Cuvaison

I have had some fond visits to Cuvaison and have been enjoying their wines for more than twenty yeas. There is little doubt that they make world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that focuses on poise and texture. I have long admired these wines and fondly recall tasting some impressive early 2000s Chardonnay when I was in graduate school. It is hard to believe that this winery was first founded back in 1969. Then in 1979 they acquired 400 acres of highly prized land north of San Pablo Bay in the Los Carneros district of Napa Valley which is a site that is highly influenced by fog and cooler temperatures from the bay.

They have done really well even in difficult vintages. I love the 2024 Cuvaison Rose (OB, 91) which is juicy and loaded with bright acidity. Learn more about this outstanding producer at https://www.cuvaison.com and here are the killer sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releases by Cuvaison.

2023 Cuvaison ‘Coeurtina’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2023 Cuvaison ‘Coeurtina’ Chardonnay comes from the Tia Vineyard in the Carneros region. It is thick, rich and concentrate stuff offering tropical fruits that mingle well with honeydew melon and nutty accents on the palate. Generous and full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2024 Cuvaison Rose- Made from Grenache grapes, the 2024 Rose delivers a smooth mouthfeel and copious minerals on the palate, as cranberry and blood orange zest combine with bright red raspberry and lemon blossom water on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 Cuvaison ‘Mariafeld’ Pinot Noir- The gorgeous 2023 Cuvaison ‘Mariafeld’ Pinot Noir delivers rocky soils and rich red and dark fruits on the palate, with a smooth mouthfeel. Full-bodied and voluptuous, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 93

Avennia

Sometimes when wines are so good you just have to post on them immediately. Such seems to be consistently the case with Avennia, one of Washington’s great producer of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals. A match made in heaven, Avennia is a joint venture between former Microsoft exec Marty Taucher and winemaker Chris Peterson. These are some of the great wines being made in our state.

Former DeLille Cellars Winemaker Chris Peterson makes some killer wines for Avennia. They are wines that exude class in showing depth, richness and great tension. They age remarkably well. I love the new 2023 Avennia ‘La Perle’ White Wine (OB, 95) which is a total knockout Rhone-inspired blend.  Learn more about these special wines at avennia.com Here are my reviews of the new Avennia wines. 

2023 Avennia ‘Oliane’ Sauvignon Blanc- The outstanding 2023 ‘Oliane’ Sauvignon Blanc comes mainly from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Once on the nose this offers kiwi and white grapefruit zest alongside shades of starfruit and lemon rind. The palate is lithe and polished with a sensational combination of weight and underlying acidity. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Avennia ‘La Perle’ White Wine- The 2023 ‘La Perle’ is a marvelous blend of 60% Roussanne with the remainder Marsanne coming from the Columbia Valley. Beeswax and walnut tones combine with honeydew melon on the nose. The palate is soft and seductive with a smooth mouthfeel and seamless texture. Rich melon and tropical fruits combine with nutty underpinnings on the palate. A complete wine, this is up there with the upper echelon of Washington Rhone-inspired blends. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2024 Avennia ‘L’Egerie’ Rosę- The sensational 2023 ‘L’Egerie’ Rose is mainly Grenache (75%) with the remainder Mourvèdre. Very pale in the glass, this dazzles on the mid-palate with bright acidity and a fat mouthfeel. This comes off very pretty, with loads of mouth-watering acidity as tangerine zest, watermelon, strawberry and cantaloupe flavors collide with copious minerals on the palate. A total stunner, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Don’t serve too cold to take in the amazing range of flavors. Drink 2025-2033- 94

Passing Time

For years I have admired the wines by Passing Time — founded by NFL legends Dan Marino and Damon Huard. Longstanding winemaker Chris Peterson is one of the greats in the Northwest,  as he was the first graduate of the Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture program and worked DeLille for eight years under legendary winemaker Chris Upchurch. His wines are big, bold and beautifully structured, with a beginning, middle and an end.

The new wines were incredible coming from the 2023 vintage. I tasted all from barrel and was amazed with the consistency and sense of place each wine possesses. I am enamored by the 2023 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which has great poise and richness. This is going to be enamored by any Chardonnay lover. Learn more about this fantastic  boutique winery at http://www.passingtime.com Here is my reviews of the new Passing Time wines.

2023 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Columbia Valley’ comes from some outstanding locations in Washington including the Connor Lee and Boushey Vineyards.  Stored in 75% French oak this delivers a silky mouthfeel upon entry. Banana and roasted pineapple connect well with mango, poached pear and vanilla cream on the palate. This has a marvelous push-pull in terms of weight, texture and underlying freshness. Don’t serve too cold! Drink 2025-2033- 95

2023 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Sample- 96-99

2023 Passing Time ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Sample- 97-99

2023 Passing Time ‘Walla Walla' Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Sample- 96-99

Bodegas Valdemar

For years I would purchase the wines of Conde Valdemar ‘Reserva’ bottlings and fondly recall buying many of the 2005 and 2006 wines which clearly overdelivered for the price. Jesús Martínez Bujanda Mora now represents the fifth generation of his family’s 130-year-old wine business. Bodegas Valdemar represents a great past as In 1889, Joaquin Martínez Bujanda began the family winemaking tradition in Oyón, a small town in Northern Spain. His son, Marcelino, and his grandson, Jesús, followed in his footsteps. Jesús' son, Don Jesús Martínez Bujanda, created Bodegas Valdemar in the 1980s.

The new wines were excellent and were very well-structured. I really enjoy the 2015 Conde Valdemar ‘Gran Reserva’ Rioja (OB, 93) which has some great aging potential and is currently displaying some really good flavor range. Learn more about this special winery project at https://www.valdemarestates.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Conde Valdemar.

2021 Conde Valdemar ‘Finca Alto Cantabria’ Viura- The really good 2021 Conde Valdemar ‘Finca Alto Cantabria’ Viura offers peach and nutmeg drenched French bread on the nose with shades of marzipan and stony minerals. The palate is plump, round and generous with great acidity and a smooth mouthfeel. Lovely salty and stony tones complete this outstanding Viura which is drinking in a great spot right now. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2017 Bodegas Valdemar ‘Reserva’ Rioja- The 2017 ‘Reserva’ by Bodegas Valdemar shows uo inky in the glass, offering an excellent combination of depth and poise. Black plum, soy sauce and wild blackberry tones mingle well with orange rind and sandalwood on the palate. Smooth and soft, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2015 Bodegas Valdemar ‘Gran Reserva’ Rioja- The 2015 ‘Gran Reserva’ was stored for 32 months in French oak before bottling. Coming from their estate vineyards, this delivers deep dark fruits that mingle well with refined tannins, Hoisin sauce, blood orange zest and salty minerals on the palate. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next decade or more. Drink 2025-2037- 93

Approachment

Today we share an electric brand out of Oregon. A few years back I got the chance to meet with Approachment founders Jessica and Paden West who have been in the industry for many years. Jessica started her wine path working in wine shops and tasting rooms. After learning the sales portion of the business, Jessica acquired an internship in 2013 at Bethel Heights Vineyard working directly with Winemaker Ben Casteel and viticulture master Mimi Casteel. Jessica then entered the NW Wine Studies program to earn her degree in Winemaking. Paden grew up in the Willamette Valley and began his path in wine just as Jessica did -by working in wine shops and tasting rooms. In 2010, Paden was offered an internship at Penner-Ash, managed by Winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash and Assistant Winemaker Brian Irvine. Paden serves as Benza head winemaker while Jessica makes the Approachment wines that show great poise and texture.

I love the new 2024 Approachment ‘Point of Contact’ (OB, 92) which shows serious texture and great flavor range. Learn more at https://www.approachmentwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the great Approachment wines.

2023 Approachment ‘Oregon’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2023 ‘Oregon’ Chardonnay offers a smooth mouthfeel with crisp apples and pears alongside buttercream accents and shades of apricot on the palate. Smooth, nicely textured and elegant, with brisk acidity, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 Approachment ‘Point of Contact’ Pinot Gris- The 2024 Approachment ‘Point of Contact’ Pinot Gris comes from the Benza Vineyard in the Laurelwood District AVA. This skin-contact Gris is loaded with texture and minerality, showing bright strawberry, cantaloupe and shades of watermelon flavors on the palate. Fresh and vibrant, this exceedingly delicious Gris is best enjoyed in its heady youth. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 Approachment ‘Take Up Space’ Gamay- The 2024 ‘Take Up Space’ comes from the Cynthian Vineyard which is located in the Van Duzer AVA. Translucent in the glass, this delivers pretty red rose petals and bubblegum on the nose alongside shades of Bing cherry. This is wonderfully nervy, with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Very Somm-friendly, I can’t imagine the range of foods this will pair beautifully with. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 92

Jett

It is my great pleasure to share an electric brand new brand in Washington State. As part of the Spire Collection of wines by Jackson Family, Jett focuses on hedonistic, yet well-structured wines from Washington, utilizing some top quality vineyard sites. Legendary winemaker Chris Carpenter serves as consulting winemaker alongside winemaker Gianna Ghilarducci.

