Walla Walla Valley Wine News
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- Written by Rand Sealey
Here are a few recent news items about goings on in the Walla Walla Valley.
Barrel Full of Money Raises $55,000 for the Food Bank
On December 12th, Barrel Full of Money held its annual reception and auction to benefit the Blue Mountain Action Council which operates a Food Bank and provides other services for the needy in the Walla Walla Valley Community. Over 55 thousand dollars was raised, which will buy a lot of meals for those who need them. Many wineries participated by donating wines, mostly magnums, for the silent auction. And other businesses donated travel and other packages for the live auction. Thanks to all who helped this event, the most successful one yet.
Marcus Rafanelli Named L'Ecole No. 41 Winemaker
In December, it was announced that Marcus Rafanelli, a lead instructor at the Walla Walla Community College Institute for Enology and Viticulture would become L'Ecole No. 41's winemaker. Marcus is a 2006 graduate of Boise State College with a degree in biology. He enrolled in the Walla Walla Community College Institute for Enology and Viticulture and worked the 2007 crush at L'Ecole. Then five years at the William Church winery in Woodinville where I first met Marcus. After a year in Australia, he returned to Walla Walla as an instructor at Community College. The faculty is happy to see him move on to L'Ecole.
Rockgarden Vineyard Acquired by Force Majeure
It was announced this week that Rockgarden Vineyard in the Rocks of Milton-Freewater was purchased from the Buty Winery. This increases the presence of Force Majeure, which previously sourced most of its wines from Red Mountain, in the Walla Walla Valley, in addition to the newly constructed winery in The Rocks and the Stellar Vineyard.
Todd Alexander Now Winemaker at The Walls
Another development related to Force Majeure is Todd Alexander's taking over the winemaking at The Walls Winery. He is also winemaker at Force Majeure and his wife, Carrie is now marketing director for both wineries. Former Walls winemaker, Ali Mayfield has departed to start her own winery.
French and Spanish Wines Recently Tasted
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- Written by Rand Sealey
Over the past few weeks, we've been sampling some wines from France and Spain. They were acquired from a variety of sources to expand our exploration of European wines. Here are our notes and scores.
French Wines
2017 William Fevre Chablis Premier Cru, Vaillons ($59.99 - Esquin) - We had this with Shigoku oysters on my birthday. It showed a brilliant gold color and floral aromas of Bosc pear, white peach, apple blossoms and lemon verbena. The flavors were crisp and saline, with a distinct flintiness that made the wine a great accompaniment to the small oysters. 19/20 points.
2017 William Fevre Chablis Grand Cru, Les Preuses ($109.99 - Esquin) - This was a fabulous accompaniment to the oysters. It had the high tones of high elevation Chablis, along with a laser-like intensity and notes of oyster shell and saline minerals. The racy yet rich finish kept on coming. 19.5/20 points.
2016 Domaine Poisot Pernand-Vergelesses, Premier Cru, En Caradeux ($59.99 - Esquin) - The En Caradeux Vineyard is across the road from the Grand Cru Corton and this is a beautiful Burgundy. It exhibits a brilliant brick red color and lovely aromas of fraises de bois, raspberries, wild currants, wild roses, sweet pea flowers, violets and whiffs of exotic incense. The flavors are deliciously velvety, yet forceful, with layers of red fruits that are imbued with red licorice, cocoa powder, black tea, forest carpet and granitic minerals. On the back, the wine intensifies, with sensations of pressed fruits, framboise and creme de cassis liqueurs and orange peel, followed by a lingering, suave, again velvety finish. 19+/20 points.
2018 Frédéric Berne Beaujolais-Latigné, "Granit Rose" ($15 - Last Bottle) - Last Bottle is an on line retailer specializing on end of lot deals. This shows a deep purplish color and enticing aromas of strawberry, cherry, currant, crushed roses, mulberry and white incense. The flavors show Gamay varietal purity, with notes of licorice, cocoa, tea and granitic minerals. The back picks up fraise and kirsch liqueurs on a pleasingly juicy finish. 18/20 points.
