Happy Thanksgiving!

We have much to be thankful for: family, friends and good life. Be sure to celebrate the day with fine Washington State wines.

Two Red Wine Bargains

Recently, I picked up a couple of wines at Esquin that offer exceptional quality for their price levels, both from the 2007 vintage, a fine one for Washington wines.

2007 Zanzibar Cellars "Sandra" Red, Horse Heaven Hills, Alder Creek Vineyard ($15.99 - originally $43)

This comes from a winery in St. Paul, Oregon, but is made from 100% Washington grapes. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, it displays a deep ruby color and an intriguing nose of raspberry cherry, cassis, sandalwood, rose petals, cigar box and oriental incense. The dark fruit flavors are begining to round out, underlain with notes of roasted cacao and coffee beans and Horse Heaven earth minerals. The back reveals sensations of roasted berries and nutmeats, and touches of leather and caramel, followed by a lightly spiced finish whose tannins are smoothing out. 18.5/20 points.

2007 Canoe Ridge Vineyard Merlot, Block 13, Columbia Valley ($18.99 - originally $45)

This Merlot was originally made to be sold only at the winery tasting room in Walla Walla. It comes comes from a selected block on the vineyard above the Columbia River. Deep garnet colored, it emits a rich nose of blackberry, cherry, cassis, dried roses, cigar box, rubbed sage and smoldering incense. The flavors are thick and supple, marked by licorice, chocolate, espresso and Columbia River basaltic minerals. The old vine character continues on the back with notes of fruit confit, dried cherries, roasted nuts and toasty oak on a lingering finish whose tannins and acids are rounding out nicely. Posesses depth and complexity at a bargain price. 18.5+/20 points.

Impressive New Wines from DeLille Cellars

Last Saturday, we visited DeLille Cellars' Carriage House tasting room in Woodinville. In addition to the new releases which will be reviewed in the January issue of the Review of Washington Wines, we tasted three wines which are for Wine Club members only. They are so impressive that they merit your considering joining the club.

2010 DeLille Cellars Merlot, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($49)

From 30 year old vines at Mike Sauer's vineyard, this wine displays a deep ruby color and seductive aromas of fraises de bois, cherries, plums, attar of rose and oriental perfumes. The seduction continues on the palate with layers of vibrant fruits, underlain with licorice, chocolate, French roast and alluvial minerals. The back reveals sensations of kirsch liqueur, roasted nuts and squeezed juices, followed by a lingering soft tannin finish. Beautifully proportioned from beginning to end, this gets 19+/20 points.

2010 DeLille Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 1, Red Mountain ($62)

This is a blend of four of the finest vineyards on Red Mountain: Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval, Upchurch and Grand Ciel. Deep purplish colored, it emits powerful aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis, orange peel, attar of rose and smoldering incense. The powerfulness continues on the palate with bold dark fruits that are underpinned with black licorice, dark chocolate, Sumatra roast and Red Mountain scorched earth and minerals. The back palate abounds with macerated saturated fruits, kirsch liqueur, creme de cassis and roasted nuts, followed by a lingering ripe tannin finish. Terroir driven and impeccably structured and proportioned, this wine will age well for 10 years or more. 19.5/20 points.

2010 DeLille Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Lot 2, Red Mountain ($62)

From the Upchurch Vineyard, this is DeLille Cellars' first 100% Certified Sustainably Farmed Cabernet. Deep ruby colored, it shows seductive aromas of blackberry, cherry, cassis, crushed roses, tobacco, and incense. The dark fruit flavors are thick, chewy and terroir driven, without being at all heavy, intermixed with licorice, dark chocolate, French roast and scorched earth minerals. The back reveals sensations of squeezed berries, cherry brandy, pencil lead and mocha, followed by persistent fruit on the ripe, grainy tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

The December Issue of the Review of Washington Wines goes on line November 30th.

This issue will have over fifty new wines reviewed, including ones from the Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla Valley's Fall Release Weekend and more. Watch for it!