Recent Wine Enthusiast reviews

I put up a series of posts today catching up on Wine Enthusiast reviews from the last several months. Here are some highlights, starting from the most recent reviews and working backwards.

From February, the Kiona Vineyards 2013 Estate Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain ($75, 90 points) comes from the oldest vines on Red Mountain and allows you to taste a piece of the state’s history. The Owen Roe 2014 Red Blend Yakima Valley ($28, 90 points) provides a lot of quality and value. In terms of value wines, look no further than the Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Riesling Columbia Valley ($9, 89 points).

From December 31, 2017, new winery Callan Cellars has two strong white wines, both of which are now unfortunately sold out (Callan 2016 Boushey Vineyard Grenache Blanc Yakima Valley $25, 91 points; Callan 2016 Picpoul Yakima Valley $25, 89 points). Keep an eye out for future releases.

Idaho’s Cinder Wines impresses with its 2015 Syrah Snake River Valley ($29, 91 points).

From Full Pull Wines, the Full Pull & Friends 2007 Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($23, 92 points) is a complete showstopper. Yes, that vintage is correct. This wine is a full ten years old and it’s absolutely singing right now with a long life still ahead of it. I can’t recommend this wine more highly if you’re interested in seeing the ageability of Washington whites in the right hands and in the right vintages. It’s one of the best white wines I had all of last year and one of the best Washington whites I've had period.

The History project from the folks at Stoller Family Estate is an incredibly intriguing one. Here winemaker Melissa Burr uses fruit from some of Washington’s oldest vines, including 1935 Muscat, 1957 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1968 Pinot Noir plantings. The most successful of these wines are the History 2014 Otis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley ($75, 90 points) and History 2014 Elise Vineyard Pinot Noir Columbia Gorge ($65, 91 points).

L’Ecole No. 41 makes a series of strong white wines from the 2016 vintage, including the L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Estate Grown Luminesce Seven Hills Vineyard Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc Walla Walla Valley ($22, 90 points) and L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Old Vines Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley ($15, 90 points).

From December 1, 2017, the Ashan 2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($25, 91 points) brings outstanding quality and value. Winemaker Chris Gorman also hits a home run with the Gorman 2015 The Devil You Know Red Blend Columbia Valley ($28, 91 points).

Meanwhile the Pamplin Family Winery 2014 Red I.Q. Columbia Valley ($14, 90 points) brings a lot of quality and value.

From November 2017, winemaker Brennon Leighton continues to impress with his B. Leighton 2014 Gratitude Olsen Brothers Vineyard Yakima Valley ($45, 92 points).

Baer Winery also has a strong set of releases (Baer 2014 Malbec Columbia Valley $29, 91 points; Baer 2014 Callisto Red Blend Columbia Valley $39 91 points; Baer 2014 Arctos Stillwater Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $43, 90 points).

All of the Cadence Winery 2014 (and one 2015) wines are impressive, including the Cadence 2014 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain $45, 93 points; Cadence 2015 Coda Red Mountain $28, 92 points; Cadence 2014 Bel Canto Cara Mia Vineyard Red Mountain $60, 92 points. If you’re not already familiar with Ben Smith’s wines, seek them out.

Delmas Wines continues to quietly make some stunning wines (Delmas 2015 SJR Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $NA, 93 points).

Chris Dowsett at Dowsett Wines shows continued mastery of Gewürztraminer (Dowsett Family 2015 Celilo Vineyard Gewürztraminer Columbia Gorge $22 91 points). This is perhaps the best example of this variety made in the U.S. Give it a look.

Januik Winery and Novelty Hill make too many high quality wines from the 2014 vintage for me to reasonably list here. Check out the reviews!

Lobo Hills has two very impressive whites, including Lobo Hills 2015 Roth Rock Farm Chenin Blanc Yakima Valley ($22, 90 points) and Lobo Hills 2016 Inland Desert Auxerrois Yakima Valley ($22, 90 points). The latter is the only example of this variety in the state that I am aware of (leave a comment below if you are aware of others).

Maison Bleue produces a series of top quality reds (Maison Bleue 2014 Voyageur Yellow Jacket Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $50, 94 points; Maison Bleue 2014 Bourgeois Grenache Walla Walla Valley $45, 93 points; Maison Bleue 2014 Coureur des Bois Red Blend Columbia Valley $40, 93 points; Maison Bleue 2014 Frontiére Waliser Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $65, 93 points).

Syncline Winery also has a strong set of releases as does Walla Walla Vintners.

Finally, the October 2017 reviews are largely devoted to the wines of Christophe Baron (Cayuse Vineyards, Horsepower Vineyards, No Girls). There are numerous extremely high quality wines here, as always. Of note, these wines include the first release from Baron’s new Hors Categorie Vineyard near the North Fork of the Walla Walla River. This wine (Hors Categorie 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $240, 96 points) was the wine of the vintage and one of the best wines I’ve tasted in my time at Wine Enthusiast.

That’s it! I will try to be more timely getting these scores posted. However, scores are always freely available in the manners in which I’ve described at the top of each of these posts. Additionally, don't wait for me! See here for instructions about how to search the Wine Enthusiast database for monthly scores (as well as specific varieties etc). Direct links to all of the reviews I posted today are below.

February 2018 Wine Enthusiast Reviews
December 31, 2017 Wine Enthusiast Reviews
December 1, 2017 Wine Enthusiast Reviews
November 2017 Wine Enthusiast Reviews
October 2017 Wine Enthusiast Reviews

Wine Enthusiast Reviews for February 2018

Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for February 2018. 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. Read instructions on how to find Washington wine reviews at Wine Enthusiast here.

90 reviews in the February issue. Enjoy!

14 Hands 2016 The Reserve Late Harvest Viognier Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
This wine’s aroma brings light notes of honey, brown sugar and herb. The flavors are sweet and elegant. It’s a light, pleasing affair

14 Hands 2016 The Reserve Rosé of Malbec Horse Heaven Hills $24 85 points
Light orange in color, this wine brings sweet cherry and herb aromas. It drinks dry, with broad, fat-feeling but lightly concentrated fruit flavors

14 Hands 2016 The Reserve Pinot Gris Horse Heaven Hills $22 87 points
This wine’s cantaloupe, apple, grapenut and pear aromas pop. The palate is upfront, dropping off considerably on the back end. Yet, it still provides enjoyment

14 Hands 2016 The Reserve Dry Gewürztraminer Horse Heaven Hills $22 89 points
There’s no mistaking the variety in this wine, with its lychee and white flower aromas. The palate is dry and broad in feel, with bitter notes on the finish

14 Hands 2016 Reserve Chenin Blanc Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
This wine’s aromas are bright and focused, with honeycrisp apple, passion fruit and pear notes. The apple and stone fruit flavors are off dry, showing no obvious oak influence

14 Hands 2016 The Reserve Unoaked Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
Apple, cream and straw aromas are followed by straightforward stone fruit flavors in this wine. It’s a quite enjoyable example of this variety and style

14 Hands 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley $12 86 points
Wood, sweet spice and plum aromas are out front in this wine. The palate is broad, with abundant plum flavors and astringent tannins. Baking spice notes linger on the finish. It’s not obviously Merlot, but there’s enjoyment to be had

14 Hands 2015 The Reserve Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $22 87 points
Out of the gate, this wine’s oak is far out front, with vanilla and baking spice notes that obscure the fruit. The palate shows more of the same, though it settles down a bit with significant time open. It’s a style, albeit over the top

Airfield Estates 2014 Mustang Yakima Valley $25 88 points
This wine is a blend of Syrah (65%), Grenache (20%) and Mourvèdre. While the aromas are locked up on first pour, it shows light raspberry, herb and spice notes as it opens. The flavors are soft and supple, with a pleasing mouthfeel.

Airfield Estates 2015 Dauntless Yakima Valley $18 87 points
Merlot makes up over two-thirds of this blend, with the balance in Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Baking spice, vanilla and plum aromas are at the fore. The tannins seem bunched up, however, and it lacks the generous fruit associated with the warm vintage

Amavi 2016 Sémillon Walla Walla Valley $24 88 points
This wine includes 15% Sauvignon Blanc and hails from Les Collines, Goff and Seven Hills vineyards. Aged in neutral French oak, it shows gooseberry, anise, straw, fig and lees aromas, which lead to broad, creamy-feeling fruit flavors. Give it some time to open up

Andrew Rich 2014 Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $40 89 points
From one of the state’s premier vineyards, this shows high-toned dried herb, plum and spice aromas followed by palate-coating fruit flavors. It has a lovely feel and balance that carries through the finish

Animale 2014 Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley $25 88 points
This wine’s aromas are light but intriguing, with peat, cigar box, herb, flower and game notes. Its cherry and raspberry flavors are fresh and transparent, showing little apparent new oak influence. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best

Animale 2014 Reserve Petite Sirah Yakima Valley $28 88 points
This wine’s black pepper, Band Aid, flower and herb aromas are followed by full-bodied but soft and pure fruit flavors. There are good things going on here, but they don’t quite come together

Armstrong Family 2014 The Scotsman Syrah Horse Heaven Hills $36 84 points
This wine’s wood spice, Mounds bar and coconut aromas also include notes of acetone. Woody flavors dominate the palate and persist on the finish. The oak obscures the fruit

Armstrong Family 2014 Four Birds Red Blend Columbia Valley $32 85 points
Merlot makes up half of this wine, and Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot make up the balance. The aromas are unique, with high-toned black tea, green herb and vanilla notes that aren’t entirely settled. The palate brings blackberry and plum flavors that are a bit disjointed. It drops off on the finish

