineyard’ Chardonnay was aged in roughly 20% new French oak before bottling. This is rich and layered wine that offers vanilla cream, starfruit, Japanese pear and baking spice dusted pie crust on the palate. Finishing long with creamy minerals, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next eight years to come. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2022 Hyland Estates ‘Single Vineyard Dijon’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Dijon’ Pinot Noir by Hyland Estates comes from vines set in mainly volcanic oils. Tobacco leaf, loamy soils and orange peel flavors mingle well with Linzer torte and garrigue notes. Fresh and polished with its soft texture, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2024-2036- 93

2022 Hyland Estates ‘Old Vine’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Old Vine’ Pinot Noir comes from initial plantings that date back to1971. The wine offers good freshness and is loaded with non-fruit flavors with tiled soils, peat moss, and campfire tones alongside tart red fruits and blood orange zest. Juicy and delicious, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 92

2022 Hyland Estates ‘Petit Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Petit Estate’ Pinot Noir comes from a range of younger vines planted at the McMinnville AVA estate. This is neatly textured with bright red fruits, alongside menthol, white pepper and shades of juicy nectarine. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2022 Hyland Estates ‘Wadenswil’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 ‘Wadensil’ Pinot Noir was stored in mainly natural oak barrels before bottling. Kumquat zest and white pepper alongside suggestions of black cherry compote and worn leather all mark the nose. The palate offers a core of tart pomegranate seed and marionberry fruit flavors alongside damp soils and shades of white truffle. Lifted and beautiful in its pretty red fruit core, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2039- 94

2022 Hyland Estates ‘Coury’ Pinot Noir- The single clone ‘Coury’ comes from the oldest blocks in the Hyland Estates Vineyard. This is flinty and earthy on the nose with freshly tilled diatomaceous soils alongside shades of red raspberry and sour cherry. The palate is lithe and beautifully textured, with a fantastic sense of weight and length. A very pretty core of red fruits combine with citrus rind and diatom accents. Beautiful now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 94

2021 Hyland Estates ‘Pommard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Hyland Estates ‘Pommard’ Pinot Noir is expressive and open now at the two year mark. On the nose this offers peat moss and orange peel tones alongside black truffle shavings and balsamic accents. The palate is bold and rich with a seamless texture and wonderful sense of texture, length and finish. An outstanding wine even in its heady youth, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2024-2038- 94

2022 Hyland Estates ‘Founders Selection’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 “Founders Selection’ is the barrel selection Pinot Noir from this vintage. The wine comes off very weightless and fresh with a smooth texture. Bright bing cherry flavors combine with strawberry, guava and orange zest, alongside salty minerals. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2039- 94

Tensley

It is hard to believe that Tensley was founded all the way back in 1998. Joey Tensley linitially aunched Tensley Wines with a one hundred case production. He set out craft reasonably priced Syrah wines from great vineyards of Santa Barbara County. In 1993 Joey first began working as a “cellar rat” for Fess Parker Winery in Santa Barbara County. He later became assistant winemaker at Babcock Vineyards and in 1998 Joey moved on to become the assistant winemaker at Beckmen Vineyards where he first created his own label. Having visited the winery and tasting room on several occasions, I have been very impressed with Tensley releases for more than a decade as there are few California Syrah wines that offer this much value. 

His new wines continue to be really well-priced. I adored his 2021 Tensley ‘Tensley Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 96) which is dense and heady with fantastic flavor range.Learn more about this amazing range of wines at  which is a massive yet structured wine that will cellar beautifully for a decade or more.

2023 Tensley Clairette Blanche- Golden in the glass, this 2023 Clairette Blanche offers good finesse with plenty of stuffing on the palate, showing toasty brioche and banana notes alongside rich melon flavors. A total knockout in terms of verve and richness, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2022 Tensley P2KV ‘Zaca Mesa Vineyard’ Viognier/Roussanne- This beautiful wine utilizes clone R Viognier and Tablas Creek clone Roussanne. Vines from this site were planted back in 1997. This is rich and slightly sweet with peach and golden delicious apple flavors with nutty nuances on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2024-2029- 91

2022 Tensley ‘Santa Barbara County’ Syrah- This gorgeous wine from 2022 is under 35 bucks and totally overdelivers for the price. Brisket, fresh sage and blackberry fruit flavors mingle well with the smooth texture and good sense of finesse. An awesome wine now, enjoy over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2022 Tensley P2KV ‘Zaca Mesa Vineyard’ Red Wine- This outstanding GSM inspired wine combines near equal parts of each varietal and comes from the Zaca Mesa Vineyard which was planted between 1978 and 1997. The balance here and sense of richness is wonderful, as sweet pipe tobacco, smoked meats and dense fig flavors combine with shades of coffee grounds on the palate. Full-bodied and neatly textured, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2022 Tensley P2KV ‘Zaca Mesa Vineyard’ Syrah/Grenache- The stunning 2022 Tensley P2KV ‘Zaca Mesa Vineyard’ Syrah/Grenache is marvelous and very heady effort in this warm vintage. Once on the nose this takes on scorched earth and cigar box notes that combine with boysenberry cobbler and shades of dark chocolate shavings. The palate is fresh and lithe with a smooth texture. Very dense yet mineral-laden, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Tensley P2KV ‘Zaca Mesa Vineyard’ Syrah- This 100% Estrella clone Syrah opens with heady black fruits with black licorice, allspice and shades of cedar on the nose. The palate is soft and inviting with a silky texture and great core of black fruit flavors. Full-bodied and soft on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2022 Tensley ‘Noir’ Syrah- Inky in the glass, the 2022 ‘Noir’ Syrah is very smooth on the mouth, loaded with dense black fruits with bacon fat, cigar ash and salty nuances. Its full-bodied and hedonistic stuff that is drinking marvelous in its heady youth. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2022 Tensley ‘Colson Canyon Vineyard’ Syrah- This world-class 2022 Syrah comes from the Colsen Canyon Vineyard which is set at 1400 feet and known for its cold nights. Considering the heat of the vintage, this comes off as very nervy stuff, with creme de violette, tar, tobacco leaf and wild blackberry fruit flavors. Refined and beautifully textured, enjoy over the next ten years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Tensley ‘All Blocks’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘All Blocks’ is a silky and rich effort that is already drinking beautifully. Once on the nose this takes on red currants and tobacco leaf notes that combine with smoked brisket on the nose. The palate is rich and layered with serious flavor density and good tension. Delicious now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 95

