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Pic of the Vine - March 2017

Celebrating its 50th year, Chateau Ste. Michelle is the flagship of the Washington wine industry. When the spring season finally arrives, the French-styled chateau, surrounded by 105 wooded acres, draws hundreds of visitors a day, including resident photographer Richard Duval.

“Spring skies prompt colorful flora and happy wine aficionados to Woodinville, and particularly to Ste. Michelle,” he noted. “Aiming to record the color of the day, I traversed the grand walkway and captured the chateau on a brilliant spring morning.”

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Breaking down barriers in Pacific Northwest wine

The following is an excerpt of an article I co-wrote with Paul Gregutt in the April 2017 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Paul wrote the first section on Washington winemakers making Oregon wine. I wrote the second section on Oregon winemakers making Washington wine.

A number of Oregon and Washington wineries are heading across state lines to find the best grapes, proving borders don't matter when it comes to good wine.

No single place grows every grape variety equally well. Moreover, grapes know nothing about imaginary lines like state borders. In the Pacific Northwest, enterprising winemakers reach into neighboring states to tap great vineyard sources and craft compelling wines.

South to Oregon 

For half a century, Washington’s winegrowers have been an irresistible force, consistently proving the experts wrong. Since the state began its long march toward recognition as a world-class wine region, vintners there have expanded the range of viable grapes. First, it was Riesling, then other cool-climate whites, followed by more southern reds and whites from France, Italy and Spain.

One grape, however, has proven to be an immovable object here: Pinot Noir.

Read the complete article here.

2017 Washington State Wine Tour Guide available

The 2017 Washington State Wine Tour Guide is now available. You can read the tour guide online here. Order hard copies of the guide here.

Of note, in this year's guide I wrote the sections Washington Wine Primer, Meet the AVAs, and Walla Walla Valley.

 Enjoy!

Wine Enthusiast Reviews for March 2017


Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for March 2017. Wines are listed alphabetically by winery. Read additional information on how I review wines here. All of these reviews are freely available on-line at the Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide. There is also a freely available Wine Enthusiast Tasting Guide app. See previous Wine Enthusiast reviews re-published in this space here. Search Wine Enthusiast's on-line database here.

86 wines reviewed in March for Wine Enthusiast (Note: Monthly totals will now be lower than they were previously as reviews are being published every month as opposed to every other).

The reviews include a strong set of wines from Dusted Valley (Dusted Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $42 91 pointsDusted Valley 2013 Wallywood Red Blend Columbia Valley $4292 pointsDusted Valley 2014 Tall Tales Stoney Vine Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $6092 points).

Gård Vintners continues to impress with its Vaucluse Red Blend (Gård 2014 Vaucluse Lawrence Vineyards Red Blend Columbia Valley $3592 pointsEditor's Choice). They also have a rare single vineyard, dry style Riesling that is well worth a look (Gård 2014 Grand Klasse Reserve Lawrence Vineyards Riesling Columbia Valley $2090 points).

Meanwhile Kerloo Cellars continues to hit home runs (Kerloo 2014 Les Collines Syrah Walla Walla Valley $4092 pointsCellar SelectionKerloo 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $4092 pointsKerloo 2014 Upland Vineyard Grenache Snipes Mountain $4092 points).

One of the best quality-to-price ratio wines of the year comes from Latta Wines with their Latta Latta GSM (Latta 2013 Latta Latta G-S-M Columbia Valley $3093 points).

Palencia Wine Company produces its strongest wines to date (Palencia 2013 El Viñador Petit Verdot Wahluke Slope $5091 pointsPalencia 2014 Casa Amarilla G-S-M Yakima Valley $3691 pointsPalencia 2014 Grenache Yakima Valley $3691 pointsPalencia 2014 Mourvèdre Yakima Valley $3691 pointsPalencia 2014 Syrah Yakima Valley $3692 points).

Saviah Cellars offers a terrific Rocks District Syrah (Saviah 2014 Reserve Syrah Walla Walla Valley $4592 points). Meanwhile its Une Vallée Red Blend continues to be a high QPR standout (Saviah 2014 Une Vallée Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $3591 points).

Sycline Winery continues to show a knack for Rhone varieties with a delicious Mourvèdre (Syncline 2014 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Mourvèdre Red Mountain $5092 points).

