White Walnut

Today we share the beautiful wines of White Walnut. Created by the former winemaker and general manager of Archery Summit, Chris Mazepink, he smartly purchased land in the Dundee Hills back in 2013. Chris sensed the potential of the property as it is located adjacent to the vineyards of legendary Oregon wineries Domaine Drouhin and Archery Summit. Chris and his sons, Archer and Charles, cleared the land, by hand, in the summer of 2014 and then planted it to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 2015 and 2016. They preserved the remaining walnut trees on the property that continue to produce fruit and are now well over 70 years old, standing stoic amongst the vines. He sees the immense potential in making wines that all come from the Dundee Hills AVA. The wines were sensational across the board as we talked everything from Chris’s upcoming marathon run to international soccer.

The quality of his 2024 wines were extraordinary across the board. I adored the 2024 White Walnut ‘Worden Hill Road’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is wonderfully rocky and beautifully textured. Learn more about this outstanding new winery at https://www.whitewalnutestate.com Here are the great new wines by White Walnut.

2024 White Walnut ‘Dundee Hills’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Dundee Hills’ was barrel fermented and no additives were added to the wine. Native yeast fermented, this did not see any battonage and was aged in barrel for one year before being moved to stainless steel before bottling. The nose is wonderfully reductive with great stony character. Lime zest and diatom fill the palate with amazing stony and flinty character. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 White Walnut ‘Worden Hill Road’ Chardonnay- The 2024 White Walnut ‘Worden Hill Road’ Chardonnay was stored in a small amount of new oak before bottling. Meyer lemon zest and shades of kiwi combine with great reductive, flinty nuances on the nose. The palate is marvelously salty and terroir-driven with a very Chablisesque flair. Stunning, and wonderfully stony, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘Apple Field Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Planted in 2016 by winemaker Chris Mazepink, this offers powerful white florals on the nose alongside lemon rind and baking spice laced pastry crust. The palate is rich and mineral-laden with loads of finesse. Mainly citrus fruits dominating the palate, pushing mango character and loads of wet stone, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘Terrarosa Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Owned by White Walnut, the 2024 White Walnut ‘Terrarosa Vineyard’ Chardonnay is the first crop off this vineyard which was originally planted to Pinot Noir and then grafted over. Diatom and salted lime combine with the flinty and stony character on the palate. Showing impressive weight, length and tons of tension, this is a stunning wine that has a long life in front of it. Only 12.5% alcohol! Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘White Walnut Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2024 White Walnut ‘White Walnut Estate’ Chardonnay was stored in a small amount of new oak before bottling. Super reductive on the nose this takes on flinty tones alongside lemon blossom, white rose and suggestions of nectarine skin. The palate is rich and layered with terrific mouthfeel and lots of texture. Dense and chewy with amazing diatom character, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 White Walnut ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir offers tangerine zest alongside Bing cherry and shades of red licorice. The palate is loaded with tension and salty/stony minerals alongside its core of red and dark fruits. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 White Walnut ‘Worden Hill Road’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 White Walnut ‘Worden Hill Road’ Pinot Noir offers gunmetal and tart red fruits on the nose with orange blossom. The palate is nervy and shows amazing texture alongside orange fruit flavors and wild strawberry tones. Dense and delicious, with excellent nerve, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘White Walnut Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 White Walnut ‘White Walnut Estate’ Pinot Noir offers beautiful red rose petals on the nose with bergamot and tangerine peel notes. The palate is lush and round with terrific texture and great stony character. Brimming with tension and texture, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 White Walnut ‘Apple Field Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Apple Field Vineyard’ Pinot Noir combines five different clonal selections. This is wonderfully reductive on the nose with its flinty tones alongside violets and shades of red currants. The palate is lithe with amazing tension and stony character. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘Terrarosa’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 White Walnut ‘Terrarosa’ Pinot Noir shows black and red florals on the nose alongside shades of red licorice and anise seed. The plate offers a beautiful melange of red and dark fruits with orange peel and salty/stony soils. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Chateau Lascombes

Today we share the beautiful wines of Chateau Lascombes which is a property with a whopping 120 hectares (296 acres) planted in the Margaux appellation, as well as 10 hectares (24 acres) in the Haut-Médoc appellation. It is one of the largest vineyards among the classified growths of 1855. Set near the center of Margaux, vines are set on a range of soil types, as the vineyard has three separate blocks of roughly the same surface area: a gravelly outcrop planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, a block of clay-gravel made up of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and finally clay-limestone plots, where Merlot is planted. As these wines have a softer expression for the region, it is no surprise that Merlot makes up roughly 50% of vines planted which is highly unique to the appellation.

Sitting down with head winemaker Axel Heinz we chatted about the current vintage. Harvest is extremely condensed in this warm 2026 vintage in Bordeaux. Heinz noted “The current vintage is one of the ripest and warmest. In the 20th and 21st century this was the earliest harvest.” We chatted about other warm vintages, including 2009 which Heinz noted “was nowhere near as hot and as early as 2026. It is quite interesting to see a conference about Cabernet Sauvignon and the perspective of climate change. We had to pick examples of warm and cooler vintage and I picked 2009 as an example of a warm vintage. I looked at the weather charts and picking dates and that was almost by today’s standards as a late ripening style.”

In terms of a varietal shining this year Heinz finds that it “might be Cabernet Sauvignon if it is at an early stage. That is the variety that we feel has done most well. This is a vintage all about vineyard site. Certain types of soils and terroirs that have fared better than others.”

I tasted the 2023 wines with Heinz and was so impressed with the overall quality. He mentioned “2023 was an interesting vintage and it is in the bottle now. It was slightly overlooked when it was first reviewed. For various reasons and we know that when we have a brilliant vintage the following vintage gets overlooked. This certainly happened because of the halo that 2022 had and it was easy to overlook 2023. And perhaps because we are entering a cycle of more difficult times in Bordeaux and the wines in general and therefore there was a bit less immediate enthusiasm of the vintage. They are quite different than the 2022s and although it is not a vintage that you would look at the vintage as classically Bordeaux in style. Although in some parts of the growing season it also was a fairly warm vintage but the wines have a sense of balance and restraint and symmetry.” 2023 is reminding me of 2017 in terms of being sandwiched between two excellent years. I like the balance that ‘17s bring and that is now showing up in the glass.
Heinz has been on board now for more than a year and impacting the Lascombes program utilizing a lower percentage of new French oak. He stated “We have a different approach to the Grand Vin and designed for longer aging” he said. “We make our second wine that has a bit more readability in its youth.”

Lascombes is owned by The Lawrence Family, owners of Napa Valley’s iconic Heitz Cellar and Managing Partner and Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, Jr.. The wines from 2023 show really nice cellaring potential and a great push/pull between fruit character and non-fruit essence. The gorgeous 2023 Chateau Lascombes (OB, 95) is all about balance right now, as the black fruit flavors are slowly stepping into the fray. Compared to the ’22 it is quite more restrained and classic, with less pure dark fruits and better herbal undertones. This perfumed beauty has at least fifteen to twenty years in front of it. Learn more about this famed house at https://www.chateau-lascombes.com and here is my review of the beautiful 2023 releases by Chateau Lascombes.

2023 Chateau Lascombes ‘Chevalier de Lascombes’ Red Wine- The ‘Chevalier de Lascombes’ is primarily Merlot (70%) and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Petit Verdot. This wine comes from vines from gravely soils around the historical heart of the estate. The wine is beautifully perfumed with red rose petals and potpourri alongside red currants and shades of fresh sage. The palate is fleshy and fresh with terrific structure and depth. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Chateau Lascombes ‘La Cote Lascombes’ Red Wine- This is a new wine to Chateau Lascombes, as the ‘La Cote Lascombes’ is all Merlot coming from clay and limestone soils at the estate vineyards. It stands inky in the glass, showing off gorgeous black florals that combine with green herbs, crushed wet rock and shades of black licorice. The palate is powerful and concentrated with amazing depth and purity of dark fruits with amazing freshness and clay soils character. Beautifully-textured, enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 95

2023 Chateau Lascombes- The 2023 Lascombes is a stellar effort in this slightly cooler vintage. The wine comes from the more historic vineyard holdings at the estate set on nearly all gravel soils. This combines 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 37% Merlot, with the remainder  Petit Verdot. The gorgeous aromatics of black rose, anise, cassis and shades of dark chocolate shavings with a graphite edge. The palate has amazing stony soil character and mouth-watering acidity with refined tannins. Gorgeous now with a long decant, with a brilliant herbal edge, enjoy over the next fifteen to twenty years. Be sure to give this several hours in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2026-2046- 95

Soos Creek

Today we share one of the great, older producers in Washington. Soos Creek is a Washington outpost that is built on producing quality wines that exude both class and value. Starting back in in 1989, David and Cecile Larsen started to make wine in the Boeing Wine Club (and even blackberry wine). They originally modeled their winery after Quilceda Creek, producing only one Cabernet Sauvignon wine. They now make a pretty wide range of wines including a beautiful Syrah. He sources from some of the great sites in the state including Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun in Red Mountain, David makes roughly 2,000 cases each year focusing on high quality red wines. 

