In my last Review of Washington Wines Blog posting I incicated that the April issue of the Review would go on line March 26th, Since then, I determined that it would make more sense to have the issue go on line today, March 21st, along with this blog posting.

 

In the April issue of the Review of Washington Wines which has just gone on line, there are thirty two 2012 red wines and nine 2011's. This indicates that the 2012 vintage is into its full cycle, while the 2011s are nearing the end of its cycle. More 2012s will be released this spring while the 2011's continue to taper off.

On 10 February of last year, I wrote a Review Blog article on "The 2012 and 2011 Red Wines Compared." Here's an excerpt from the article:

"After the protracted harvest of 2011 which went well into November, 2012 was a return to a more normal season. Harvesting begain in early September and was mostly completed by the end of October. This resulted in wines with differing characteristics.

The 2011 reds have frequently been called "old world" in style. That is, wines with pronounced aromatics, resulting from the phenols that were developed during the extended "hang time" of the harvest, and with drier tannins on the finish. So far, with more 2012 reds being released, the wines seem to be more fruit forward, with the aromatics being more berry like and less floral, and the tannins riper.

Qualitatively, the two vintages may turn out to be nearly equal, but stylistically different, which becomes more a matter of personal preference. If you like tasty fruit forward wines, go for the 2012's. If you prefer more aromatic and structured "old world" like wines, go for the 2012's."

The 2011 and 2012 wines that have been released since, then have larely borne out this assessment. Of his 2011 Fall Line wines (reviewed in the April issue of the Review of Washington Wines), Tim Sorenson commented, "The 11s are my personal favorite for the single vineyard blends - love the weight, brightness, lower alcohols, etc. Too bad we're unlikely to see a similarly 'climed' vintage for a very, very long time (if ever)." The recent releases of 2012 reds, generally are quite forward, often already drinkable, although many will benefit from further aging. As for the 2013's, they are just entering that vintage's cycle. They, again, come from a nearly normal season, with a cool spring, followed by a warm summer and a successful mid-autumn harvest. The newly released Tero Estates 2013 "ST" Red Wine is a good indication of the 2013 vintage. More later!

 

The Whitehouse Crawford Rhone Tasting

On Wednesday, March 18th, Jenna Bicknell put on a tasting of South Rhone wines. Most of the wines were from the Côtes du Rhone AOCs, and some of them represented excellent values, most priced under $20 a bottle. Here are the most noteworthy wines.

2012 La Cabotte "Colline" Côtes du Rhone ($13) - This Grenache-dominated wine turned out to be a pretty good CdR for $13. Medium ruby colored, it possessed attractive aromas of raspberry and pomegranate, with scents of roases and lavender. The medium bodied flavors were pleasing and direct, with notes of earth and framboise liqueur. 18/20 points.

2012 Domaine Albin Jacumin Côtes du Rhone ($19) - Composed of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Carignan, this was made by a fourth generation winemaker and aged in concrete tanks. It showed a deep ruby color and smoky aromas of raspberry, blueberry and pomegranate, with scents of roses and lavender. The flavors were medium bodied and chewy textured, with notes of licorice, cocoa and loam, followed by touches of framboise and orange peel. It was charming and represented excellent value. 18+/20 points.

2012 Domaine de la Charbonnière Vacqueras ($32) - This was 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah from the "Hautes Garrigue" plateau composed of chalky, pebbly soil. Aged in wood vats, it displayed a brilliant ruby color and intriguing aromas of raspberry, plum. pomegranate and red currant, with scents of red roses, garrigue (lavender and herbs) and spiced incense. The medium full bodied flavors were imbued with cocoa, licorice and chalky earth. The back picked up framboise, creme de cassis and orange peel, while the Syrah imparted a chewy texture. 18.5+/20 points.

2012 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Cotes du Rhone ($24) - This came from a top notch producer in Chateauneuf du Pape. Composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, it showed a brilliant medium ruby color and intriguing aromas of semi-dried fruits - raspberry, pomegranate, orange peel - with scents of lavender and incense. The medium bodied flavos showed touches of licorice, cocoa and pebbly earth, along with medium roast coffee. The Mourvèdre imparted a bit of spice to the lingering finish. 18.5/20 points.

During the tasting, Jenna poured two wines "blind" and asked if they were "old world" or "new world." I guessed new world for both.

2012 Proper Wines Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($42) - It was the vividity which gave this wine a new world character. Deep purplish colored, it showed an intoxicating nose of wild blackberries, blueberrries, cassis, crushed roses, violets and spiced incense. It was thick and meaty on the paate, with loads of dark fruits, and "Rocks" minerals. The back picked up macerated berries and roasted nuts, and a touch of kidskin, followed by a lingering ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2011 PB Wines Mourvèdre-Syrah-Grenache Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($32) - Made by Pinto and Billo Naravanne (Rasa Vineyards), this showed old world-like (see the comments above about the 2011 vintage) as well as new world character. It showed a medium ruby coor and a smoky nose of raspberry, pomegranate, semi-dried fruits and orange peel. The medium-bodied flavors were farirly direct, with notes of cocoa, nuts and earth, followed by chewy moderate tannins and acids on the finish. 18.5/20 points.