In terms of value wines, you’re hard pressed to do better than the recent offerings from Disruption Wine Company, a side project from Andrew Latta (Latta Wines). Try the Disruption 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington ($15, 88 points); Disruption 2014 Red Blend Washington ($1589 pointsBest Buy) and Disruption 2015 Chardonnay Washington ($13, 89 pointsBest Buy).

The wines from Balancing Act also impress (Balancing Act 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $1890 pointsBalancing Act 2015 Chardonnay Washington $12 89 pointsBest Buy).

Enjoy!

Airfield Estates 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $18 90 points
The aromas suggest notes of herb, vanilla, wood spice, plum and dark fruit. The palate is restrained in style, full of dark-fruit and barrel flavors and lightly grainy tannins.

Airfield Estates 2014 Dauntless Red Blend Yakima Valley $18 90 points
Merlot (73%) takes the lead on this wine, which is rounded out by Malbec (12%), Cabernet Sauvignon (7%), Petit Verdot (4%) and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of herb, barrel spice, pencil lead and red and black fruit are followed by plump yet elegant fruit flavors backed by chalky tannins. It shows a lot of restraint.

Airfield Estates 2014 Merlot Yakima Valley $18 88 points
Raspberry, plum and light herb aromas are followed by a flavorful palate, speckled with vanilla and other spices. Grainy tannins provide support.

Airfield Estates 2014 Pinot Noir Yakima Valley $35 89 points
Pinot Noir is a relative rarity in Washington, especially coming from this appellation. This one charms with abundant aromas of strawberry and sarsaparilla followed by an elegantly styled yet flavorful palate. One of the better examples coming from the state.

Airfield Estates 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $30 90 points
High-toned aromas of cocoa, barrel spice, vanilla and dark fruit lead to plentiful, focused fruit and barrel flavors. The flavors linger on the finish.

Airfield Estates 2014 Syrah Yakima Valley $18 88 points
The aromas are quite light, while the purple-fruit flavors are sappy and generous. If the aromas start to express themselves it could move up a notch.

Airfield Estates 2015 Chardonnay Yakima Valley $15 88 points
Cantaloupe and spice aromas are followed by light tart fruit flavors that linger. The flavors are quite elegant but it shows a lovely sense of balance.

Balancing Act 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $18 90 points
Deep blue and black-fruit and spice aromas lead to a soft silky palate loaded with fruit flavors. It’s a perfect example of the approachability of this vintage.

Balancing Act 2015 Chardonnay Washington $12 89 points
Baked apple and baking spice aromas lead to a lightly creamy palate capped off by a tart, lemony finish. It provides a lot of appeal. Best Buy

Boomtown 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $19 87 points
Blue and red-fruit aromas lead to lightly styled cherry flavors. Herb accents run throughout.

Boomtown 2014 Merlot Columbia Valley $19 87 points
Aromas of red fruit and herb are followed by light but pure cherry flavors. It provides a lot of easy-drinking appeal.

Boomtown 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $19 88 points
Dark berry, huckleberry, wood spice and cocoa aromas are followed by palate-coating blue and purple-fruit flavors.

Boomtown 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $19 86 points
This wine brings aromas and flavors of pear along with light tropical accents. The concentration dips toward the finish.

Boomtown 2015 Pinot Gris Washington $19 88 points
Aromas of freshly cut apple and pear are followed by dry fleshy fruit flavors with Granny Smith apple notes on the finish. It’s an accessible and enjoyable wine.

Charles & Charles 2015 Syrah Post No. 35 Blend Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah Columbia Valley $14 88 points
This 70-30 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah brings fruit-filled aromas of plum, herb and cherry. It packs a mouthful of fruit flavors, with firm lightly astringent tannins providing support. It needs some time to stretch its legs.

Columbia Winery 2013 Legacy Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills $48 88 points
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up just over two-thirds of this blend with the balance Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aromas of vanilla, cocoa, dill and cherry lead to restrained fruit and barrel flavors, with the tannins showing some grit.

Disruption 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $15 88 points
The variety is unmistakable on this wine, with its aromas of black currant, black cherry, dried herb and spice. The palate is fruit filled but well structured, with tart acids and a firm squeeze of tannin. Dark chocolate notes linger on the finish.