This is nearly the final vintage for Soos Creek which is an emotional farewell to the Washington wine industry. I would like to personally thank David and Cecile Larson and what they have accomplished and contributed to our industry. They have done this for 36 vintages which is a remarkable achievement and speaks to the quality of wine in the bottle.

I love the new 2024 Soos Creek ‘Au Revoir’ Red Wine (OB, 94) which is their tribute wine, composed of 40% Petit Verdot with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. It is stunning wine that has many years in the cellar to go. Learn more about this great boutique winery at http://www.sooscreekwine.com Here are the final wines made by Soos Creek.

2024 Soos Creek ‘Commander Comet’ Syrah- Sourced mainly from the Discovery Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, the 2024 ‘Commander Comet’ black florals, smoked brisket and tar notes on the nose. The palate is refined and smooth with terrific concentration with its black fruit and chocolate core. Delightful to consume now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 Soos Creek ‘The Volunteer’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘The Volunteer’ is mainly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is a tribute wine to the many people who have helped Soos Creek over the past several decades. It comes off medium to full-bodied with terrific underlying tension. Refined tannins frame a core of cassis and creme de violette flavors alongside sagebrush accents on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2024 Soos Creek ‘King Cab’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another delicious edition of this wine, the  2024 ‘King Cab’ packs a punch for only twenty dollars SRP. It shows kirsch and black raspberry fruits with dark chocolate shavings and graphite on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy this awesome value now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2024 Soos Creek ‘Phinny Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 ‘Phinny Hill Vineyard’ is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Petit Verdot from this site located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Wintergreen aromatics fill the glass alongside cigar ash, allspice dusted black fruits and shades of black licorice. The palate is both fresh and viscous with terrific volume and mouth-watering acidity. Gorgeous to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2024 Soos Creek ‘Soliel’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Soliel’ is a blend of near equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Milk chocolate covered black cherry, lavender and thyme notes mark the nose alongside shades of sandalwood. The palate is juicy and delicious with terrific freshness and texture. This is drinking marvelously now and will be sure to show well over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2024 Soos Creek ‘Sazon’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Sazon’ is mainly Merlot (78%) coming from the McNary Vineyard. Mocha, scorched earth and dried herbs all fill the nose with shades of potpourri. The palate is plush and juicy, brimming with bright acidity. A terrific melange of red and dark fruits greets you on the palate alongside Arabica bean notes. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Soos Creek ‘Au Revoir’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Au Revoir’ is the farewell wine from Soos Creek after 36 vintages from proprietors David and Cecile Larsen. A silky combination of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Petit Verdot (40%) this stands jet black in the glass. Pencil lead, graphite and heady dark fruits combine with shades of Turkish coffee on the palate. Concentrated and powerful, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2041- 94

Joseph Phelps

A great story in Napa wine, Joe Phelps, a Colorado construction contractor turned Napa Valley vintager, purchased a 670-acre cattle ranch in St. Helena in 1973. It was then in 1974 that Phelps  had a great harvest and wanted to name his wine something differently. The family came up with the name ‘Insignia’ to signify a wine of exceptional quality.

The first vintage came in 1974 and the inaugural wine was primarily Steltzner Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon along with some Merlot, and was sought to change each year. It uses the finest available lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.

The 2023 ‘Insignia’ is a stunning wine that combines 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. It is a dazzling, deep and powerful effort by winemaker Ryan Knoth. Here is my review of the stunning 2023 ‘Insignia’ by Joseph Phelps.

2023 Joseph Phelps ‘Insignia’ Red Wine- Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (88%) the 2023 ‘Insignia’ is a monumental effort by winemaker Ryan Knoth. It comes off muscular and well-chiseled on the nose wit iron and graphite notes alongside sweet pipe tobacco, boysenberry compote and gorgeous black florals. The palate is deep and concentrated with a refined mouthfeel and great sense of weight and underlying finesse. Just an infant right now, this beauty has decades of life in front of it. Try to resist this stunner for at least another year. Drink 2027-2047- 99

Cristom

Today we share the outstanding wines of Cristom. This is one of the most gorgeous spots that you will find in the Willamette Valley. Over the years Cristom has gained world-wide acclaim for their single vineyard Pinot Noirs. More recently they have been really improving their Chardonnay program.  The Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir has been one of the great values out of Oregon. This 2023 edition of this wine is another sensational bottling by them.

WInemaker Daniel Estrin, who also serves as vineyard manager, has an impressive resume, with stints at Red Car as well as Craggy Range in New Zealand before landing his position Littorai. He makes some beautiful wines and is a great job with this vineyard and wine program.  Check out the outstanding 2024 Cristom ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is a dazzling wine from this famed site. Check out more about these outstanding wines at https://www.cristomvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new releases by Cristom.

2025 Cristom ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2025 Cristom ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay was stored for nine months in 35% new French oak before bottling. This packs a serious punch with light reduction and a smooth mouthfeel, offering medium-bodied melon and citrus fruits. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Cristom ‘Mt. Adams Cuvee’ Chardonnay- A blend of fruit from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, the 2024 ‘Mt. Adams Cuvee’ offers nice reduction on the nose wth gunmetal and lemon blossom alongside shades of green melon. The palate is very mineral-laden with terrific freshness and salty/stony tension. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Cristom ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2024 Cristom ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from this acclaimed site in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Cristom has worked with this location since 2020. Rocky soils combine with shades of mango and salted macadamia nut. The palate has terrific tension and verve, as the finish just won’t stop. This is a knockout wine that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2024 Cristom ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay- A gorgeous wine from this dazzling, windy site in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, the 2024 ‘Royer Vineyard’ was stored in a small amount of new French oak before bottling. The palate is extremely nervy with amazing diatom character. Salty soils combine with peaches, white grapefruit and shades of cardamom dusted brioche on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2024 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Six acres was originally planted to this location which was later grafted over to Syrah, Viognier and Pinot Noir. Only half an acre remains at this site. The 2024 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows tangerine blossom and nectarine alongside shades of honeydew melon on the nose. The palate is powerful and dense with bright acidity, with light nutty undertones. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from this windswept location at the top of the estate vineyard, the 2024 ‘Eileen Vineyard’ comes off wonderfully rocky with lemon rind and shades of diatom on the nose with rich melon tones. The palate is dense and nervy with amazing verve and texture, loaded with stony minerals. Wait for the minute-long finish! Drink 2026-2036- 97

2025 Cristom ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- At only 30 bucks SRP, the 2025 ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir packs a punch and was 40% whole-cluster fermented. It comes off soft with juicy red and dark fruits alongside orange peel notes. Drink 2026-2032- 91

2023 Cristom ’Louise Vineyard’ Viognier- The 2023 ‘Louise Vineyard’ was sourced from this location set on basalt soils. Stored in all neural oak barrels, this delivers honeysuckle and juicy peach aromatics that combine with salty soils and shades of ginger on the nose. The palate is fresh and lithe with a smooth texture and good sense of length. Nervy and intense, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2024-2033- 93