Bells Up 2015 Summit View Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $36 87 points
From an up-and-coming part of the Walla Walla Valley, this has barrel spice, raspberry and dried cherry aromas followed by somewhat elegant red fruit flavors that taper toward the finish. It doesn’t all quite come together

Bergevin Lane 2013 She-Devil Syrah Columbia Valley $24 87 points
This wine’s aromas lack clarity, with wood spice and butterscotch notes at the fore. The palate is full of lip-smacking, medium-bodied dark fruit flavors. Baking spice and coffee notes linger on the finish

Bergevin Lane 2013 Wild Child Merlot Wahluke Slope $26 88 points
Barrel aromas are at the fore in this wine, with vanilla and baking spice notes in front of plum. The palate mixes fruit and barrel flavors, and drying tannins provide the frame

Bergevin Lane 2013 Moonspell Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $28 87 points
This wine’s birthday cake, baking spice, herb and licorice aromas lead to plentiful dark fruit flavors backed by slightly green tannins. It doesn’t quite seem to have fully ripened

Bergevin Lane 2014 Calico Red Blend Columbia Valley $15 87 points
This wine is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 17% Syrah and 5% Petit Verdot. The aromas are fruit-forward, with blackberry jam and other black fruit notes. The palate is more reserved than the aromas suggest, with drying tannins. It has a bit of a hole in the middle, but there’s still enjoyment to be had

Castle Rock 2016 Pinot Noir Columbia Valley $12 84 points
The aromas don’t seem entirely harmonious in this young wine, bringing herb, glue and light volatile notes. The red fruit and floral flavors are light, simple and not fully integrated

Castle Rock 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $11 85 points
This wine pops with notes of ripe strawberry, cherry, herb and melon aromas. These notes carry to the palate, yet are restrained, and the tannins bring grittiness

Castle Rock 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $10 82 points
This wine has a distinct metallic note, which distracts from its already light spice and apple aromas. The palate has an untoward gardenia note

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Impetus Red Blend Columbia Valley $125 91 points
The inaugural release of this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Syrah (34%) and Malbec. The aromas pop with plum, cherry, herb and barrel spice notes. The palate is broad and incredibly pleasing

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Indian Wells Chardonnay Columbia Valley $17 88 points
This wine’s baking spice, vanilla, white flower and peach aromas are followed by sweet, full-feeling stone fruit and spice flavors that pull up short on the finish. It’s a straightforward crowd-pleaser

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley $16 88 points
This wine’s aromas are a bit reticent, which is unusual for this variety, with slate, lime and white peach notes. The palate is more generous, with off-dry, lightly spritzy stone fruit flavors. There are some good things going on, but they don’t quite come together. Some additional time in bottle may help

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Mimi Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $20 90 points
This wine is named after former Canoe Ridge Estate vineyard manager Mimi Nye. Its high toned, pretty pear, yellow apple and barrel spice aromas lead to crisp, focused, well-balanced fruit flavors that linger on the finish. It’s a spot on example of this variety and style

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Riesling Columbia Valley $9 89 points
This wine bursts with ripe peach, honeysuckle and jasmine aromas. It drinks off-dry, the palate redolent of juicy stone fruit and mouthwatering acidity. The balance is exquisite. More, please!

Claar 2013 Winemaker’s Bloc White Bluffs Bordeaux-style Red Blend Columbia Valley $40 86 points
This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The barrel influence is way up front, recalling vanilla, wood spice, baking spice and green herbs. The palate comes off as quite woody as well, with blocky tannins and a vanilla-filled finish

Columbia Crest 2016 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley $NA 89 points
This wine was fermented in concrete and neutral barrels and aged on lees for 20 months. Its light herb and citrus aromas lead to a medium-bodied palate that’s tart, bracing and white grapefruit-like. With acidity like this, it absolutely needs food. Oysters would make an excellent pairing

Columbia Crest 2014 H3 Les Chevaux Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills $15 87 points
Brooding aromas of dark plum, vanilla and spice lead to easy-drinking blue and black fruit flavors in this blend of 63% Syrah, 33% Merlot and 4% Viognier. It’s a bit generic but delivers enjoyment all the same

Gamache 2012 Nicolas Vineyard Select Red Blend Columbia Valley $40 87 points
This wine is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), with equal parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. Despite the even growing season, it doesn’t seem to have fully ripened, with jalapeño pepper, baking spice and plum aromas. The flavors are light to medium bodied and drop off on the finish

Gamache 2014 188° SW Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Blend Red Mountain $50 88 points
This wine is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, and all of the fruit comes from the famed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Vanilla, coconut, ripe plum, clove, cinnamon, barrel spice and herb aromas lead to even-keeled red and black fruit flavors that are surprisingly elegant for the appellation and vintage

Goose Ridge 2015 g3 Estate Bottled Merlot Columbia Valley $15 86 points
Plum, baking spice and licorice aromas lead to lightly styled fruit flavors in this wine. The wood influence seems quite intense, distracting from the fruit

Goose Ridge 2014 Cellar Select Artist Series Estate Bottled Red Blend Columbia Valley $NA 88 points
This wine is 73% Mourvèdre, 11% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel notes are upfront, with vanilla, dill and baking spice aromas accenting cherry and white pepper scents. The palate mixes fruit and barrel characteristics but comes up a bit short on the finish

Goose Ridge 2015 g3 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $15 84 points
This wine shows prominent volatile acidity, which overpowers its red apple, cherry and baking spice aromas. The palate has lightly styled, smooth-feeling plum flavors backed by astringent tannins

Goose Ridge 2013 Estate Bottled Merlot Columbia Valley $34 88 points
Despite being a full four years old, this wine’s aromas aren’t yet fully revealing their charms, with high-toned vanilla, spice, cedar and cherry notes. The flavors are tightly wound as well, with a light gamy streak throughout. It’s not clear if it will open with additional time or if what you see is what you get

Goose Ridge 2014 Reserve Estate Bottled Malbec Columbia Valley $55 87 points
This wine was aged in half French and half American oak, 60% new. Wood spice, vanilla, plum and herb aromas lead to a broad palate that mixes fruit and barrel in equal parts, the two persisting on the finish

Goose Ridge 2015 Cellar Select Artist Series Estate Bottled Reserve Chardonnay Columbia Valley $38 88 points
This wine’s aroma brings notes of vanilla, woodspice and baking spice in addition to its bright tangerine scents. The palate is elegant yet creamy in feel, with stone fruit and barrel flavors throughout. It pulls up a bit short on the finish but is otherwise a lovely wine.

Goose Ridge 2015 GRV White Blend Columbia Valley $25 88 points
This wine is a blend of 55% Viognier, 23% Grenache Blanc and 22% Roussanne. Its light apple, vanilla, citrus and spice aromas are followed by creamy, thick-feeling fruit flavors that persist on the spice-filled finish. It comes off quite heavy

Goose Ridge 2016 Estate Bottled Ice Wine Riesling Columbia Valley $50 89 points
This ice wine—a rarity in the state—has dried pineapple, mango and honey aromas that haven’t entirely melded. The palate, however, brings plenty of sugar-rich, honeyed papaya flavors backed by pleasant acidity. It may integrate with more time in bottle

Hard Row To Hoe 2016 Chardonnay Lake Chelan $25 84 points
The color of this wine—an almost golden yellow—seems to suggest some oxygen exposure given its youth. The aromas bring corn on the cob and spice notes, leading to a lightly creamy palate that falls flat on the finish.

Hard Row To Hoe 2014 Pinot Noir Lake Chelan $40 88 points
This wine was sourced from Clos CheValle Vineyard. It shows primary fruit aromas that bring a lightly candied quality and herbal accents. The palate is a bit clunky, losing some of the variety’s delicacy but still delivering enjoyment

Hard Row To Hoe 2014 Tempranillo Lake Chelan $45 88 points
Blended with 20% Syrah, this brooding wine shows butterscotch, red fruit and spice aromas and tart, high-acid fruit flavors. It’s a mix of fruit and barrel characteristics, even though the oak used was neutral. The tannins bring a lightly chalky feel

Hard Row To Hoe 2014 S&M Red Blend Lake Chelan $38 88 points
This wine is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Malbec. The aromas seem a bit unsettled, with herb, dill and wood spice notes that don’t come together. The palate packs a mouthful of smooth cherry and plum flavors—they’re downright delicious but seem a bit disconnected to the aromas

Helioterra 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $28 87 points
This wine all comes from Oasis Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Its red fruit, baking spice and medicine cabinet aromas are a bit difficult to tease out. The flavors, meanwhile, are at once lightly styled and jammy, finishing short with cranberry notes

Helioterra 2014 Mourvèdre Columbia Valley $30 87 points
From Heart of the Hill Vineyard on Red Mountain, this leads with vanilla, clove and baking spice aromas and follows with tart, tangy fruit and barrel flavors. Cranberry notes linger on the finish, along with interesting acidity

J. Scott Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $40 87 points
Cocoa, woodspice, licorice and cherry aromas are out in front in this wine, accenting light-bodied dark fruit flavors. The tannins seem a bit gritty, but it otherwise provides appeal

J. Scott Cellars 2015 Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley (OR) $35 88 points
This wine’s aromas are upfront, with green pepper, jalapeño and herb notes. The palate is full of dark cherry and herb flavors that show pleasing balance. It’s not for all tastes but is sure to please those who enjoy this variety’s greener side