2022 Tensley ‘Turner Vineyard’ Syrah- The outstanding 2022 Tensley ‘Turner Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this site set in the Santa Rita Hills. This is dense and rich Syrah that offers peppered bacon and black currants on the palate, alongside coffee grounds, milk chocolate and copious garrigue notes. Full-throttle and ready to go now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2022 Tensley ‘Thompson Vineyard’ Syrah- The incredible 2022 Tensley ‘Thompson Vineyard’ Syrah is a killer wine from this hot vintage. Once on the nose this shows roasted figs and black currants alongside espresso grounds and tar with pipe tobacco accents. The palate is plush and full-bodied with plenty of underlying verve. A joy to savor now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2022 Tensley ‘Tensley Vineyard’ Syrah- The outrageously good 2022 Tensley ‘Tensley Vineyard’ Syrah has a nice saline streak alongside iodine, cassis, menthol and shades of blackberry compote. Full-bodied and define right now in its heady youth, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 96

Walter Scott

Today we share the beautiful range of wines by Walter Scott. Oregon wine is very happy that Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow founded this incredible house that sources from some of the finest sites in the Willamette Valley. Many years in the making, the name Walter Scott honors two important men in Ken’s life: Walter, Ken's grandfather, who was a flight engineer for Trans World Airlines and Scott, and Ken's nephew who passed away young and reminded both Ken and Erica that life can be exceedingly short. Their first vintage was produced in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars and in 2011 Walter Scott began making Chardonnay, which was met immediately with seriously good critical acclaim. The rest has been history.

The wines from 2022 are arguably the finest that they have made yet. I adored the 2022 Walter Scott ‘Koosah’ Chardonnay (OB, 97) which is flinty and stony with salty character and outstanding flavor and aromatic range.  I am totally enamored by the 2021 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 97) which is easily one of the finest Chardonnays I have tasted in the past year from the Pacific Northwest. Learn more at https://www.walterscottwine.com Here are my tasting notes from the beautiful new lineup of Walter Scott wines. 

2022 Walter Scott ‘Cuvee Anne’ Chardonnay- The electric 2022 ‘Cuvee Anne’ offers plenty of peach, pear and stony minerals on the palate, with flinty accents. Beautifully textured, enjoy this medium body beauty now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2031- 93

2022 Walter Scott ‘Koosah Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This brilliant 2022 Chardonnay comes from this site that has a strong influence from the Pacific Ocean, set on broken basalt. The stony and salty influence in the wine is neatly defined, as wet stone and salted orchard fruits combine with shades of marzipan and a refined texture on the palate. This expression of terroir is quite simply magical. While really delicious and novel now, enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 97

2022 Walter Scott ‘Justice Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Justice Vineyard’ comes this site owned by the Casteel family. This location is set on both Jory and marine-sedimentary soils. The wine is beautifully reductive, with bright underlying acidity on the mouth. Salted peach, green herbs and flinty tones mark the palate alongside shades of Japanese pear and salted French bread. Delicious and neatly textured, this is a beautiful wine that has both the weight and acidity to cellar well for over a decade. Drink 2024-2036- 96

2022 Walter Scott ‘Hyland Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Walter Scott has been sourcing from the Hyland Vineyard’ for many years, utilizing this Dundee Hills site that was planted back in the 1980s and set on volcanic soils. Stored in 35% new French oak before bottling, this offers flinty tones on the nose alongside bright pear and brioche tones. The palate is plush and dense with a lush sense of mouthfeel and beautiful verve. The freshness and lip-smacking acidity brings you back to the glass for more sips. It is a total stunner that is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2024-2036- 96

2022 Walter Scott ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This 2022 Chardonnay was sourced from this 140 acre property that is set on marine sedimentary, uplifted seabed. This version saw 50% new French oak, as this opens with a beautiful bouquet of lime zest, wet rock and shades of cardamom dusted French bread. The palate has great tension and weight, loaded with citrus and melon fruit flavors. Silky and well-defined, with a smooth drinking experience throughout, this is a total stunner that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2024-2036- 96

2022 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Year after year the Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay is one of the finest of its kind that I taste in Oregon. This vintage is no different. Coming from the year that seemed like it would never end, the 2022 shows the classic flint and Japanese pear notes alongside sterling freshness and beautiful texture on the palate. Medium-bodied, with lovely salty accents, this is very Chablis meets Oregon. Drink 2024-2040- 97