2023 Cristom ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Gamay- The 2023 ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Gamay comes from both the Paul Gerrie and Björnson Vineyards. This was given 100% whole cluster carbonic maceration and then stored in neutral oak barrels before bottling. Translucent in the glass, this delivers loads of juicy red fruits that collide with baking spices, thyme and a light dusting of white pepper, with cran-orange accents on the palate. Really good in its vibrant youth, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2024 Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2024 Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir was stored in 16% new French oak for 11 months prior to bottling. This vintage marks the 30th vintage of this wine and is all from estate fruit. This opens with potpourri, guava puree and shades of red licorice with exotic spices on the nose. The palate shows good refinement and verve with serious texture and layers of loganberry, cloves, wild blackberry and compost flavors. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Cristom ‘Jessie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The brilliant 2024 Cristom ‘Jessie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir saw 43% whole cluster fermentation and was stored in 25% new French oak before bottling. Rich red florals fill the nose alongside shades of red licorice and cranberry. The palate is rich and savory with lovely herbal character alongside a terrific melange of red and dark fruits. Give this at least an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Louise Vineyard’ comes from this location that has a steep hillside as this was stored in 27% new French oak before bottling. Sandalwood and shades of thyme combine with orange blossom and beautiful red fruits all mark the nose. The palate is very savory with soy sauce notes that mingle well with a core of red and dark fruits alongside tobacco leaf and orange rind. The flavor range here is outstanding, as this has a long life in front of it. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was stored for 18 months in 30% new French oak before bottling. This is a windy site on top of the estate that has both Jory and Nekkia soils. Dark in the glass, this offers a silky mouthfeel upon entry. Loads of mouth-watering acidity follows alongside a core of black cherry compote and black raspberry flavors. Stony and savory, this is a stunning wine that has a long life in front of it. Drink 2026-2044- 96

2024 Cristom ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Original plantings from this site are from 1982, as the 2024 ‘Marjorie’ saw 43% whole cluster fermentation. Stored for 18 months in 30% new French oak this opens with pretty potpourri tones on the nose alongside thyme and shades of sandalwood with ripe red fruits. The palate has amazing volume and mouth-watering acidity. Gorgeous in its heady youth, make sure to give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Cristom ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The stunning 2024 Cristom ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this estate site planted back in 2014. It is a dense monster of a wine that has decades of life in front of it. Once on the nose this takes on layers of red and dark florals with cloves, dried herbs and shades of red currants. The palate has amazing volume and mouth-watering tension with rocky soil character alongside tart dark fruits. Dense and delicious, enjoy now and over the next two decades. Drink 2026-2046- 97

J. Lohr

It is my pleasure to share the wines of J. Lohr — a brand that has been synonymous with value in California wine. Beginning in the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began searching for a great location plant his first vineyard. Raised on a South Dakota farm, Jerry had a background in agriculture and chose the Central Coast, which was an experimental region at the time. Jerry has created an amazing success story with his winery, J. Lohr. While J. Lohr has gained a nationwide reputation for rich red wines, their white wine portfolio is also has some outstanding values.

The wines sow good value and I really enjoyed the 2024 J. Lohr ‘Purse Paso’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 91) which has great richness and Paso character. Learn more about this outstanding lineup at https://www.jlohr.com Here are the outstanding new wines by J. Lohr. 

2025 J. Lohr ‘Flume Crossing’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2025 J. Lohr ‘Flume Crossing’ Sauvignon Blanc is nicely textured stuff with peaches, kiwi and white grapefruit flavors. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2025 J. Lohr ‘Bay Mist’ White Riesling- The 2025 ‘Bay Mist’ Riesling offers some sweetness on the mid palate with strawberry and starfruit flavors alongside a soft mouthfeel. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 89

2024 Paperwhite By J. Lohr ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay- The 2024 Paperwhite By J. Lohr ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay is soft and approachable with slightly sweet baking spice laced melon flavors. Drink 2026-2030- 87

2025 J. Lohr ‘Wildflower’ Valdigue- The 2025 J. Lohr ‘Wildflower’ Valdigue offers bright red fruits with orange rind notes on the palate. Soft, with lively acidity, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2024 J. Lohr ‘Pure Paso’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 J. Lohr ‘Pure Paso’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows sweetened dark fruits and chocolate flavors with a smooth mouthfeel. Delicious now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 91

Long Shadows

Gilles Nicault for more than a decade has been crafting some of the finest wines in Washington State He has a knack for making world-class wines in tough vintages. One of the great stories in Washington wine, Long Shadows began by visionary and Washington wine pioneer Allen Shoup. Shoup is a founding father of the Washington wine industry. He spent 20 years building Château Ste. Michelle and its affiliate wineries, serving as the company's CEO for 17 of those years before establishing Long Shadows in 2002. He had an incredible vision for Long Shadows and built a world-class wine brand from the ground up. The Nine Hats brand that he founded is consistently one of the better value lineups that you will find in Pacific Northwest wine. Long Shadows has an epicurean tasting at their Woodinville tasting room that is arguably the finest food pairing for great wine that you will taste at any Pacific Northwest winery (https://longshadows.com/visit-taste). This is such an epic, very Napaesque, tasting experience that is truly one of a kind.

I adored the new 2025 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling (OB, 93) which is one of the great Rieslings made in Washington State. Learn more about these famed wines at longshadows.com and here are my reviews of the beautiful new Long Shadows wines.

2025 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling- The 2025 ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling is a gorgeous edition of this wine that has terrific push/pull between weight and stony minerality. Wafts of petrol and wet stone mark the nose alongside ripe peaches. The palate is laden with minerality and texture, with the faintest hint of sweetness. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2022 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Saggi’ is a one of a kind bottling that is a benchmark Super Tuscan-inspired wine from Washington State. This edition has the highest percentage of Sangovese ever (67%) alongside 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Syrah. Blue and black florals mark the nose with pipe tobacco, leather, and shades of red licorice. The palate is luxurious and refined in terms of mouthfeel, texture and underlying freshness. A gorgeous, generous bottling despite the relative coolness of the vintage, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2022 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Merlot- The 2022 ‘Pedestal’ is a dense and delicious bottling from this slightly cooler vintage. The silky mouthful and refined tannins immediately gratify on the palate. Layers of cocoa powder dusted black cherry, cigar box, anise and Cuban cigar all combine on the palate, with sandalwood notes. A gorgeous and generous bottling that is loaded with texture, tension and flavor density, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2022 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ Red Wine- The stunning 2022 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) with30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Stored for 22 months in nearly all new French oak this shows off black rose petals, green bell pepper and fresh sage on the nose alongside shades of black licorice. The palate is dense and rich with terrific texture, tension and length. A dazzling wine that has a long way to go in the cellar, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2022 Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ Syrah- Very inky in the glass, the 2022 ‘Sequel’ underwent roughly 33% whole cluster fermentation and was stored in a small portion of new French oak barrels before bottling. White pepper dusted beef brisket, Hoisin sauce, and shades of Umami all fill the nose. The palate is seductive with serious left and richness. Chocolate, beef drippings, tar and allspice dust black fruits all seamlessly combine on the mid-palate. A joy to consume, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2022 Long Shadows ‘Chester Kidder’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Chester Kidder’ is a full-bodied blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Syrah, and 3% Petit Verdot. Garrigue and pencil lead notes combine with dark chocolate shavings, black florals and tar notes on the nose. The palate is powerful and rich with a refined mouthfeel and great sense of texture. Gorgeous now, offering immediate gratification, enjoy over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 95

Avennia Acquires Gramercy Cellars

We have some big news in Washington wine as Avennia has acquired Gramercy Cellars, the Walla Walla-based winery founded twenty years ago by Master Sommelier Greg Harrington.

“Gramercy Cellars is one of the wineries that compelled the rest of the country to take Washington seriously,” said Chris Peterson, co-founder and director of winemaking at Avennia. “Greg created and developed this winery with his own unique voice. Our job is not to change or reinvent his vision, but rather to provide him with the resources and support necessary to continue taking this project to new heights.”

Both wineries will function independently and Gramercy will continue to operate its Walla Walla-based tasting room. Huge congrats to Avennia and their team

VIADER

It is my pleasure to share the incredible wines of VIADER. A tale of fortitude and dedication, Delia Viader only made one wine, a Bordeaux style blend, since 1986. Holding a PhD from Sorbonne University in Paris, founding winemaker Delia Viader founded Viader decades ago and was an amazing success amongst consumers and wine critics alike. Today her son, Alan, produces some brilliant red blends that are entirely sourced from their estate vineyard on Howell Mountain. A remarkable story, Delia stated VIADER while raising four children on her own. Since starting the winery she was met with some incredible critical acclaim for her pretty style of wine that typically incorporates a large amount of Cabernet Franc.