Carpenter shared his thoughts about the new project. “We wanted to diversify our holdings and it was a climate hedge initially to look at Walla Walla as an alternative for grape growing. You think about great grape growing for Cabernet and Washington is up there” said Carpenter. He found that “we talked with some people who are influential up there, Chris Figgins and Josh McDaniels. Brandon Moss at Gramercy, Dick Shaw and Chris Upchurch. We got a feel for the place and were able to decide that this is where we wanted to be. We stayed at Abeja and talked with Dan and he showed me the site that we purchased, named Skysill. That is the onus for the project.”

They made the first few wines at Doubleback and Walla Walla Vintners. Winemaker Gianna Ghilarducci has made the picking choices in the wines and explained “with these wines we see the common thread between the brands. The Walla Walla fruit shows the savory side of Cabernet. I love comparing the wines from the different areas, making the wine in a similar way that we do in Napa but having a different expression.”

I loved all of the new wines. Check out the concentrated and powerful 2022 Jett ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which has excellent flavor density despite the coolness of the vintage. Just as good is the 2022 Jett ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which comes from two top sites and has great polish and soil character. Learn more about these brilliant new wines at jettwines.com and here are my reviews of the inaugural releases by Jett.

2022 Jett Syrah- Coming from the Les Collines Vineyards, the 2022 Jett Syrah saw 33% whole cluster fermentation. The wine shows dried herbal aromatics alongside black currants and shades of blackberry compote. The palate is rich and viscous with great tension and verve alongside a silky mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2022 Jett ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 'Red Mountain’ comes from the Quintessence and Shaw Vineyards. Sweet pipe tobacco and anise mark the nos alongside shades of black currant compote. The palate is dense and delicious with serious verve and tension. Very nervy and heady with great concentration and finesse, this really needs about a year of bottle time to settle. Drink 2026-2045- 97

2022 Jett ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Gorgeous and silky, the 2022 Jett ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Andrews and Phinny Hill Vineyards. Jet black in the glass, this offers deep, concentrated black Frits that mingle well with blueberry compote, espresso grounds and shades of loamy soils on the palate. This has well-defined power and finesse. Drink 2025-2042- 97

2022 Jett ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2022 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Leonetti Estate as well as the Seven Hills and Skysill Vineyards. Inky in the glass this shows off great depth and concentration. Dense dark fruits parade with tobacco leaf, dried herbs and shades of graphite with great stony essence. Drink 2025-2044- 97

2022 Jett ‘Skysill Vineyard’ Merlot- The 2022 Merlot was stored in 60% new French oak for 20 months before bottling. The nose shows dense dark fruits with a gorgeous eucalyptus character. The palate is soft and elegant with refined mouthfeel and silky texture. The palate offers great body and freshness with refined tannins and great length. Elegant and rich, this is gorgeous from this slightly cooler vintage. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2022 Jett ‘Skysill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The gorgeous 2022 Jett ‘Skysill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 20 months in 77% new French oak before bottling. This is a silky, refined and luxurious wine that has gobs of freshness and flavor density. Heady black fruits mingle well with pencil lead, anise, dried herbs and shades of black licorice. This is the quintessential iron fist in a velvet glove. Drink 2027-2050- 99

Resonance

Today we share the Oregon house which is led by the historic Maison Louis Jadot — first founded back in 1859. In 2013 Jadot purchased the old vine Résonance Vineyard, in the Yamhill-Carlton wine region. The vineyard was first planted in 1981 and is one of the older plantings of Pinot Noir in this AVA. The Résonance project was first led by eminent Jadot Winemaker, Jacques Lardière who has crafted Pinot Noir in Burgundy for 42 years. He works closely with winemaker Guillaume Large has been at Resonance since 2017.

I very much enjoyed the new wines by Large who has employed beautiful power and poise. Check out the beautiful 2022 Resonance ‘Decouverte Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is powerful and finesse-laden, with excellent flavor complexity.  Learn more about this outstanding house at https://resonancewines.com/ Here are my reviews of the beautiful new wines by Resonance.

2022 Resonance ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- Coming from a range of sites throughout the valley including estate vineyards, Résonance and Découverte. The 2022 ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay opens with brioche and toasty oak notes alongside hazelnuts and shades of salty soils. The palate is fresh and mineral-laden with excellent verve. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Resonance ‘Koosah Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2022 ‘Koosah Vineyard’ was stored in roughly 30% new French oak for 14 months before bottling. Coming from this esteemed site in the Eola-Amity Hills, this opens with salted French bread and apricot notes alongside lemon rind tones on the nose. The palate is dense and nervy with serious tension and salty/stony nuance. With a finish that just won’t quit, this is a glorious bottling that has a long life in front of it. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Resonance ‘Decouverte Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Decouverte Vineyard’ is a Dundee Hills Chardonnay that was stored in mainly natural French oak before bottling. There is a fabulous volcanic stone presence that runs through the core of rich orchard and citrus fruit flavors, with brioche and banana nuances. Complex and showing great verve, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Resonance ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The juicy 2022 Resonance ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir delivers guava puree and bright strawberry tones on the nose with Satsuma orange zest and baking spices. The palate is soft and refined, with good earthy elegance and a smooth texture. Enjoy now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2022 Resonance ‘Resonance Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Resonance ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir is sourced from ungrafted vines planted all the way back in 1981. Stored in 30% new French oak this delivers damp soils and shades of dark truffle shavings on the nose with marionberry and walnut accents. The palate is beautifully-structured, with excellent salinity and tension that runs through a core of bright red and dark fruits, with wild mushroom and peat moss accents. Complex and delicious, this is amongst the finest Pinot Noirs I have tasted from this estate so far. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 Resonance ‘Koosah Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 Pinot Noir comes from the Koosah Vineyard which is a dry-farmed location in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA set on steep rocky slopes, laden with basalt rock. This comes off neatly textured, with a good veil of minerality on the palate. Bright red fruits collide with salty stones and shades of cardamom dusted orange peel on the palate. Refined and elegant, with a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2022 Resonance ‘Decouverte Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Resonance ‘Decouverte Vineyard’ Pinot Noir really needs about 30 minutes of air before consuming. Stored in mainly neutral oak barrels, this offers a dash of white pepper on the nose with black truffle crudo, anise seed, red florals and shades of pomegranate seed. The palate is marvelously flinty and nicely textured, with good tension that runs through a core of tart red fruits, cigar ash and stony accents. Drink 2025-2038- 94

2022 Resonance ‘Founder’s Blocks’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 Pinot Noir comes from the Joys Monts Vineyard, planted in 2017 as well as blocks from the Resonance Vineyard, first planted in 1981. This is a resounding success in terms of minerality and bright red fruits. As time elapses more Mandarin orange zest and stony mineral notes emerge alongside forest floor accents. Drink 2025-2038- 94

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

It is my pleasure to share a famed Napa property whose legacy has been defined by the famed1976 Judgment of Paris. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was initially founded in 1970 and today the vineyard team is led by Guillermo Perez who works alongside head winemaker Marcus Notaro.

Notaro comes from an Italian family that had wine around the dinner table. He decided to work initially in the industry as a tour guide at Chateau Ste. Michelle. The rest has been history as he formerly was winemaker at Col Solare before taking over as head winemaker at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. The wines show excellent poise and depth. I was particularly enamored by the 2021 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Lot No. 1’ Merlot (OB, 93) which has a soft mouthfeel and great underlying acidity from this warm vintage. Learn more about this famed site at https://www.stagsleapwinecellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the 2019 Cabernets by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

2022 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Artemis’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Artemis’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes a range of sites throughout the Napa Valley. It is medium-boded and well-structured stuff with dark chocolate shavings, black licorice and coffee ground notes on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 91

2019 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Surber Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Surber Vineyard’ comes from this location in Calistoga that is farmed by the Surber family.  Inky in the glass, this delivers pencil lead, violets and tar aromatics that mingle well with loamy soils on the nose. The palate is plush and refined with a smooth mouthfeel and great depth and freshness. Gorgeous to consume now, watch this beauty evolved now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2019 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Cellarius Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2019 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Cellarius Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine-club only bottling that is a blend of several vineyard sites. This comes off juicy and delicious with a great melange of black fruits that mingle well with chocolate, mocha, tar and loamy soils on the palate. Medium to full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2021 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Lot No. 1’ Merlot- The outstanding 2021 ‘Lot No. 1’ Merlot comes from the Arcadia Vineyard in Coomsville and has 8% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot, and 1.5% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. It is bold and layered, showing pencil lead and anise notes alongside black cherry compote and cocoa powder on the palate. Fresh and neatly textured, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2018 Washington Retrospective

Coming out of 2017, 2018 was a bit of a breeze. 2017 had strange conditions with smoke overhead for a large portion of the summer, while 2018 had near perfect warm vintage conditions which led to long hang time for fruit in the fall. There was some serious buzz when these wines were released and I was thrilled to share the results of this amazing year. 2018 is sandwiched between two more difficult years — 2019 being a freeze vintage which saw more mixed results for reds and better for whites and 2017 also being slightly better overall for whites than reds. 2018 was a year where red and whites both really impressed. This was a marvelous vintage and up there with the finest I have witnessed like 2002 and 2005. For me it eclipses anything of the 2010s.

Andrew Will’s Will Carmada sees the 2018 vintage as “wines that are drinking marvelous younger and seven years in they are very youthful but they all continue to really produce drinking enjoyment.” He mentioned that “The year does so well in this kind of vintage and you have full-bodied wines that are showing good ripeness and are not alcoholic at all.” He mentioned that his wines from this vintage “produced ripe and juicy fruit flavors that show the ripe vintage well. Now we have the more mushroom and cigar character in the wines when it was just mainly fruit tones to begin with upon release.”