Kiona 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $25 88 points
Kiona Estate, Emory, Vista and Heart of the Hill vineyard grapes make up this wine. Its dried herb, cigar, burnt coffee, jammy black fruit, tar, vanilla and spice aromas lead to fresh black fruit flavors. It’s supported by grainy, slightly dry tannins

Kiona 2013 Estate Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $75 90 points
Fruit for this wine comes from the oldest vines in this appellation, planted in 1975. The aromas are reserved, recalling baking and barrel spices, along with herbal and medicinal notes. The black fruit flavors are deep and rich, seeming ever so slightly dried out. Tightly wound tannins provide support. Give it a couple years in bottle

L'Ecole No. 41 2015 Frenchtown Red Blend Columbia Valley $23 88 points
Principally Merlot (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Syrah (19%), along with other red varieties, this brings apple, cherry and barrel spice aromas. The flavors are full bodied and liquorous, providing some appeal

Liberty Lake 2012 Legacy Reserve Red Blend Red Mountain $35 86 points
This wine is an unusual blend of 30% Petit Verdot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Tempranillo, 17% Syrah and 12% Merlot. Aged in 50% new American oak for 40 months, it offers baking spice, garden herb and red cherry aromas, followed by a somewhat green and gritty palate. A tart, bitter note distracts on the finish

Long 2014 Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley $28 87 points
This wine’s aromas aren’t entirely settled, with dried cherry, spice, herb and game notes. Its cherry flavors are ripe, full and dry but dip in the middle. It has pleasing components, but they don’t all come together

Long 2015 Scooteney Flats Vineyard Petit Verdot Red Mountain $28 87 points
From an up-and-coming vineyard, this exudes light green herb, macerated cherry, violet, citrus and barrel spice aromas. On the palate, full, slightly green dark fruit flavors are backed by tart acidity. The tannins are a touch dry, but there’s promise here

Long 2014 Walla Faces Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $28 88 points
This wine’s aromas are quite reticent, making one strain to perceive what’s in the glass. The palate provides a stark contrast, with bold, lush dark fruit flavors backed by firm tannins. It’s a full-bore interpretation of the variety that could move up a notch if the aromas open up

Longship 2015 Invader Tempranillo Horse Heaven Hills $30 88 points
This wine’s vanilla and herb aromas are high toned. The palate brings abundant fruit and barrel flavors, with lively acidity providing the frame. The tannins seem a little coarse at present. Give them some time to settle

Love That Red 2015 Fillies & Mares Riviere Galets Vineyard Grenache The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater $50 87 points
The aromas in this wine aren’t entirely harmonious, with high-toned herb, spice and mineral notes. The palate, however, brings plenty of intrigue, with velvety-soft, mouth-coating red fruit flavors and savory herbal hints that linger on the finish. Unfortunately, the two don’t sync up

Marshall Davis 2015 Syrah Columbia Valley $29 88 points
This shows exuberant boysenberry, violet, herb, smoked meat and peppery spice aromas, along with a slightly distracting tire rubber note. The palate is packed tightly with rich flavors that carry through the fruit-filled finish. If the tire rubber aromas resolve, it will greatly improve

Maryhill 2014 Art de Hoed Vineyard Petite Sirah Yakima Valley $32 90 points
Dark purple in color, this has brooding vanilla, barrel spice, flower and purple fruit aromas. The flavors are light, tart and focused, with tightly coiled tannins providing support. The acid shines through, calling for food to show at its best

Maryhill 2016 Viognier Columbia Valley $16 84 points
This wine’s peach Jolly Rancher and white flower aromas lead to lightly sprizty, off-dry stone fruit flavors. It shows a good bit of heat on the finish, throwing the balance out of whack

Maryhill 2014 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc Rattlesnake Hills $36 86 points
This wine’s lightly volatile black fruit and baking spice aromas lead to dark fruit flavors backed by firm, grippy tannins. It doesn’t all come together, and the variety seems lost

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Syrah Columbia Valley $38 87 points
With fruit from Les Collines, McKinley Springs and Elephant Mountain vineyards, this offers coconut, vanilla and baking spice aromas and full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors. The oak influence is pretty intense

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Grenache Columbia Valley $36 87 points
Sourced from Art Den Hoed and Gunkel vineyards, this wine has high-toned red apple and barrel spice aromas and ripe, sweet red raspberry flavors. It’s interesting, albeit cloying

Maryhill 2014 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Mourvèdre Rattlesnake Hills $38 88 points
This 100% varietal wine shows high-toned baking spice and red fruit aromas that lead to ripe but well-proportioned cherry and meat flavors. Fruit and barrel notes interweave on the finish

Mercer 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $20 88 points
This wine’s plum, red apple, vanilla and spice aromas lead to a plump, fruit-forward palate. The tannins bring a lightly gritty feel, but there’s still much to enjoy

Owen Roe 2015 The Parting Glass Outlook Vineyard Cordon Cut Viognier Yakima Valley $24 88 points
Brown sugar, flower, pineapple and sugared peach aromas lead to sweet, elegant fruit flavors in this wine. There’s some intrigue, but it doesn’t all come together

Owen Roe 2014 Red Blend Yakima Valley $28 90 points
Merlot makes up just over half this wine, with the balance in Cabernet Franc (34%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). The aromas are high toned out of the gate, leading with cigar box, cedar and herb notes. They’re followed by plum and piercingly pure cherry scents that becomes more prominent over time. The palate has elegantly styled fruit flavors surrounded by tightly coiled tannins. It needs a couple years in bottle to come into its own but is a very pretty wine

Owen Roe 2015 Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley $28 90 points
This wine’s soil, black cherry, herb and spice aromas are followed by elegantly styled fruit flavors that show pretty balance. Despite the warmth of the vintage, this one is all about elegance

Owen Roe 2014 Union Gap Syrah Yakima Valley $55 88 points
This wine’s red fruit and herb aromas are light and overly subtle. Fresh raspberry and dark berry flavors show on the palate but come up a bit short on the finish. It doesn’t all come together

Owen Roe 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $42 88 points
This wine’s brooding aromas are not entirely settled, with fresh herb, dark cherry and anise notes. The cranberry-like fruit flavors are at once broad and tart, with lightly grainy tannins providing support. Herb notes linger on the finish

Owen Roe 2015 DuBrul Vineyard Chardonnay Yakima Valley $48 88 points
From one of the state’s top sites, this shows lees, biscuit and apple aromas at the fore. The palate brings light, lemony flavors, with a red apple-filled finish. There are some interesting things going on here, but they don’t quite all come together, though the acidity is notable considering the warm vintage.

Owen Roe 2015 DuBrul Vineyard Merlot Yakima Valley $55 90 points
Red fruit aromas are at the fore in this wine, with pleasing raspberry and Red Vines notes, along with spice accents. The palate shows remarkable restraint, refinement and balance considering the warmth of the vintage, and its firm tannic core should allow it to evolve nicely for a few years in the cellar

Owen Roe 2015 The Parting Glass Late Harvest Riesling Yakima Valley $24 88 points
Petrol, brown sugar, dried orange peel and light oxidative aromas lead to elegant but sweet stone and tropical fruit flavors in this wine. It’s enjoyable on the palate, but the aromas don’t come together

Owen Roe 2015 The Parting Glass Outlook Vineyard Cordon Cut Gewürztraminer Yakima Valley $24 87 points
This wine’s aromas are a bit disjointed, its rose petal and spice notes seeming dried out. The palate is quite sweet, without the acidity to back it up

Pepper Bridge 2014 Trine Walla Walla Valley $65 90 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (37%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Merlot (15%), Malbec (9%) and Petit Verdot. Its aromas are still locked up, including its cinnamon, cedar and nutmeg notes and its brooding dark fruit. The palate packs a mouthful of black fruit flavors that show the ripeness of the vintage yet retain a sense of balance

Plumb Cellars 2013 Estate JK Vineyard IV Syrah Walla Walla Valley $28 89 points
Co-fermented with Viognier, this shows high-toned raspberry, cherry and spice aromas and full-bodied red fruit flavors, with meaty notes on the finish. It has a pleasant balance

Plumb Cellars 2013 Damn Straight Red Blend Columbia Valley $39 89 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Cabernet Franc (20%), Merlot (12%) and Syrah. Black cherry, raspberry, cedar, vanilla and barrel spice aromas lead to full-bodied dark fruit flavors that coat the palate from end to end, with barrel notes that linger on the finish. Firm tannins provide support

Seven Falls 2016 GPS Jones Vineyard Roussanne-Marsanne-Viognier White Blend Wahluke Slope $30 88 points
Roussanne makes up half of this wine, the balance in Marsanne and just 10% Viognier. Its light peach, straw, almond butter and lees aromas are followed by bone-dry flavors. It has pleasing acidity and balance and is a unique interpretation of these three varieties

Seven Falls 2016 GPS Shaw Vineyard Chardonnay Wahluke Slope $30 88 points
It’s rare to see a vineyard-designated Chardonnay come out of this appellation. This one brings light baking spice and apple aromas that lead to creamy-feeling stone fruit flavors. It’s equal parts intrigue and delivery

Seven Falls 2015 Chardonnay Wahluke Slope $18 88 points
This blend of grapes from Shaw and Jones vineyards has vanilla, papaya, banana and baking spice aromas that lead to broad fruit flavors with a lightly creamy feel. With caramel notes on the finish, it’s a delightful interpretation of the variety

Seven Falls 2015 Rapids Red Blend Wahluke Slope $18 87 points
This wine is principally Merlot and Syrah, along with a dash of Cinsault. The aromas are high toned out of the gate, with red fruit, vanilla, plum and spice notes. The palate is soft and elegant in style, with a spice-filled finish. It’s a straightforward, easy drinker

Snoqualmie 2015 Syrah Yakima Valley $10 86 points
This wine’s bright blueberry syrup, boysenberry and vanilla aromas lead to soft, plump, easy-drinking blue fruit flavors that persist on the finish.