I have loved these wines over 20 plus years. Delia’s son, Alan, served as VIADER vineyard manager since 2002 while studying winemaking at UC Davis. He has been lead winemaker at VIADER since 2006 and works with Delia on all wines. 

I dared the 2023 VIADER Red Wine (OB, 98) which is a total stunner with amazing richness and stony character. Learn more about this storied Napa winery at https://viader.com Here are the beautiful new wines by VIADER.

2023 VIADER ‘Black Label Estate Limited Edition’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Black Label Estate Limited Edition’ is comprised of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Syrah, with 9% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. It is powerful, well-structured stuff that stands jet black in the glass. Needing about 30 minutes in the decanter to be fully open, this shows off gorgeous black florals with dark chocolate shavings, wet gravel and shades of black licorice on the nose. The palate is seamless and round throughout the drinking experience, with an amazing iron, sanguine character. This has to be the finest edition of this wine yet and be sure to give it plenty of air if enjoying in its heady, mineral-laden youth. Drink 2026-2040- 96

2023 VIADER Red Wine - The dazzling 2023 Viader Red Wine is a compelling blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc that needs an hour or two to fully unwind in the the decanter right now. Once aroused it shows gorgeous black floral tones that combine with crushed wet rock, allspice dusted black fruits and Earl Grey tea notes that all take shape in the glass. Once on the mouth the unctuous, pillowy texture really entices. The palate is plush and inviting with loads of stony minerals, clay loam nuances and mouth-watering acidity to accompany the seamless texture. A dazzling wine that has just begun its evolution, try to resist this cellar-worthy beauty for at least another year. Drink 2027-2050- 98

Orr Wines

It is my pleasure to share the beautiful wines of Erica Orr. One of the amazing talents in Washington wine, Erica Orr has long been at the helm at Baer. Many years back she sought to re-create some of the Washington wines of yesteryear in crafting top class Chenin Blanc. This was a major hit for the consumer and somms alike.

Erica Orr has a gorgeous new lineup. She makes one of the best Chenin Blanc wines in Washington. The 2025 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc (OB, 93) has amazing texture and flavor range. Learn more about these great wines at orrwines.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Erica Orr.

2025 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc- One of the great wines of its kind, the 2025 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc offers a seamless texture on the approach. Loaded with cashew and melon fruits, with lovely damp earthy nuances, this is drinking marvelously right now. Don’t serve too cold! Drink 2026-2033- 93

2024 Orr Wines ‘Salumeria’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2024 ‘Salumeria’ is mainly Sangiovese (58%) with 37$ Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Merlot coming from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. It is a well-structured and delightful Super Tuscan-inspired blend, with a pretty core of red fruits alongside dried herbs, pipe tobacco and milk chocolate notes. Refined tannins, and good length add to the enjoyment here as this is best enjoyed over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Orr Wines ‘Royal Slope’ Red Wine- A wine with a great cause, the 2024 Orr Wines ‘Royal Slope’ Red Wine comes from donated grapes from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, as proceeds go to Columbia Valley vineyard workers. This is forward, juicy and delicious with a smooth texture. Lush dark fruits mingle well with Arabica and salty soil notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2024 Orr Wines ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache- The 2024 ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache is a delicious, highly approachable bottling coming from the Boushey, Sagemoor and Stillwater Creek Vineyards. This is filled with pretty guava and red raspberry fruits that combine with white pepper dusted charcuterie. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2033- 93

Long Shadows 'Julia's Dazzle' Rose

Summer might be almost over but it remains Rose season. And surely Football and great Rose are a great match.  One of he top Rose wines made in Washington State, ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ is made my Long Shadows and winemaker Gilles Nicault. Each year this wine continues to impress, utilizing old vine Pinot Gris grapes that contribute greatly to the flavor density and mouthfeel.

The 2022 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose (OB, 93) is a wine that is already singing but will become more and more complex as it ages. It seriously polished effort that is best consumed at a slightly warmer temperature. At around twenty dollars, the 2022 ‘Dazzle' is a steal in the Pacific Northwest Rose market. Learn more about these incredible wines at longshadows.com and here is my review of the 2022 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose.

2025 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose-  The outstanding 2025  ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ is a gorgeous bottling that has the slightest hint of sweetness. It is big, round and generous on the mouth with terrific texture and verve. A gorgeous melange of red and melon fruits greet you alongside Satsuma orange zest and baking spices with hints of rose water. A delicious and also highly nuanced wine with its earthy undertones, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 93

Iterum

Sitting with Joe Dobbes in his house we share stories of his longstanding time in the Oregon wine industry. We tasted together and then headed to barrel taste his 2025 wines which show serious promise. Dobbes built and sold his namesake brand. He had a hiatus in wine and then built a new brand that focuses on wines from his his Orchard House estate the Eola-Amity Hills AVA as well as several other vineyards.

Purchased in 2018, his Orchard House estate is making some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in Oregon.  I love his 2025 Iterum ‘Orchard House Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 93) which is one of the best wines of its kind in the state. Learn more about this outstanding house at https://iterumwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Iterum wines.

2025 Iterum ‘Orchard House Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The outstanding 2025 Iterum ‘Orchard House Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc comes from their estate in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and was stored in 25% new Acacia wood before bottling. Freshly cut grass and kiwi notes combine with nutty nuances on the nose. It is neatly-textured stuff with loads of melon fruits that combine with starfruit and white grapefruit. This is really good stuff, with excellent length. Drink 2026-2032- 93

2023 Iterum ‘Clone 114’ Orchard House Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Clone 114’ Orchard House Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows off beautiful red rose petals alongside orange peel, bergamot and salty soils. The palate is elegant, refined and shows a sensational texture with outstanding flavor range. Roughly 10% whole cluster fermented. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Quailhurst Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Quailhurst Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from the Chehalem Mountains AVA as Dobbes began working with this site back in 2002. The wine is all Wadenswil clonal selection Pinot Noir. Wafts of black truffle combine with pine needles and shades of dark currants on the nose. The palate is powerful and very earthy with a black fruit profile alongside shades of salty and stony soils. Showing outstanding length, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Arlyn Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The awesome 2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Arlyn Vineyard’ Pinot Noir offers sandalwood and wet rocky nuances on the nose with shades of purple rose petals. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass. The palate is dense and delicious with a refined mouthfeel and outstanding weight. A powerful core of red and dark fruits follow, as this beauty has a long life in front of it. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Iterum ‘Eola Bench’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Eola Bench’ Pinot Noir come from vines planted back in 2012. Juicy strawberry, red cherry and red currants combine with blood orange zest on the palate. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is neatly-textured stuff with serious texture and tension. Bright red fruits combine with salty soils and shades of red licorice on the palate. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard Wadenswil Clone’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard Wadenswil Clone’ Pinot Noir comes off wonderfully earthy on the palate. Damp herbs combine with shades of red raspberry, cloves and green herbs on the palate. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard Pommard Clone’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard Pommard Clone’ Pinot Noir is wonderfully earthy on the nos with black truffle shavings and peat moss alongside shades of dark florals. The palate is juicy and brimming with bright acidity and tension. Loads of slaty minerals combine with pretty red fruits and orange peel notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Pepper Bridge and Amavi

It is my pleasure to share the fabulous wines made by Swiss-born winemaker Jean-François Pellet. Pellet is a third-generation wine grower. He is an incredible talent that worked with his father before coming to the Walla Walla Valley back in 1999. Pepper Bridge founder Norm McKibbon saw the potential in Pellet and made him Pepper Bridge winemaker. The brand has been going strong ever since. In addition to being winemaker at both Pepper Bridge and Amavi, Pellet is a partner in Artifex, the largest custom crush facility in Walla Walla, as well as the Octave Vineyard. Wines by Pellet have gotten better and better, even more consistent in the past ten years.

I was able to try a few wines from the new vintage on the horizon, 2025. Pellet mentioned that “2025 was moderate in terms of 100 degree days. This helped with the white wine and Rose wines.” He was very fond of 2024 “And I think that this vintage is really good across the board” he said.

Yesterday I sat with Pellet and tasted his new wines which were amazing across the board. His Amavi brand continues to deliver good value. I love the 2025 Amavi Semillon (OB, 93) which is arguably the finest Semillon you will taste on the West Coast.  He has consistently been crafting one of the finest Rose wines in Washington State. the 2025 Amavi Rose (OB, 93) is another amazing edition of this wine filled with nuance and earthy character.  Learn more at pepperbridge.com and here are the gorgeous new red wine releases by Pepper Bridge.