2022 Walter Scott ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from this location in the Eola-Amity Hills, the 2022 ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Chardonnay offers flinty tones and white flowers on the nose with melon fruits and shades of cardamom laced pie crust aromatics. The palate is bursting with flavors, showing kiwi and mango notes alongside cashew nut and wet rocky accents. Finishing long, this beauty has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Walter Scott ‘Koosah Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Koosah Vineyard was purchased by Resonance Winery in 2022 and is located 55 miles from the Pacific Ocean, as this has a high impact from this proximity. This shows off its concentrated core in the glass, revealing black raspberry, black truffle shavings, peat moss and shades of tart cranberry on the nose. The palate has beautiful depth and length as this glides throughout the drinking experience. A totally gorgeous rendition of Oregon Pinot Noir, this is already nicely evolved stuff that has at least another fifteen years to go. Drink 2024-2040- 96

2022 Walter Scott ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and is set on all volcanic soils. Smoldering stone and tart red fruits all mark the nose alongside citrus blossom and shades of forest floor. The palate is plush and rich, with good flavor density and verve. Smooth and round on the mouth, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Give it an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2024-2044- 96

2022 Walter Scott ‘Witness Tree Vineyards’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2022 Walter Scott ‘Witness Tree Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this site set in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. This shows deep concentrated color in the glass, unveiling wet rock and red rose petals alongside orange peel and suggestions of peat moss. The palate is big, round and generous with plenty of texture and bright, mouth-watering acidity. A total stunner, enjoy this fantastic Pinot Noir now and over the next twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 95

2022 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The deep and rich 2022 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this famed site in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. This is wonderfully salty and flinty stuff on the mouth, with a seamless mouthfeel and great sense of underlying tension. Salty minerals and wet gravel combine with a generous core of black and red fruits, with enoki mushroom and fresh sage accents. Full-bodied and neatly textured, enjoy this glorious new wine now and over the next twenty plus years to come. Drink 2024-2044- 97

2022 Walter Scott ‘Justice Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This brilliant 2022 Pinot Noir comes from the Justice Vineyard which is a 40 acre parcel farmed by the Casteel family who founded Bethel Heights winery in 1977. This offers a gorgeous core of cranberry, red cherry, pomegranate seed and guava fruit flavors that mingle well with copious minerals and earthy tone. With more air kumquat rind notes and hints of black truffle shavings add to the complexity. Gorgeous to consume in its heady youth, enjoy over the next twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 96

2022 Walter Scott ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This old vineyard was first planted back in 1981 in the foothills of the Oregon coast range northwest of Monmouth, Oregon. Given only 5% whole cluster fermentation, this was stored in only 15% new French oak before bottling. Juicy red fruits parade with orange peel, loamy soils and suggestions of fresh mint on the palate, with stony accents. Generous and bright, showing good weight and verve, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next fifteen plus years. Be sure to give this an hour in the decanter if savoring now. Drink 2024-2040- 96

2022 Walter Scott ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- One of the famed sites in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, the Sequitur Vineyard was planted by the founders of Beaux Freres between 2012-2014. The wine was stored or 15 months in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. Right away this comes off silky and generous in terms of bright marionberry and pomegranate seed flavors, alongside light tannins, cran-orange and salty soils. Showing really good depth, this is a bit tightly-wound right now and can benefit from another year in the bottle. This is going to cellar marvelously for fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 96

Review: British Airways Concorde Room Lounge London Heathrow Terminal 5

Many frequent flyers would find that the Concorde Room remains one of the world’s great lounges. Located in Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Airport, this lounge is known for awesome hospitality and service. My visit certainly was a fine example of both. The Concorde Room is not the Emirates First Lounge in Dubai — nor is it trying to be that. Some might feel that the Concorde Room is lagging along but I think that they have marvelous attention to detail that makes your visit truly enjoyable.

ACCESS

Very exclusive, you can only access this illustrious lounge if you are flying First Class or have a British Airways Concorde Room card which grants you access to Concorde Room regardless of your ticket class.

LOCATION

Past the Terminal 5 First Check-in you will find the Concorde room s adjacent to the Galleries First Lounge in the middle level of the terminal. The First Lounge is a fantastic option as well but has nowhere near the food quality, service or champagne/sparkling wine selection as the Concorde Room.

SURROUNDINGS

In the entrance there are wood floors throughout with many cozy seating options, although few with charging stations. I have to say that despite the many options for seating my favorite spot to pony up is their world class bar which serves as variety of snacks, drinks and fantastic champagne. Yes, they no longer serve the Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle’ but they have moved on to another killer vintage champagne. The lounge has a range of sofas to relax at but I chose to begin my visit at the bar with my friend, immediately indulging in the top champagne with some espresso.

Here are the red wine selections at the bar which were not particularly good. They did have their top champagne and also a world-class Rose, available. I tasted the new ‘Rock Angel’ which was fabulous in terns of texture and stony character. This retails at roughly 50 dollars USD. White wine selections are also substandard for a top lounge.

At the bar there are a range of world class cocktails and whiskeys. I ordered an espresso martini which was without a doubt the best one I have tasted since my last visit to the Concorde Room in 2023. You can even have Johnny Walker Blue Label scotch if you fancy which retails for 250 USD.

NEW CHAMPAGNE: 2006 CUVEE LOUISE

While many people have been complaining of the new champagne choice in the Concorde Room, this 2006 Cuvee Louise is drinking right at peak maturity and is round and generous. It is nothing short of a top champagne and you can easily argue that this wine drinks better than the previous Laurent-Perrier ‘Grand Siecle’ which was its 24th edition (not as impressive as 25 or 26 editions).

The list of sparkling wines that they serve definitely rivals anything in the world and is a finer sparkling wine selection than the Emirates First Lounge. You can taste a killer vintage Hattingley Valley vintage sparkling wine alongside the 2006 Cuvee Louise. Still wines definitely do not eclipse the Emirates First Lounge, though.