2017 Yohan Lardy Cru Fleurie, "Le Vivier" ($24 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - This Cru Beaujolais shows a brick red color and lovely aromas of strawberries, wild currants, cranberries, crushed red roses, sweet pea flowers and pink incense. The flavors are alluring, with supple red fruits that are endowed with licorice, cocoa and hillside minerals. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs, followed by bright fruit acids on the finish. 18.5/20 points.
2017 Yohan Lardy Cru Chénas, "Les Deschamps" ($25 - The Thief) - From a vineyard planted in 1940, this displays a purplish crimson color and enticing aromas of fraises de bois, cherries, currants, red roses, lilac and whiffs of white smoke. The flavors are generous yet focused, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa black tea and minerals. The back picks up kirsch and creme de cassis, followed by a pleasing juicy finish. 18.5/20 points.
2017 Domaine Sergurier Chateauneuf du Pape, "Tradition" ($26 - Last Bottle) - Although the 2017 vintage in CdP is less spectacular than 2016 or 2015, this is a super buy. Mostly Grenache, it offers a ruby color and attractive aromas of raspberries, blueberries, red currants, red roses, tobacco, lavender and spiced incense. The flavors are appealing, with generous red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cola and mas minerals. The back picks up cassis and framboise liqueurs and charcoal, followed by a soft tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.
2015 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf du Pape, "Vieilles Vignes" ($35 - Last Bottle) - Deep brick red colored, this possesses sultry aromas of raspberries, strawberries, black currants, crushed roses, mulberry, sweet tobacco, lavender, fines herbs and spiced incense. The flavors are massive, yet mouth caressing, with loads of black and blue fruits that are infused with licorice root, cocoa, black tea and mas minerals. The penetration continues on the back with macerated fruits, roasted nut and a touch of caramel, followed by a long, ripe spicy finish. 19/20 points.
2016 Laurent Combier Crozes-Hermitage ($29 - The Thief) - This 100% Syrah displays a deep purplish ruby color and a rich, spicy nose of blackberry, black cherry, black currant, black roses, mulberry, tobacco, lavender and spiced incense. The flavors are bold and direct, true to variety, with up front fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa and stony minerals. The vigor continues on the back with pressed fruits, roasted nuts, creme decassi and charcoal, followed by a satisfying moderate tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.
2016 Château d'Arsac, Margaux, Cru Bourgeois ($25 - Last Bottle) - Composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot, this Bordeaux offers a semi opaque ruby color and rich aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, black roses, mulberry, pipe tobacco, cedar and wood smoke. The flavors, as well, are attention getting, with dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, French roast and minerals. The back picks up macerated berries, roasted nuts and toffee, followed by a dryish yet ripe tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.
Spanish Wines
Lately, we have been trying some wines from the Rioja district of northwest Spain. Made from the Tempranillo grape, sometimes with a bit of Graciano, Mazuelo or Garnacha, they range from the modern to the traditional style.
2016 Cune Rioja, Crianza ($12.98 - Super 1) - This entry level Rioja offers a ruby-garnet color and a nose of raspberries, cherries, currants, semi dried roses, tobacco and wood smoke. The flavors are medium bodied, yet well delineated, with notes of licorice, chicory coffee and earth. The back picks up roasted berries and nut, tart cherries and mocha, followed by a soft dryish tannin finish. 18/20 points.
2015 Marqués de Murrietta Rioja Reserva, "Finca Ygay" ($25.99 - wine.com) - Composed of 80% Tempranillo, 12% Graciano, 6% Mazuela and 2% Garnacha, this steers a mid course between the modern and traditional styles. It shows a ruby-garnet color and rich, smoky aromas of raspberries, cherries, plums, crushed roses, tobacco, cedar and incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with ample yet focused semi-dried fruits that are imbued with licorice, cocoa, medium roast coffee and earth. The back picks up roasted berries and almonds and touches of almonds and American oak, followed by a ripe moderate sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.