2025 Amavi Semillon- This 2025 Semillon has a small portion of Sauvignon Blanc blended in. This wine was first made back in 2002. This offers wonderful walnut tones on the nose alongside kiwi white florals and starfruit notes. The plate is lifted with a silky mouthfeel and marvelous sense of weight, with underlying stony minerality. Drink 2026-2032- 93

2025 Pepper Bridge Sauvignon Blanc- The 2025 Pepper Bridge Sauvignon has 9% Semillon blended in. This was first made in 2013. Pink grapefruit blossom combines with pretty gooseberry and guava fruits on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with terrific mouthfeel and amazing verve. This is refined Sauvignon Blanc, loaded with tension, that has some great aging potential. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2025 Amavi Rose- Another amazing edition of this wine, the 2025 Amavi Rose was all fermented in stainless steel and is 100% Cabernet Franc from two locations in the Walla Walla Valley. Pretty mandarin orange blossom and red raspberry tones mark the nose alongside damp earthy tones. The palate is rich and seamless as this glides throughout the drinking experience. It is an outstanding Rose that has some excellent cellaring potential. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2024 Amavi ‘Walla Walla’ Syrah- Coming from a range of locations in the Walla Walla Valley, the 2024 Syrah was stored in 30% new French oak and has 11% Grenache blended in. The nose shows savory and smoky tones with dark currants and fresh sage. The palate is fresh and viscous with great herbaceousness and stony notes. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Amavi ‘Les Collines’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Les Collines’ comes from this location in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The nose is gorgeous with blue florals alongside blackberry compote, sagebrush, anise and shades of pencil lead. The palate is velvety and soft with amazing flavor density and verve. The palate is loaded with sanguine character and mouth-watering acidity. Loaded with earthy tones and stony minerals, this youthful Syrah showing beautifully right now. Drink 2026-2034- 95

2023 Amavi ‘Stone Valley’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Stone Valley’ was given roughly 50% whole cluster fermentation. Stored in a small amount of new French oak (10%), this shows off charcuterie, Nora, white pepper dusted bacon and black olive tapenade flavors on the palate. Fresh and lively with terrific flavor density, this could come from only one place. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Amavi ‘Ceres’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Ceres’ is almost equal parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Stored in a relatively small amount of new oak this shows Arabica bean notes alongside pencil lead and cassis tones. The palate is big and rich with terrific freshness and pretty floral character from the Cabernet Franc. This is already drinking marvelously. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Amavi ‘Walla Walla’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Wallla Walla’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous wine that comes from the Pepper Bridge, Les Collines, Octave and Summit View Vineayrds. Pencil lead and sandalwood combine with mocha, tar and creme de cassis notes. The palate is juicy and delicious with terrific flavor density and finesse. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2023 Pepper Bridge ‘Walla Walla’ Merlot- The 2023 ‘Walla Walla’ Merlot has a touch of Malbec and Cabernet Franc blended in. All coming from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Summit View and Octave Vineyards this offers menthol and pretty red florals on the nose with a velvety mouthfeel and refined tannins. Rich dark fruits mingle well with coffee grounds and shades of dark currants on the palate. This is well-structured and impeccably balanced stuff, as this comes off seamless through the drinking experience. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2023 Pepper Bridge ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ Red Wine-  The 2023 ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ Red Wine is a silky blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec 9% Petit Verdot. The aromatics are gorgeous with black florals and green herbs that combine with mocha, and tar notes. The palate has terrific structure, weight and poise. It has velvety tannins with a refined mouthfeel as this comes off very elegant. Offering great length, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2044- 95

2023 Pepper Bridge ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2023 Pepper Bridge ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Red Wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) based blend with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec all coming from this high elevation site. Espresso grounds and anise combine with black florals on the nose. The palate is silky and elegant with terrific structure and amazing weight and poise. The damp soil character is outstanding. A long-ager, enjoy this beauty now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 95

2023 Pepper Bridge ‘Trine’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Trine’ combines 45% Cabernet Franc with 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. This is lifted aromatically with bright red florals with green herbs on the nose alongside pencil lead and shades of cigar ash. The palate is plush and round with a generous mouthfeel. Showing loads of salty minerality, this offers excellent structure, weight and length. Drinking beautifully now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2044- 95

2023 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous bottling that has small portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc blended in. The wine comes off seamless and elegant with serious freshness and texture. Mocha, creme de cassis and violets all combine with damp soils on the palate. There is a terrific push/pull between ripe dark fruits and earthy character, as this will age beautiful for two decades. Drink 2026-2046- 95

Alexana

Today we share the beautiful wines of eminent cardiologist, Dr. Madaiah Revana. He founded Alexana in the Dundee Hills AVA many years back. The winery has expensive views of the Dundee Hills and they are a modern facility that utilizes both gravity flow and is certified Gold LEED. Tresider Burns handles winemaking, formerly being head winemaker at White Rose. I love the wines that he makes, as I tasted with him several weeks ago.

I adored the 2024 Alexana ‘Signature’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is a deep and powerful wine that is already neatly defined. which is another gorgeous edition of this wine.  I love the 2024 Alexana ‘Landslide Blocks’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is sourced from both volcanic and marine sedimentary soils at their estate vineyard. It has an amazing push/pull between stony and salty nuance. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at http://www.alexanawinery.com Here are the great new release wines by Alexana. 

2025 Alexana ‘Hillsides’ Pinot Gris- The 2025 ‘Hillsides’ comes mainly from the Alexana estate vineyard as well as a vineyard in West Linn that was planted back in 1980.This is neatly-textured stuff with juicy pear and baked apple alongside starfruit tones. Fresh and lithe with great minerality, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Mainly barrel-fermented, this is drinking marvelously and don’t serve this neatly-textured beauty too cold! Drink 2026-2034- 93

2025 Alexana ‘Estate Vineyard’ Riesling- The 2025 Alexana ‘Estate Vineyard’ Riesling is made in the Trocken style, with no perception residual sugar. Petrol and star jasmine water combine with mandarin oranges peel and Key lime on the palate. Showing awesome tension, enjoy now and over the next six years. Drink 2026-2032- 93