Coffee and espresso is fantastic at the Concorde Room, made by Union Coffee Co.

The Concorde Room no longer have cabana rentals or their partnership with 40 Winks for a rest area. If you want to take a nap there are really no private areas to do so. Prior to the Pandemic the First Class Lounge had an Elemis Spa where all First Class ticketed passengers could enjoy a 15 minute spa treatment. Since Covid has happened the spa sadly remains closed.

BATHROOMS:

Bathrooms remain functional but severely outdated. They do have Elemins products for soap and lotion. Showers are also very sterile. I personally do not worry about the quality of the bathrooms as much as some other Concorde Room patrons. These are clearly functional and not fancy. They are also cleaned non-stop which I really like.

One of the great parts of the lounge is that you can order any amounts of food at anytime, so you will never go hungry and it is always fun to taste a range of food options. Service for both drinks and food is ridiculously prompt with top class British hospitality. 

BREAKFAST:

Breakfast food quality was fabulous in both the Eggs Royale and full English breakfast that I ordered. It was also served to me quickly. I managed a few bites of each which was comparable to breakfast at the Emirates First Class lounge in Dubai

THE TERRACE:

The terrace is an expansive area in the Concorde Room where you can see all the happenings of Terminal 5. It is a great spot to relax and watch other planes take off. The terrace has some large couches if you want to hang out with friends and also several seating options with charging stations. This is an improvement over the past few years as they have clearly bought some new furniture in this area. The terrace very rarely can be busy in the afternoons but my experience is that there is always enough comfortable seating for you.

CONCORDE DINING

Really one of the stars of the Concorde Room is the Concorde Dining is located in the heart of the Concorde Room. This is a very elegant setting which serves both breakfast and lunch. It is particularly fun if you have many friends with you.

I immediately ordered the beef carpaccio which was fabulous and a great portion as well. The presentation for the carrot soup was awesome and the soup was filled with rich flavor without being heavy with cream. The scallops also were perfectly cooked and very fresh — definitely one of my all-time favorite entrees from an airport lounge. My friends and I really enjoyed tasting a wide range of foods including fresh pasta, and pate which was one of the stars of the meal.

COCKTAILS:

Cocktails were fabulous during our stay. The espresso martini was perfectly made, not too sweet and heavy on espresso flavor. It was beautifully served as well.

BOTTOM LINE

Frequent fliers for British Airways are constantly complaining about their food or service experiences at the Concorde Room. As a One World Emerald there are certainly no US lounges that rival this level of service or dining experience. The American Airlines ‘First Dining’ comes close but has poor service consistently. Sure the decor in the Concorde Room is a bit dated and the bathrooms are reminiscent of a cheap hospital.

I personally don’t come to a fancy lounge to worry about the bathrooms. There are plenty of comfy seating options in the Concorde Room with an expansive terrace area. Want world-class champagne, excellent food quality, a killer espresso martini all served with top class service? Then come to the Concorde Room and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Prospice

Today we share one of the outstanding producers of Walla Walla. I met with Jay Krutulis and Matt Reilly who both had successful careers before starting a winery together. This was now my second visit to Prospice and I feel like the wines are getting better and better. The wines were initially very well-structured but a bit lacking in flavor density. This has changed over the past five years as reds continued to be tension-filled but have plenty of depth and also better and better nuance. An example of this is what they are doing with fruit from the Rocks District. The wine shows plenty of stony essence and nuance without being out of balance. I tasted the latest set of wines mainly from the 2021 vintage that saw a good amount of heat, with few heat spikes.

Both Jay and Matt were impressed with the wines from 2021 despite the heat. “It was a little harder making wines with tension in 2021 and we did a lot of hunting around and that is why we didn’t do a varietal Merlot” Jay said. “But when you taste through these wines from 2021 they are a lot more balanced than you think. The acidity is there. We were able to develop an elegant tannin profile and this for me goes back to the silky tannins that for me start to build back up to the front of the palate.”

For years I have loved what they have done with their Rose program. The new 2023 Prospice Rose (OB, 92) is a beautiful wine that is very light on its feet, with good texture from the battonage given. The best wine I tasted was the outstanding 2019 Prospice ‘Quintessence Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which has loads of richness and great Red Mountain character. Learn more at prospicewines.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Prospice.

2023 Prospice Rose- This 2023 Rose combines 57% Grenache with 27% Cinsault and the remainder Counoise all coming from the Lonesome Spring Vineyard. A very pale color, this was stored in stainless steel tanks as this saw considerable lees stirring. This shows bright cantaloupe tones alongside red rose petals and orange peel notes. This is fresh and lithe with a polished texture. Very crisp and bright, this is a gorgeous bottling that is highly nuanced and delicious. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2023 Prospice Grenache Blanc- This 2023 Grenache Blanc come from the Les Collines Vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Stored in all neutral barrels this is a more linear style of GB, showing off kiwi, green papaya and orange blossom tones on the nose. The wine is very fresh and shows a smooth texture alongside gooseberry and melon tones alongside copious minerals. Drink 2024-2029- 92

2023 Prospice Viognier- The 2023 Viognier comes from the Gamache Vineyard. The wine was stored in all neutral French oak before bottling. Yellow plum, white peach and shades of Pink Lady apple all combine with honeysuckle tones on the nose. The palate is lithe and nicely textured with good underlying tension. Showing serious nerve, and good concentration, this has some good aging potential. Drink 2024-2031- 93