2015 Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva ($27.99 - wine.com) - Bodegas Muga produces wines in a modern yet traditional style. Deep ruby colored, this emits rich, smoky aromas of blackberries, black cherries, black currants, mulberry, maduro wrapper and incense. The flavors are full and bold, with notes of black licorice, cocoa, chicory coffee and alluvial minerals. The vigor continues on the back with sensations of macerated berries, tart cherries and roasted almonds, followed by a sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.
2010 La Rioja Alta "Vina Ardanza" Rioja Reserva, Selection Especial ($32.99 - wine.com) - Rioja Reservas can age well and this is a fine example. Composed of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, this shows a ruby-garnet color and rich aromas of semi dried fruits - raspberries, cherries, currants, and a hint of fig - with scents of dried roses, tobacco, orange peel, sandalwood and wood smoke. The flavors have smoothed out with barrel aging along with notes of licorice root, chicory coffee and dusty earth. The textured back reveals sensations of roasted berries and nuts, cherry liqueur and recurring orange peel, followed by a lingering dryish finish whose tannins are beginning to resolve. 19/20 points.
The following wines were tasted at Valdemar Estates winery in Walla Walla which features the Estate's Rioja wines as well as those of the winery.
2016 Conde Valdemar Rioja Crianza ($22) - Composed of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo and aged 16 months in American oak, this offers a ruby color and an aromatic nose of raspberry, cherry, currant, black roses, mulberry, vanillin and wood smoke. The flavors are generous yet focused, with notes of licorice, cocoa. chicory coffee and earth. The back picks up macerated berries, roasted coconut, tart cherries and burnt toast, followed by a ripe dryish moderate tannin finish. 18+/20 points.
2012 Conde Valdemar Rioja Reserva ($30) - This is 85% Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Garnacha, aged 26 months in American and French oak. It shows a semi-opaque ruby color and intoxicating aromas of dark fruits - cherries, plums, black currants - with scents of black roses, mulberry, tobacco, sandalwood, a hint of basaltic, and spiced incense. The flavors are bold and direct, yet complex, with notes of licorice, coffee beans and dusty earth. The intensity continues on the back with roasted berries and nuts, mocha, toasty oak and graphite, followed by a deep sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.
2010 Conde Valdemar Rioja Gran Reserva ($50) - Composed of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Matura from old vines in Rioja Alavesa and aged 32 months in 75% French and 25% American oak, this exhibits a semi opaque ruby-garnet color and rich, sultry aromas of black cherries, plums, black currants, tobacco, vanillin, cedar and spiced incense. The flavors are full and mouth encompassing, with notes of black licorice, dark cocoa, dark roast coffee and black earth. The penetration continues on the back with roasted fruits, grilled almonds, mocha, ground charcoal and toasty oak, followed by a long, full yet elegant sweet-dry tannin finish. 19+/20 points.
Looking Ahead to 2020
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- Written by Rand Sealey
As 2019 comes to a close, here's what's coming up in the wine world and in the Review of Washington Wines in 2020.
More Wineries and Vineyards
In 2019, the number of registered wineries in Washington State passed the 1000 mark. The number may well surpass 1200 next year. More vineyard acreage will be planted. Thomas- Hennick-King, Director of Enology and Viticulture at Washington State University has stated that there is plenty of available land suitable for planting wine grape vines in the state. Also look to more in state and out of state investment in land and wineries. Some of these transactions will be facilitated by investment counselors such as METIS of Portland and Walla Walla. There will be major players in these developments.
More New American Viticultural Areas
The last two AVAs in Washington State and contiguous states were approved in 2015 - The Lewis-Clark Valley (Idaho-Washington) and The Rocks of Milton-Freewater (a sub-AVA of the Walla Walla Valley). It is high time new sub AVAs of the Columbia Valley were approved. There are proposed AVAs that meet the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms requirements for these areas, including the Royal Slope and the Burn of the Columbia River.