2024 Alexana ‘Signature’ Chardonnay- This 2024 Alexana ‘Signature’ Chardonnay was stored in roughly 30% new French oak before bottling. This has some fruit from the Gran Moraine blended in. Meyer lemon zest combine with shades of honeydew melon and pink grapefruit blossom on the nose. The palate is lush and round with terrific mouthfeel and loads of salty tension. Enjoy over the next decade, as this shows better at a warmer temperature. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Revana ‘Eola-Amity Hills Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay-  The 2024 Alexana ‘Eola-Amity Hills Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes off marvelously reductive on the nose with freshly cut limes, green melon and rocky soils. The palate is plush and seamless throughout the drinking experience. Rich and layered, with amazing flavor range, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2024 Alexana ‘Mosaic’ Pinot Noir- Coming from their two estate vineyards, the 2024 ‘Mosaic’ Pinot Noir offers beautiful red florals on the nose alongside shades of red licorice and rocky notes. The palate has terrific depth and nerve for the price. Loaded with bright red fruits and citrus zest, with salty and rocky soil character. This is exceedingly good stuff for under 50 bucks. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Alexana ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Estate’ was sourced from their two estate vineyards located in the Dundee Hills AVA. Right away this opens with wet rock and shades of wild blackberry with beautiful red florals. The palate is complex and rich with terrific acidity and a silky mouthfeel. This is just an infant and has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2024 Alexana ‘Kinney Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-  The 2024 Alexana ‘Kinney Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes off big and rich with a gorgeous melange of red and dark fruits on the nose with red rose petals. The palate is plush and shows outstanding flavor density and power. Very laden with minerality, this is gorgeous to consume in its heady youth. Roughly 75% whole cluster fermented. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Alexana ‘Lava Lands’ Pinot Noir- Coming from volcanic soils located at the Alexana estate in the Dundee Hills, the 2024 ‘Lava Lands’ Pinot Noir shows off smoldering stone and bright red fruits alongside shades of exotic spice. The palate is wonderfully rocky with serious texture and tension. A glorious core of red and dark fruits greet you alongside great diatom character. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Alexana ‘Landslide’ Pinot Noir- A truly unique wine made from both volcanic and marine sedimentary soils, the 2024 ‘Landslide’ offers loganberry and red currants that combine with orange blossom notes. The palate is wonderfully salty and rocky with a terrific mouthfeel and bright acidity the runs through the core of largely red fruits. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Alexana ‘Marine Ridge’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Marine Ridge’ comes from soil types rarely found in the Dundee Hills. This is very nervy and salty with sea salt dusted red fruits alongside kumquat zest and loads of stony minerals. Refined and elegant, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2024 Alexana ‘Madiah’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Madiah’ underwent all whole cluster fermentation. This wine is Pommard clone from marine sedimentary soils at the estate vineyard. Once on the nose this shows beautiful red florals alongside orange peel and bergamot notes. The palate is wonderfully salty with serious finesse and a pretty core of red fruits. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Alexana ‘Heritage Clones’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Alexana ‘Heritage Clones’ Pinot Noir is a dense and chewy bottling that has amazing texture and flavor density. Elegant throughout the drinking experience, this offers serious tension and salty nuance. Bright red cherry and red raspberry fruits combine with kumquat zest notes and salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Alexana ‘Best Block’ Estate Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Best Block’ comes from Block 7 Pinot Noir vines which are Pommard selection. Black rose petals mingle well with boysenberry and dried herbs. The palate is plush and rich with a great melange of red and dark fruits alongside Earl Grey tea notes. This is brilliant now and will go on for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Alexana ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-The 2024 Alexana ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was given roughly 50% whole cluster fermentation. Beautiful red rose petals mark the nose alongside Asian spice alongside orange blossom and shades of red licorice. The palate is lush and very mineral-laden with terrific verve. Offering outstanding weight and length, with its pretty core of red fruits, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Alexana ‘Fennwood Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Fenwood Vineyard’ was sourced from this location in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Aged in primarily natural oak, this offers wet rock and black truffle shavings on the nose with pretty black florals. This comes off neatly-textured with a smooth mouthfeel and loads of black fruits alongside great damp earth tones. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Alexana ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Very impressive in its youth the 2024 Alexana ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is brimming with bright acidity with terrific freshness. It is loaded with a gorgeous melange of black and red fruits alongside exotic spice, Mandarin orange zest and salty minerals. Chewy, with refined texture, this saw roughly 15% whole cluster fermentation. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Lange

It is my pleasure to share the wines from one of the historic locations in Oregon. It was back in 1987 that Don and Wendy Lange bought a massive property in the Dundee Hills, with sweeping views of the valley. For many years Don crafted his namesake wines for and then his son, Jesse, transitioned into their head winemaker, taking over for his father. Jesse’s formal winemaking training occurred at New Zealand’s Lincoln University while on a student exchange scholarship from Oregon State in 1999. Jesse made world-class wines for years.

The new 2024 wines were sensational across the board. I love the 2024 Lange ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is big and well-structured with amazing aging potential. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.langewinery.com/ and here are my reviews of the Lange wines.

2025 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris- Stored in all neutral French oak puncheons, the 2025 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris offers nutmeg drenched pastry crust and pear notes on the nose with tangerine blossom. The palate is soft and mineral-laden with terrific freshness. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Chardonnay- A blend of their estate vineyard, as well as Nine Bark, and Freedom Hill Vineyards, the 2024 ‘Three Hills’ Chardonnay shows off buttercream and shades of white peach alongside juicy limes. The palate is soft and inviting with bright acidity and loads of melon and citrus fruits. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Lange ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2024 Lange ‘Estate’ Chardonnay comes from old blocks that date back to 1998. This has terrific body, weight and length on the palate. Meyer lemon rind and nectarine combine with shades of buttered French bread on the palate. Don’t serve too cold! Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Lange ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2024 Lange ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from old plantings (Clone 76) at this location. Stored in roughly 33% new French oak, this shows off flinty and stony nuances on the nose with freshly cut limes, starfruit and toasty brioche. The palate offers racy minerality with outstanding length. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2024 Lange ‘Classique’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Classique’ comes mainly from the Estate and Lucky River Vineyards. Brimming with juicy red fruits on the nose this comes off soft and round on the mouth. This offers strawberry and red cherry compote on the palate alongside salty minerals. Easy-drinking, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 91

2024 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Reserve’ mainly comes from the Estate and Lucky River Vineyards. A great melange of red and dark fruits greet you on the nose alongside shades of pine needles and peat moss. The palate is lush and round on the mouth with terrific tension, coming off seamless throughout the drinking experience. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from three separate vineyard locations, the 2024 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir shows off orange rind and bergamot on the nose alongside damp earth and wild blackberry. The palate is soft and neatly-textured, loaded with red and dark fruits alongside damp earthy undertones. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Lange ‘Yamhill-Carlton Assemblage’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from Hirschy Vineyard, the 2024 ‘Yamhill-Carlton Assemblage’ is all 777 clonal selection Pinot Noir. This shows mainly pretty red raspberry and strawberry fruits alongside salty soils and shades of orange blossom water. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Lange ‘Lucky River’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this estate location, the 2024 Lange ‘Lucky River’ Pinot Noir comes from this location that lies roughly five miles from the Freedom Hill Vineyard. Potpourri and sandalwood tones combine with shades of red licorice on the nose. The palate is lush and inviting with a seamless texture, with outstanding weight and verve. This is pretty, downright sexy Oregon Pinot Noir that is built to age. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Lange ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Lange ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir comes off big and burly with bright acidity. Black tea and exotic spices combine with lush dark fruits on the palate.Soft and beautifully-textured, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Lange ‘LIberty Bell’ Pinot Noir-Mainly coming from the Freedom Hill Vineyard, the Lange family has worked with the Freedom Hill Vineyard since 1990. This is loaded with rich red fruits alongside shades of red licorice and salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2024 Lange ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2024 Lange ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this location set on ancient marine sedimentary soils. This is seamless throughout the drinking experience with outstanding underlying finesse. A terrific combination of red and dark fruits combine with Earl Grey tea notes and salty soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Walter Scott

Today we share the world-class wines of Walter Scott, founded by Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow. Walter Scott honors two integral men in Ken’s life: Walter, Ken's grandfather, who was a flight engineer for Trans World Airlines and Scott, and Ken's nephew who passed away young and reminded both Ken and Erica that life can be exceedingly short. Their first vintage was produced in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars and in 2011 Walter Scott began making Chardonnay, which was met immediately with seriously good critical acclaim. I have really enjoyed these from my personal cellar and they age so gracefully.

The’22s and ‘23s were incredible. Each were done with a different style with the ‘22s a touch more mineral-laden. 2024 Walter Scott wines have amazing texture and stability. They are going to be exceedingly long-lasting wines. For my money one of the great Chardonnays made in North America, the 2024 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 98) has flat out fabulous reduction and flavor range. It is a dazzling new Chardonnay that is a must-buy for any serious collector of Oregon wine. Learn more at https://www.walterscottwine.com Here are my tasting notes from the beautiful new lineup of Walter Scott wines. 