Ste Michelle Vineyards 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $11 88 points
This wine has a throwback label celebrating Chateau Ste Michelle’s 50th anniversary. Upfront aromas of clarified butter, peach and spice are followed by medium-bodied stone fruit flavors. It’s a varietal crowd-pleaser.

Tall Sage 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $13 85 points
This wine’s aromas are light, with herb and spice notes. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, with lemony fruit flavors and no apparent new oak influence

Vital 2015 The Given Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $25 88 points
Vibrant candied cherry, herb and baking spice aromas are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors in this wine. The tannins bring a bit of grit to an otherwise enjoyable palate.

Wine Enthusiast Reviews for December 1 2017

Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for December 1, 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. Read instructions on how to find Washington wine reviews at Wine Enthusiast here.

67 reviews in the December 1, 2017 issue. Enjoy!

14 Hands 2016 Pinot Gris Washington $10 87 points
Aromas of pear, cantaloupe and apple are followed by broad, dry fruit flavors, with a spritzy finish. There’s not much complexity, but the wine goes down easy and is very varietal. Best Buy

Alder Ridge 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $30 87 points
Aromas come off as quite green, with notes of jalapeño pepper and garden herb mixed with cherry and vanilla. The palate brings broad cherry flavors. It provides appeal but the aromas and flavors seem a bit disconnected and the greenness proves distracting.

Apex 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $36 86 points
The aromas are bright, with notes of vanilla and cherry. In contrast. the palate comes off as light. This is a simple, straightforward quaffer, with cranberry notes persisting on the finish.

Ashan 2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Columbia Valley $25 91 points
Aromas of candy corn, spice and almond butter are followed by full-bodied, tropical-fruit flavors that show a pleasing sense of richness and intensity. It’s a delicious example of the variety, with a lingering finish. Editor's Choice

Auclair 2014 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $45 88 points
Barrel influences takes over aromatically, with notes of wood, toast and dark chocolate in front of golden raisins, with the fruit seeming somewhat dried out. The palate brings tart cranberry and cherry flavors that show a sense of liveliness. Good things are going on but the aromas and palate seem a bit disconnected at present.

Bieler Family 2016 Daisy Pinot Grigio Washington $13 87 points
Aromas of ripe apple, sliced pear and white flowers lead to tart, lighter-side-of-medium-bodied fruit flavors. Spices notes fill out the finish. It delivers easy-drinking enjoyment and is very varietal.

Bontzu 2016 Pinot Gris Walla Walla Valley $25 87 points
Aromas bring notes of beeswax, lees and lemon. The palate is medium bodied and creamy in feel, backed by zippy acidity. The variety isn’t entirely distinct but, despite this, it delivers appeal.

Bontzu 2014 Carmenère Walla Walla Valley $45 89 points
There’s no mistaking the variety here, with its notes of red chili pepper and green pepper along with snuffed-out cigar. The palate is broad and generous but still shows elegance, with its cherry and spice flavors. It’s an intriguing example of the variety.

Bontzu 2015 Reserve Grenache Walla Walla Valley $60 90 points
The aromas are alluring, with notes of stem, dried herb, white pepper, cigar box and raspberry. The palate is chock-full of raspberry flavors that show a pleasing purity, and the finish lingers, showing just a touch of heat.

Bontzu 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $45 85 points
The aromas bring notes of medicine cabinet and Band Aid that seem a bit untoward. Flavors are tart and lighter in style, narrowing toward the finish.

Bontzu 2016 Viognier Walla Walla Valley $25 85 points
The aromas seem a bit off, with volatile notes along with lees, orange peel and peach. The palate is lightly creamy but still somewhat lean in style, not able to hold all of the flavors together.

Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $36 87 points
Aromas of cocoa, vanilla, coconut and herb are at the fore, with a green note lurking in the background. The barrel flavors are out front on the palate as well, with the tannins seeming a bit gritty and dry. It’s a bit hard to discern the variety.

Browne Family Vineyards 2016 Heritage Chardonnay Columbia Valley $22 87 points
Aromas bring notes of white flowers, candlewax and summer squash, showing no overt new-oak influence. The palate is medium bodied, delivering easy-drinking appeal.

Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Petit Verdot Columbia Valley $36 89 points
Coming from Waterbrook Estate, Blackrock and Summit View vineyards, this offers high-toned aromas, with notes of flower, soil and bittersweet chocolate. The palate is full of bold flavors backed by lively acidity and firm, slightly dry tannins. It’s a high-quality example of the variety, though it could use some steak to tame the tannins.

Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Merlot Columbia Valley $36 88 points
Aromas are high toned and barrel-forward, with notes of vanilla, green wood and cocoa. The fruit is able to break through on the palate that shows a pleasing sense of balance.

Canoe Ridge 2014 Limited Edition Canyon Vineyard Ranch Cinsault Yakima Valley $36 87 points
This wine is a little green out of the gate, with notes of garden herbs and green flowers along with macerated cranberries and ripe blue fruit. The palate has a pleasing texture and sense of purity but ultimately the aromas are too distracting.

Canoe Ridge 2014 Limited Edition The Benches Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $42 87 points
Aromas of spice, macerated cherry, vanilla and blackberry lead to jammy, sweet-seeming fruit flavors. It provides easy-drinking appeal, with grainy tannins backing it all up.

Canoe Ridge 2014 Reserve Merlot Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
Aromas of toasty barrel spices, vanilla, cedar, high-toned herbs and plums lead to tart cranberry flavors. The tannins give a firm squeeze and this wine shows a bit of heat, but is otherwise appealing.

Canoe Ridge 2015 Reserve Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
A blend of fruit from Canoe Ridge and Wallula vineyards, this puts the oak (40% new French) at the fore. Aromas of vanilla and baking spice lead to buttery, creamy, full-fruit flavors. The oak and malolactic influence is not shy but it’s a good choice for those seeking that style.

Canoe Ridge 2015 The Expedition Merlot Horse Heaven Hills $16 87 points
With the fruit from equal parts The Benches and Canoe Ridge Vineyard, the addition of Syrah (9%) stands out on the aromas, with its notes of plum followed by vanilla and licorice. The palate is lightly sweet, with bunched-up tannins.

Canoe Ridge 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
Aromas of garden herbs, cherry and bittersweet chocolate lead to medium-bodied fruit and barrel flavors. The tannins are quite firm and need some time (hopefully) to soften. The oak seems to get out front.

Canoe Ridge 2015 The Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $16 86 points
Light aromas offer notes of berry, herb, plum and whiffs of tire rubber. The palate comes off a bit green and sweet, with lightly gritty tannins providing support.

Cavatappi 2016 Sangiovese Columbia Valley $13 87 points
The aromas on this wine seem a bit candied, with notes of red currant, raspberry and cranberry. Flavors are fresh, with plenty of tart, puckering cranberry notes throughout. There’s not a lot of complexity, but it should fit in well at the dinner table, with the oak dialed way back and the acid up.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Ethos Reserve Chardonnay Columbia Valley $35 88 points
This wine is a bit reduced out of the gate, providing distraction from its aromas of burnt toast, apple, pear and spice. The palate is creamy in feel, with buttery flavors along with a lemony finish. If the reduction blows off it could move up a notch or two.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Ethos Reserve Syrah Columbia Valley $50 89 points
The aromas pop, with notes of fresh blueberry pie, sweet herb, dark-roasted coffee and spice. The palate doesn’t quite deliver on all those aromas, seeming a bit less bold than the nose suggests. Still, this wine is enjoyable, especially after it has time to open up.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley $10 88 points
The aromas are bright, with notes of guava, pineapple and citrus. The palate is lightly spritzy with plenty of grapefruit flavors that keep the interest high. Best Buy

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley $15 89 points
Raspberry, cocoa, coffee and vanilla aromas lead to plump, focused fruit flavors. It’s both appealing and quite varietally correct. For those looking for a quality value Merlot, look no further.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Indian Wells Merlot Columbia Valley $18 90 points
Barrel aromas are at the fore, with notes of vanilla, cocoa and milk chocolate out in front of blackberry and black cherry. The palate also mixes fruit and barrel, showing pleasing depth of flavors and intensity along with a silky texture.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Horse Heaven Hills $15 90 points
Light aromas of herb, grass, papaya and kiwi lead to tart, spritely tropical-fruit flavors heightened by grapefruit accents. There’s no mistaking the variety and it’s appealing, with a drawn-out finish. Best Buy

Columbia Crest 2015 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $15 87 points
Aromas of plum, stewed cherry, milk chocolate and vanilla are accented by notes of smoke. Fruit and barrel flavors intertwine on the palate, with fruit winning out on the finish that narrows a bit.

Columbia Crest 2016 Reserve Garnacha Blanca Yakima Valley $28 89 points
Quite pale in color, this wine offers well-defined aromas of apple, cantaloupe and pear. The palate has a textured feel and brings a pleasing sense of purity along with tart acidity. A winning offering of this seldom-seen variety, it should go particularly well at the dinner table.

