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In the February issue of the Review of Washington Wines (on line January 25) there will be reviews of wines from some wineries that merit watching in 2018. Here they are, and why.

Walla Walla Vintners - With the retirements of Myles Anderson and Gordy Venneri, the direction of WWV is moving toward a broader range of wines. Last Fall, the winery introduced its first white wine, a 2016 Vineyard Select Chardonnay and two estate reds. The winery also has reached out to Red Mountain with a Carmenère and a Cabernet Sauvignon, to be reviewed in the February issue.

Lagana Cellars - With the partnership of Jason Fox and Todd Bernave, Lagana Cellars looks forward to making a bigger impact in the Walla Walla wine scene. The "Nox Perpetua" (Perpetual Night) line is striking. See the upcoming issue for the 2015 Patina Syrah and Seven Hills Cab Franc.

Eight Bells - This Roosevelt-Ravenna winery continues to make well made wines from the partnership of Tim Bates, Andy Shepherd and Frank Michaels. Most of the wines are sourced from Mike Sauer's Red Willow Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, including the standout 8 Clones Syrah and David's Block Red.

Array Cellars - Since 2010, Henry Smilowics's Array Cellars has been producing some fine Chardonnays from the Conner Lee, Celilo and Otis Harlan vineyards under the direction of Brian Carter and Robert Takahashi. The 2013's are highly impressive, drinking beautifully (18.5/20 for the Washington State, and 19 and 19.5 points for the Celilo and Otis Harlan) and remarkable in a market where most Chardonnays are 2015s and 2016s.

Convergence Zone Cellars - Now located in North Bend, Scott and Monica Greenberg's winery continues to turn out fine values. The 2015 "Sunbreak" Chenin Blanc and "Drizzle" Pinot Gris are terrific white wine bargains. And two fine Malbecs will also be in the February issue.

Gard Vintners - In November, this winery, located near Royal City, opened a tasting room in Downtown Walla Walla. The wines, produced from the family owned Lawrence Vineyards in the Frenchman Hills, are exceptional. Look for the 2014 "Grand Klasse" Riesling, 2013 Syrah and Cabernet as well as a 2013 Malbec and 2014 Don Isidro Red in February.

Co Dinn - Coman - "Co" - Dinn released three new wines from his Sunnyside winery in December, a 2015 French Creek Chardonnay, a 2015 "GSM" Red from Limestone Springs Ranch, and a 2015 Elephant Mountain Red Blend, all Highly Recommended (19+/20 points.

 

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While most of the wines we drink are from Washington State (that's my job), we like to drink French wines from time to time, especially Burgundy and Rhone ones. Our first loves in wine were ones from Burgundy and we have visited the region numerous times over the years. It is because of this that I have been stocking up on 2015's which have turned out to be even greater than the 2005's.

In 2015, a heat wave in July and August resulted in high quality, but less wine. Because of the drought grape clusters were smaller than normal, resulting in wines of great concentration, with abundant tannins and polyphenols. In the Côte d'Or, the reds are more consistent than the whites. According to Decanter magazine, "the reds and whites of the Côte Chalonnaise are a great success." Beaujolais was also a great success. The Château de Jacques (a Jadot property) Morgon Côte de Py and Moulin-à-Vent Clos de Rochegres are the most concentrated Beaujolis wines I have ever run across. 

From the Côte d'Or, I have laid in a goodly number of Premier and Grand Crus, mostly from Maison Louis Jadot, a highly reliable negociant and property owner. From the Chalonnaise, I purchased Domaine Faiveley's Mercurey, Clos de Myglands From Beaujolais, I have the above mentioned Château de Jacques plus some Domaine bottlings from Duboeuf.

Further south, the Rhone Valley was a great success in 2015 as well. a classic vintage, especially in the southern part. I have picked up wines from Châteauneuf du Pape and Gigondas. 

What about Bordeaux? We do enjoy a Claret once in a while, but it is the elegance and finesse of the wines of Burgundy that we cherish highly. The 2015 vintage was a great success in Bordeaux, and the wines will be sought after. The vintage is currently being offered as futures to be delivered later in the year. 

So, if you like French wines and want to augment your cellar, you could do no worse than to stock up on 2015s.

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As the year 2017 draws to a close, here's what ahead for Washington wine in 2018.

More Consolidation and Ownership Changes

The acquisition of Walla Walla Vintners by a Portland investor, signaled a sign of the times of consolidation in the Washington wine industry. The retirements of WWV founders Miles Anderson and Gordy Venneri is indicative of the trend of new players coming into the industry. Other acquisitons are sure to take place in the coming year. The Seattle based Metis, an Exvere Company has emerged as a major player with its role as a "Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory Services" organization. The Metis Walla Walla office is headed by Erik McLaughlin along with Philippe Michel. We will be seeing more of them in 2018.