Similarly, Delmas’s Brooke Robertson saw 2018 as “great vintage. Coming off ’17 with so many issues, 2018 we were in the first full year in the head-trained system and the vines were adjusting. Climactically things hit on all cylinders. We didn’t have extremes which was great. It was a slightly earlier pick for us, the ripeness was there. Alcohols are mid-range, 14-14.5%. It was a beautiful year.”

Quilceda Creek made some otherworldly wines in 2018. Director of winemaking Paul Golitzin described the vintage as “A bumper crop. Weather wise this was a great vintage for us and you don’t have to sit around waiting and worrying. If you hit the ripening parameters, that is what it is all about.” He mentioned that “We controlled the yields and the fruit was really pretty. Harvest lasted all the way to November so we had some great hang time.”

I selected the for this retrospective tasting and was amazed by the overall quality and drinkability of the wines right now. Seven years into their development, the wines are really singing. Tasting through the wines you are just blown away from the overall quality of the vintage.

Several perfect wines were made in 2018. I am totally enamored by the 2018 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is absolutely one of the wines of the vintage. with its pillowy mouthfeel and deep core of dark fruits. Vigneron Christophe Baron hit a home run with his bevy of terroir-driven Syrah and Grenache wines. I have been fortunate to try the stunning 2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Grenache (OB, 100) several times in the past year. There is nothing quite like this made in the Pacific Northwest in terms of purity of fruit and flavor range.

Christophe Baron’s 2018 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 100) and the 2018 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 100) were perfect wines made this vintage. Truly scintillating in terms of intensity, tension and flavor density, these beauties are coming up still very primary and gradually moving into more earthy secondary characteristics.

There were many world-class wines made in 2018 as I initially reported for Vinous and Decanter. I adored the 2018 wines by Andrew Will Avennia, Corliss, Delmas, DeLille Cellars, Leonetti Cellar, Long Shadows, No Girls, Upchurch Vineyard and Reynvaan Family Vineyards. 2018 was a monumental vintage for Washington State and don't be afraid to open these beauties now. The top wines from this vintage show some serious aging potential with top class power and dazzling tension that assures they will cellar really well.

ANDREW WILL

2018 Andrew Will ‘Two Blondes’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2018 Andrew Will ‘Two Blondes’ Red Wine that was stored in roughly 33% new French oak before bottling. The blend is mainly Merlot (54%) with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pencil lead and dark florals combine with espresso bean and bright red plum notes. This comes off very weightless and smooth throughout the drinking experience. With elegant tannins and a light dusting of salinity, this is drinking marvelously right now. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2018 Andrew Will ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Red Wine- This 2018 Horse Heaven Hills AVA bottling comes from the famed Champoux Vineyard. This combines 58% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Sandalwood notes combine with Arabica bean, blueberry compote and shades of tar and tobacco leaf. The palate is pillow and soft with a refined sense of structure and bright underlying acidity. Dense dark fruits parade with chocolate cake, sagebrush and anise seed on the palate. A glorious wine from a great vintage, enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 96

2018 Andrew Will ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- This is a one-time made wine that comes from the famed Champoux Vineyard. The 2018 Cabernet Franc was mainly stored in neutral French oak barrels before bottling. Juicy red plum and dark chocolate shavings combine with light red bell pepper tones and a dusting of white pepper on the palate. 100% varietal and completely delicious, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2040- 95

AQUILINI

2018 Aquilini ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 100% varietal 2018 ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon is individually numbered on the back of the bottle. Tar, dark currants and kirsch cordial with scorched earth notes all mark the palate, alongside good structure and weight. Medium to full-bodied, and filled with beautiful tension and refined tannins, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2018 Aquilini ‘Eroe’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2018 ’Eroe’ is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain and was barrel aged for 28 Months in 90% new French Oak. This is round, generous and beautifully-structured stuff that is even now quite tannic. Chocolate and garrigue notes combine with mocha and creme de violette notes on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

AVENNIA

2018 Avennia ‘Gravura’ Red Wine- The really good 2018 ‘Gravura’ is a Cabernet-dominant blend, offering good concentration and verve. The smooth texture entices, with cassis and espresso ground flavors alongside black cherry compote and dried herbs. Fresh and at a great drinking window, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2018 Avennia ‘Sestina’ Red Wine- The gorgeous 2018 ‘Sestina’ is a sensational blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Right away this offers fresh sage and black rose petals that meld well with cassis, tar and shades of espresso bean. The palate shows a great concentration of concentration and freshness as this glides throughout the drinking experience. With great length, this still has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2038- 96

2018 Avennia ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this famed site that was planted all the way back in 1985. This is refined and highly herbal stuff that is drinking marvelously at the seven year mark. Sweet pipe tobacco, sagebrush and bay leaf all combine with a glorious core of dark fruits and cocoa powder on the palate. Neatly textured, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. . . but why wait? Drink 2025-2035- 96

2018 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘Arnaut’ is a glorious edition of this Syrah coming from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Tar and Middle Eastern spices combine with shades of bulls blood, iodine, dark currants and beef drippings on the nose. The palate is plush and pure with a meaty edge and great core of dark fruits, with chocolate, garrigue and coffee ground accents. Complex and highly delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. What a great spot to enjoy this! Drink 2025-2033- 96


CAYUSE VINEYARDS

2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Grenache- The 2018 ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine is nothing short of a perfect wine from a great vintage. Now at the seven year mark it is really peaking. Coming from the famed ‘Armada Vineyard’ the Grenache has a small portion of Syrah blended in. Red currents, iodine and Umami combine with blood orange zest, anise, exotic spices and shades of red cherry candy on this incredible bouquet. The palate is mineral-laden and heady with a pillowy texture and great sense of opulence. Seamless and thrilling to enjoy in your glass, enjoy this head-turning Grenache now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 100

2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah shows off its dark core in the glass. You are immediately drawn to the savory aromatics of fresh thyme and Provencale herbs that combine with black olive tapenade, beef drippings, and shades of boysenberry compote that all meld in the glass. This is weightless throughout the drinking experience. A literal kaleidoscope of flavors burst from the seams, delivering smoky and savory notes to wet stone, a beam of salinity, dark truffle crudo and Hoisin sauce accents. Full, round and generous on the mouth, enjoy this total stunner now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 98


2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Syrah- The stunning 2018 ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ was co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier. Beautiful red rose petals and honeysuckle notes combine on the nose alongside beef tartare, Middle Eastern spices, Cuban cigar and soy sauce notes. The palate is refined and elegant with a seamless texture that entices. Rich dark fruits parade with orange peel, white truffle shavings and cured meats on the palate. Highly novel and complex, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 98

2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah- A total stunner, the 2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ is the only Syrah in Christophe’s collection of wines that was stored in a 20% new large-format French oak prior to bottling. Pipe tobacco, soy sauce, venison and tar notes fill the nose alongside wild blackberry and shades of cardamom. The palate is seamless with no rough edges. Deep and concentrated in terms of its core of dark fruits, with gorgeous stony accents, this is very salty and savory wine that flirts with perfection. Enjoy this otherworldly bottling now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 99

2018 Cayuse ‘The Widowmaker’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ the 2018 ‘Widowmaker’ is composed of all Cabernet Sauvignon from this stony location outside of Milton-Freewater. On the nose this takes on shades of black truffle shavings and soy sauce, alongside black plum and suggestions of white pepper dusted bacon. The aromatic range is incredible for the varietal. Elegant and sleek, this glides throughout the drinking experience which is weightless and beautifully poised. A joy to drink now, consume this outstanding bottling over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 96

COL SOLARE

2018 Col Solare Red Wine- The ebullient 2018 Col Solare Red Wine is a really great edition of this wine. Mocha, tar, anise and dark currants with scorched earth notes all fill the nose, alongside toasty oak. The palate is plush and rich with good texture and tension. Dense and delicious, with a great espresso ground and chocolate core, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

CORLISS

2018 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon- The incredible 2018 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning edition of this wine that was stored in 70% new French oak before bottling. It is dense and delicious on the mouth, with serious tension and flavor density. A great melange of black and blue fruits greets you, alongside cocoa powder, scorched earth and dried herb notes. Give this beauty about an hour in the decanter prior to enjoyment. This is clearly one of the best wines made this vintage. Drink 2025-2045- 98

2018 Corliss Red Wine- The incredible 2018 Corliss Red Wine is equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Stored in mainly new French oak barrels, this is inky in the glass, offering violets, tar and sweet pipe tobacco alongside shades of creme de cassis and dusty soils. The palate is plush, soft, lithe and generous, with a serious tension and flavor density. A world-class wine from this warm vintage, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2043- 97

2018 Corliss Syrah- This is now the fourth time I have tasted this stunning Syrah from this great vintage. The 2018 Corliss Syrah is a hedonistic edition of tins wine coming from Red Mountain. This edition has a dash (3%) of Viognier blended in. Gorgeous red florals combine with coffee bean, iodine, kirsch cordial and shades of huckleberry compote on the nose. The palate is big, bold and downright delicious. This is voluptuous Red Mountain Syrah that is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2025-2037- 97