Columbia Crest 2015 Reserve Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $26 90 points
Aromas of butter, vanilla, corn silk and tropical fruit lead to barrel-forward, oak-laden pineapple flavors that intertwine through the finish. For the style, it’s well done but the oak is pretty intense.

Columbia Crest 2016 Reserve Pinot Gris Yakima Valley $26 87 points
Vibrant aromas of cantaloupe, freshly cut pear and yellow apple are at the fore. While the palate is bone dry, it has a light spritz that seems out of place. It’s a shame as aromatically it delivers a lot of enjoyment.

Columbia Crest 2016 Reserve Late Harvest Muscat Canelli Columbia Valley $30 88 points
The aromas leap out of the glass, with notes of freshly peeled tangerine, white flowers, jasmine and honeysuckle. It drinks quite sweet but manages to stay in balance. It’s a delicious example of this variety. Enjoy it for dessert.

Columbia Crest 2016 Reserve Dry Riesling Yakima Valley $28 90 points
The aromas are exuberant, with notes of lime, orange zest, ripe peach and flowers. The palate, as advertised, is bone dry with stone-fruit flavors that show crystalline clarity and linger on the finish that features plenty of lime accents.

Columbia Crest 2015 H3 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills $15 88 points
Aromas of plum and blue fruit are accented by high-toned spices and milk chocolate. Flavors are soft, palate coating and poised, with blue-fruit flavors lingering on the finish. It doesn’t necessarily taste like Merlot but still brings plenty of appeal.

Desert Wind 2016 Estate Grown Chardonnay Wahluke Slope $15 86 points
The aromas bring light notes of corn husk and apple. This wine is broad in feel, with a lightly creamy texture full of roasted-corn flavors.

Desert Wind 2015 Estate Grown Ora Proprietary Red Blend Wahluke Slope $30 86 points
This is an unusual blend of principally Syrah, Malbec, Tempranillo and Souzao, along with bits of Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of cocoa, vanilla and green herb lead to tart cherry flavors that seem underripe. The finish comes up short.

Desert Wind 2015 Estate Grown Malbec Wahluke Slope $30 87 points
Green aromas are at the fore, with notes of underripe herb, mint, plum and spice. In contrast, the palate is full of spritely cherry and plum flavors. The aromas and flavors seem disconnected but it still brings intrigue.

Desert Wind 2015 Estate Grown Ruah Proprietary Red Blend Wahluke Slope $20 87 points
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah, this offers high-toned aromas, with notes of green herb, cocoa and green pepper. The palate is chalky in feel, with the tannins seeming bunched up and dry. Cocoa notes linger on the finish. The greenness on the aromas is hard to get around.

Desert Wind 2015 Estate Grown Merlot Wahluke Slope $18 87 points
Aromas seem a bit locked up, with notes of plum, herb and cedar. The raspberry flavors similarly seem bunched up, with lightly dry tannins providing support. Vanilla flavors linger on the finish. The variety gets a bit lost.

Desert Wind 2015 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $18 86 points
The aromas bring notes of vanilla, green pepper, black tea, cherry and herb, and the palate delivers much the same. This wine comes off as a bit innocuous but is quite consistent throughout. It tapers on the finish.

Drumheller 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $12 87 points
Aromas pop, with notes of starfruit, cantaloupe, apple, butter and spice. The palate is broad with a lightly creamy feel, speckled throughout with cardamom notes. Best Buy

Duck Pond 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $12 87 points
Light aromas offer notes of apple and pear. The palate of thhis wine is cleanly made, showing no obvious new-oak impact. It’s a straight-down-the-fairway interpretation of this variety. Best Buy 

Dumas Station 2013 Minnick Hills Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $60 88 points
Aromas bring notes of vanilla bean, black cherry and cassis, along with light volatility. The palate packs a big punch of fruit and barrel flavors, with vanilla notes running high throughout, causing some distraction.

Dumas Station 2014 Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley $36 87 points
The cocoa, vanilla and black fruit are followed by a chocolaty, wood-forward palate that shows a bit of volatility. There are some good things going on but the oak (30% new French and American) seems to get in the way, making the varietal a bit hard to find.

Efeste 2016 Feral Sauvignon Blanc Ancient Lakes $20 90 points
Quite light aromas of talc, lemon zest and mineral along with whiffs of tropical fruit lead to sleek, bright, focused and lemony flavors backed by zippy acidity. It should shine paired with ceviche or oysters. Editor's Choice

Gorman 2015 The Devil You Know Red Blend Columbia Valley $28 91 points
This wine is a blend of Merlot (44%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Malbec (17%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas are brooding, with notes of cocoa, bittersweet chocolate, cherry, herb and spice. The dark-fruit flavors are full bodied, rich and saturated, packing a hefty punch with a finish that sails. Editor's Choice

Gorman 2015 Old Scratch G-S-M Columbia Valley $25 88 points
This wine is 90% Syrah, with the balance Grenache (8%) and Mourvèdre. The aromas are reserved initially, with notes of blueberry pie, dark-roasted coffee and raspberry. The palate is surprisingly light for the aromas (and producer), with the finish seeming attenuated. The oak also comes off as a bit heavy.

Gorman 2015 The Devil You Don’t Know Red Blend Columbia Valley $28 92 points
Though not labeled as such, this could be a varietal Syrah (76%), with the balance Grenache (18%) and Mourvèdre. The aromas offer notes of dark-roasted coffee bean, smoke, orange peel, toast and huckleberry pie. The blue-fruit flavors are bold and full, delivering a mouthful of enjoyment that keeps you coming back for more. Editor's Choice

Gorman 2016 Old Scratch Chardonnay Columbia Valley $20 90 points
Aged six months in neutral French oak, this offers aromas of spice, pineapple and almond skin. Full bodied, the palate is redolent with tropical-fruit flavors. The mouthfeel dazzles, especially for a wine at this price. Editor's Choice

Gorman 2015 Old Scratch Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $28 88 points
This wine is aromatic, with notes of vanilla, plum, cherry and dark coffee. Flavors are big, bold and ripe, delivering hedonistic appeal that carries through the finish.

Pacific Crest 2015 McNary Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $19 86 points
Piercing green aromas are far out front, distracting from the notes of cherry and herb. The cherry flavors seem a bit attenuated.

Pacific Crest 2015 Centennial Trail Chardonnay Columbia Valley $17 88 points
Apple, pear and spice aromas lead to medium-bodied fruit flavors that manage to remain light on their feet. The finish seems a bit clipped but it still delivers enjoyment.

Pamplin 2014 Red I.Q. Columbia Valley $14 90 points
This wine comes from top sites Canoe Ridge Estate, Champoux, Seven Hills and Wallula. An intriguing blend of 43% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 17% Malbec, it offers high-toned aromas, with notes of toasty spice and herb in front of raspberry and cherry. Supple and well balanced, the fruit flavors show poise and length. Best Buy

Pendulum 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $17 88 points
Cocoa, raspberry and dark-chocolate aromas are followed by chocolaty barrel flavors that persist on the finish. There’s enjoyment to be had but the oak seems a bit out front.

Sagelands 2015 Riverbed Red Blend Columbia Valley $10 87 points
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up two-thirds of this wine, with the balance Malbec and Syrah. Vibrant aromas of plum, spice and herb are followed by plush, lightly sweet, palate-coating fruit flavors backed by grainy tannins. It finishes sweet, delivering plenty of easy-drinking appeal. Best Buy

Walla Walla Vintners 2012 Cut Bank Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $60 88 points
Coming from the winery’s estate vineyard high up in Upper Mill Creek, this wine is starting to show a bit of age, offering aromas of anise, dried cherry, green pepper and cigar ash. Equal parts dark and green, the flavors come off a bit disjointed, with bell-pepper notes on the finish.

Walla Walla Vintners 2012 Cut Bank Estate Vottavo Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $60 91 points
A blend of Sangiovese (42%), Merlot (32%), and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is one of the first wines coming off the estate vineyard located next to the winery. A full five years old, it’s starting to show a touch of age aromatically, with notes of bittersweet chocolate, dried cherry and dried herb along with sliced green pepper. The palate shows the brightness of acidity that this region of the valley is known for, heightening the fruit flavors and stretching out the finish.

Washington Hills 2015 Riesling Washington $10 86 points
Dried apricot, jasmine, flower, herb and peach aromas are followed by medium, sweet fruit flavors that can’t quite sustain their intensity but still bring appeal. Best Buy

Washington Hills 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $10 85 points
Fruit-forward aromas of blueberry, orange peel and spice lead to medium-bodied fruit flavors. It’s respectable, though it’s near impossible to peg it as Cabernet. Best Buy

Waterbrook 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $23 88 points
This 100% varietal wine hails from Blackrock, Mirage and Summit View vineyards. Barrel notes of cocoa, vanilla and coconut are at the fore, along with notes of dried cranberry and cherry. The palate is full bodied, with luscious fruit and barrel flavors that provide appeal.

Waterbrook 2015 Syrah Columbia Valley $13 88 points
Pleasing aromas of marionberry, cocoa and spice are followed by lightly styled but still palate-coating fruit flavors. A velvety texture heightens the appeal, with fruit and barrel flavors lingering on the finish. Best Buy

Waterbrook 2016 ICON Viognier Columbia Valley $25 87 points
Aromas of butterscotch, pear, peach, flowers and spice are followed by full-bodied stone-fruit flavors. It brings a fair amount of heat along with it but is certainly varietally correct.