More New Washington AVAs

There are applications pending with the U.S. Treasury TTB (Trade & Tobacco Bureau) for four new American Viticultural Areas as follows. 

Candy Mountain - With 815 acres of vineyards, this will be Washington's smallest AVA. It is located at the northeast junction of Interstates 182 and 82, just west of Richland. The area has 53.7 acres of vines, most of the fruit going to Long Shadows and L'Ecole No. 41.

Royal Slope - This will be a sub AVA of Columbia Valley. It is located in east central Washington, near Royal City. It ha 1400 acres of vineyards planted, including Stillwater Creek, Lawrence and Stoneridge (the source of K Vintners Royal City Syrah). 

The Burn of Columbia Valley - Located in south central Washington, between the Columbia Gorge and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs, it will comprise of 16.780 acres of which 1261 are under vine. Much of the plantings are Cabernet Sauvignon

White Bluffs - This will be another sub appellation of the Columbia Valley, located in south central Washington, north of Richland. It takes its name from the white sedimentary escarpments. The area encompasses 93.738 acres, of which 1127 are under vine. Well known vineyards in the proposed AVA are Sagemoor, Gamache and and Claar. 

Approval of these new appellations which will expand the list of Washington AVAs to eighteen will take time. But it is a sign that Washington grape vine growing is expanding and new names are emerging.

Growth in Vineyard Plantings

Along with the growing list of Washington AVAs, there is growth in vineyard planting. The SeVein vineyard in the Walla Walla South Valley continues to add acreage. And there is the Va Piano Eritage project north of Highway 12 which will include a destination resort and restaurant. There is also the Widert property near Nine Mile Hill, a 6100 acre site up for sale by an Indiana owner. This could dramatically increase vineyard acreage in the Walla Walla Valley. 

Plantings in other parts of the state will continue to grow as wineries look for increased sources for grapes. Watch for niche varieties as well, such as Picpoul, Counoise, Cinsault, Souzão, Tannat, and more.

More Later! And Happy New Year!

 

Details

Listed below are the wines scoring 19/20 points for $40 or less and wines scoring 18.5/20 points for $25 or less in the Review of Washington Wines for 2017 together with the months in which they were reviewed. Some wines may be sold out. 

 

Wines Scoring 19/20 Points for $40 or Less

2014 Helix "SoRho" Red Wine, Wahluke Slope, Stone Tree Vineyard ($40) - January

2014 Kerloo Cellars Grenache, Snipes Mountain, Upland Vineyard ($40) - January

2014 Kerloo Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Les Collines Vineyard ($40) - January

2012 Tranche Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Blue Mountain Vineyard ($40) - January

2012 Tranche Cellars Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley, Blue Mountain Vineyard ($40) - January

2015 Fidelitas "Optu" White Wine, Red Mountain ($30) - February

2014 K Vintners "Motor City Kitty" Syrah, Washington ($40) - February

2013 K Vintners "The Deal" Syrah, Wahluke Slope, Sundance Vineyard ($40) - February

2013 Bartholomew Souzao, Snipes Mountain, Upland Vineyard ($37) - March

2013 Northstar Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - March

2013 Northstar Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - March

2014 Balboa Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, Eidolon Vineyard ($36) - April

2014 Isenhower "Jongleur" Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley ($34) - April

2014 Isenhower "River Beauty" Syrah, Columbia Valley ($34) - April

2014 Seven Hills Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, McClellan Vineyard ($35) - April

2014 Lagana Cellars Pinot Noir, Walla Walla Valley, Breezy Slope Vineyard ($40) - April

2014 Flying Trout Malbec, Columbia Valley, Gamache Vineyard ($40) - May

2014 Mansion Creek Cellars "Field Blend" Red Wine, Red Mountain ($38) - May

2013 Tertulia Cellars Carmenère, Horse Heaven Hills, Phinny Hill Vineyard ($40) - May

2016 Va Piano "Black Label" Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, Chelle den Millie Vineyard ($38) - May

2015 The Walls "Martin's Gold" Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, French Creek Vineyard ($36) - June

2015 The Walls "McAndrew" Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge, White Salmon Vineyard ($36) - June

2014 Maison Bleue "Coureur de Bois" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($40) - June

2013 Coyote Canyon "GW Smith Reserve" Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills ($38) - July

2012 Coyote Canyon "Robert Andrews Reserve" Mourvèdre, Horse Heaven Hills ($38) - July

2015 Aluvé Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley, Menozzi Vineyard ($32) - July

2015 March Cellars Malbec-Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley ($35) - July

2013 Ocelli Cellars Grenache, Columbia Valley ($30) - July

2014 Trust Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($32) - August

2014 Trust Cellars Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley ($34) - August

2014 Gifford Hirlinger Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - August

2014 Gifford Hirlinger Estate Malbec, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - August

2014 Gifford Hirlinger "Obligatory" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Marieglen Vineyard ($40) - August