DELMAS

2018 Delmas Syrah- The drop-dead gorgeous 2018 Delmas Syrah was co-fermented with higher percentage of Viognier (9%). The wine saw some stem inclusion and is texturally gorgeous on the palate. Leafy greens and smoldering stones mark the nose with gorgeous red florals on the nose. The palate is wonderfully stony and salty with serious tension and depth, with soy sauce and seaweed accents. Complex, dense and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight. Drink 2025-2033- 96


DELILLE CELLARS

2018 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine- A really good showing from 2018, the ‘D2’ is dense, decadent and delicious right now. Black tea and Asian spices mark the nose alongside chocolate cake and shades of black licorice. The palate is big and bold with a gorgeous mouthfeel and lovely flavor density. This is one to enjoy now and over the next several years to come. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2018 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine is a gorgeous offering that maintains really good freshness and flavor density now at the seven year mark. Blackberry compote, dark chocolate shavings and tobacco leaf mingle well with shades of baking spices the palate. Medium to full-bodied, this is drinking beautifully now at the seven year mark. Drink 2025-2033- 94


DOUBLEBACK

2018 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon- It is a joy to revisit the beautiful 2018 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon which has 5% Malbec and 5% Merlot blended in. Sagebrush and black tea combine with dense dark fruits and graphite on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous, offering a silky texture and marvelous drinking experience throughout. Opened from my cellar, this is really getting into its sweet spot right now and offers some serious drinking enjoyment. Drink 2025-2035- 96

DUNHAM CELLARS

2018 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine- The fabulous 2018 ‘Trutina’ combines 52% Melrot with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon and small parts Petit Verdot and Malbec. This leads with chocolate covered red cherry on the palate, alongside shades of tobacco leaf and tiled soil accents. Medium to full-bodied, you can really see each working part here. Enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2018 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers beautiful balance between richness and verve. Rich date and sweet pipe tobacco flavors mingle well with blackberry cobbler and shades of dark chocolate shavings and pencil lead on the palate. Rich and viscous, with terrific tension, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. What a wine! Drink 2025-2040- 95

2018 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- coming from the Lewis Vineyard in the Columbia Valley, the 2018 Dunham Cellars Syrah offers violets and tar on the nose with blackberry compote and chocolate. The palate is dense and decadent with a great underlying finesse. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

FIGGINS

2018 FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ Red Wine- The 2018 Figgins ‘Figlia’ Red Wine is a world-class wine that has a long way to go in the cellar. Chocolate covered date and black currants mark the nose with beautiful green herbs and violets. The palate is dense and rich with serious tension and firm tannins that hold in place a gorgeous core of black and blue fruits. Full-throttle and fully delicious, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 97

FORCE MAJEURE

2018 Force Majeure ‘Parvata’ Red Wine- The dazzling 2018 Force Majeure ‘Parvata’ Red Wine is mainly Mourvedre (57%) with the remainder Syrah and Grenache. This is marvelously smoky and meaty with brisket and BBQ beef ribs alongside Hoisin sauce, blackberry compote and lavender essence notes on the palate. Showing good finesse and depth, with a silky mouthfeel, this has aged marvelously and will provide drinking enjoyment for another ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2018 Force Majeure ‘Estate’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘Estate’ Syrah is an inky, concentrated rendition of this wine that is built to age. Once on the nose this takes on concentrated black fruits that mingle well with suggestions of mountain huckleberry and cloves alongside scorched earth notes. The palate is rich and lithe with a silky texture, as this is seamless throughout the drinking experience. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. This is world-class Red Mountain. Drink 2025-2036- 98

2018 Force Majeure ‘Epinette’ Red Wine- A totally stunning edition of this wine, the 2018 ‘Epinette’ combines 79% Merlot, with small parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Coming from this small Red Mountain Vineyard, this is rich and viscous on the nose, showing black rose petals alongside tar and Cuban cigar notes on the nose, offering alluring red bell pepper accents. The palate is full-bodied and delicious with a silky texture and great sense of tension that runs through the core of black and blue fruits. Right now the Petit Verdot really seems to be shining in terms of its herbal character alongside blue fruit essence. Highly enjoyable now, no need to pull this beauty from the cellar immediately. Enjoy over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 98


HORS CATEGORIE

2018 Hors Categorie Syrah- This is now the fourth time I have tasted the world-class 2018 Hors Categorie. Translated as 'a place of its own,' this comes from a rocky hillside, two-acre plot at 1,400 feet of densely planted 11 years old Syrah vines. This a seamless colossus of a wine that is drinking marvelously right now. Smoked brisket, creme de violette, wintergreen and seaweed flavors beautifully meld together with a light dusting of salinity and smoldering stones on the palate. A perfect wine from 2018, enjoy this if you can find one. Drink 2025-2035- 100

HORSEPOWER VINEYARDS

2018 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Fiddleneck Vineyard’ Grenache- A very special wine, the 2018 ‘Fiddleneck Vineyard’ Grenache comes from this tightly spaced parcel just south of ‘En Chamberlin’ and ‘The Tribe’ vineyards which was planted back in 2015. ‘Fiddleneck’ is an ode to the Fiddleneck flowers that were growing on this land before planted to vines. The wine is so good that it is sheer alchemy that the Grenache from this site is in its fourth leaf. This takes on a completely different character than the ‘Sur Echalas’ as it offers extreme purity of red fruits on the palate. Guava puree, strawberry Starburst candy, and Bing cherry flavors all combine with salted Satsuma orange zest, Nori, and shades of prosciutto on the palate. Seamless throughout the drinking experience, this is nothing short of perfection in a great vintage. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 100

2018 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache- A joy to consume right now, the world-class 2018 ‘Sur Echalas’ Grenache is amongst the finest wines of its kind that you will taste in North America. The Grenache saw 100% stem inclusion and was stored in used demi-muids before bottling botting. Umami and fresh wintergreen notes combine with red raspberry coulis, green olives and wet stone, with shades of pomegranate puree. The tension created here is otherworldly. The palate is salty and savory as this lands fat and viscous on the mouth. Wait for the extremely long finish, laden with stony minerals. A total heavyhitter of a wine, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 100

2018 Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah- Coming from the High Contrast Vineyard which was planted five years prior to this bottling, the site has diverse soil types including large cobblestones and also silky loam soils. This comes off very rocky on the nose, alongside Kalamatta olives, dark currants, espresso grounds and shades of violets on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a smooth mouthfeel, as this offers gobs of tension and loads of loamy/rocky soil character. Delicious now, this still has a decade of life in front of it. Drink 2025-2033- 96

L’ECOLE NO. 41

2018 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Apogee’ Red Wine- This edition of the ‘Apogee’ is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) with 27% Merlot and smaller parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The wine was entirely sourced from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard and this bottling was first made all the way back in 1993. It shows off a dense core in the glass, exuding class with cigar box aromatics that parade with dark currants, coffee grounds and loganberry liquor notes. The palate is round, generous and refined, with serious structure still brimming through a core of deep dark fruits. Delicious and savory, with an herbal edge, enjoy this gorgeous bottling now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2018 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Perigee’ Red Wine- Another resounding success in 2018, the ‘Perigee’ combines 50% Cabernet Sauvignon with 16% Merlot and smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Sandalwood and black florals mark the nose alongside a generous core of dark fruit tones. This is beautifully-structured stuff, showing good concentration and is loaded with espresso bean, black currant and cigar ash flavors that combine with refined tannins. Nervy and tense, this still has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2018 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ combines 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with 24% Merlot and smaller almonds of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Coming from this high-elevation, stony site, this exudes class with wet rock, scorched earth and blackberry compote flavors alongside shades of chocolate pie and creme de violette. Complex and loaded with beautiful terroir and finesse, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 96

LEONETTI CELLAR

2018 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning wine from a great vintage the 2018 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon is a compelling blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon alongside small portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Stored in oak barrel and oval botti for 22 months prior to bottling, this offers creme de cassis and sweet pipe tobacco notes on the nose alongside chocolate pie and suggestions of blueberry compote. The palate is beautifully structured and still quite primary, showing velvety tannins and lovely espresso ground, fresh sage and tobacco leaf notes. A joy to consume now at the seven year mark, this has at least fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2025-2040- 97

LONG SHADOWS

2018 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Merlot- The 2018 ‘Pedestal’ is made by famed winemaking consultant Michel Rolland and Long Shadows winemaker Gilles Nicault. The wine combines Merlot with 14% Cabernet Savignon and a touch of Malbec. Inky dark in the glass, this was stored for 22 months in Sylvain and Millet French oak barrels (85% new), this delivers kirsch cordial, scorched earth and fresh thyme on the nose with bitter chocolate. The palate is round, generous and velvety, with refined tannins. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2018 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Pirouette’ combines 68% Cabernet Sauvignon with 22% Merlot and the remainder Petit Verdot. This also stands inky dark in the glass, offering alluring aromatics of green bell pepper and pencil lead from the PV, alongside black florals, and shades of graphite with black currant cordial. The palate is impeccably balanced, with serious power and concentration as well as underlying tension, with salty nuances. A total stunner, enjoy this beautiful wine now and love the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 97

NO GIRLS

2018 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2018 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache is a totally dazzling wine that is thriving at the seven year mark. Aged in neutral large-format oak and given more than 50% stem inclusion, this opens brightly with pomegranate seed and Mandarin orange zest that mingles well with smoldering stones, charcuterie and shades of bulls blood. The palate is dazzling in terms of tension and weightless throughout the drinking experience. Drinking slightly better upon release, this wine could only be from one place and made by one producer. A total masterpiece, enjoy now and over the next few years. But why wait? Drink 2025-2032- 98