Waterbrook 2014 Reserve Merlot Columbia Valley $23 88 points
Coming from a mixture of Mirage and Blackrock vineyards, this wine offers aromas of baking spice, vanilla and dark fruit. These are followed by full-bodied black-cherry and spice flavors along with gritty tannins. It dips a bit in the middle and the oak seems a bit heavy, but it still delivers enjoyment.

Waterbrook 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley $13 86 points
Aromas of vanilla, cocoa and woodspice are at the fore. The palate starts out broadly but then trails as it moves toward the finish. This wine doesn’t entirely come together.

Waterbrook 2014 Reserve Malbec Columbia Valley $23 88 points
Coconut, vanilla and spice aromas are at the fore, with the fruit seeming a bit dried out. The black-plum flavors show pleasing depth, with baking-spice flavors speckled throughout. The wood is primary but it’s still appealing.

Wine Enthusiast Reviews for December 31 2017

Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for December 31, 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. Read instructions on how to find Washington wine reviews at Wine Enthusiast here.

102 reviews in the December 31 issue. Enjoy!

3 Horse Ranch Vineyards 2016 Single Vineyard Pinot Gris Eagle Foothills $18 87 points
The aromas are bright and fragrant, with notes of pear, flowers, star fruit and mandarin-orange rind. The palate is full of tropical fruit and orange flavors that provide appeal.

Andrew Rich 2014 Glacial Columbia Valley $45 88 points
This wine is a blend of 52% Syrah, 26% Mourvèdre and 22% Grenache. Aromas of black licorice, herb, barrel spice and cassis are out front. The palate is chock-full of black fruit flavors that bring a dry, lightly astringent feel.

Andrew Rich 2014 Ciel du Cheval Mourvèdre Columbia Valley $40 88 points
The aromas bring notes of herb, dark fruit and spice, seemingly a bit muddled. The palate packs a big mouthful of fruit and savory flavors that show a sense of purity, while bringing a lightly tacky feel. A lack of aromatic clarity holds it back.

Andrew Rich 2014 Roussanne Columbia Valley $23 88 points
Intriguing aromas of sweet herb and baking spice lead to drawn-out feeling biscuit flavors. It shows a bit of heat on the finish.

Andrew Rich 2014 Red Willow Vineyard Syrah Columbia Valley $40 89 points
Coming from one of the state’s premier Syrah vineyards, aromas of herb, red fruit, flower and spice are at the fore. The palate is full with red and black-fruit flavors with a lightly tacky feel.

Andrew Rich 2014 Ciel du Cheval Grenache Columbia Valley $40 88 points
Dried herb aromas are at the fore, along with notes of flowers and red fruit. The palate is full of medium-bodied fruit and savory flavors that bring a lightly tacky lip-smacking feel. It’s hard to place it as Grenache exactly but it brings enjoyment all the same.

Andrew Rich 2014 Celilo Vineyard Gewürztraminer Columbia Gorge $28 88 points
The aromas seem surprisingly subdued for the variety and style, with notes of flower, herb and spice. It drinks sweet but doesn’t quite have the acid to back it up.

Animale 2014 Maria Carmela Red Blend Washington $NA 86 points
This wine is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 9% Pinot Noir and 8% Petit Sirah. Freshly ground cranberry aromas are at the fore, along with notes of gardenia and medicine cabinet. The red-fruit flavors are tart and tacky in feel. It doesn’t all come together.

Animale 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $NA 88 points
High-toned aromas of herb, cigar box and spice are followed by tart cranberry and cherry flavors backed by lightly gritty tannins. The bright acidity keeps the interest high. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.

Apex 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $30 87 points
Aromas of cocoa, baking spice and herb are followed by cocoa and vanilla-speckled flavors. The tannins bring a slight sense of astringency but overall it offers some appeal.

Bitner 2012 Petit Verdot-Merlot Red Blend Snake River Valley (ID) $33 90 points
A 60-40 split of two varieties, this wine brings aromas of soil, citrus peel and wood spice. The palate delivers a firm handshake of tannins and fruit flavors brightened by tart acidity.

Callan 2016 Boushey Vineyard Grenache Blanc Yakima Valley $25 91 points
This is an impressive wine from a new producer. It’s aromatically expressive in notes of ripe apple, star fruit and pear, with lemon-pith accents. The melon and citrus flavors are rounded, fresh and clean, offering a great balance of acidity. Editor's Choice

Callan 2016 Picpoul Yakima Valley $25 89 points
Coming from Boushey Vineyard, this is a seldom-seen variety in the state. This offering seems a bit reduced out of the gate, showing aromas of garden hose along with lemon. The medium-bodied citrus rind and lemon flavors bring plenty of appeal along with a big blast of acidity. If the reduction blows off, it moves up a notch or two as the palate flat-out impresses.

Cavatappi 2015 Sangiovese Columbia Valley $12 87 points
The aromas are fruit forward, with notes of plum and herb. The palate is supple in feel, showing little apparent new oak influence and zippy acidity. It doesn’t seem entirely varietal aromatically but still brings appeal and should fit in well at the dinner table. Best Buy

Charles Smith 2016 Kung Fu Girl Riesling Washington $13 87 points
The aromas are a bit light for the variety, with notes of flower, herb and lime. The palate is off dry and lightly spritzy, with stone-fruit flavors. The concentration seems somewhat lacking.

Charles Smith 2015 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $20 88 points
The aromas are forward, with notes of black currant, blue fruit, herb and spice. The palate delivers a mouthful of sweet blue-fruit flavors, with the oak dialed back. Lightly dry tannins provide support. It’s hard to necessarily place it as Cabernet but it brings plenty of appeal.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Ethos Reserve Late Harvest Riesling Columbia Valley $40 92 points
The aromas pop, with notes of brown sugar, dried pear and honey. The palate is incredibly rich and intense but with high-wire acidity that keeps all of the flavors in vivid focus. The sense of balance is exquisite.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $15 87 points
Vanilla, baking spice, huckleberry, herb and blackberry aromas are at the fore. The black and blue-fruit flavors are soft and supple, bringing light savory notes that provide appeal.

Cinder 2016 Off-Dry Riesling Snake River Valley (ID) $18 90 points
There’s no mistaking the variety here, with its attention-getting aromas of flowers, mandarin orange and ripe peach, along with lime-zest accents. It drinks off dry, with a plentiful, rich, flavorful palate. There’s loads of enjoyment to be had.

Cinder 2015 Syrah Snake River Valley (ID) $29 91 points
Cinder is quietly one of the wineries carrying the banner for this nascent growing region. The aromas here are sappy and brooding, with notes of Marionberry, huckleberry, bittersweet chocolate and a spice top note. The blue-fruit flavors show an alluring sense of purity and grace that carries through the finish, which includes a savory note that heightens the interest. Delicious stuff. Editor's Choice

Cinder 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot–Malbec Snake River Valley (ID) $29 87 points
The aromas lean pretty far into the green, with notes of savory herb along cherry with wood spice, which seems a bit prominent. The fruit flavors are plump but retain a sense of elegance. Ultimately the sense of greenness proves a bit too distracting.

Cinder 2014 Tempranillo Snake River Valley (ID) $29 88 points
The aromas are light, with notes of fresh tobacco, tangerine peel, moist earth, cedar and cherry. The wood tannins come off as a little aggressive at present but there’s plenty of lovely fruit there as well.

Clearwater Canyon 2014 Estate Umiker Vineyard Syrah Lewis-Clark Valley (ID) $28 86 points
Barrel aromas and flavors of dill, vanilla, cocoa and wood spice are far out front, overwhelming any sense of fruit or variety. The wood completely steals the show.

Colter's Creek 2015 Chardonnay Idaho $15 87 points
This is an expressive wine, with aromas of flowers, apple, pear and whiffs of tropical fruit. It’s light yet creamy in feel, with abundant pineapple flavors.

Colter's Creek 2013 Arrow Rim G-S-M Idaho $30 89 points
Syrah (40%) takes the lead on this blend with the balance equally split between Grenache and Mourvèdre. Aromas of dried herb, cranberry jam, olive, white pepper, vanilla and dill lead to bold full fruit flavors that hold nothing back. Barrel notes—at times a bit predominant—are speckled throughout.

Colter's Creek 2013 Colter’s Creek Vineyard Cabernet Franc Lewis-Clark Valley (ID) $28 86 points
One of the first bottles from this newly approved appellation, this wine brings aromas of raspberry, herb, tire rubber and barrel spice. The palate is elegant and smooth with assorted red-fruit flavors.

Colter's Creek 2014 Koos Koos Kia Lewis-Clark Valley (ID) $25 88 points
This wine is 47% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aromas of dill, dried herb, cocoa and spice are followed by soft elegantly styled dark-fruit flavors that show plenty of hang time.

Colter's Creek 2014 Syrah Snake River Valley (ID) $17 89 points
Barrel aromas are up front, with notes of vanilla, dill and wood spice in front of dark fruit. The fruit flavors are plump and plush, with vanilla notes lingering on the finish. There are lots of good things going on here but the wood gets in the way—a shame as the fruit is impressive.

DiStefano 2013 Carmenère Columbia Valley $39 86 points
Blended with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, wood aromas are at the fore, with notes of baking spice followed by braised green pepper along with jalapeño pepper and blackberry. The flavors are saturated and ripe, bringing a sense of softness that provides intrigue.

DiStefano 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $39 87 points
The aromas are all high toned, with notes of baking spice, green herb, berry and wood spice. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, with appealing well-balanced flavors.