2014 El Corazon "Veni Vidi Vici" Red Wine, Wahluke Slope, Stone Tree Vineyard ($40) - September

2014 El Corazon "With Love" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, XL Vineyard ($40) - September

2014 Coeur d'Alene Cellars "BDX" Red Wine, Washington State ($38) - September

2015 Block Wines Grenache, Yakima Valley, Boushey Vineyard, Golden Block ($35) - September

2015 Kevin White "En Hommage" Syrah, Yakima Valley ($28) - September

2014 Kerloo Cellars "No Joke" Red Wine, Wahluke Slope, Stone Tree Vineyard ($40) - September

2016 Mark Ryan Viognier, Columbia Valley ($30) - September

2015 Mark Ryan "The Dissident" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($38) - September

2014 Hard Row to Hoe Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan ($40) - October

2014 Nefarious Cellars Estate Syrah, Lake Chelan, Defiance Vineyard ($35) - October

2014 Fielding Hills "Tribute" Red Wine, Wahluke Slope, Riverbend Vineyard ($38) - October

2014 Fidelitas Red Mountain Malbec, Red Mountain ($40) - October

2014 L'Ecole No. 41 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, Candy Mountain Vineyard ($39) - October

2009 Full Pull & Friends "CVBDX" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($30) - October

2014 Kontos Cellars Merlot, Walla Walla Valley ($39) - November

2014 Northstar Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - November

2014 Northstar Malbec, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - November

2014 Northstar Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - November

2014 Waters Merlot, Washington State ($40) - November

2014 Balboa "Once in a Blue Moon" Reserve Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley, Stone Valley Vineyard ($40) - November

2014 Fielding Hills Estate Merlot, Wahluke Slope, Riverbend Vineyard ($38) - November

2014 Nefarious Cellars "Spinner" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($35) - November

2013 Nota Bene Cellars Syrah, Red Mountain, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ($40) - November

2015 The Walls "Lip Stinger" Grenache Blanc, Yakima Valley ($38) - December

2016 Aluvé Estate Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley, Menozzi Vineyard ($34) - December

2016 March Cellars Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($30) - December

2016 àMaurice Cellars Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Conner Lee Vineyard ($32) - December

2015 àMaurice Cellars Malbec, Columbia Valley, Gamache Vineyard ($38) - December

2014 àMaurice Cellars "Mason" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($40) - December

2015 Barrister Carmenère, Wahluke Slope ($39) - December

2014 Barrister Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Bacchus Vineyard ($37) - December

2013 Nota Bene Cellars Clos du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine, Red Mountain ($40) - December

2013 Nota Bene Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Red  Mountain, Heart of the Hill Vineyard ($40) - December

2015 Walla Walla Vintners "Vineyard Select" Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley ($35) - December

 