2018 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah- A world-class Syrah the 2018 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ shows a scintillant range of aromatics and flavors. Stored in neutral oak puncheons, the wine saw roughly 70% stem inclusion. Right away beef drippings and fresh sage aromatics collide with kumquat rind, cigar ash and shades of clove dusted wild blackberry on the nose. The palate is elegant and refined with a smooth mouthfeel and bright sense of acidity and finesse. Round and generous, with good viscosity and a gorgeous core of dark fruits, with stony essence, this is drinking beautifully now at the seven year mark. Drink 2025-2032- 97

2018 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo- One of the great new world Tempranillos, the 2018 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo comes from this cobblestone-laden vineyard near the town of Milton-Freewater. Oyster sauce, umami dipped BBQ beef ribs and orange peel flavors combine with silky tannins and a pillowy texture on the palate. Very stony and savory, with loads of mouth-watering acidity, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 96

PEPPER BRIDGE

2018 Pepper Bridge ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Pepper Bridge ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous edition of this wine that has  6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 4% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot blended in. Mainly coming from the Seven Hills Vineyard, this offers a deep core with Arabica bean and dark currants that combine with mocha, tar and wild blackberry on the nose. The palate is soft and seamless with beautiful structure to age. Complex and delicious now, with impeccable balance, enjoy over the next twelve to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2018 Pepper Bridge ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ is a reined blend of 38% Merlot, 31% Malbec, and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Petit Verdot. This is beautifully structured stuff with refined tannins on the mid-palate. Tar, espresso grounds and shades of creme de cassis mingle well with sandalwood notes on the palate. Complex and delicious, with good weight and a light herbal accent that is intriguing considering the heat of the vintage, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

QUILCEDA CREEK

2018 Quilceda Creek ‘CVR’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘CVR’ is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and offers gorgeous purple rose petals alongside dense black fruits and suggestions of Arabica bean. The palate is pillow-soft and excellent flavor density and good sense of weight. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 94

2018 Quilceda Creek ‘Palengat’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2018 ‘Palengat’ comes mainly from the Champoux and Mach One Vineyard and is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon with 3% Cabernet Franc blended in. Beautiful red rose petals and red bell pepper notes collide with boysenberry cordial and walnut accents on the nose. The palate is extremely velvety and weightless, with fabulous depth and concentration. Gorgeous and soft now, with a light dusting of salinity, enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 99

2018 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A knockout wine from this outstanding vintage, the 2018 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect wine from this benchmark producer. The palate is opulent and texturally luxurious as this is round and generous, full-throttle stuff that maintains beautiful freshness. A deep melange of black and blue fruits greets you, with serious flavor density. A wow-factor Cabernet Sauvignon, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 100

2018 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The brilliant 2018 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a head-turning bottling from this incredible vintage. Once on the nose this takes on layers of scorched earth and sagebrush alongside heady black and blue fruits, with shades of creme de violette. This is nothing short of perfection in the glass. Drink 2025-2040- 100

REYNVAAN FAMILY VINEYARDS

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 2025-2033- 98

SAVIAH

2018 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak’ Syrah- Coming from this cobblestone-laden vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks District, the 2018 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak’ Syrah offers smoldering stone notes on the nose with black tea, Asian spices, soy sauce and suggestions of bacon fat on the nose. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more decadence. Round, fat and generous on the mouth, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2025-2032- 95

2018 Saviah ‘The Funk’ Syrah- Coming from the famed ‘The Funk Estate’ Vineyard in the Walla Wall Rocks District, this 2018 Syrah has 4% Viognier blended in. It offers beautiful white florals from the Vio, alongside seaweed, oyster sauce and shades of coppa ham. The palate is big, round and voluptuous in terms of weight and texture.  A total stunner, enjoy now and over the next eight years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 96

2018 Saviah ‘Reserve’ Syrah- The stunning 2018 ‘Reserve’ Syrah is a dense and massive bottling that has fabulous push-pull in terms of richness and underlying finesse. The palate is brimming with bright acidity that connects with the generous core of red and dark fruits, with charcuterie and shades of milk chocolate. Delicious now, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2018 Saviah ‘Hunt & Gather’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Hunt & Gather’ comes from the Rocks District, combining 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah. Smoked brisket and black olive tapenade mark the nose alongside violets and shades of lavender oil. The palate is round and fresh with good texture and tension. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2018 Saviah ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- inky in the glass, the 2018 ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers soy sauce and BBQ beef ribs on the nose alongside suggestions of Earl Grey tea and boysenberry cobbler. The palate is beautifully weighted and balanced, as this is really entering its prime right now. Drink 2025-2033- 95

TRANCHE

2018 Tranche ‘Estate’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘Estate’ Syrah comes from the high elevation Blue Mountain Vineyard. This has really good viscosity and verve, showing mountain huckleberry and black cherry compote flavors with smoke and shades of beef drippings on the palate. Flinty and herbal accents add to the intrigue, as this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2025-2031- 94

2018 Tranche ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows black raspberry cordial and garrigue notes that mingle well with shades of pencil lead and light green bell pepper notes, with black rose petal accents. The palate is rich and layered with good freshness and tension that runs through the core of dense dark fruits, with chocolate and anise notes. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2018 Tranche ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc- The 2018 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc offers red bell pepper, dark chocolate shavings and red cherry compote that combine with red rose petals on the nose. The palate is plush and refined with good richness and verve. A delight to savor now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 95

UPCHURCH VINEYARD

2018 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- Pulled from my cellar, the 2018 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a massive, dense and heady effort that is amongst the best that you all find on Red Mountain. Blackberry compote, anise and scorched earth tones mark the nose alongside exotic spices and black licorice notes. The palate is loaded with texture and flavor density, as this seamlessly glides as you take in every delightful sip. Full-bodied and rich, this is really starting to come into its own. Initially a bit reticent upon release, don’t be afraid to uncork this beauty.  Drink 2025-2040- 96

Reynvaan

Today we share the beautiful wines of Reynvaan Family Vineyards, founded by two of the nicest people in the Washington Wine Industry — Gale and Mike Reynvaan. For many years now Matt Reynvaan has been making some of the finest wines in the Pacific Northwest. Studying the art of Bordeaux and Bordeaux Blanc at Chateau Smith Haut-Lafitte, Matt has a deft touch with white wines, producing some of the best Viognier and Grenache Blanc that you will find anywhere in North America.

He has made another world-class range of wines. Check out the 2023 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier (OB, 97) which is a total stunner in terms of weightlessness, texture, and stony essence. Just as good is his 2023 Reynvaan ‘Queens Road’ White Wine (OB, 97) another world-class amalgamation of Marsanne and Viognier. Learn more about this outstanding house at https://www.reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Reynvaan.

2022 Reynvaan Grenache Blanc- An amazing edition of this wine, the 2023 Grenache Blanc is a resounding success in this warm vintage. Beautifully textured, this offers rich kiwi and green melon tones on the palate, alongside copious stony minerals. The length and sense of weight here really drives this beauty that is already nicely defined at the two year mark. Enjoy over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2032- 95.

2023 Reyvaan ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ Viognier- A total masterclass, the 2023 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ Viognier is one of the great new world wines of its kind. It possess a Condrieu-esque mouthfeel and buttery texture, with loads of underlying grip and tension. The combination of weight and mouth-watering acidity really shines here, offering dense honeysuckle water, papaya, honeydew melon and shades of roasted pineapple on the palate. Unctuous and dense, showing slightly less nerve but better overall weight than the ’22, enjoy this total stunner now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 97

2023 Reynvaan ‘Queens Road’ White Wine- Another otherworldly edition of this wine and an epic follow-up to the ’22, the 2023 ‘Queens Road’ White Wine is an unforgettable amalgamation of Marsanne and Viognier that was stored in mainly natural oak barrels prior to bottling. Marzipan and pastry crust notes combine on the nose alongside star jasmine, Bosc pear and shades of juicy starfruit. The palate is big, bold and marvelously weighted, and impeccably balanced, as the extremely lengthy finish just won’t quit. Showing dizzying flavor range and viscosity, enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight plus years to come. There isn’t a wine quite like this in the Pacific Northwest. Drink 2025-2033- 97

2022 Reynvaan Merlot- The gorgeous 2022 Merlot was stored in primarily neutral French oak prior to bottling.  Sandalwood, soy sauce and shades of sweet pipe tobacco all mark the nose with black olives and shades of boysenberry cobbler. The palate is soft and seamless with serious poise and a weightless profile mid-palate. Very nervy and classy, there isn’t a wine quite like this in the world. Stony and savory, enjoy this already beautifully evolved effort now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 96