Disruption 2014 Red Blend Washington $15 89 points
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Malbec, this wine is fresh and fruit filled, with aromas and flavors of plum and black currant, sprinkled with light barrel spices and mocha tones. It shows a lovely sense of balance and poise that kicks it up a notch. Best Buy

Disruption 2015 Chardonnay Washington $13 89 points
Most of this wine comes from esteemed Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes appellation. It charms with aromas of green apple, Bosc pear and mineral. The flavors are medium bodied and pure, with a lightly creamy feel and a zing of acidity stitching it all together. The balance is spot-on. Best Buy

Dusted Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $42 91 points
The aromas are pitch black, with notes of blackberry and black cherry along with high-toned spices. The flavors are full and ripe, with blackberry notes lingering on the finish.

Dusted Valley 2013 Petite Sirah Wahluke Slope $42 90 points
Aromas of vanilla, baking spice, wood spice and pitch-black fruit are followed by power-packed fruit and barrel flavors. The oak is primary at present. Give it time to integrate. Best after 2021.

Dusted Valley 2013 Stained Tooth Syrah Columbia Valley $36 91 points
The aromas are bright, with notes of huckleberry, blueberry, dried violets, orange peel, olive and moist earth. The palate brings an elegant styling, full of fruit and savory flavors with light meaty streaks running throughout.

Dusted Valley 2013 Wallywood Red Blend Columbia Valley $42 92 points
A blend of Syrah (62%), Petite Sirah (25%) and Mourvèdre, this no-holds-barred wine offers aromas of potpourri, orange peel, peppery spices and dark fruit. It’s ripe and full bodied with a finish that lingers.

Dusted Valley 2014 Squirrel Tooth Alice Red Blend Red Mountain $39 91 points
This wine is a blend of Mourvèdre (63%), Grenache (27%) and Syrah. The aromas pop, with notes of freshly ground black pepper, black fruit and herb. The palate is action packed with juicy dark-fruit flavors that stretch out on the finish.

Dusted Valley 2014 Tall Tales Stoney Vine Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $60 92 points
Coming from the winery’s estate vineyard in The Rocks District, this aromatic brooder shows notes of crushed flowers, wet stone, orange peel, brown stems and dark fruit, along with lightly smoked meat accents. The palate boasts generous fruit and savory flavors that linger on the finish.

Eufloria NV Aromatic Blend White Blend Washington $12 88 points
This wine lives up to its name with generous aromas of lychee, jasmine, apricot, and honeysuckle. It drinks off dry, with mouthful of stone-fruit flavors that are easygoing and immensely enjoyable. Best Buy

Eufloria NV Aromatic Rosé Washington $12 88 points
Electric pink in color, this wine brings pungent notes of flowers, green herbs, peach and lychee. It drinks off dry, with grapefruit, lychee and stone-fruit flavors that linger on the finish. Best Buy

Forgeron 2013 Façon Rouge Red Blend Columbia Valley $35 91 points
This wine is just under half Syrah with the balance near equally split between Mourvèdre and Grenache. Peppery spices and sappy dark-fruit aromas are followed by juicy dark-fruit flavors that persist. It shows a very pretty styling.

Forgeron 2014 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $28 89 points
Winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla has a knack for making quality Chardonnay. This one brings aromas of crème fraîche along with pineapple and other tropical fruits. The palate shows restraint.

Forgeron 2014 Façon Blanc White Blend Columbia Valley $25 88 points
This wine is a blend of 33% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc, 22% Viognier and 15% Marsanne. Aromas of corn husk, pear and flowers are followed by light elegantly styled stone-fruit flavors. It shows a sense of grace.

Gård 2014 Grand Klasse Reserve Lawrence Vineyards Pinot Gris Columbia Valley $20 87 points
This wine starts out lightly reduced, with aromas of apple and baking spice followed by a full weighty just-off-dry palate, with a touch of warmth on the finish that adds some bitterness.

Gård 2014 Grand Klasse Reserve Lawrence Vineyards Riesling Columbia Valley $20 90 points
Perfumed aromas of lime rind, white flowers, thyme and baking spice are followed by bone-dry flavors that lead to a tart finish. It possesses an almost creamy feel, showing light oak influence.

Gård 2014 Grand Klasse Reserve Lawrence Vineyards Viognier Columbia Valley $22 88 points
Barrel notes are prominent, with aromas of Creamsicle and baking spice. The palate is broad and dry with stone-fruit and barrel flavors. It provides intrigue but the wood seems to get in the way at times.