Coming Up in Future Review of Washington Wines Issues
We are in the process of evaluating wines for upcoming issues of the Review of Washington. In the February issue, on line January 24, there will be more Winter releases from the Walla Walla Valley, and other wines from around the state, plus an expanded Best Buys section, including Oregon wines. March will have wines from around the state and in April there will be a report on Woodinville wineries. In the Spring, we will make a loop through Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, the Lewis-Clark Valley and Boise. Upcoming Review Blogs will include tastings of French, Italian and Spanish wines and wine industry news.
Happy New Year!
Best Buys of 2019
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- Written by Rand Sealey
Listed below are wines scoring 18.5/20 Points for $25 or less and wines scoring 19/20 points for $40 or less in the Review of Washington Wines in 2019. Some wines may be sold out.
Wines Scoring 18.5/20 Points for $25 or Less
2017 Armstrong Fak9ly "Wild Angels" Viognier-Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($18) - January
2016 Result of a Crush "Christmas Cuvée," Walla Walla Valley ($25) - January
2016 Thurston-Wolfe Primitivo, Horse Heaven Hills, Zephyr Ridge Vineyard ($25) - January
2016 Kiona Syrah, Red Mountain ($22) - February
Treveri Sparkling Demi Sec Riesling, Columbia Valley ($18) - February
2017 Convergence Zone Cellars "Sunbreak" Chenin Blanc, Snipes Mountain ($17) - February
2016 Clearwater Canyon Cellars Merlot Lewis-Clark Valley ($25) - April
2017 Brian Carter Cellars "Oriana" White Wine, Columbia Valley ($24) - April
2016 Tranche Estate "Pape Blanc" White Wine, Walla Walla Valley, Blue Mountain Vineyard ($25) - May
2018 Adamant Cellars Albarino, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - May
2017 College Cellars Carmenère, Walla Walla Valley, Clarke Vineyard ($25) - May
2017 College Cellars Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley, Anderson Vineyard ($25) - May
2016 College Cellars Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, Clarke Vineyard ($25) - May
2015 MCM Wine Co. "Majestic" Red Blend, Columbia Valley ($25) - May
2018 Balboa Gruner Veltliner, Columbia Valley ($20) - May
2015 Nine Hats Merlot, Columbia Valley ($25) - May
2015 Nine Hats Syrah, Columbia Valley ($25) - May
2018 Forgeron Cellars Viognier, Walla Walla Valley, Francisca's Vineyard ($25) - June
2018 Dunham Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley ($22) - June
2018 Amavi Cellars Semillon, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - July
2018 Prospice Rosé, Walla Walla Valley ($22) - July
2018 Grosgrain Vineyards Albarino, Walla Walla Valley, Phillips Vineyard ($24) - July
Treveri Cellars Sparkling Gewurztraminer Demi-Sec, Columbia Valley ($17) - July
Treveri Cellars Sparkling Blanc de Noir Brut, Columbia Valley ($20) - July
2015 Nota Bene Cellars Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, Dineen Vineyard ($25) - July
2015 Gifford Hirlinger Pinot Gris-Semillon, Walla Walla Valley ($20) - July
2018 Tertulia Cellars Marsanne, Walla Walla Valley, Elevation Vineyard ($25) - July
2018 Syncline Picpoul, Yakima Valley, Boushey Vineyard ($25) - August
2018 Syncline Gruner Veltliner, Columbia Valle, Bloxom Vineyard ($21) - August
2016 Gifford Hirlinger Stateline Red, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - August
2018 College Cellars Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley ($20) - August
2017 College Cellars Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley, Clarke Vineyard ($25) - August
2017 College Cellars Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, Clarke Vineyard ($25) - August
2018 Sleight of Hand Cellars "The Magician" Riesling, Ancient Lakes, Evergreen Vineyard ($18) - August
2017 Guardian Cellars "Chalk Line" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($25) - September
2018 Otis Kenyon Roussanne, Columbia Valley ($23) - September
2018 Tempus Cellars Riesling, Ancient Lakes, Evergreen Vineyard ($20) - September
2018 Cadaretta "SBS" White Wine, Columbia Valley ($23) - September
2018 Saviah Cellars Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Stillwater Creek Vineyard ($25) - October
