Yesterday, June 20th, I attended the Vintage Tasting which was part of the Celebrate Walla Walla Valley Wine thee day event. This tasting gave particpants an opportunity to sample older vintages than ones currently available in the marketplace. Here are some particularly noteworthty wines.

2006 Amavi Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley - This wine was still going strong, with fine fruit and underlying pepper and spice. 19/20 points.

2006 Balboa Sayulith, Walla Walla Valley - Composed of 58% Cabernt Sauvignon and 42% Syrah, this showed plenty of deph and power. 19/20 points.

2006 Buty Columbia Redivida, Horse Heaven Hills - This showed a complex bouquet and thick, generous flavors. 19/20 points.

2005 Buty Merlot/Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley - This showed a lovey bouqet of maturing fruits and rose petals and solid flavors. 19/20 points.

2004 Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley - Classically-styled, this had superb structure and aromas of crushed roses, tobacco and cedar. 19+/20 points.

2006 Dunham Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon XII, Columbia Valley - Another classic with a lot of varietal character and depth. 19/20 points.

2001 L'Ecole No. 41 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley - From the Seven Hills Vineyard, this wine has aged well, showing a complex bouquet and just a bit of drying up. 19/20 points.

2005 Long Shadows Feather Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley - This was focused and finely fruited, approacing maturity. 19+/20 points.

2005 Otis Kenyon Merlot, Walla Walla Valley - This wine shows that Merlot can age well. This displayed plenty of elegance and flair. 19/20 points,

2003 Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley - This is a fine rendition of a warmer than normal vintage. Ripe and generous, yet deep, focused and complex. - 19/20 points.

2003 Reininger "Desiderata," Walla Walla Valley - This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere was one of four wines scoring 20 points in 2012. It still showed superbly with a lovely, complex bouquet and elegant, seamless flavors and a long, long finish. 20/20 points.

2003 Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley - Silky textured, yet sturdy, this is another fine example of the elegant 2003's now reaching maturity with almost ten years' aging. 19/20 points.

2006 Spring Valley Vineyard "Uriah" Red Blend, Walla Walla Valley - This Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend showed beautifully, a gorgeous wine with ample, yet focused flavors and a long, complex finish. Overall, it had great depth and finesse. 19.5/20 points.

 

Next week: On Friday, June 28th, I will report on the Winemaker Panel which will be discussing Walla Walla and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. The July issue of the Review of Washington Wines will also be going on line.