Gård 2014 Vaucluse Lawrence Vineyards Red Blend Columbia Valley $35 92 points
A blend of Syrah (68%), Grenache (29%) and Viognier, this wine brings pungent, directly appealing aromas of smoked meat, blue fruit, black olive, orange peel and high-toned flowers. The blue and black-fruit and smoked-meat flavors are silky and well constructed with a finish that lingers. Editor's Choice

Hawkins Cellars 2014 Reserve Syrah Columbia Valley $36 88 points
The aromas are light, with notes of baking spice and black and blue fruit. Tart cherry flavors linger on the finish.

Hawkins Cellars 2015 Barrel Select Viognier Columbia Valley $24 88 points
The flower and peach aromas are quite subdued for the variety. The stone-fruit flavors provide more generosity while still displaying elegance.

Keira 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $32 87 points
A blend of Stillwater Creek and Conner Lee Vineyard fruit, this wine brings aromas of dried cherry and cranberry. The flavors are restrained but still show depth, seeming a bit dried out.

Keira 2014 G-S-M Columbia Valley $28 87 points
This wine is 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. Vanilla aromas are prominent along with prune and other dried fruit. Fruit and barrel flavors intermingle on the palate, with the fruit seeming dried out.

Keira 2014 Merlot Yakima Valley $32 85 points
This wine all comes Chandler Reach Vineyards. The aromas seem to lack clarity while the cranberry, prune and cherry flavors want for midpalate concentration.

Kerloo 2014 Les Collines Syrah Walla Walla Valley $40 92 points
Fermented with 100% stems and aged in neutral French oak, this textbook example of this top Syrah site brings aromas of smoked meat, purple fruit, crushed violets and fresh parsley along with other green herbs. The palate’s über-fresh fruit and savory flavors are supported by tart bright acids. This one will only get better with some bottle age and will truly shine at the dinner table. Best from 2022 through 2030. Cellar Selection

Kerloo 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $40 92 points
This wine mostly hails from Les Collines, with a splash of fruit from Upland Vineyard (12%) rounding it out. Aged in neutral oak, it displays brooding aromas of black pepper, plum, smoked meat, parsley and fresh violets. The plum and savory flavors bring a rich textured feel all the while displaying exquisite freshness.

Kerloo 2014 Upland Vineyard Grenache Snipes Mountain $40 92 points
All aged in neutral hogsheads and puncheons, this wine displays mesmerizingly pure laser-focused aromas of raspberry, kirsch, white pepper, lemon zest, fresh flowers and dried herb. The palate brings a dazzling sense of freshness and purity—like drinking a bowl of fresh fruit. A velvety texture only adds to the intrigue. It’s a sensational effort. Editor's Choice

Kerloo 2015 Calling Club Exclusive Chardonnay Columbia Gorge $48 90 points
Fermented and aged in neutral French oak with full malolactic fermentation, the aromas are light, with notes of green apple and mineral. The freshly squeezed lemon acids are tart and racy, capped off by a lightly creamy finish. Pair it with food to see it at its best.

Latta 2013 Latta Latta G-S-M Columbia Valley $30 93 pointsA new offering from this winery, this wine is a blend of 58% Grenache, 23% Syrah and 19% Mourvèdre hailing from Upland and Freewater Rocks vineyards. It brings mesmerizingly pure aromas of kirsch, white pepper, boysenberry, black plum and raspberry, along with a hint of barrel spice. The flavors show depth and texture, with coffee notes lingering on the finish. It’s a stunner, especially at this price. Editor's Choice

Lauren Ashton Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $50 91 points
Aromas of cocoa, dark cherry, baker’s chocolate and graphite rise up from the glass. The flavors are dense and full, with firm chewy tannins backing them up. It should only improve with additional time in bottle. Best after 2020. Cellar Selection

Lauren Ashton Cellars 2013 Cuvée Arlette Red Blend Columbia Valley $55 89 points
Principally Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon along with smidges of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this wine offers subdued aromas of dark coffee, herb, blackberry and graphite. The coffee and cherry flavors are lighter in style, tapering slightly toward the finish.

Lauren Ashton Cellars 2013 Cuvée Estelle Red Blend Columbia Valley $40 89 points
Merlot (64%) takes the lead on this blend followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (27%) and Petit Verdot. Light aromas of red and black fruit and herb are followed by sweet cherry flavors. It shows a lot of elegance.