2024 Walter Scott Bracken Vineyard’ Aligote + Chardonnay- A new wine for me, the 2024 ‘Bracken Vineyard’ combines both Aligote and Chardonnay. Walter Scott Aligote shows off its matchstick and wild mushroom notes on the nose alongside rich melon and orange blossom tones. It comes off marvelously nutty with Macadamia and salted peanut notes that combine with dense melon and citrus blossom water tones on the palate. The stony character here is outstanding. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2024 Walter Scott ‘Cuvee Anne’ Chardonnay- A sensational edition of this wine, the 2024’Cuvee Anne’ is a killer value that was sourced from a range of sites spanning the Willamette Valley. It is light on its feet with terrific texture. Sourdough bread and salted peach flavors combine with shades of wet gravel and pastry crust on the palate. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2024 Walter Scott ‘Koosah Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from this location set on stony soils, the 2024 ’Koosah Vineyard’Chardonnay offers amazing aromatic range. In the glass this shows off honeysuckle and Meyer lemon zest tones that combine with shades of banana and salted mixed nuts. The palate is lithe and beautifully-textured, with a great push-pull in terms of weight and finesse. The diatom and stony nuances add to the enjoyment. Complex and delicious toe enjoy in its heady youth, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Bravo! Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘Justice Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Justice Vineyard’ comes from this location owned by the Casteel family, set on ancient marine sedimentary soils. Once on the nose this takes on lemon rind and nectarine tones that combine with kumquat blossom and green herbs with stony nuances on the nose. The palate is vibrant and very nervy with terrific flavor density. Drinking marvelously now, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘Hyland Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2024 ‘Hyland Vineyard’ comes from a single block of 1979-planted Chardonnay. Aged 35% new French oak before bottling, this shows green apple and freshly cut lime flavors that meld well with rich melon fruits and wet rock with toasty brioche notes on the palate. A big, bold and dense bottling that brilliantly shows the warmth of the vintage, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This 2024 ‘Freedom Hill' Chardonnay was sourced from this location set on marine sedimentary, uplifted seabed. The wine was aged in roughly 50% new French oak prior to bottling, as this slowly unveils aromatics of crushed wet gravel, diatom and tangerine blossom alongside shades of salted French bread. The palate has terrific nerve and texture, as the finesse and flavor density really entices — as does the near minute-long finish. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- A standout Oregon Chardonnay, the 2024 ‘X Novo Vineyard’ is a heart-thumping joyride that goes from beginning, middle to end. It is weighty and dense but has flat out fabulous nerve with serious reduction and stony essence. A terrific melange of citrus and melon fruits greets you on the palate, pushing tropical tons of papaya and mango. Finishing for nearly an entire minute, this is a resounding success that will live on for at least another fifteen years. This is clearly one of the finest new world Chardonnays that I have tasted in the past year. Drink 2026-2041- 98

2024 Walter Scott ‘Witness Tree Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2024 Walter Scott ‘Witness Tree Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a stunning wine that has a long life in front of it. Saline drenched melon and peaches combine with shades of toasted hazelnut and brioche bread on the palate. Finishing very long, with copious stony minerals, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The incredible 2024 ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows off fig and mango on the nose with shades of roasted pineapple and pastry crust. The palate has terrific weight and flavor density, with a great push/pull between stony and salty nuances. The near minute-long finish accentuates this beauty the has a long way to. go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2023 Walter Scott ‘Lucile’ Chardonnay- The stunning 2023 ‘Lucille’ was sourced from the Mt. Pisqah AVA and old vine plantings from the famed Freedom Hill Vineyard. It is weighty and has incredible depth and power. Nutty and stony nuances combine with shades of white peach, Japanese pear and kiwi on the palate. Finishing for nearly a minute long, this is a head-turning, very mineral-laden bottling that has a long life in front of it. Give it about 30 minutes of air if consuming now. Drink 2026-2043- 97

2024 Walter Scott ‘Cuvee Ruth’ Pinot Noir- Another awesome edition of this wine, the 2024 ‘Cuvee Ruth’ comes from a range of Willamette Valley locations. It shows salty soils alongside a generous melange of red and dark fruits on the palate, with tobacco leaf and hints of peat moss. Gorgeous now, with awesome verve, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Walter Scott ‘Koosah Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Koosah Vineyard’ is owned by Resonance winery and set 55 miles from the Pacific Ocean, with strong breezy impact from the coast. The wine shows off tart red fruits with orange blossom, wintergreen and hints of red florals on the nose. The palate is dense and chewy with refined tannins and terrific flavor density. Chewy and round throughout the drinking experience, with a terrific combination of red and dark fruits alongside earthy and stony nuance, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ hails from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA as vines are set on volcanic soils. Aged 15 months in 35% new French oak, this opens with a beautiful bouquet of black and red florals alongside pipe tobacco, wet rock and shades of red licorice. The palate is plush with serious tension and salty/stony character. Big and robust, with vibrant acidity, this is going to be a twenty year wine — but it is irresistible in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘Witness Tree Vineyards’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2024 ‘Witness Tree’ Pinot Noir is sourced this site set in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Seaweed and wet rock combine with tart red fruits and red florals on the nose. The palate is mineral-laden and fresh with medium-bodied red raspberry and crushed mint flavors that collide with copious stony minerals. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- A stunner from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, the 2024 ‘X Novo’ Pinot Noir opens with a gorgeous combination of black roses and oud. The palate is soft and inviting on the mouth with great tension and stony nuances. Seamless throughout the drinking experience, with a core of tart red and dark fruits alongside sage and forest floor notes, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2044- 97

2024 Walter Scott ‘Justice Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Justice Vineyard’ comes from this 40-acre site farmed by the Casteel family set on volcanic clay soils. Crushed wet gravel and black florals fill the nose alongside dried herbs and wild blackberry. The palate is soft and seamless with a terrific mouthfeel and lots of stony tension. Dense and rich, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2045- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Walter Scott ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from old Pinot Noir plantings in Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Stored in primarily neutral French oak, this shows off tangerine zest and red florals on the nose with wet gravel and shades of red licorice. The palate is lush and elegant with serious verve and stony/salty character. Glorious now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Try to give this an our of air if opening now. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The very nervy 2024 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was sourced from vines that were planted all the way back in 1981. This drinks almost like a 2019 or 2022 in terms of fabulous tension, alongside medium-bodied tart red and dark fruits, with orange rind and tobacco leaf nuances. It is really just an infant but is thrilling to consume in its mineral-laden youth. Brilliant! Give this at least 30 minutes of air if consuming now. Drink 2026-2043- 96

2024 Walter Scott ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- One of the great Oregon Pinot Noirs I’ve had in the past year, the otherworldly 2024 ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ comes from this famed Ribbon Ridge AVA site, planted between 2012-2014. It is brimming with tension, concentration and salty minerality, as pure red and dark fruits collide with wafts of dark truffle shavings and peat moss undertones on the palate. It is marvelous to consume now in its heady youth but has a long life in front of it. Drink 2026-2046- 97

Merryvale

Today we share one of the longstanding houses in Napa. Merryvale’s historic building was the first winery built in the Napa Valley after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 and has become a favorite destination for visitors to the valley. This is a beautiful wine country setting, surrounded by French oak barrels and casks. I’ve enjoyed visiting this beautiful property many times and the surrounding serene vineyards. The property is owned by the Schlatter family. They have been making their ‘Profile’ red blend for many years and this years edition for my palate was the finest one yet!

They have produced a brilliant range of wines and I adore the 2021 Merryvale ‘Profile’ Red Wine (OB, 97) which is a stunning wine from this warm vintage. This one even eclipses the incredible ’19 bottling. Learn more at https://www.merryvale.com and here are the beautiful new wines by Merryvale.

2022 Merryvale ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay underwent full malolactic fermentation. It is better than first tasted. Loads of lemon zest and tropical fruits fill the palate with brioche and shades of cardamom. Gorgeous now enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Merryvale ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Merryvale ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir offers red cherry compote and cola on the nose with shades of stony minerals. The palate is dense and delicious with a sensational texture and great sense of weight. Cran-cola and sandy soils comine with shades of red licorice on the palate. This is refined and delicious Pinot that will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2021 Merryvale ‘Profile’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Profile’ is an ebullient combination of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. This comes off exceedingly exotic on the nose with Asian spices and graphite that combine with sandalwood and shades of creme de violette.  The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is powerful, concentrated and filled with stony minerals and underlying finesse. This is even better than the sinfully good 2019. Give this at least an hour in the decanter of savoring in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2050- 97

Avennia and Liminal

It is my pleasure to share the incredible wines of Avennia and Liminal, both partnerships between famed winemaker Chris Peterson and former Microsoft exec Marty Taucher. They now have two lines of wines, from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain as well as wines from choice sites throughout the Columbia Valley. They are making some of the best Sauvignon Blanc and Rose in Washington State. The Liminal wines are entirely sourced from the famed WeatherEye Vineyard on the north slope of Red Mountain.

I love the new wines by these wineries. I adored the 2024 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah (OB, 97) which is a total stunner that is arguably the finest edition of this wine. Learn more about Avennia at https://avennia.com and Liminal at https://www.liminalwine.com/ here are my reviews of the glorious new wines by Avennia and Liminal.

