Washington

Country: US / Impératrice Variety: Bordeaux-style Red Blend Washington Winery: William Grassie / Columbia Valley (WA) Though labeled as a red blend, at 94% this could be a varietally labeled Merlot and it drinks like it. Aromas of cocoa, raspberry and spice box are followed by plump, soft chocolate and raspberry flavors accented by tart […]

Country: US / Reserve Estate Grown Variety: Chardonnay Washington Winery: Columbia Crest / Horse Heaven Hills This wine was aged 15 months sur lee in all-new French oak. The barrel aromas and flavors are in the lead, with notes of vanilla, butterscotch and spice followed by pear. It’s creamy in feel but with an elegant […]

Country: US / Grand Estates Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Washington Winery: Columbia Crest / Columbia Valley (WA) Cocoa, plum and vanilla aromas are followed by creamy-feeling blue-fruit flavors that display a mixture of fruit and barrel. The barrel influence is heavy, but it’s delicious all the same.

Country: US / Ice Wine White Bluffs Vineyards Variety: Riesling Washington Winery: Claar / Columbia Valley (WA) Pear and white flower aromas are light, while the palate is full of sweet brown sugar and honey flavors that persist on the finish. It’s sweet, but well balanced, with ample acidity and a clean finish.

Country: US / Cold Creek Vineyard Variety: Riesling Washington Winery: Chateau Ste. Michelle / Columbia Valley (WA) Honeysuckle, mineral, honey and botrytis aromas lead the way. This drinks off dry with exceptionally well-balanced acidity that carries through the lingering finish.

Country: US / Variety: Malbec Washington Winery: Dusted Valley / Columbia Valley (WA) Dusted Valley is really rockin’ it in 2010, with outstanding varietal releases of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and this yummy Malbec. A big entry brings blackberry and cassis into the palate, with peppery highlights. Nice details of herb and tobacco are found, […]

Country: US / Variety: Cabernet Franc Washington Winery: Dusted Valley / Columbia Valley (WA) This is a lovely Cabernet Franc, polished and clean. It’s wound tight, with black fruits and firm, pencil lead tannins. There’s a dash of clean earth, good length, and some softening of the mid-palate from the addition of 18% Merlot.

Country: US / Marie’s View Wallula Vineyard Variety: Red Blend Washington Winery: Den Hoed / Horse Heaven Hills A unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese with notes of sassafras, cocoa, and dried herbs. It’s focused and concentrated with structured, firm tannins crafted to go the distance. Give it […]

Country: US / Cinsaut Stone Tree Vineyard Variety: Cinsault Washington Winery: Dusted Valley / Wahluke Slope A rare, arresting varietal bottling of Cinsault—forget for a moment that it’s also vineyard designated. It boasts intoxicating notes of fresh boysenberries, cherries, herbs, and peppery spice. It’s silky and fruit filled with an incredible sense of freshness and […]

Country: US / Variety: Sémillon Washington Winery: Lauren Ashton Cellars / Columbia Valley (WA) Though not labeled as such, this is a single-vineyard wine coming from Dineen Family Vineyard. It shows appealing aromas of toast, nut oil and melon. The flavors are lighter in style but bring a sense of balance that carries through the […]

Country: US / Olsen Vineyard Variety: Rosé Washington Winery: Gramercy / Columbia Valley (WA) An appealing pale salmon color, this blend of 50% Cinsault, 28% Grenache and 22% Syrah displays aromas of strawberry, cherry Jolly Rancher and melon. Reflective of the warmth of the vintage, it’s fruitier than recent vintages but it’s still hard to […]

Country: US / Estate Grown Variety: Syrah Washington Winery: Gordon Estate / Columbia Valley (WA) Aromas of orange peel, blue fruit, flowers and dried herbs are appealing and direct. The flavors and feel are elegant, showing freshness and acidity.