Lauren Ashton Cellars 2013 Proprietor’s Cuvée Red Blend Columbia Valley $65 90 points
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up over 70% of this blend with the balance Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. It shows aromas of dark cherries, licorice and brooding black fruit that at times seems slightly dried out. The palate shows elegantly styled dark-fruit flavors that linger on the finish.

Liberty Lake 2011 Aquila Red Blend Red Mountain $28 86 points
Aromas of dried fruit and barrel spice lead to tart, slightly dilute seeming fruit flavors backed by lightly gritty tannins. It seems a bit evolved for its age.

Liberty Lake 2011 Merlot Red Mountain $25 87 points
Barrel aromas are out front with notes of wood spice, vanilla and cocoa followed by dark cherries and herb, starting to show a bit of age. The palate is fruit filled but shows the restraint of the vintage. The oak seems a bit overweighted.

Liberty Lake 2012 Tempranillo Red Mountain $28 87 points
This variety is an extreme rarity in this appellation. This one offers aromas of wet penny, spice and red fruit. The palate is medium bodied, with the tannins bringing some grit.

Liberty Lake 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $33 87 points
The aromas are subdued, with notes of spice, mineral and black fruit. The palate is reserved in style, supported by a frame of firm somewhat gruff tannins.

Liberty Lake 2015 Tahija Chardonnay Columbia Valley $20 86 points
Closed-up aromas are followed by lightly creamy pear flavors. It finishes tart.

Marshall Davis 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $29 88 points
Spice, lees and custard aromas are followed by creamy-feeling fruit flavors that taper slightly toward the finish.

Ott & Murphy 2013 Boushey Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $36 90 points
Aromas of mineral, dried herb and plum are followed by fruit flavors that display depth and purity. It shows a lovely sense of elegance.

Ott & Murphy 2013 L’Entente Red Blend Columbia Valley $41 89 points
Syrah makes up three-quarters of this wine, with the balance Mourvèdre (20%) and Petit Sirah. Lightly volatile aromas of cherry and black pepper are followed by elegantly styled plum and spice flavors. It provides a lot of intrigue.

Ott & Murphy 2013 Sugarloaf Vineyard Grenache Rattlesnake Hills $28 89 points
Intriguing aromas of fresh herb, potpourri and red fruit are followed by juicy but restrained raspberry flavors. It shows a lovely sense of balance, tapering slightly toward the finish.

Ott & Murphy 2014 Boushey Vineyard Counoise Washington $29 88 points
Aromas of blue fruit, smoke and herb are followed by plump rounded plum flavors. It delivers a lot of enjoyment.

Ott & Murphy 2014 Viognier Rattlesnake Hills $25 88 points
The aromas are light, with notes of spice, apricot and lime zest. The peach flavors feel broad while still retaining a sense of balance.

Pacific Rim 2014 Dry Riesling Columbia Valley $11 88 points
Aromas of white peach and apple lead to bone-dry fruit flavors. It provides a lot of appeal. Best Buy

Palencia 2013 El Viñador Petit Verdot Wahluke Slope $50 91 points
Brooding aromas of moist soil and dark cherry are followed by big bold cherry flavors that coat the palate. The variety’s often burly tannins are kept well in check.

Palencia 2014 Casa Amarilla G-S-M Yakima Valley $36 91 points
Grenache makes up 60% of this wine with Syrah (30%) and Mourvèdre rounding it out. Light aromas of exotic barrel spice, herb and dark fruit are followed by rich lusciously textured cherry flavors that coat the palate from end to end. One wants a bit more aromatically but the palate more than makes up the difference.

Palencia 2014 El Viñador Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $50 91 points
The aromas bring notes of dark cherries and exotic spice. The palate is big and bold, with a mixture of fruit and barrel flavors backed by firm slightly dry tannins. It needs some time to settle in, with the wood currently a bit primary.

Palencia 2014 Grenache Yakima Valley $36 91 points
Light aromas of raspberry, coriander, vanilla and barrel spice are followed by ripe rich red-fruit flavors that glide on the finish. A pillowy mouthfeel only heightens the interest.

Palencia 2014 Mourvèdre Yakima Valley $36 91 points
Somewhat pale in color, this wine offers subdued aromas of herb, cherry, cigar box and peppery spices. The palate shows exquisite freshness and purity along with a lovely sense of texture and richness. It’s an elegant expression of the variety.