2021 Prospice ‘BDX’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘BDX’ combines 64% Merlot with 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot. Stored in 39% new French oak before bottling. This is very performed with red rose petals that combine with black currants, espresso ground and damp earth. Medium-bodied with good finesse, this is already nicely defined stuff that will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2021 Prospice ‘Phinny Hill’ Cabernet Franc- This 2021 Cabernet Franc has just a dash of Petit Verdot added. The wine is very pure in terms of black fruit profile with black cherry and creme de violette, alongside tar and tobacco leaf notes. This is seriously good stuff. Only 120 cases made. Drink 2024-238- 94

2021 Prospice ‘Phinny Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Prospice ‘Phinny Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful wine that was stored in 53% new French oak which is the highest percentage of any wine that the winemaking team has done. Very densely colored in the glass, this offers sagebrush alongside green bell pepper, dark currants and suggestions of pencil lead. The palate is neatly textured with good weight and structure. Give this another year in the bottle. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2020 Prospice ‘White Bluffs’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This comes from the Dionysus and Bacchus Vineyards including some old plantings from the 1970s. This is wonderfully herbal with fresh sage alongside milk chocolate and black currant cordial. Smooth and polished with a refined texture, this is drinking beautifully right now. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2019 Prospice ‘Reserve Quintessence Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This limited production bottling comes from the Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain. This has beautiful flavor density considering the coolness of the vintage as they had picked prior to the freeze event in October 2019. Blackberry compote, scorched earth and tar notes combine with anise and graphite on the palate. Refined and elegant, showing a seamless textural quality this is a beautiful wine that is built to age. Drink 2024-2042- 95

2021 Prospice ‘Africa’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Africa’ is a Rhone-inspired blend that is mainly Syrah (94%). This smells beautifully perfumed with rose petals alongside green olives, charcuterie and shades of red licorice. Fresh and lithe, with a smooth texture, this is a killer wine for the price. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2020 Prospice ‘Meravina’ Red Wine- This Cabernet based 2020 ‘Meravina’ offers sagebrush and dark chocolate shavings on the nose. This is soft and refined stuff that is drinking very well now. Drink 2024-2030- 91

Columbia Crest

Dating myself, I’ve now tasted the wines from Columbia Crest for more than 20 years. For years I knew these wines were synonymous with value and I would go to the grocery store or wine shop and purchase these wines that continually over-delivered for the price. It is no surprise that Columbia Crest produced the #1 wine in the world years ago.

Founded in 1982, Columbia Crest is one of the longer-serving Washington wineries as their first wine release was back in 1987. Juan Munoz-Oca presided over these wines beginning in 2011 and then Katie Nelson was named new Columbia Crest winemaker before serving as head winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle.

The new wines were really good and offer some serious bang for the buck. Don’t sleep on the 2022 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Chardonnay (OB, 91) which is one of the great Chardonnay values you will see in the marketplace.  which is one of the best value Chardonnays out of Washington that you will find. I am enamored by the 2021 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Reserve’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is refined and elegant on the palate, with some good cellaring potential. Learn more about these outstanding values at columbiacrest.com Here are some of the great new wines by Columbia Crest.

2022 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2022 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Chardonnay delivers juicy pear and creme brûlée tones on the palate, with a soft mouthfeel. Showing good acidity and richness, this is a really good value that is best consumed over the next few years. Drink 2024-2029- 91

2022 Columbia Crest ‘Founders Series’ Chardonnay- The 2021 ‘Founders Series’ Chardonnay comes from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. A touch leaner than the ‘Grand Estates’ this offers hazelnuts and brioche notes alongside juicy peach on the palate. Drink 2024-2028- 90

2021 Columbia Crest ‘Founders Series’ Syrah- The 2021 Columbia Crest ‘Founders Series’ Syrah shows off black tea and asian spices on the nose alongside sandalwood and blackberry tones. The palate is a touch linear with light to medium bodied black fruits that mingle with chocolate. Drink 2024-2029- 89

2021 Columbia Crest ‘Founders Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon- An awesome effort for the price, the 2021 Columbia Crest ‘Founders Series Cabernet Sauvignon shows off plenty of mid-palate richness with tobacco leaf, heady dark fruits and milk chocolate flavors with hints of black licorice. Medium-bodied, this is delicious wine to savor now. Drink 2024-2030- 90

2021 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Merlot- The rich and delicious 2021 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Merlot offers straightforward black cherry and black raspberry flavors with Earl Grey tea nuances on the palate. Neatly textured, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 90

2021 Columbia Crest ‘Founders Series’ Merlot- The 2021 Columbia Crest ‘Founders Series’ Merlot comes off a touch lean with herbal tones that mingle with lighter to medium bodied dark fruits. Drink 2024-2028- 88

2021 Columbia Crest ‘GSM James Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2021 Columbia Crest ‘GSM James Vineyard’ Red Wine is mostly made from Grenache (43%) with near equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah. Anise and garrigue tones combine with dense dark fruits and chocolate cake on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with good richness and bright underlying acidity. This is just fantastic stuff to savor now. Drink 2024-2036- 93

2021 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Walter Clore’ is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (54%) with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc.It is dense, heady and beautifully-textured wine that is already drinking beautifully. Mocha, tar and allspice dusted black fruits all collide on the palate, with a good sense of tension. Rich and viscous, enjoy over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 93

2021 Columbia Crest ‘Reserve Heart of The Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2021 ‘Heart of The Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows good richness and underlying finesse, with a refined texture. Dense dark fruits parade with chocolate covered espresso bean and scorched earth accents on the palate. Really good now, give this an hour in the decanter if consuming over the next few years. Drink 2024-2040- 93

Decoy

I love the great values out there in California wine. One of the great value brands out of California. Decoy wines is the brainchild of Dan and Margaret Duckhorn who created this portfolio of wines to appeal to a wider range of customers. Not everyone can afford 80 dollar Merlot and the Duckhorns sought to place their product for the value-driven grocery store crowd that seeks an outstanding wine for any night of the week. Decoy as a brand began back in 1985 and then much later in 2007 the new label came out as the brand soon expanded to produce Zinfandel as well as a red blend. They did a remarkable job with their 2020 wines.