2018 Convergence Zone Cellars "Sunbreak" Chenin Blanc, Snipes Mountain, Upland Vineyard ($16) - October
2016 L'Ecole No. 41 Merlot, Columbia Valley ($24) - November
2018 Caprio Cellars Semillon, Walla Walla Valleyt ($22) - November
2018 Three of Cups "Le Hierophante" Chardonnay, Lake Chelan, Dry Lake Vineyard ($21) - November
2018 Savage Grace "Blanc Franc" Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($22) - November
2018 Callan Cellars Grenache Blanc, Yakima Valley, Boushey Vineyard ($25) - December
2018 L'Ecole No. 41 "Luminesce" White Wine, Columbia Valley ($21) - December
2017 L'Ecole No. 41 Syrah, Columbia Valley ($24) - December
2017 Result of a Crush "Christmas Cuvée" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - December
2017 Result of a Crush "Unnamed Series" Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - December
2016 Result of a Crush "Unnamed Series" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - December
Wines Scoring 19/20 Points for $40 or Less
2015 JB Neufeld Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley ($35) - January
2015 Three Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($29) - February
2016 Kerloo Cellars Malbec, Wahluke Slope, Stone Tree Vineyard ($40) - February
2016 Kerloo Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Les Collines Vineyard ($40) - February
2016 Amavi Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($33) - March
2017 Morrel-Pena Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($35) - March
2016 Saviah Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($32) - March
2016 Truth Teller "The Cynic" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - March
2014 Waters "Capella" Red Wine, Washington State ($32) - March
2017 Seven Hills Carmenère, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - April
2015 Su Lei Cellars Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley ($34) - April
2015 Isenhower Cellars "A Bloc" Malbec, Columbia Valley ($38) - April
2016 Isenhower Cellars "Batchelor's Button" Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($38) - April
2015 Dumas Station Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - April
2016 Clearwater Canyon Cellars Carmenère, Washington, Phinny Hill Vineyard ($32) - April
2014 Array Cellars Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge, Celilo Vineyard ($32) - April
2014 Array Cellars Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Dijon Clone ($32) - April
2014 Array Cellars Chardonnay, "Nina's Reserve" Columbia Valley, ($32) - April
2014 Brian Carter Cellars "Le Coursier" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($40) - April
2016 The Walls "Stanley Groovy" Red Wine, Red Mountain, Red Heaven Vineyard ($30) - May
2016 Gramercy Cellars "The Third Man" Grenache, Columbia Valley ($36) - May
2018 Smoky Rose Cellars Viognier, Walla Walla Valley ($30) - May
2016 Smoky Rose Cellars Merlot, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - May
2014 Nota Bene Cellars Red Blanc, Red Mountain, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ($40) - May
2014 Nota Bene Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Red Heaven Vineyard ($40) - May
2014 Nota Bene Cellars Syrah, Red Mountain, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ($40) - May
2015 Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($40) - May
2017 Long Shadows "Poet's Leap" Riesling, Columbia Valley ($20) - May
2017 Seven Hills Grenache, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - June
2017 Seven Hills Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - June
2016 Parabellum by Force Majeure "Coulée" Red Wine, Red Mountain ($38) - June
2016 L'Ecole No. 41 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley ($36) - June
2016 L'Ecole No. 41 Estate Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley ($39) - June
2016 Foundry Vineyards Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($36) - June
2016 Foundry Vineyards Malbec, Walla Walla Valley ($38) - June
2017 Amavi Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($33) - July
2017 Amavi Cellars "Ceres" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($35) - July