Palencia 2014 Syrah Yakima Valley $36 92 points
Alluring aromas of blackberry and barrel spice lead to ripe, full-bodied black-fruit flavors, showing beautiful depth and a long finish. It packs a hefty punch while never losing its sense of balance.

Rocky Point 2014 Boushey Vineyard Grenache Columbia Valley $48 88 points
Bright aromas of raspberry, cherry and orange peel are followed by full-throttle flavors that still display a sense of elegance. It shows some warmth on the finish.

Rocky Point 2015 Alice’s Boushey Vineyard Rosé Yakima Valley $35 83 points
This pale strawberry colored wine is half Mourvèdre and half Grenache. It shows a fair amount of volatility that distracts from its aromas. It drinks dry with full seeming flavors.

Ryan Patrick 2013 Reserve Northridge Vineyard Grenache Wahluke Slope $35 88 points
This wine is made in a ripe forward style, with lightly volatile aromas of apple, plum and dark raspberries. It’s full bodied and pulls no punches as generous red and black-fruit flavors with cocoa accents show some warmth on the finish.

Ryan Patrick 2015 Naked Chardonnay Columbia Valley $12 88 points
Vibrant aromas of pear and apple lead to a creamy, full-feeling palate. It’s a strong example of the variety and style. Best Buy

Ryan Patrick 2015 Olsen Brothers Vineyard Riesling Yakima Valley $12 89 points
Lime, slate and floral aromas lead to an off-dry palate, with generous amounts of stone-fruit flavors. Floral notes persist on the finish. Best Buy

Ryan Patrick 2015 Redhead Red Red Blend Columbia Valley $15 87 points
Aroma of freshly cut red apple, raspberry and cherry are followed by sweet jammy red and black-fruit flavors. It goes down easily.

Ryan Patrick 2015 Rock Island Chardonnay Columbia Valley $20 89 points
Aromas of baked apple, spice and pear are followed by full-bodied almost unctuous fruit and barrel flavors. Baking spice flavors linger on the finish.

Saviah 2014 Reserve Syrah Walla Walla Valley $45 92 points
A blend of Funk (60%) and Watermill vineyards—both in The Rocks, this wine opens with brooding aromas of crushed flowers, plum, coffee, funk and tapenade, along with meaty undertones. The palate is soft and silky but full in feel, providing a lot of texture that keeps the interest high. The finish lingers.

Saviah 2014 Une Vallée Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $35 91 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (33%) and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of milk chocolate, cherry, herb and moist earth give way to soft supple palate-coating fruit and barrel flavors. It shows a lot of elegance and refinement. Editor's Choice

Syncline 2014 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Mourvèdre Red Mountain $50 92 points
This variety is still a rarity in the state, with vineyard-designated offerings even more so. Aromas of cherry, mortared herb and mineral are followed by focused tightly wound black-fruit flavors that persist on the finish. It appears to show a bit more oak influence than the winery is typically known for but still delivers the goods.

Tamarack Cellars 2014 Merlot Columbia Valley $28 91 points
Aromas of cocoa, milk chocolate, spice and red berries are followed by tart luscious red-cherry and chocolate flavors. It shows a pleasing sense of balance.

Tildio 2012 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Malbec Columbia Valley $35 89 points
Aromas of clove, blackberry and dried fig lead to palate-staining cherry flavors. Lightly grainy tannins provide support, with the fruit seeming a bit dried out.

Tildio 2013 Estate Grown Cabernet Franc Lake Chelan $35 91 points
Brooding aromas of herbs, dark cherries and flowers are followed by supple, polished dark-fruit flavors. It’s a promising wine from this young growing region.

Tildio 2013 Estate Grown Syrah Lake Chelan $38 90 points
The aromas are enticing, with notes of dark plum, clove and vanilla, with the latter becoming more prominent over time. The fruit and barrel flavors show a sense of poise and polish. The oak seems a bit heavy handed at times but there’s plenty of delicious fruit underneath.

Tildio 2013 Estate Grown Tempranillo Lake Chelan $38 88 points
Examples of this variety from this young growing region are quite rare. This one provides aromas of pencil lead, herb, vanilla and prune that are followed by a flavorful palate with the black-fruit flavors seeming slightly dried out.

Tildio 2015 Estate Grown Sauvignon Blanc Lake Chelan $25 88 points
Fermented in stainless steel, this fresh vibrant wine brings aromas of green pepper, gooseberry and citrus. The just off-dry tropical-fruit flavors are light in style but show depth, lingering on the finish.