I really enjoy the 2022 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley Limited’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 90) which is soft and very approachable right now. Learn more about these excellent values at decoywines.com and here are my reviews of the new Decoy wines.

NV Decoy ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- Pretty red rose water combines with orange peel and ripe red fruits on the palate. Lithe, with a smooth mousse, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2028- 90

2022 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley Limited’ Merlot-  A touch sweet, this 2022 Merlot offers black tea and blackberry flavors alongside good tension and a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2024-2029- 89

2022 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The excellent value 2022 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers herbal tones alongside ripe dark fruits with chocolate on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2024-2029- 90

Calla Lily

Calla Lily was founded by three friends from Hong Kong, utilizing the talents of Cary Gott. The three friends settled on the Napa Valley after looking at properties around Europe. Cary Gott has 40 years’ experience at Sterling Vineyards, Seagram Classics and Mumm Napa, was brought on board as chief winemaker.

I have really been enjoying these wines for years now. The wines are consistently great with serious tannin, power and really good drinkability. The new wines come from the strong 2021 vintage — one that was hot but had few heat spikes. I adored the new 2021 Calla Lily ‘Auxax’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is dense and heady with great aging potential. Learn more at https://callalilywines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Calla Lily wines.

2021 Calla Lily ‘Ultimate Red’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning wine made from mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with lesser portions Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this spent 22 months in 40% new French oak before bottling. This is dense and heady stuff, loaded with black currants, tobacco leaf, blackberry compote and mocha tones. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Calla Lily ‘Audax’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The stunning 2021 ‘Audax’ is a dense and decadent bottling that has a long way to go in the cellar. Stored in 50% new French oak for 27 months, this delivers full-bodied loganberry cordial, mocha, tar and freshly tilled loamy soils on the palate, alongside shades of milk chocolate. Big and bold, enjoy this broad-shouldered Cabernet Sauvignon now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2024-2040- 95

Elephant Seven

Today we share a fantastic boutique winery of Walla Walla. Joshua West and his wife started Elephant Seven several years ago. Josh has a background in investment banking and has only has been winemaking on a full time basis for the past decade. He has previously worked for Whitehaven in New Zealand as well as interning at Figgins, Cadaretta, and Dusted Valley in Walla Walla. He now has a tasting room in downtown Walla Walla, as his wines show good depth and wonderful underlying finesse. The wines he made from the 2021 vintage are really outstanding.

He also has a deft touch to white wines and I love the new 2022 Elephant Seven ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Marsanne (OB, 92) which is soft and bright with plenty of stony character and peach flavors. Even better is the gorgeous 2021 Elephant Seven ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 94) which is one of the finest wines I have tasted from Josh West yet. Learn more about this exciting new Washington winery at https://www.elephantsevenwine.com/ Here are the new releases by Elephant Seven. 

2022 Elephant Seven ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Marsanne- The brilliant 2022 Elephant Seven ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Marsanne is a fantastic new releases by Josh West. This is tension-filled Marsanne that was picked on the early side. Peach and gooseberry combine with shades of kiwi on the palate, with plenty of finesse. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2021 Elephant Seven ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah- The beautiful 2021 Elephant Seven ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah is inky in the glass, revealing beautiful aromatics of blueberry compote, leather, pipe tobacco and Hoisin sauce that take shape in the glass. The palate is soft and plush with a great sense of texture, weight and verve. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2021 Elephant Seven ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Syrah- Coming from this site that is in the foothills o the Blue Mountains, this 2021 Syrah offers smoked meats and green olives on the palate, alongside black plum and plenty of stony minerals. Soft and round, showing beautiful purity of black fruit, this is a really enticing bottling that is showing marvelously right now. Drink 2024-2034- 94

HALL Rose and White Wines

HALL might be known for world-class Cabernet but they have a wide range of other wines that are top notch as well. They make some incredible Sauvignon Blanc and consistently great Rose wines. HALL was founded in 1992 by Katheryn and Craig Hall, and over time they built one of Napa’s most beautiful, state of the art, wineries that is quite simply a must visit for any serious Napa enophile. I have long enjoyed visiting this special spot in St. Helena.

HALL also have two outstanding separate lines, WALT (focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and BACA (focusing on Zinfandel) that are seriously good in their own right. These brands have performed remarkably well since their inception. The BACA line in particular offers very serious value. I love the new 2023 WALT Rose (OB, 92) which is loaded with bright red fruit flavors. They have a fabulous new 2023 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which shows amazing flavor range and texture. Learn more about these great wines at hallwines.com Here are the fantastic new release wines by HALL.

