Winemaker William vonMetzger used grapes from famed Sagemoor Vineyards in the Columbia Basin for this delicious Malbec. It offers classic Washington Malbec notes, inlcuding aromas of blackberry jam on light toast, black pepper and minerality. On the palate, it reveals rich flavors of boysenberry, juicy blueberry and black cherry, all backed with mouth-filling tannins and a … [Read more...] about Walla Walla Vintners 2010 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $30
Archives for May 2013
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling, Columbia Valley, $18
Cold Creek Vineyard is a funny place. There's no creek (except on rare occasions in the spring), and the region is anything but cold. The vineyard was planted in the 1970s, and its location north of the Yakima Valley on a warm, south-facing slope would seem to be an odd place to grow Riesling. But it works here, thanks to 30-year-old vines that are able to carry a fairly high … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling, Columbia Valley, $18
Oregon winemakers optimistic about warm vintage
Washington isn't the only Northwest region excited about a warm spring and dreams of a less-stressful growing season and harvest. Western Oregon winemakers and grape growers have thus far enjoyed a warm, dry spring that has them well ahead of typical years. "It's looking to be an extremely early year," said Patrick Spangler, owner of Spangler Vineyards in the Umpqua … [Read more...] about Oregon winemakers optimistic about warm vintage
Sagelands Vineyard 2011 Freddie’s Blend, Columbia Valley, $10
Best Buy! The origin of this wine's name goes back to Frederique Spencer, the French-born winemaker who was Sagelands' longtime winemaker before Precept bought the winery in 2011. It is a blend that includes plenty of Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), along with Merlot (22%), Syrah (16%) and a touch of Tempranillo. The result is a delicious and affordable red with youthful aromas of … [Read more...] about Sagelands Vineyard 2011 Freddie’s Blend, Columbia Valley, $10
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2011 Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley, $11
Best Buy! This is one of the largest-production Rieslings in the United States, and it is delicious. It's a low-alcohol wine with a high dose of sweetness (6.9%) that is tempered by bright acidity (3.03 pH). The result is a bright, balanced wine with aromas of fresh-cut yellow rose, green apple, orange zest and nutmeg. On the palate, it offers pleasing flavors of peach, pear, … [Read more...] about Pacific Rim Winemakers 2011 Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley, $11