DiStefano 2013 Meritage Columbia Valley $39 88 points
This wine is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon along with 24% Petit Verdot and 12% Cabernet Franc. High-toned dried herb aromas are at the fore, with notes of green pepper and baking spice close behind. The palate brings a sense of freshness and vibrancy, with tart fruit flavors lingering on the finish. It doesn’t all quite come together, but there’s interest to be had.

DiStefano 2013 Domenica Columbia Valley $39 86 points
This wine is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of barrel spice, herb and green pepper are followed by abundant fruit and savory flavors. It leans pretty far into the green, especially for a wine that could be varietally labeled as Merlot.

Double Canyon 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $25 88 points
Light aromas of baking spice and herb are at the fore. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, bringing a sense of freshness and vibrancy.

Dunham 2016 Late Harvest Lewis Estate Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley $38 90 points
This wine is a golden color that is showing some browning despite its youth. The aromas offer notes of marmalade and diesel. The flavors are concentrated and sugary sweet. It delivers plenty of enjoyment but seems advanced for its age. Enjoy it sooner than later.

Dunham 2015 Lewis Estate Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley $20 87 points
Aromas of Nestea ice tea and slightly past-their-prime flowers are followed by medium-sweet fruit flavors that need more acid to stand them up. It doesn’t all come together.

Dunham 2015 Three Legged Red Blend Washington $19 88 points
Upfront aromas of cocoa, vanilla, sawdust and savory herb are followed by flavors of plum, cherry and barrel spice. The oak and fruit play equal roles, with the flavors a bit dialed back.

Dunham 2014 Trutina Columbia Valley $29 87 points
This wine is a blend 44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of cocoa, coconut, herb and cherry are followed by an elegantly styled palate, full of coconut flavors. There’s enjoyment to be had but the oak plays too primary of a role.

Dunham 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $35 88 points
Subdued aromas of vanilla, cocoa and smoke are followed by silky-feeling fruit and barrel flavors. It brings a sense of elegance, with the fruit and oak playing equal parts in the show.

Dunham 2014 XX Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $45 88 points
The aromas are quite smoky, with notes of burnt toast along with herb and vanilla—not a particularly appealing combination. The flavors seem light in concentration. It doesn’t all come together.

Full Pull & Friends 2007 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $23 92 points
That vintage is not a typo. This 10-year-old wine is as lively as ever. The aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of candy corn, pumpkin spices, candle wax, lemon pith and almond butter—all completely captivating. The palate is lightly creamy in feel but still sleek with zingy tart high-wire acidity and a lingering finish. It’s an accomplishment. Editor's Choice

History 2014 Upland Vineyard Muscat Yakima Valley $40 87 points
Coming from vines planted in 1935—some of the oldest vines in the state—this shows expressive but not entirely settled aromas of gardenia, orange peel and herb, followed by bone-dry broad-feeling fruit flavors. There’s intrigue but it doesn’t all come together.

History 2014 Otis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $75 90 points
This wine comes from the state’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 1957. Light in color, the aromas draw you into the glass with notes of earth, cassis, dried herb and cherry. The cranberry flavors are light and elegant, with a zing of acidity that keeps the interest high. It’s a very pretty expression of the variety, best suited for the dinner table.

History 2014 Elise Vineyard Pinot Noir Columbia Gorge $65 91 points
This wine comes from a new project from winemaker Melissa Burr (Stoller Estate), focusing on old-vine vineyards. This bottling comes from vines planted in 1968. The aromas are light, with notes of cherry, cigar box, dried leaf and earth. The flavors are cranberry tart and mouthwatering, showing an exquisite sense of balance, with a lingering finish.

History 2014 Mont Elise Vineyard Gewürztraminer Columbia Gorge $40 88 points
This wine comes from vines planted in 1968. Fragrant aromas of orange peel, flower, spice and sweet herb lead to dry-drinking fruit flavors. The concentration seems a bit lacking but there’s still interest to be had.

Indian Creek 2014 Dry White Mountain Syringa White Blend Snake River Valley (ID) $14 88 points
Though not labeled as such, this wine is all Gewürztraminer. It’s aromatic with aromas of lychee, rose petal and spice. The flavors are light and dry, almost delicate, with abundant floral accents.

Koenig Vineyards 2014 Botrytis Single Berry Select Late Harvest Riesling Snake River Valley (ID) $30 91 points
Coming in at 159g/L residual sugar, this wine is über-aromatic, with notes of dried apricot, pineapple, flowers, and honey, showing layer of complexity. Given the richness of the aromas, the palate is surprisingly deft and light on its feet, displaying a lot of grace and detail to the sugary-sweet flavors.

Laissez Faire 2016 Red Blend Snake River Valley (ID) $16 88 points
This young wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Mourvèdre. It shows some reduction out of the gate, with tire-rubber aromas out in front savory herb and plum. The red-fruit flavors display a pleasing sense of purity and acidity. If the reduction settles down, it moves up a notch.

L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $22 91 points
A blend of fruit from Schmitt, Evergreen and Oasis vineyards, this opens with appealing aromas of toast, candy corn, almond and pear. The pear and melon flavors are crisp and rounded, with a lightly creamy feel heightening the interest. Editor's Choice

L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Old Vines Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley $15 90 points
L’Ecole has been carrying the banner for Washington Chenin high since 1987. Coming from vineyards planted in 1978 and 1979, the aromas are fresh and lively, with notes of sliced pear, passion fruit, flower and apple. The palate is full in feel and redolent with fruit flavors that sail on the finish. It’s a one-wine charm offensive. Best Buy

L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Estate Grown Luminesce Seven Hills Vineyard Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc Walla Walla Valley $22 90 points
Light aromas of fig and spice lead to well-balanced fruit flavors that draw out on the finish. Some additional time in the bottle should serve it well. Give it until late 2018.

L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Semillon Columbia Valley $15 88 points
Very few producers make a varietally labeled offering of Sémillon in the state, with this one including 14% Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a shame as the variety clearly succeeds here. The aromas bring notes of fig, almond butter and spice followed by dry fruit flavors backed by lemony acidity. It needs some time to fully come together.

Longship 2015 Quinn Red Blend Columbia Valley $36 87 points
This wine is a unique blend of 61% Tempranillo, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Grenache. Aromas of coffee grounds, toast, spice and dark fruit are up front, with the oak playing a primary role. The palate mixes fruit and barrel, with the fruit concentration seeming a bit light.

Longship 2016 Luck Dragon Chardonnay Columbia Valley $24 87 points
Bright aromas of freshly sliced pear, apple and spice are followed by lightly creamy fruit flavors that paint around the edges. It’s a well-made wine but the middle seems missing.

Longship 2016 Wild Harvest Rosé Columbia Valley $20 85 points
This wine is a unique blend of 59% Syrah, 31% Malbec and 10% Grenache. Dark in color for a rosé, it brings aromas of cherry and herb. The flavors tingle the palate with just off-dry flavors that seem a bit fat.

Longship 2015 Ginger Man Syrah Walla Walla Valley $32 87 points
The barrel aromas are far out front, with notes of vanilla extract, dill and wood spice. The oak shows heavily on the palate as well, making it nearly impossible to get at the fruit and giving the wine a gritty feel.

Longship 2015 Wise Man Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $38 87 points
Strong char, toast and barrel aromas are at the fore, getting way out in front of the fruit. The fruit flavors are tart and considerably more elegant than the aromas might suggest. There seems to be a bit of disconnect between the two.

Love That Red 2015 Dead Heat Syrah Columbia Valley $32 91 points
A blend of Olsen Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and Clifton Hill on the Wahluke Slope, the aromas are generous, with notes of dark plum, smoke and baking spice. The palate is weighty and full, with palate-coating purple-fruit flavors that show pleasing depth, density and length.

Love That Red 2015 Stakes Race Syrah Columbia Valley $36 88 points
This wine, which includes 17% Grenache, is a blend of fruit from Les Collines, Discovery and Riviere Galets vineyards. Smoked meat, dried herb and baking-spice aromas are followed by red-fruit flavors that display a sense of elegance.

Luke 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $25 86 points
The volatiles are amped up here, providing some aromatic distraction. The palate brings high-octane fruit flavors, supported by lightly dry tannins. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

March 2015 Petit Verdot Walla Walla Valley $32 88 points
Offerings of this variety are rare in the state and even more so from this valley. The aromas of cocoa, herb and cherry are all high toned, showing a touch of volatility. The cherry flavors are full, bold and tightly wound with tannin.

March 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $30 87 points
The aromas are quite subdued, making you strain to get at them. The palate brings rounded full-feeling apple and melon flavors that drop off at the finish.

March 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $30 88 points
Light aromas of pear, apple and melon are followed by fresh clean fruit flavors. It’s a spot-on example of this variety.

March 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $34 87 points
The aromas are light, with notes of red apple, barrel spice, vanilla and cherry. The flavors are medium bodied, showing a mixture of fruit and barrel. There’s interest to be had but it all seems a bit subdued and the finish a bit clipped.

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Rosso Granato Red Blend Columbia Valley $36 87 points
This wine is a blend of 87% Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. The aromas of herb, graphite, barrel spice, plum and cranberry seem a bit muddled. The palate offers tart fruit flavors, with plenty of wood influence mixed in.

Maryhill 2014 Zinfandel Columbia Valley $24 87 points
Wood-spice aromas are at the fore followed by red fruit, with the wine also showing a fair amount of heat. The cranberry, raspberry and oak flavors are full bodied, seeming a bit boozy.