2023 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The fantastic 2023 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc was entirely stored in stainless steel prior to bottling. This shows really good tension on the palate, loaded with bright kiwi and gooseberry flavors that mingle with shades of wet stone and Japanese pear. Fabulous to enjoy in the summer sun, savor over the next few years. Drink 2024-2029- 92

2023 WALT Rose- The 2023 WALT Rose comes from a range of Pinot Noir locations throughout California. Sourced from a range of Pinot Noir sites across California, the 2023 WALT Rose displays offers good freshness with Satsuma orange zest, guava, white peach and juicy red raspberry flavors alongside copious minerals on the palate. Showing good stuffing, enjoy this outstanding new Rose now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2029- 92

2022 WALT ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- Coming from several sites in the Sonoma Coast AVA, this 2022 Chardonnay delivers a silky mouthfeel, loaded with citrus and melon fruit flavors. Medium to full-bodied, with good length, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2022 WALT ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This brilliant 2022 Chardonnay comes from the Sangiacomo Vineyard which utilizes Old Wente Clonal selection. This is very dense and concentrated stuff with lemon curd and cantaloupe flavors that mingle well with baking spice dusted pie crust and shades of salted nectarine. Full-bodied with serious stuffing, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay- A world-class wine, the 2022 ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay comes from this site purchased by the HALLs more than ten years ago. This site is known for shallow soils and fog. This is big and unabashedly bold on the mouth, loaded with texture and mouth-watering acidity. Poached pear and creme brûlée flavors combine with roasted pineapple and mango — giving this plenty of exotic appeal. Fresh and deep, with great length, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2038- 96

Interview with Jade Porubek, Assistant Winemaker at Walla Walla Vintners

Today it is my pleasure to share an interview with Jade Porubek, assistant winemaker at Walla Walla Vintners. Jade is helping craft some beautiful wines at the winery -- everything from crisp Rose and Sauvignon Blanc to inky Syrah. Jade has aspirations to own her own winery someday. She has a biochemistry degree from Western Washington University and she shares her journey in wine. Here is my interview with Jade Porubek.

OB: How did you decide to study wine and learn about wine?

JP: Truthfully, I fell into wine by accident. I had always been interested in wine, however after graduating from Western Washington University with a degree in Biochemistry, I was looking for a job that would allow me to employ my love of chemistry and my agricultural work experience. To my delight, I found that winemaking is a career with tons of variety. Every vintage introduces new challenges to solve and decisions to make, which in turn keeps the work fresh.

OB: Did you have some inspirations in the wine industry prior to landing at Walla Walla Vintners?

JP: I did not have any particular wine inspirations before joining the industry in 2019 as a harvest intern at Walla Walla Vintners. I was interested in trying a wine harvest for a season, but I never would have guessed that I would fall in love with the winemaking process and industry the way I did!

OB: What is it like working with Derrek Vipond at Walla Walla Vintners? What do you like about your wine program in particular? Anything particularly challenging?

JP: I enjoy working with Derrek Vipond because of his well-rounded approach to winemaking. It’s a nice balance of artistic, analytical, and “go-for-it” mentality. Over the past five years he has pushed me to be more confident in my own palate and winemaking ability. In regards to the wine program at Walla Walla Vintners, I most appreciate that we get to work with many great sources of fruit. It’s very educational to receive cabernet from a variety of different sites and be able to assess them throughout their little wine lives. In addition, I personally enjoy working with Sangiovese, as I think it is an interesting varietal and one of my favorites to drink.

OB: What are some of your dreams and aspirations in the wine industry? Do you want to start your own winery someday?

JP: One day, I think I would like my own winery. However, right now I am focused on learning and gaining more experience in making wine from my wonderful mentors. I am continuing to hone my palate and develop my own style of winemaking.

OB: Do you have any favorite wines that you have tasted over the years or any epiphany wines?

JP: This is a hard question…I am fortunate to have tasted many delicious wines so far in my life. Although, I do have a favorite wine related memory. On the day of my 21st birthday I walked down to a bakery in Bellingham and ordered the biggest slice of chocolate cake and a glass of red. The first of many great memories that involve a great glass of wine, some great company, and something to smile about.

Mirror Napa Valley

Today we share the story of Mirror Napa Valley. Rick Mirer is a former Seattle Seahawk quarterback that owns an outstanding Napa outpost. Mirer is one of the famed high school quarterbacks in Indiana state history, earning the Academy of Achievement Award as the top high school football player in the country in 1989, as well as the Atlanta Touchdown Club's Bobby Dodd Award as the nation's best high school quarterback. At Notre Dame, Mirer was just as good, winning three bowl games and accounting for more points running and throwing (350) than any other player in Notre Dame history. 

Our local Seahawks were struggling when they drafted Mirer in 1993. Still, Mirer finished his rookie season 5th in the AFC with 274 completions and 2833 yards and was AFC Rookie of the Year by United Press International. Mirer’s remaining seasons were not as successful in Seattle, being set behind an abysmal offensive line. Having gone to those games in the 1980s, all of us in the stands knew that Mirer was really not given a fair chance with such poor protection. Mirer continued to play as a backup quarterback until 2004. 

Close friends with Drew Bledsoe, and drafted right behind him in 1993, Mirer admits that his friendship with Bledsoe helped lead him to start Mirror Napa Valley. Bledsoe and Mirer even took off-season­ vacation with their wives to Napa Valley. During the off-season they would also try to stump each other with wines from Port or Brunello di Montalcino.They both have created world-class wineries post-football. While playing for the Raiders and 49ers Rick became even more passionate for wine, being so close to Napa Valley. Finally in 2008 Rick started Mirror Napa Valley, utilizing the winemaking talents of Kirk Venge, formerly of Mumm Napa Valley. Mirer also has an outstanding foundation that gives to a range of charities.

The new wines from 2021 are the best yet. I love the 2021 Mirror Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which shows outstanding flavor density. Even better is the sensational 2021 Mirror ‘Sugarloaf Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 96) which is pillowy and soft with serious tension and richness. This is a world-class Franc from Napa. For more about Rick Mirer’s great winery go to https://www.mirrorwine.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Mirror Napa Valley.

