Last weekend, after an evening in Seattle and three days on Chuckanut Drive, south of Bellingham, we drove over to Woodinville for some winery visits on the 27th and 28th. Then on Sunday, I went to Taste Washington in the Century Link Field Event Center. Here's my report.

On Friday, we visited the DeLille Cellars Carriage House where we tasted some superb new 2012 reds (19 to 19.5 points) which will be reviewed in the May issue of the Review of Washington Wines. On other stops, we tasted other outstanding 2012's from Guardian Cellars, and Novelty Hill, plus a fine effort from Mike Januik's son, Andrew, all to be reviewed in May.

Saturday morning, we we stopped by JM Cellars to taste the exceptional 2012 "Tre Faniculli" and Margaret's Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Franc (to be in the May issue). In the afternoon, we went over to the Warehouse District to Davenport Cellars (to be reviewed in June), Elevation Cellars (also June) and Savage Grace (beautiful red values from the 2013 vintage to be reviewed in June). Then we drove up Hollywood Hill to Adams Bench were Tim and Erica Blue debuted their superb 2012 "Ursula's" Sangiovese (19.5.20 points) and Red Willow Cabernet Sauvignon (20/20 points), both to be reviewed in the May issue.

On Sunday afternoon, I went to the Washington Wine Commission's Taste Washington. Over 200 wineries were represented at this premier event. Highlights were Andrew Will (2011 Two Blondes and Champoux vineyards reds), Avennia (2012, Justine, Arnaut, Gravura and Sestina), Proper Wines (2012 Walla Walla Valley Syrah), and Cadence (2011 Camerata and Bel Canto), all to be reviewed in the May issue. I also made some new discoveries from Amelia Wynn, somme des parties, Coral Wines and Grand Ciel, to be reviewed in upcoming issues.

 

Next Week's Blog: "Cayuse Weekend" in the Walla Walla Valley