2022 Reynvaan ‘The Classic’ Red Wine- The 2022 Reynvaan ‘The Classic’ is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with equal parts Cabernet Franc (20%) and Petit Verdot. (20%). The nose is marvelously herbal from the Petit Verdot, as graphite and Hoisin sauce aromatics mingle well with wild blackberry and white peppercorn dusted BBQ beef brisket notes all parade in the glass. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel and great underlying tension. Very savory, stony and salty from this cobblestone-laden terroir, enjoy now and over the next eight tp ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Reynvaan Cabernet Franc- The 2023 Reynvaan Cabernet Franc is the inaugural vintage of this wine that I have tasted from the famed ‘In The Rocks Vineyard.’ Vines from this site come from the Hawes Block, which is named after former NBA all-star center, Spencer Hawes who is also Matt Reynvaan’s cousin. This is soft and wonderfully herbal stuff, offering bay leaf and cloves that mingle well with menthol, dark currants, pencil lead and wet gravel on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has at least another decade of life in front of it. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Reynvaan ‘The Contender’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘The Contender’ Syrah has a touch of Marsanne co-fermented, as this saw a small amount of whole cluster fermentation. Beautiful thyme and white flowers fill the nose alongside shades of boysenberry compote, tar and menthol accents. The gorgeous aromatic range brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is lush, round and generous, with a silky texture. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2022 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘In The Rocks’ comes from this cobblestone-laden site in the Walla Walla Rocks District. One whiff and there is only one place this could be from. Wet stone and Umami aromatics collide with wildflowers, oregano and shades of charcuterie on the nose. The palate is fresh and polished with a refined mouthfeel and great sense of weight and length. Saturated and rich, despite being translucent in the glass, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2022 Reynvaan ‘In The Hills’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘In The Hills’ is sourced from their winery estate vineyard, set on a slope with sweeping views of the Walla Walla Valley. This edition has a small portion of Viognier co-fermented and was stored in mainly natural oak puncheons before bottling. Beautiful white florals from the Viognier mark the nose alongside bulls blood, anise seed, tobacco leaf and suggestions of blackberry compote. The palate is soft and seamless, with great viscosity, weight and length. Finishing long with loganberry, tangerine zest and minerals, enjoy this fabulous effort now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2022 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- The sensational 2022 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah comes from their ‘Foothills In The Sun Vineyard’ which lies in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The nose smells very Rocksesque, offering smoldering stones, with wintergreen aromatics alongside black rose petals, smoked brisket, and green peppercorns on this flat-out fabulous bouquet. The palate is very concentrated and nervy, offering a scintillating push-pull in terms of weight, texture and underlying acidity. Full-bodied and intense, this flirts with perfection and is truly one of the great wines of the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 99

2022 Reynvaan ‘Stonessence’ Syrah- The absolutely captivating 2022 Reynvaan ‘Stonessence’ Syrah comes off brooding in the glass, offering flinty and damp earth aromatics that collide with compost, black truffle shavings, iodine and dense dark fruits. The palate is rich and gratifying, delivering a seamless drinking experience. The length and underlying tension is in wonderful concert with the glorious core of dark fruits, with Umami essence. Full-bodied, viscous and rich, enjoy this decadent treat now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2038- 98

No Girls

Happy Cayuse Weekend to you all. A world-class collaboration between vigneron Christophe Baron and Cayuse GM Trevor Dorland, following the success of Cayuse Vineyards, No Girls features the stony, novel terroir 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. I have particularly been mesmerized by the Grenache from this site that is full-octane and beautifully textured, with serious stony essence.

The style of winemaking offers a brilliant purity of fruits, amazing flavor range and great stony essence. These cost around 100 dollars, but are very well-priced when you consider the complexity of these brilliant wines. The 2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 96) is tension-filled and rich with amazing smoky, stony and salty character. Learn more about this special boutique winery at https://nogirlswine.com/nogirls/

2022 No Girls ‘Double Lucky No. 8’ Red Wine- A great edition of this wine coming from the 2022 vintage, the ’Double Lucky No. 8’ Red Wine is a proprietary blend of declassified fruit from several locations in the Bionic Wines collection of vineyards. Translucent in the glass, this delivers tar and bay leaf notes alongside rich red fruits, wild blackberry and shades of charcuterie. The palate is dazzling and gorgeous, showing a seamless texture and otherworldly drinking experience. Fat and generous, this has to be the finest edition of this wine yet. 673 cases made so grab some while you can. Drink 2025-2032- 95

2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache was sourced from this unique, tightly-spaced location outside of the town of Milton-Freewater. Right away on the nose this offers alluring red rose petals that combine with menthol, orange peel, white pepper and a dusting of Umami. The palate is plush and seamless with serious texture and verve. Medium to full-bodied red fruits parade with wet stone, Parma ham, kumquat zest and shades of steak tartare on the palate. Complex, delicious and neatly textured, enjoy this beauty now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2033- 97

2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah- The alluring and wonderfully stony 2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah is a world-class wine from proprietor Christophe Baron. Stored for 21 months in natural oak, this offers seaweed, allspice dusted smoked meats, green olives and shades of blackberry compote, with dark florals that all take shape in the glass. Medium-bodied, soft and refined, with great minerality and a smooth mouthfeel, this is drinking beautifully right now. Enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 96

2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo- A gorgeous bottling by No Girls, the 2021 ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo weighs in at 14.2% alcohol and comes from vines more than fifteen years old. This is round and generous on the mouth, offering loads of stony minerals on the palate, alongside Hoisin sauce and beef drippings with Mandarin orange rind, creosote and suggestions of creme de violette. Medium to full-bodied, nervy and extremely novel, there isn’t a wine quite like this in North America. Drink 2025-2033- 96

Phelps Creek

Today we share the wines of Phelps Creek, a great Columbia Gorge outpost. Founder Bob Morus serves as President and Director of Winegrowing. He moved to Hood River in 1989 with the expressed goal of raising both wine grapes and kids. The manages his estate vineyard consisting of 36 acres of vines planted mainly to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Lauren O’Brien serves as winemaker, having formerly served as enologist at K Vintners. The new wines were really good across the board. I love the 2022 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is rich and round on the mouth. Learn more about these great new wines at https://www.phelpscreekvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Phelps Creek.

2022 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Chardonnay- The 2022 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Chardonnay delivers buttercream and pie crust notes alongside Japanese pear flavors that mingle well with nutty undertones on the palate. Smooth and round on the mouth, with good tension, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Phelps Creek ‘Estate Reserve’ Pinot Gris- The 2022 ‘Estate Reserve’ Pinot Gris is an acacia barrel-fermented edition of the wine coming from their estate vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA. This is dense and fat on the mouth with a silky texture. Rich baked apple and nutty nuances fill the palate alongside salty minerals. This is really well-done. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Phelps Creek ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir comes off a touch lean with tart cranberry and teaberry notes alongside sour cherry on the palate. Drink now. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2022 Phelps Creek ‘Regina’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Regina’ is round and generous on the mouth, loaded with freshness. Medium bodied red fruits mingle well with orange peel and salty soils on the palate. Delicious to enjoy now, savor this over the next six plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2022 Phelps Creek ‘Cuvee Alexandrine’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2022 ‘Cuvee Alexandrine’ is a round, generous and also mineral-laden bottling by Phelps Creek. On the nose this takes on bright red fruits that mingle well with damp salty soils and shades of cloves. The palate is soft and smooth, with a great sense of texture and underlying verve. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2021 Phelps Creek ‘Beehive’ Pinot Noir- The delicious 2021 ‘Beehive’ Pinot Noir is a Dijon 777 clone wine that comes from a corner of the estate that at a time housed beekeeper boxes. This is soft and round on the mouth, offering pomegranate seed and Bing cherry flavors that mingle well with salty nuances and shades of forest floor. Drink 2025-2033- 92

Two Vintners and Covington Cellars

Today we share one of the finest values that you will find in Woodinville.  Morgan Lee is one of the nicest guys you will meet in the Washington wine industry. Hard-working and earnest, Lee is a former Purdue grad that formerly starred at Columbia Crest before helping found Two Vintners. Lee has a brilliant range of wines including probably the best Zinfandel in Washington. He also makes a killer orange wine called ‘O.G’ which graced my Top 100 last year.

One again he has shone his 2023 Two Vintners ‘O.G.’ Gewurtztraminer (OB, 93) which is brimming with depth, flavor complexity and texture. I adored the 2022 Two Vinters ‘Claire’ Grenache (OB, 95) which shows the pretty side of the Boushey Vineyard. Learn more about these great new releases at https://twovintners.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Two Vintners.