2024 Lydian White Wine- A blend of manly Sauvignon Blanc (80%) with the remainder Semillon, this offers kiwi and gooseberry flavors that mingle well with nutty and hay nuances on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2023 Lydian Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Lydian Cabernet Sauvignon is soft on the mouth with lighter to medium-bodied red and dark fruits with Arabica bean notes. Drink 2026-2032- 90

2024 Liminal ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Viognier- This beautiful Viognier comes off beautifully aromatic offering yarrow and white peach. The palate is rich and viscous with terrific tension and vibrant minerality alongside loads of salty and stony minerals. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Lydian ‘GSM’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘GSM’ Red Wine offers red currants and red rose petals on the nose with orange peel notes. The palate is nicely-balanced with a smooth mouthfeel, as this is brimming with bright acidity and lush red fruits. A killer value, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Liminal ‘High Canyon’ Grenache- The 2024 ‘High Canyon’ Grenache is a gorgeous, round and generous Grenache that is showing marvelously in its heady youth. Once on the nose this offers Provencale herbs that combine with white pepper dusted bacon, green olives and Parma ham notes. The palate is lush and round with a generous mouthfeel and great sense of viscosity. Seriously good in its powerful youth this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Liminal ‘The Barbarous Heart’ Red Wine- A knockout sGSM-inspired blend, the 2024 ‘The Barbarous Heart’ is mainly Grenache with smaller parts Syrah and Mourvèdre. Wild herbs and violets mark the nose alongside shades of dark currants and hints of smoked meats with bay leaf. The palate is rich and viscous with a terrific stony and herbal edge. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2024 Liminal ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2024 Liminal ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Syrah offers a beguiling nose with cassis, smoked pork shoulder, tar and anise seed. The palate is powerful and viscous with loads of white pepper and beef brisket tones alongside green olive tapenade. Refined on the mouth with a luxurious texture, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 97

2024 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine- The gorgeous 2024 ‘Justine’ combines 60% Grenache with 26% Mourvèdre and the remainder Syrah. Beautiful red florals mark the nose alongside shades of venison and red licorice. The palate is fresh and lithe with terrific texture and verve alongside a brilliant core of red fruits with orange zest notes. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah- All coming from the Boushey Vineyard, the 2024 ‘Arnaut’ offers a cornucopia of aromatics from white pepper dusted bacon to black olives and green herbs alongside shades of Hoisin sauce. The palate is impeccably balanced with serious finesse and weight. A glorious bottling that is up there with the finest ‘Arnaut’ bottlings yet, enjoy this stunner now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2044- 97

2023 Avennia ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2023 ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes entirely from the Avennia Estate Vineyard. This comes off marvelously floral with red and black rose petals alongside tar, sandalwood, anise and creme de cassis notes. The palate is exceedingly delicious with terrific mouthfeel, weight and verve. The tension and scorched earth notes really impress. Drink 2026-2042- 96

Big Table Farm

Many years back Big Table Farm was founded by Clare Carver and Brian Marcy — two of the great people in Oregon wine. For years Marcy served as winemaker at Neyers in Napa. Claire and Brian have their home and working farm in the Willamette Valley and will soon make estate wines from their fruit.

I adore the range of wines that they produced in 2024. Check out the amazing 2025 Big Table Farm Pinot Gris (OB, 94) which is an orange wine and one of the finest of its kind that you will taste in Oregon, with sensational aromatic and flavor range. Learn more about Big Table Farm at http://www.bigtablefarm.com/ Here are the fantastic new release wines by Big Table Farm.

2025 Big Table Farm ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Gris- Always an orange wine that saw extended skin contact, the 2025 Pinot Gris displays amazing flavor density with outstanding range. Pink Lady apple, bergamot, damp earth and rich melon fruits all combine on the palate, alongside excellent tension and texture. This is going to age gracefully for at least another eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2024 Big Table Farm ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ shows off white florals and peaches on the nose alongside cardamom-laced pastry crust notes. The palate is lush and round with terrific mouthfeel and excellent length. The core of melon and citrus fruits, combines with plenty of stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2024 Big Table Farm ‘Eola Amity Hills’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2024 Big Table Farm ‘Eola Amity Hills’ Chardonnay is a limited production (120 cases) bottling from both the Bieze and X Omni vineyards. Starfruit and hay notes combine with shades of pink grapefruit blossom on the nose. The palate is beautifully-weighted, with amazing verve and mouth-watering acidity. A phenomenal bottling from two famed sites, enjoy this beauty over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Big Table Farm ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Big Table Farm ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir was sourced from the Coats and Whitney, Yamhill Vineyard and Yates Conwill Vineyards. It is rich and polished with terrific volume and salty minerality. Rich red fruits parade with orange peel and shades of peat moss on the palate. A joy to consume now, watch this evolve over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 BIg Table Farm ‘Cattrall Brothers Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Cattrall Brothers’ Pinot Noir has been made by Big Table Farm since the 2009 vintage. Translucent in the glass, this shows off heady aromatics of tilled compost, black raspberry and cedar notes with blackberry compote. The palate is silky and soft with an elegant mouthfeel and loads of salty tension. Finishing exceedingly long, enjoy this polished beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Big Table Farm ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2024 Big Table Farm ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from 55 year old vines at this site. It comes off big and rich with a gorgeous core of black and red fruits alongside wet rocky nuances. WIth more air the Shiitake mushroom and soy sauce notes evolve, as this is quite dense and mineral-laden in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Today we share the wines from Washington State’s founding winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle. I have long loved enjoying and purchasing these wines for decades. They continue to make wines that offer sensational value. Winemaker Katie Nelson has a longstanding history in our industry. She does a glorious job with producing everything from inky Cabernet to crisp, mineral-filled Riesling wines. She has former stops at Charles Smith and head winemaker at Columbia Crest.

I love the new 2025 Estival Chenin Blanc (OB, 92) which shows sensational texture and finesse. Even better was the 2024 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Impetus’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is a barrel selection wine that has at least a decade of life in front of it. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.ste-michelle.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Chateau Ste. Michelle.

2025 Estival Chenin Blanc- Sourced from several Columbia Valley sites, the 2025 Estival is bright and mineral-laden the palate. Kiwi and cantalope flavors collide with copious stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2025 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Dry’ Riesling- The great value 2025 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Dry’ Riesling offers peaches and pear notes on the palate with flinty undertones on the palate. Drink 2026-2031- 89

2024 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Riesling- Sourced from this stronghold in he Ancient Lakes AVA, the 2024 ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Riesling offers orange blossom and petrol on the nose with pretty white flowers. The palate is bone-dry with great texture and overall tension from this hot vintage. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Chardonnay- I’ve probably tasted every vintage of this wine for 20 years. The 2024 ‘Grand Estates’ Chardonnay. This is open, approachable stuff with buttered brioche and pear notes alongside shades of honeycomb on the palate. This is classy stuff for the price. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2024 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- Straightforward and delicious, the 2024 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay offers pink lady apple and sourdough bread notes alongside good freshness considering the warmth of the vintage. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2030- 90

2024 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Impetus’ Chardonnay- A barrel selection wine, the 2024 ‘Impetus’ Chardonnay was stored in all French oak before bottling. The palate is rich and powerful with great tension. Layers of melon and tropical fruits combine with citrus blossom water on the palate. The flavor range here is outstanding, as is the weight and bright acidity. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A really nice wine for the price, the 2024 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows sandalwood and dark currents on the nose with a chocolate edge. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth mouthfeel. A killer value, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2024 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Red Blend’ Red Wine- The 2024 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Red Blend’ Red Wine comes off soft on the mouth. Mocha and tar flavors mingle well with stony minerals on the palate. This is a terrific value that is best enjoyed now. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2023 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Canoe Ridge Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Canoe Ridge Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is juicy and delicious stuff that is drinking marvelously right now. Creme de cassis and wet rock combine with shades of Cuban cigar on the palate. A fabulous wine for the price, showing outstanding texture and weight, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Artist Series’ Red Wine- The beautiful 2023 ‘Artist Series’ combines Merlot (44%) with Cabernet Franc (36%) and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. Dried herbs and red florals combine with shades of red bell pepper and a dusting of black pepper with blackberry compote on the nose. The palate is beautifully balanced with serious poise and a silky texture. This is just a delicious glass of wine that is already neatly-evolved. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Impetus’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Impetus’ Red Wine is an inspired blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon with 22% Syrah and the remainder Malbec. Jet black in the glass, this delivers terrific flavor density on the mid-palate. Mocha, tar, anise and creme de violette flavors parade with stony minerals on the palate. Powerful and dense, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2043- 95