Washington

Country: US / Whistle Stop Red Variety: Red Blend Washington Winery: Snoqualmie / Columbia Valley (WA) Herbal and dill infuse the light flavors, and the tannins feel as if they’ve been softened up in the winemaking process. The wine does a quick fade.

Country: US / Variety: Syrah Washington Winery: Dunham / Columbia Valley (WA) Thick, oaky and loaded with toasty highlights, this substantial Syrah slathers its fruit in a heavy coat of caramel, buttered nuts and spice. Delicious and supple, its naturally juicy acidity keeps the wine lively. With substantial breathing time, boysenberry fruit melds with streaks […]

Country: US / Lewis Vineyard Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Washington Winery: Dunham / Columbia Valley (WA) Tasty and toasty, young and compact, this is a wine to cellar for a few more years at least. The bright fruit flavors run from berry to Bing cherry, not as dark as in some years, but vibrant and crisp. […]

Country: US / Zephyr Ridge Estate Bottled Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Washington Winery: Swiftwater Cellars / Horse Heaven Hills Though aged in just 40% new French oak, the barrel notes of mocha and roasted coffee bean take up much of the stage with dark fruit and herbs fighting for attention. The flavors are ripe and lush […]

Country: US / Variety: Malbec Washington Winery: Roza Ridge / Rattlesnake Hills 100% Malbec, it’s redolent with dark plums, wild blueberries and peppery spices. The soft, silky flavors are light but have good concentration with the oak (80% American) seeming quite dialed back.

Country: US / Mélange Blanc Variety: White Blend Washington Winery: Patterson / Columbia Valley (WA) Two thirds Chardonnay, and one third a Viognier/Roussanne blend, this young wine has a definitely spritzy mouthfeel and a yeasty finish. The fruit flavors are fresh and lively, suggesting lemon and pineapple, with finishing hints of honeycomb.

Country: US / Four Legged Variety: White Blend Washington Winery: Dunham / Washington Somewhat subdued white flower, lime and peach aromas are followed by medium-sweet stone-fruit flavors. It goes down easy.

Country: US / Rediviva of the Stones Variety: Red Blend Washington Winery: Buty / Walla Walla Valley (WA) For the first time, this release of Buty’s Rediviva, from estate vineyards in the Rocks region of Walla Walla, includes a bit of Mourvèdre. The pretty fruit flavors of strawberry preserves, blueberry and black cherry carry both […]

Country: US / Variety: Sémillon Washington Winery: Amavi / Walla Walla Valley (WA) Crystal clear, clean and fresh, this lovely wine mixes ripe citrus, tangerine and melon fruits, with a touch of barrel toast. It’s full-bodied and rich without being thick or tiring in any way; simply delicious.

Country: US / Scintillation Brut Rosé Variety: Sparkling Blend Washington Winery: Syncline / Columbia Gorge (WA) A blend of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay, this light copper-colored wine is über aromatic with notes of passion fruit, guava and strawberry. As sweet as the aromas smell, the palate drinks bone dry with abundant brioche flavors, […]

Country: US / Defiance Vineyard Variety: Malbec Washington Winery: Nefarious / Lake Chelan Fruity and forward, Nefarious Cellars has its first estate-grown Malbec. It’s loaded with cherry fruit and darker notes of smoke, tar and chocolate. Give it plenty of breathing time and it opens up gracefully.

Country: US / WWBDX Variety: Bordeaux-style Red Blend Washington Winery: Full Pull & Friends / Walla Walla Valley (WA) This wine is a joy to drink with its aromas and flavors of coffee, dark chocolate, herbs and cherry. The opulently styled flavors are rich but well balanced, with chewy tannins backing it all up. It’s […]