2024 Two Vintners ‘Yo Momma’ Rose- The 2024 ‘Yo Momma’ Rose is a tribute to Morgan Lee’s brother, Tanner. Coming from the Stone Tree Vineyard, this offers tart red fruits that angle well with orange peel, white peach and a touch of sweetness. Drink 2025-2020- 91

2023 Two Vintners ‘O.G.’ Gewurtztraminer- This 2023 Gewwurtztraminer was sourced from the esteemed Olsen Vineyard and saw extended maceration (8 weeks) in clay amphorae before bottling. Golden in the glass, this offers beautiful honeysuckle and white peach note alongside star jasmine and shades of gardenia. This is another sensational edition of this wine with great depth, flavor density and underlying tension that totally over-delivers for the price. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2022 Make Haste Cinsault- This 2022 Make Haste 100% Cinsault from the Olsen Vineyard. This was given 60% whole cluster fermentation which is a major increase from the previous vintage. Orange rind, candied dates and shades of green olive all fill the nose with an Unami edge. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth texture. Generous and rich, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2034- 93

2022 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache- The gorgeous 2022 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache has 5% Syrah blended in. Right away this offers beautiful red rose petals alongside kumquat rind, tobacco leaf, and suggestion of white pepper dusted bacon.  The palate is lush and round on the mouth with a refined mouthfeel. Gorgeous now, enjoy now and over the next eight years. A steal at under 30 bucks. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Two Vintners ‘Claire’ Grenache- The gorgeous 2022 Two Vintners ‘Claire’ Grenache was sourced from the Boushey Vineyard. Great red florals combine with Mandarin orange peel, red currants and freshly tilled salty soils. The palate is plush and elegant, loaded with juicy red fruits and mouth-watering acidity. 35-40% whole cluster fermented, enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Two Vintners ‘Dire Wolf’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Dire Wolf’ is a Priorat-inspired bottling that is mainly Grenache with smaller portions Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is texturally beautiful, showing great length, acidity and weight. Pretty red and dark fruits mingle well with chocolate and fresh sage on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- This 2022 ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah shows inky in the glass, offering Cuban cigar and blackberry compote alongside shades of smoked brisket and black licorice on the nose. Medium-bodied and fresh, with a touch of Viognier added, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Diamonds’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Some Days Are Diamonds’ comes from the Discovery Vineyard and is 100% varietal. Right away this delivers soy sauce and sagebrush notes alongside smoked meats, bacon fat and Kalamatta olives. The palate is very savory and smoky with great texture and lively acidity. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Stones’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Some Days Are Stones’ comes from two acclaimed vineyards in the Rocks District; the famed Stoney Vine Vineyard as well as the Stones Speak Vineyard, farmed by Rich Funk. This is marvelously stony on the nose with great Umami character alongside hoisin sauce, roasted duck and chocolate tones. The palate is rich and refined with a silky texture and great flavor range. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 Two Vintners ‘The Waiting List’ Syrah- The 2022 Two Vintners ‘The Waiting List’ Syrah comes from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. The palate shows beautiful range from dense red and dark fruits with red floral water, orange rind and shades of salty soils. Complexd and delicious, with a smooth mouthfeel and bright acidity, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Two Vintners ‘Oliver’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Oliver’ comes from the Olsen Vineyard and combines Syrah (70%) and the remainder Petite Sirah. Dark chocolate shavings and espresso grounds mingle well with green olives and wintergreen notes on the nose. The palate is dense and concentrated with bright acidity. This is a total knockout. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2021 Two Vintners ‘Lola’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Lola’ comes from the Yellow Jacket Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks District. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah, this shows off great stony character on the palate, with a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of boysenberry and black cherry fruits combine with salted meats and orange rind notes on the palate. The flavor range is sensational. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Two Vintners ‘Alice’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Alice’ is a gorgeous new bottling that is mostly Merlot from the Pollard Vineyard. Pencil lead and boysenberry compote combine with espresso grinds and shades of dried herbs on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with great freshness. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- The 2022 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot comes from the Discovery, Boushey and Pollard Vineyards. Kirsch cordial and milk chocolate flavors mingle well with fresh sage on the nose. The palate is very fresh and neatly textured with good length. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Two Vintners ‘Legit’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2022 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Pepper Bridge, Dineen, Discovery, Stone Tree, Yellowjacket and Pollard Vineyards. The wine has Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot blended in. This is smooth throughout the drinking experience with black tea and dark currants that mingle well with chocolate notes. Great to enjoy now, savor over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2022 Two Vintners ‘Sal’ Cabernet Sauvignon-  The 2022 ‘Sal’ comes from the Discovery Vineyard and has Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blended in. Showing off its soft texture, this is wonderfully herbal offering medium-boded dark cherry and mocha flavors that meld well with a graphite edge. Well-structured, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Two Vintners ‘Stone Tree Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The gorgeous 2022 Zinfandel comes from the Stone Tree Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA and has 16% Petite Sirah blended in. The is dense and concentrated stuff that is downright delicious in its bright acidity, brilliant crore of black fruits and chocolate notes. Full-bodied and showing beautiful finesse, this is one of the great examples of Washington Zin that you will find. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Ma Belle’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Ma Belle’ comes from the Olsen Vineyard and opens with bergamot and bright red fruits that mingle well with citrus zest on the nose. The palate offers pure red fruits with a refined mouthfeel and great sense of weight and tension. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Sangio’ Sangiovese- All coming from the Boushey Vineyard, the 2022 ‘Sangio’ offers rustic tannins with juicy red fruits, orange peel and shades of salty soils on the palate. Delicious now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2021 Covington Cellars ‘Ode’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Ode’ is all Sangiovese that was stored for three years in neutral oak puncheons before bottling. This is rich and juicy stuff on the mouth, offering tobacco leaf and wild blackberry fruit flavors alongside dusty soils on the palate. Nicely structured with refined tannins, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Franc’ Cabernet Franc- The 2022 ‘Franc’ comes from several sites in the Columbia Valley. Red bell pepper, sandalwood and dark chocolate shavings all mark the nose. The palate is fresh and loaded with mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied with a smooth texture, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc- The 2022 ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc is mainly sourced from the Pollard Vineyard. Stored in a combination of oak and terracotta, this offers beautiful dark florals that combine with green bell pepper, orange rind and dense dark fruits with a graphite edge. The palate is seamless, precise and concentrated with a silky mouthfeel and refined tannins. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Rough House’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Rough House’ is a Bordeaux-inspired blend that is Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The palate is dense and decadent, loaded with dark fruits, chocolate, coffee grounds and salty soils. A gorgeous effort from this slightly cooler vintage, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Lawson’ Red Wine- The 2022 ’Lawson’ is mostly Merlot (70%) from the Discovery Vineyard. Chocolate covered espresso bean and Black Forest Cake combine with shades of damp soils and fresh thyme on the nose. The palate is salty and savory with medium-bodied dark fruits, refined tannins, and chocolate notes. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Covington Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2022 Covington Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon has smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot blended in. Black rose petals combine with sagebrush, Arabica bean and shades of dark licorice on the nose. The palate is fresh and refined with a beautiful texture. Drink 2025-2033- 92

Markham

Today we share one of the historic properties in the Napa Valley. Markham Vineyards was founded by Jean Laurent, an immigrant from Bordeaux. He arrived in 1852 to participate in the gold rush. It was 1975 that Bruce Markham purchased several sites in Yountville and Calistoga to produce his own line of wines in 1978. Markham was later sold to Mercian Corporation. It has been owned by Kirin since 2019. Kimberlee Nicholls serves as head winemaker.

The new wines were very good. I love the 2023 Markham Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 90) which offers really nice value and texture. Learn more at https://markhamvineyards.com/ and here are my reviews of the great new wines by Markham.

2023 Markham Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Markham Sauvignon Blanc offers sweetened gooseberry and pear notes on the nose alongside suggestions of kiwi. Soft and approachable with a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2022 Markham ‘Blue Boots’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Blue Boots’ is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with 37% Merlot all from the Napa Valley. It is smooth and soft on the mouth, offering chocolate and black currant flavors that mingle well with coffee grounds on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 91

2021 Markam ‘Little Cannon Vineyard’ Merlot- The really good 2021 Markham ‘Little Cannon Vineyard’ Merlot comes from the Oak Knoll district and utilize Clone 3 and 181 selections. Rich kirsch cordial combines with cocoa powder, espresso grounds and shades of loamy soils on the palate. Round and lush on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

TOR

Today we share the brilliant wines of TOR. Former Beringer Vice President, Tor Kenward, helped put top Beringer wines on the map. He was one of the architects of Beringer’s famed ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet and Chardonnay program which became some of the most acclaimed wines of their kind. Tor also has a new book out that is a truly outstanding read for any lover of Napa Valley wine. TOR is most famous for their inky, concentrated Cabernets but they also make some of the finest Chardonnay in the valley. Winemaker Jeff Ames crafts his Cabernet bottlings to be burly and bold, yet maintaining beautiful structure and flavor range. They are wines that are not to be missed by Napa Cabernet lovers.  The new wines come from the very hot 2022 vintage. However, these wines are not at all overblown and have great structure and flavor range.

I love the 2022 TOR ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is deep and concentrated with serious texture and length. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://torwines.com Here are the exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon releases by TOR.

2022 TOR ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ is sourced from this famed location in Oakville in the foothills in the Mayacama range. Tar and violets mark the nose alongside pine needles, scorched soils and shades of black tea with Middle Eastern spices. The palate is silky and refined as this is much more elegant than the ’21, offering a great sense of texture and underlying tension. Salty and stony nuances mark this beautiful bottling that still has a long way to go in the cellar — but is simply irresistible right now. Drink 2025-2040- 98

2022 TOR ‘Vaca Ridge Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Vaca Ridge Vineyard’ comes from this high elevation location that overlooks Napa Valley and Lake Hennessey. Loganberry compote and creme de violette all combine on the palate, with stony soils, mocha and shades of Black Forest cake. Complex, polished and delicious, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2022 TOR ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022l ‘Oakville’ was sourced from a range of great sites throughout Oakville including the Tench Vineyard. Exotic spices and espresso grounds all mark the nose alongside shades of black licorice and loamy soil. The palate comes off fresh and inviting with a smooth mouthfeel, loaded with black fruits and savory herbs. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Corollary

Today we share the outstanding wines of Corollary. They began with the 2017 vintage and more recently in 2022, they acquired 57 acres of land in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA where they are one of the only properties in Oregon dedicated exclusively to sparkling wines.