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Zinfandel Columbia Valley $44 87 points
Light in color, the aromas of this wine are very varietal, with scents of cranberry, raspberry and high-toned spices. The palate is quite sweet, giving the appearance of carrying some residual sugar. It comes off as a bit hot. Still, there’s enjoyment to be had.

Maryhill 2014 Sangiovese Columbia Valley $26 87 points
Light in color, aromas of barrel spice, herb and red fruit rise up from the glass. The palate packs a mouthful of red-fruit flavors, with the tannins showing a bit of astringency.

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Sangiovese Columbia Valley $36 87 points
The high-toned aromas of raspberry, barrel spice and herb bring a touch of heat along with them. The palate offers tart tangy acidity, with the tannins seeming a bit bunched up.

Maryhill 2014 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Sangiovese Rattlesnake Hills $34 87 points
Aged in 45% new French oak, aromas of cocoa, vanilla and barrel spice are at the fore followed by full-bodied but still tart raspberry and cranberry flavors. It brings a bit of heat along with it.

North by Northwest 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $40 88 points
Fruit from Seven Hills, Los Oidos, and Les Collines make up the majority of this wine. Aromas of baking spice and jammy raspberry notes are at the fore. The red-fruit flavors are full bodied and intense, trailing a bit on the finish. There are a lot of good things going on here but they don’t all entirely come together.

Original House Wine 2015 Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon America $12 86 points
The aromas are fruit forward, with notes of berry and black currant. The flavors are ripe, with the oak pulled way back. There’s plenty of easy drinking enjoyment to be had.

Original House Wine NV Chardonnay America $6 85 points
Coming in a 375ml can, this wine brings aromas of lees and lemon curd. The palate is creamy in feel and lightly sweet.

Original House Wine NV Rosé America $6 85 points
Pale salmon in color, this is an aromatic rosé with notes of peach and jasmine. It’s off dry in style and brings easy drinking enjoyment.

Original House Wine 2015 Mountain Merlot America $12 86 points
This straight forward crowd pleaser brings aromas of apple, raspberry and plum. The palate is ripe and goes down easy. It should bring plenty of fans.

Original House Wine 2016 Fish House Sauvignon Blanc America $12 86 points
The aromas are quite light, with notes of tropical fruit, white grapefruit and sweet herb. The flavors are similarly light and sleek, offering a nip of acid on the finish.

Pendulum 2014 Red Blend Columbia Valley $17 88 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The aromas are quite reserved, with notes of vanilla, berry, plum and wood spice. The palate brings plum, cranberry and raspberry flavors, backed by lightly grainy tannins.

Rich Table 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $20 88 points
The aromas are downright fruity, with notes of apricot nectar, herb, dried stem and flower. The palate brings chalky-feeling cherry and guava flavors. It’s an unusual interpretation of this variety that could use more time to settle in the bottle.

Sawtooth 2015 Chardonnay Snake River Valley (ID) $14 87 points
The aromas bring notes of vanilla, cream and baking spice, with the oak playing a prominent part but still showing appeal. The palate brings sweet cinnamon flavors that linger on the finish.

Sheridan Vineyard 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $30 89 points
Aromas of baking spice, orange peel and green herb are followed by well-balanced fruit and savory flavors. There’s no mistaking the variety or the region that it comes from. It’s a distinctive wine but not for all tastes.

Skyfall 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $14 87 points
This wine is quite blue-fruited aromatically for a Cabernet. This continues on the palate, with boysenberry flavors backed by lightly grainy tannins. It provides interest, but you’d never peg it for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ste. Chapelle 2016 Special Harvest Riesling Snake River Valley (ID) $14 87 points
The aromas are a bit subdued for the variety, with notes of apricot, jasmine and flowers. The palate drinks sweet, with abundant stone-fruit flavors that provide a lot of easy-drinking appeal.

Stemilt Creek 2014 Ascent One-half Mile Closer to the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $48 85 points
The aromas pop, with notes of sliced green pepper and jalapeño pepper, leaning very hard into the green. The palate brings more of the same, drinking more like a Carmenere than a Cabernet.

Stemilt Creek 2014 Ascent One-half Mile Closer to the Moon Syrah Columbia Valley $45 86 points
Aromas of wood spice, dill, vanilla and cherry are at the fore. The palate mixes jammy fruit with barrel flavors. The two seeming to tussle a bit. The wood wins out on the finish.

Stemilt Creek 2014 Ascent One-Half Mile Closer to the Moon Merlot Columbia Valley $42 84 points
The aromas are a bit unsettled, bringing a wilted-flower note that is off-putting. The ripe cherry, blackberry and smoky flavors seem disconnected. It doesn’t all come together, and the variety seems impossible to find.

Stemilt Creek 2016 Ascent One-Half Mile Closer to the Moon Rosé Columbia Valley $19 82 points
Pale peach in color, this wine brings aromas of green pepper and jalapeño pepper that are quite strong. The palate is dry and brings more of the same. It just doesn’t work.

Telaya 2016 Anam White Blend Yakima Valley $23 88 points
This wine is a unique blend of Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Sémillon and Marsanne. Light aromas of melon and citrus lead to dry full-feeling fruit flavors that bring a rounded feel. It’s an intriguing wine.

Telaya 2016 Grenache Blanc Yakima Valley $25 87 points
The aromas are bright, with notes of pear, melon and apple. The palate brings dry ale flavors that taper toward the finish.

Telaya 2015 Boushey Vineyard Malbec Yakima Valley $36 84 points
Aromas of marionberry jam and smoke leap out of the glass, along with orange peel and wilted flower notes that seem a bit unsettled. The flavors are plump around the edges but light in the middle, with a mesquite note that distracts.

Vital 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $28 87 points
Aromas of butterscotch, herb and barrel spice are followed by full-bodied cherry and vanilla flavors, with the tannins bringing some grit. Ultimately, the wood seems to get a bit in the way of the fruit.

Wilridge 2015 Mary Evelyn Vineyard Touriga Nacional Yakima Valley $23 88 points
This is a seldom-seen variety in the state. The aromas are brooding, with high-toned notes of dried herb, barrel spice and potpourri along with red fruit. The fruit flavors are tart and plump, soft and sumptuous, showing a pleasing sense of purity. One wants a bit more aromatically but there’s still much to enjoy.

Wilridge 2015 Conley Vineyard Malbec Columbia Valley $23 88 points
The aromas are light, with notes of berry, herb, dried flower and spice. The palate brings plenty of plump cherry flavors along with pleasing spice accents. It’s an intriguing example of this variety.

Wilridge 2015 Angiolina Vineyard Grenache Yakima Valley $23 87 points
Pale in color, the aromas are quite light, making you strain into the glass to get at them. The cranberry and herb flavors bring a sense of purity and appeal, with the oak dialed way back. One wants more aromatically but the palate delivers enjoyment. It should perform well at the dinner table.

Wilridge 2014 Mélange Noir Wilridge Vineyard Naches Heights $40 87 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (32%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Merlot (24%) and Malbec. Aromas of green pepper, herb, cherry and spice are followed by full-feeling cherry flavors. It comes off as quite green but there’s interest to be had.

Wilridge 2014 Estate Barbera Naches Heights $35 88 points
The aromas are quite muted, not revealing much about what’s inside the glass. It’s a shame because the palate is quite flavorful, ripe with cherry and spice flavors that show persistence. If the two come together it could move up a notch.

Wilridge 2014 Estate Wilridge Vineyard Sangiovese Naches Heights $35 88 points
This wine is quite light in color, with delicate aromas of cigar box, herb and spice. The cherry flavors are full and tart, with spice notes on the finish.

Wilridge 2014 Estate Wilridge Vineyard Syrah-Mourvèdre Naches Heights $35 87 points
High-toned aromas of potpourri, herb and white pepper lead to plump pleasing fruit flavors. It brings a slightly tacky feel, with the finish coming up a bit short.

Wilridge 2015 Estate Zweigelt Naches Heights $35 90 points
This variety is an extreme rarity in the state but shows plenty of promise in this nascent growing region. Aromas of cherry, herb and spice lead to broad tart full cherry flavors that show a sense of purity, finesse and length.

Wilridge 2015 Estate Wilridge Vineyard Sagrantino Naches Heights $40 87 points
This is the only bottling of this variety I am aware of in the state. The aromas are intriguing: all high toned, with notes of herb, barrel spice and ripe blackberry. The flavors are full bore, holding nothing back. The tannins bring a slight sense of astringency. There’s promise.

Wilridge 2015 Estate Wilridge Vineyard Viognier-Roussanne Naches Heights $20 83 points
Viognier makes up 61% of this wine. The aromas don’t seem entirely pleasant, with notes of ale and herb. The palate brings a lightly oily feel to the stone-fruit flavors that also show some sweetness that isn’t balanced by acidity.

Wilridge 2015 Lodmell Vineyard Merlot Walla Walla County $23 87 points
Aromas of boysenberry and barrel spice are followed by ripe pleasing purple-fruit flavors. The tannins deliver a light squeeze. It’s hard to find the variety exactly, but it still brings appeal.

Windy Canyon 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $28 88 points
Aromas of assorted green herbs mix with notes of black cherry, anise and barrel spice. The blackberry flavors are sweet and tacky in feel. There’s intrigue but it doesn’t all come together.

Windy Canyon 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $30 87 points
The aromas are lively, with notes of smoke, raw meat, white pepper and red fruit. The palate shows considerable restraint, with an elegant silky feel to the fruit and savory flavors.