2015 Nota Bene Cellars Red Blend, Red Mountain, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ($40) -July
2015 Nota Bene Cellars Syrah, Red Mountain, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ($40) - July
2015 Nota Bene Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Heart of the Hill Vineyard ($40) - July
2015 Tero Estates "ST" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, Windrow Vineyards ($38) - July
2018 Woodward Canyon Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Walla Walla Valley ($29) - August
2017 Watermill "Hallowed Stones" Estate Cabernet Franc, Rocks of Milton-Freewater ($40) - August
2017 Watermill "Hallowed Stones" Estate Syrah, Rocks of Milton-Freewater ($40) - August
2016 Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($40) - August
2015 Gifford Hirlinger Estate Malbec, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - August
2015 Gifford Hirlinger Estate Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - August
2015 Gifford Hirlinger Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - August
2018 Mark Ryan Viognier, Yakima Valley ($35) - August
2016 Avennia "Justine" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($40) - September
2018 DeLille Cellars Roussanne, Red Mountain ($35) - September
2018 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Blanc, Columbia Valley ($35) - September
2017 Januik Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Cold Creek Vineyard ($30) - September
2015 Tempus Cellars Vintage Red, Columbia Valley, Sagemoor Vineyard ($38) - September
2014 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, Columbia Valley ($30) - September
2015 CAVU Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, Seven Hills Vineyard ($40) - October
2018 Waters "Prelude" White Wine, Washington State ($30) - October
2018 Aluvé Estate Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley, Menozzi Vineyard ($35) - October
2018 àMaurice Cellars Viognier, Columbia Valley ($28) - October
2018 àMaurice Cellars "Sparrow" Estate Viognier, Walla Walla Valley ($38) - October
2016 Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Sagemoor Vineyard ($40) - October
2018 Saviah Cellars Viognier, Walla Walla Valley, Estate Vineyard ($30) - October
2016 Saviah Cellars Malbec, Walla Walla Valley ($38) - October
2016 Saviah Cellars Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley ($38) - October
2016 Saviah Cellars Nebbiolo, Walla Walla Valley ($38) - October
2018 Brook & Bull Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($30) - October
2017 Brook & Bull "Come Hell or High Water" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($38) - October
2017 Brook & Bull Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley ($38) - October
2016 Tranche Estate Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Blue Mountain Vineyard ($40) - November
2018 L'Ecole No. 41 Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes, Evergreen Vineyard ($35) - November
2017 Isenhower "Wild Thyme" Fred Blend, Columbia Valley ($40) - November
2016 Caprio Cellars "Eleanor" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - November
2015 Caprio Cellars "Eleanor" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - November
2014 Caprio Cellars "Eleanor" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - November
2015 William Church Syrah, Columbia Valley, Lewis Vineyard ($40) - November
2017 Structure Cellars "Foundation" Malbec, Yakima Valley ($38) - November
2017 Structure Cellars "Foundation" Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley ($40) - November
2016 Tero Estates Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, Windrow Vineyards ($40) - December
2016 Gard Vintners Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, Lawrence Vineyard ($40) - December
2016 Gard Vintners "Vaucluse" Red Wine, Columbia Valley, Lawrence Vineyard ($40) - December
Top Wines of 2019
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- Written by Rand Sealey
Here is our annual listing of the wines scoring 20/20 and 19.5/20 points in the Review of Washington Wines in 2019, with the months in which they were reviewed. Some wines may be sold out.