I visited their beautiful site last summer and tasted through their lineup. The location is remote and highly scenic, with incredible views of the valley. Each bottling offers a refined mousse with good nuance. I adore the 2020 Corollary ‘X-Omni Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) which is loaded with citrus tones and tension. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://corollarywines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Corollary.

2020 Corollary ‘X-Omni Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The brilliant 2020 Corollary ‘X-Omni Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine is a stunning warm vintage wine that is showing marvelous at the five year mark. Marzipan and lemon rind tones combine on the nose alongside shades of shortbread, oyster shell and kumquat zest. The palate is marvelously fresh and beautifully textured, as the sensational mouse grips you. Loaded with freshness and beautiful tension, with excellent length, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2020 Corollary ‘Namaste Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2020 ‘Namaste Vineyard’ is 100% Chardonnay from this site in the Van Duzer Corridor. The nose offers Meyer lemon zest alongside oyster shells, freshly cut limes and shades of marzipan. The palate is tightly-knit, with serious tension and weight that contributing to the loads of lip-smacking acidity. A joy to consume, enjoy this limited production wine now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2020 Corollary ‘Winter’s Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc- The 2020 ‘Winter’s Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc sparkling wine  comes from old vine plantings at this Dundee Hills outpost, set on volcanic soils. This is generous on the mouth with loads of lemon and lime zest alongside wet stone, pear and pie crust accents. Excellent now, enjoy over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Corollary ‘Cuvee One Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 Corollary ‘Cuvee One Brut’ Sparkling Wine comes from a range of sites and was given the wine was given roughly 2g/L dosage, as this combines 64% Chardonnay, 23% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier, with the remainder Pinot Blanc.  It is fresh and refined stuff that is drinking marvelously now. Juicy nectarine and Japanese pear flavors meld well with salted macadamia nut and green melon notes on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Corollary ‘Momtazi Vineyard Extra Brut’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The brilliant 2021 Corollary ‘Momtazi Vineyard Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine is offering brilliant salted red fruits on the nose with red rose petals and shades of persimmon. The palate is refined and elegant with a rich mouthfeel and loads of salty minerals. Generous and lifted, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2021 Corollary ‘Cuvee One Extra Brut’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The really good 2021 ‘Cuvee One’ Rose comes from a range of sites throughout the valley. Granny Smith apple and shades of pomegranate seed combine with salty peach and cranberry tones on the palate. Soft and elegant with a silky mousse, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

Elentone

It has now been about a year since I have written about the outstanding sparkling wines of Elentone. This is a limited production winery out of Woodinville, Washington, and the brainchild of winemaker Chris Sherry. Sherry hails from Brighton in southern England, which is somewhat of a stone’s throw from England’s premier sparkling wine country. Sherry is an avid Brighton football supporter and shares the same passion for sparkling wines. He has formerly trained under Morgan Lee at Two Vintners.
Each wine is crafted in the traditional Champagne method and are given a limited or zero dosage.  He is making wines from one of the outstanding sites in the Columbia Gorge, the Rainmaker Vineyard that Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen of W.T. Vintners has made famous. Sherry’s wines are salty with a soft mousse and very approachable. He does a good job with creating  refinement on the attack — whereas some producers are creating bubble bombs.

Check out the outstanding 2020 Elentone ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which saw extended tirage and has really good flavor range. Learn more about these beautiful wines at elentone.com and here are the outstanding new wines by Elentone.

2020 Elentone ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The really good 2020 ‘Brut’ combines mainly Chardonnay (83%) with the remainder Pinot Noir. Aged en tirage for 36 months this delivers green apple and salted orange peel notes on the palate, with lemon zest and wet stone character on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Elentone ‘Noa’ Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine- Nearly all Chardonnay with a small amount of Pinot Blanc, this was stored on the lees for three years and given 4G/L dosage. This offers bright citrus florals on the nose with shades of pie crust and white peach notes. The palate is reined and elegant with great length and loads of mouth-watering acidity. Totally captivating and complex, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Elentone ‘Juno’ Rose Sparkling WIne- The 2022 ‘Juno’ combines 60% Pinot Noir with the remainder Pinot Meunier that was stored on the lees for 20 months before bottling. A light salmon hue, this delivers bright melon and citrus fruits on the nose with red raspberry notes. The refined mousse entices as loads of freshness and salty minerals enter the mid-palate. Juicy and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2020 Elentone ‘SHadowplay’ Sparkling WIne- The 2020 ‘Shadowplay’ is all Pinot Noir sourced from the Rainmaker Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA. This comes off big and burly, loaded with bright red fruits alongside orange zest, white pepper and hints of green papaya on the palate. Zero dosage, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2018 Elentone ‘Cloudbursting’ Sparkling Wine- The 2018 ‘Cloudbursting’ spent five years on the lees before disgorgement in May 2025. The nose comes off wonderfully nutty with ripe honeydew melon, juicy nectarine and shades of chamomile tea. The palate is round with great volume and texture that melds well with the outstanding flavor range. Drink 2025-2033- 94

Virtue Cellars

It has now been more than four years that I have reviewed the wines of Virtue Cellars— a Seattle-area winery that was founded in 2013 by Kevin and Kathryn Mueller.  Jake Edens and Kevin Meuller serve as co-winemakers. They source from some great sites in Eastern Washington and produce roughly 1,000 cases of Bordeaux and Rhone style wines each year. The wines are well-priced from some awesome vineyards.

Check out the 2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Sincerity’ Syrah (OB, 91) which is laden with minerals and shows excellent flavor range. Learn more about these wines at https://www.virtuecellars.com Here are the great new releases by Virtue Cellars.

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Enthusiasm’ Grenache- The 2022 ‘Enthusiasm’ comes from the famed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. This offers pretty red rose water and strawberry tones alongside blood orange zest and salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

22 Virtue Cellars ‘Unity’ Red Wine- The 2022 Unity’ is a GSM-style wine that offers garrigue and orange zest with red currants and smoked meats on the nose. The palate is quite linear with good structure and light to medium bodied red fruit flavors. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Wisdom’ Mourvedre- The 2022 ‘Wisdom’ is sourced from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard as this is 100% varietal wine. This comes off light to medium-bodied with beef drippings, tar and black olive notes alongside lighter black fruits. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Sincerity’ Syrah- Coming from the Wallula Vineyard, this 2022 Syrah offers a smooth mouthfeel with loganberry and Bing cherry flavors that parade with salty minerals and orange peel notes on the palate. Lighter to medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Charisma’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Charisma’ comes from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Despite being a hot site this comes off a bit herbal and lean with dark currants, chocolate and tobacco leaf. I would like more flavor density here. Drink 2025-2031- 89

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Temperance’ Cabernet Franc- The 2022 ‘Temperance’ comes from the Weinbau Vineyard. It offers garrigue and pencil lead tones on the palate alongside creme de cassis notes and salty soils. Delicious now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 91

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Vitality’ Malbec- The 2022 ‘Vitality’ is a Weinbau Vineyard Malbec from this slightly cooler vintage. It comes off lighter to medium-bodied on the palate, with good structure and texture. Chocolate, iron and shades of creosote all combine with flavors of dried herbs on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 91

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Fortitude’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Fortitude’ is a Bordeaux-inspired blend that opens with cocoa powder and dark currants on the nose with shades of coffee grounds and red cherry tomato. The palate is soft and inviting with lighter to medium bodied dark fruits alongside savory herbs, graphite and chocolate tones. Drink 2025-2032- 91

BV Names Nate Weis as Senior Winemaker and General Manager

We have some big news out of the Napa Valley as Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) has named Nate Weis as General Manager and Senior Winemaker. Weis brings decades of experience after spending 11 years with Silver Oak, where he played a pivotal role in shaping some of the most recognized luxury wines in the world. In addition to leading winemaking and grape growing operations for The Family of Silver Oak—which includes Silver Oak, Twomey, OVID Napa Valley, Prince Hill Vineyards, and Timeless Napa Valley. He also has former stints at Patz & Hall and Antica Napa Valley. I am very excited to see what Weis brings to the new winemaking at BV.

Louis Roederer

Today we share one of the greats out of Champagne. I had a glorious visit to Louis Roederer and am excited to be back soon. Roederer is one of the premier brands in the world, producing their world-famous ‘Cristal’ champagne. The first ‘Cristal’ Champagne was created back in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II. The emperor asked Louis Roederer to reserve the House’s best cuvée for him every year as he was fond of Louis Roederer’s style. This Champagne was initially distinguished by being presented in a flat-bottomed, transparent lead-crystal bottle. The ‘Cristal’ brand was named after the lead-crystal bottle, which is particularly transparent and luminous. 

They somewhat recently began doing their ‘Collection’ wines which involves a blend of vintages somewhat akin to the ‘Grande Cuvee’ by Krug. The latest wine, the ‘Collection 245’ is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier that has a 55% base from the 2020 vintage. This wine is absolutely gorgeous to enjoy right now. Learn more about these beautiful wines at www.louis-roederer/com and here is my review of the latest release from Louis Roederer.

MV Louis Roederer ‘Collection 245’ Champagne- The ‘Collection 245’ utilizes a base from the 2020 vintage. Near equal parts come from the “La Rivière” Estate, the “La Montagne” Estate and the “La Côte” Estate. This is bold and rich stuff with toasty brioche, ginger, Pink Lady apple and shades of starfruit on the palate. With a refined mousse, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2034- 93