2021 Mirror ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Mirror Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a juicy and delicious bottling that has already hit its stride. Anise and red bell pepper notes combine with shades of graphite, tar and black licorice on the nose. The palate is rich and dense with a smooth mouthfeel and great savory edge with its herbal tones. Showing brilliantly now, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2024-2038- 93

2021 Mirror ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ comes from this famed high elevation site that is set on volcanic soils. The nose is intense with violets, scorched earth and heady black and blue fruits. The smooth viscosity of the wine and bright underlying acidity really entice. The palate is wonderfully stony with dense cassis and pencil lead notes that combine with black forest cake flavors. Full-bodied, and showing a light herbal edge, this is beautiful and delicious high-elevation Napa Cabernet that is built to age. Drink 2024-2044- 95

2021 Mirror ‘Sugarloaf Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- This 2021 Cabernet Franc comes form the  Sugarloaf Vineyard which was first planted in 2006 and sits at 1250ft in elevation. This is seriously good and well-structured stuff that has a long way to go in the cellar. Loamy soils and creme de cassis flavors mark the palate, alongside wet stone, and sweet pipe tobacco. Gorgeous now, give this an hour in the decanter if consuming over the next few years. Drink 2024-2044- 96

Gramercy Cellars

Hope you all are having a great start to your Memorial Day weekend. Today we present some of the outstanding spring releases you will taste from Washington State. Gramercy Cellars was founded by winemaker and master sommelier, Greg Harrington, MS, as they craft both Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, sourcing from some of the top vineyards in the state. They have been making world-class Rose for many years.

It is remarkable that Harrington incredibly passed the master sommelier exam at the age of 26. Partner and co-winemaker, Brandon Moss, shares Greg’s focus on prime fruit and minimal intervention, showcasing the typicity of the individual varietal. These are wines that embody structure and poise, with good richness and varietal character.

I’m enamored by the great range by Gramercy. Check out the 2021 Gramercy Cellars ‘The Third Man’ Grenache (OB, 95) which has ultra-pure red fruits and great nuance.  Learn more about these amazing wines at gramercycellars.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Gramercy Cellars and the superstar winemaking team of Greg Harrington, MS and Brandon Moss.

2023 Gramercy Cellars ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose- Truly a great Rhone-inspired Rose from the Yakima Valley, the 2023 Olsen Vineyard’ Rose combines Cinsault (50%) with equal portions Syrah and Grenache. This is highly complex stuff with shades of white truffle that combine with Mandarin orange zest, watermelon, and red cherry Starburst candy. Nicely textured and very pretty, this is delight to savor in its youth this will surely live on for another seven plus years to come. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2023 Gramercy Cellars Picpoul- The very juicy 2023 Picpoul was sourced from the Walla Walla Valley. Kiwi and green melon tones combine with salted nectarine and nutty tones on the nose. The plate is fresh and neatly textured with serious tension. A joy to consume now, this really needs a hot summer day to revel in its beautiful verve. Drink 2024-2028- 92

2019 Gramercy Cellars ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Coming from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, this delivers plenty of concentration considering the coolness of the vintage. Rich red cherry and red currants parade with baking spices and crushed mint, with freshly tilled salty soils on the palate. Showing good weight and length, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Gramercy Cellars ‘The Third Man’ Grenache- Pure and lithe, the 2021 ‘The Third Man’ is nearly all Grenache (77%) with small portions Syrah and Mourvèdre. Gorgeous red cherry and red raspberry flavors combine with shades of Provencale herbs, orange zest and damp soils on the palate. The silky and refined mouthfeel really adds to the enjoyment. A total show-stopper, with plenty of depth, weight and tension, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2021 Gramercy Cellars ‘Lower East’ Syrah- The 2021 ‘Lower East’ is a fantastic value from this warm vintage. Aged in nearly all neutral barrels, this offers black pepper dusted bacon, dark currants and tobacco leaf on the nose. The palate is nicely concentrated, showing good underlying verve despite the heat of the vintage. This is marvelous Syrah that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2020 Gramercy Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- Always a really good value buy, the 2020 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah is an outstanding wine from a tough vintage. This comes off clean and saturated in its deep dark fruit profile, with pencil lead, iodine and shades of dark chocolate shavings. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2028- 92

2020 Gramercy Cellars ‘Les Collines’ Syrah- Sourced from this top spot for Syrah in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the 2020 Gramercy Cellars ‘Les Collines’ Syrah delivers medium-bodied dark fruit flavors with dried herbs and plenty of stony minerals on the palate, with blood orange zest accents. Enjoy now and over the next several years. Drink 2024-2028- 92

2020 Gramercy Cellars ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Syrah- Coming from this site owned by Chris Figgins in the Rocks District, the 2020 Gramercy Cellars ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Syrah offers bulls blood and creosote notes alongside smoldering stone, Umami, Nori and dark cherry flavors. Seriously good, with good tension and richness, no reason to cellar this beauty. Drink 2024-2029- 94

2020 Gramercy Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A really good wine from 2020, the ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off medium bodied sagebrush, tar, pipe tobacco and black raspberry flavors that mingle with copious minerals on the palate. Really well-done, with exquisite poise, this would be a masterful pairing for such a range of steaks — or a juicy burger. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2020 Gramercy Cellars ‘Phinny Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A beautiful Cabernet from this site located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the 2020 Gramercy Cellars ‘Phinny Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off cassis, anise and loganberry notes alongside wet gravel and firm tannins on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with good length, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 94