Wines Scoring 20/20 Points
2016 Adams Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($70) - March
2016 Adams Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, Mays Discovery Vineyard ($70) - March
2016 Adams Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Stillwater Creek Vineyard ($70) - March
2015 Canvasback "Grand Passage" Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($80) - May
2016 Force Majeure Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($125) - June
2016 Leonetti Cellar Reserve Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($150) - June
2014 DeLille Cellars Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($160) - September
Wines Scoring 19.5/20 Points
2015 Mercer Estates "Eagle & Plow" Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, Cavalie Vineyard ($100) - January
2016 Saviah Cellars "The Stones Speak" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($55) - January
2014 Forgeron Cellars "Anvil" Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Dionysus Vineyard ($65) - January
2014 Owen-Roe "1973 Block" Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($72) - January
2014 Owen-Roe Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley Dubrul Vineyard ($72) - January
2013 21 Grams Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($125) - January
N/V Reininger "CPR" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($90) - February
2015 Cadaretta Southwind Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($75) - February
2015 Cadaretta Southwind Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($75) - February
2016 Adams Bench "the V" Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($58) - March
2016 Adams Bench "Ursula" Sangiovese, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($54) - March
2013 Waters Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Forgotten Hills Vineyard ($50) - March
2015 Kontos Cellars "The Boss" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($195 - 1.5 L) - April
2016 Seven Hills Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($75) - April
2017 Rotie Cellars Southern Red Blend, Washington State ($48) - April
2017 Rotie Cellars Northern Red Blend, Washington State ($48) - April
2016 Gramercy Cellars Gramercy Estate Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, Gramercy Estate Vineyard ($70) - April
2015 Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($40) - May
2016 Long Shadows "Saggi" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($55) - May
2016 Long Shadows "Feather" Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($65) - May
2016 Long Shadows "Sequel" Syrah, Columbia Valley ($60) - May
2015 Long Shadows "Chester Kidder" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($60) - May
2016 Long Shadows "Dance" Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($42) - May
2017 Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Walla Walla Valley ($80) - June
2016 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($100) - June
2016 Force Majeure "Parvata" Red Wine, Red Mountain ($70) - June
2016 Force Majeure "Epinette" Red Wine, Red Mountain ($95) - June
2014 L'Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Ferguson Vineyard ($64) - June
2013 Tero Estates Plateau Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Windrow Vineyards ($55) - July
2013 Tero Estates Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Windrow Vineyards ($57) - July
2016 Tierra Labrada Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley, Elevation Vineyard ($80) - July
2016 Tierra Labrada Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, Elevation Vineyard ($80) - July
2016 Tierra Labrada Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Elevation Vineyard ($90) - July
2017 Valdemar Estates "Component Trial" Syrah, Red Mountain ($65) - July
2017 Valdemar Estates "Component Trial" Syrah, Red Mountain, Klipsun Vineyard ($65) - July
2017 Valdemar Estates "Component Trial" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Blue Mountain Vineyard ($65) - July
2016 Canvasback "Grand Passage" Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($84) - August
2016 Rotie Cellars Tannat, Washington State ($65) - August
2016 Woodward Canyon "Old Vines" Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State ($99) - August
2016 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Red Wine, Red Mountain ($80) - September
2016 DeLille Cellars Harrison Hill Red Wine, Snipes Mountain ($90) - September
2016 Avennia "Arnaut" Syrah, Yakima Valley, Boushey Vineyard ($50) - September
2016 Avennia "Sestina" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($65) - September
2014 Ocelli Cellars, Grenache, Snipes Mountain ($45) - September
2017 Saviah Cellars "The Stones Speak" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($55) October
2016 Va Piano "Black Label" Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills, Dubrul Vineyard ($65) - October
2016 Reininger "CPR" Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley, XL Vineyard ($95) - November
2016 Kontos Cellars "The Boss" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($195 - 1.5 L) - November
2016 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($60) - November
2016 Pepper Bridge "Trine" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($65) - November
2017 Reynvaan Family Vineyards "Queen's Road" White Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($65) - December
2016 Rasa Vineyards "Plus One" Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Kiona Vineyard ($115) - December
2015 Rasa Vineyards "Principia" Reserve Syrah, Columbia Valley ($115) - December
2015 Rasa Vineyards "Veritas Sequiteur" Estate Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, SJR Vineyard ($115) - December
2015 Rasa Vineyards "Creative Impulse" Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, Dubrul Vineyard ($115) December
2015 Rasa Vineyards "In order to form a more perfect Union" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($115) - December
2017 Maison Bleue "Gravière" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($65) - December
2017 Maison Bleue "Frontière" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Funk Vineyard ($75) - Deecmber
2017 Woodward Canyon "Old Vines" Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State ($99) - December
2016 Gramercy Cellars "Lagniappe" Syrah, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($65) - December
2016 àMaurice Cellars "Owl & Crown" Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($75) - December
2017 Tierra Labrada Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, Elevation Vineyard ($85) - December
2017 Tierra Labrada Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, Elevation Vineyard ($85) - December
2017 Tierra Labrada Cabernet Sauvignon, Elevation Vineyard ($90) - December
Next Week, December 23: Best Buys of 2019 - Wines Scoring 19/20 Points for $40 or Less & Wines Scoring 18.5/20 Points for $25 or Less
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