Vino La Monarcha 2013 Merlot Columbia Valley $20 89 points
Herb, baking spice and exotic spice aromas are followed by tart luscious cranberry and cherry flavors. It comes off as a bit oaky but it still brings a lot of appeal.

Vino La Monarcha 2014 Malbec Wahluke Slope $20 89 points
The aromas are quite light for the variety, while the palate brings plush plump velvety cherry and cranberry flavors that linger and provide a lot of appeal. If the aromas open up it could go up a notch or two.

Vino La Monarcha 2014 Sangiovese Wahluke Slope $20 90 points
Very varietal aromas of sour cherry and cranberry lead to a fruit-filled flavorful palate. Light oak accents linger on the finish. It’s a very pleasing example of the variety.

Vino La Monarcha 2015 Riesling Ancient Lakes $15 90 points
This is an aromatic wine, with scents of green melon candy, lime zest, white flowers and white peach. It drinks off dry, with stone-fruit flavors brightened by zippy acidity leading to a mouthwatering finish. Best Buy

Northwest Wine Round-up March 1st to 7th 2017

A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from March 1st to 7th 2017. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

Wine Enthusiast magazine writes about Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen of W.T. Vintners (article by yours truly).

Boston.com reports that Robert Kraft and Tom Brady celebrated with Drew Bledsoe’s wine.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes about red blends from Washington.

The Augusta Chronicle writes about the Ghost Hills Cellars Pinot Blanc.

The Kansas City Star writes that Napa isn’t the only place producing great Cabernet.


From the blogosphere…

Great Northwest Wine writes that Cabernet rules a massive 2016 harvest. They also write that Yakima remains the cradle of Washington wine.

Washington Wine Blog writes about The Walls. Owen also writes about Domaine Drouhin and Den Hoed.

Wine Searcher.com writes that an Oregon winery puts a premium on transparency.

AgWeb writes about Washington’s record grape production.

Write for Wine writes about Border Wine Storage. Margot also writes about Washington’s record harvest.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2007 Cayuse Cailloux Syrah.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about Washington’s record 2016 harvest.

Uncorked Ventures writes about the 2012 Duck Pond Oregon Pinot Noir.


From the locals…

Seattle Weekly writes about the rise of Syrah in Washington State.

The Seattle Times writes that Taste Washington grows better with age.

The Mail Tribune writes about Cowboy Joe’s French winemaking roots.

Capital Press writes about the passing of Terry Flanagan.

The Tri-City Herald writes that a growing number of Northwest wines are outstanding in their field.

Oregon Wine Press writes about Tempraillo Celebrado. They also write about a new French Paradox and going from vinyl to wines.

The Yakima Herald writes about Washington producing a record crop in 2016. They also write that Wahluke Slope forms the backbone of the Washington wine industry.

The Kitsap Sun writes about finding the right wine amidst Walla Walla’s bounty.

KNDO writes about Washington’s record harvest.

Oregon Live writes about five tasting rooms worth the drive.

Portland Mercury writes about women and wine.


That’s all folks! 

Washington State shatters grape production record

As expected, 2016 shattered the state’s record for grape production according to numbers released on Wednesday by the Washington Wine Commission. Washington produced 270,000 tons of wine grapes in 2016, easily surpassing the previous record of 227,000 tons set in 2014.

The most shocking growth was in Cabernet Sauvignon, which increased from 47,400 tons in 2015 to a whopping 71,100 tons in 2016. Overall, Cabernet Sauvignon accounted for 26% of the state’s production, an indication that the variety is increasingly seen as a calling card for the state.

A fruitful cropin 2016 as well as additional plantings coming on-line most likely accounted for the increases seen. Significant growth was also seen in the other two major red grape varieties, Merlot (48,400 tons up from 35,200) and Syrah (21,300 up from 16,000 in 2015). Overall, red grape variety production increased by a dramatic 39%.

White grape varieties showed a more modest 3% increase from the previous year. Chardonnay showed a slight increase from 43,000 to 45,000 tons, while Riesling contracted for a second straight year, from 44,100 tons in 2015 to 41,300 tons in 2016. Malbec was the state’s most expensive grape at an average of $1,587 per ton, followed closely by Cabernet Franc at $1,576 per ton. Semillon led white grape varieties at $1,054 per ton.

Read the full Annual Production Report.