Wines Scoring 18.5/20 Points for $25 or Less

2014 College Cellars Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, Clarke Vineyard ($24) - January

2015 Milbrandt "The Estates" Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes, Evergreen Vineyard ($22) - February

2015 Bunnell Family Cellar Viognier, Yakima Valley ($24) - February

2015 Zerba Cellars Roussanne, Walla Walla Valley, Cockburn Vineyard ($24) - February

2014 Structure Cellars "Bauhaus" Syrah, Columbia Valley ($25) - March

2013 Bergevin Lane "She Devil" Syrah, Columbia Valley ($24) - March

2015 Block Wines Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, Rothrock Vineyard ($18) - March

2015 Block Wines Semillon, Yakima Valley, Boushey Vineyard ($18) - March

2015 Nine Hats Riesling, Columbia Valley ($14) - March

2015 Nine Hats Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley ($14) - March

2014 Nine Hats Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($18) - March

2014 Nine Hats Merlot, Columbia Valley ($25) - March

2014 Nine Hats Syrah, Columbia Valley ($25) - March

2014 Nine Hats Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($25) - March

2014 College Cellars Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, Clarke Vineyard ($20) - March

2014 College Cellars Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, Clarke Vineyard ($22) - March

2015 Northstar Stella Blanca, White Wine, Columbia Valley ($20) - March

2014 L'Ecole No. 41 Syrah, Columbia Valley ($24) - March

2015 Browne Family Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($25) - April

2013 Coyote Canyon Tempranillo, Horse Heaven Hills, Coyote Canyon Vineyard ($25) - May

2013 Coyote Canyon Sangiovese, Horse Heaven Hills, Coyote Canyon Vineyard ($25) - May

2016 Tertulia Cellars Marsanna, Walla Walla Valley, Elevation Vineyard ($22) - May

2016 Tertulia Cellars Viognier, Walla Walla Valley, Whistling Hills Vineyard ($20) - May

2016 Gramercy Cellars Viognier, Columbia Valley, Antoine Creek Vineyard ($22) - June

2014 Puger Purveyors Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State ($20) - June

2016 Amavi Cellars Semillon, Walla Walla Valley ($24) - June

2014 Buty BEAST "Wildebeest" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($24) - July

2016 Adamant Cellars Albarino, Walla Walla Valley, Godhead Vineyard ($25) - July

2016 Adamant Cellars "Bijoux" White Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - July 

2016 Callan Cellar Grenache Blanc, Yakima Valley, Boushey Vineyard ($25) - August

2016 Lagana Cellars Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley, Cockburn Vineyard ($25) - August

2016 College Cellars "RVM" White Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($20) - August

2015 College Cellars "La Laurella" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, Clarke Vineyard ($25) - August

2015 College Cellars "GSM" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - August

2015 College Cellars Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, Clarke Vineyard ($25) - August

2015 College Cellars Tempranillo, Wallla Walla Valley, Anderson Vineyard ($25) - August

2014 Cor Cellars Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills, McKinley Springs Vineyard ($25) - September

2016 Tetrahedron "Achromatic" Grenache White Wine, Columbia Valley ($24) - September

2016 Coeur d'Alene Cellars Chenin Blanc, Washington ($24) - September

2015 Clearwater Canyon Cellars Merlot, Lewis-Clark Valley ($25) - September

2013 Tero Estates Barbera, Walla Walla Valley ($24) - September

2016 Syncline Gruner Veltliner, Washington State ($24) - September

2016 Basel Cellars 2901 White Blend, Columbia Valley ($25) - September

2016 L'Ecole No. 41 Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley ($14) - September

2016 El Corazon "V Neck" Viognier, Walla Walla Valley ($23) - September

2016 Dowsett Family Gewurztraminer, Columbia Valley ($14) - September

2016 Dowsett Family Riesling, Columbia Gorge, Aunt Diane's Vineyard ($16) - September

2016 Hard Row to Hoe Chardonnay, Lake Chelan ($25) - October

2014 Tunnel Hill "Sacrilege" Red Wine, Lake Chelan ($25) - October

2016 L'Ecole No. 41 Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc, Red Mountain, Klipsun Vineyard ($21) - October

2016 Nefarious Cellars Estate Viognier, Lake Chelan, Defiance Vineyard ($20) - October

2016 Nefarious Cellars Estate Riesling, Columbia Valley, Stone's Throw Vineyard ($20) - October

2016 Block Wines Tauro Block Semillon, Yakima Valley, Boushey Vineyard ($18) - October

2007 Full Pull & Friends Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($20) - October

2013 Nota Bene Syrah, Columbia Valley ($25) - November

2016 Lopez Island Vineyards Siegrebbe, Puget Sound ($25) - November

2015 Vital Wines "Gratitude" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($25) - December

2016 Barrister Sauvignon Blanc, Red Mountain, Klipsun Vineyard ($21) - December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details

Listed below are wines scoring 20/20 and 19.5/20 points in the Review of Washington Wines. They are listed in the order in which they were reviewed. Some may be sold out.

Wines Scoring 20/20 Points

2015 Reynvaan Family Vineyards "Stonessence" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($100) - February

2014 Avennia Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard, 1985 Block ($95) - May

2014 Canvasback "Grand Passage" Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($80) - May

2013 DeLille Cellars Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($160) - June

2014 Adams Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Stillwater Creek Vineyard ($70) - June

2014 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($94) - August

2015 Rotie Cellars Northern Red Blend, Walla Walla Valley ($48) - August

2012 Corliss Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($75) - December

2012 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($95) - December

 

Wines Scoring 19.5/20 Points

2013 Woodward Canyon Estate Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($79) - January

2013 Woodward Canyon "Charbonneau" Red Wine, Walla Walla County ($86) - January

2014 Proper Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($48) - January

2013 Rasa Vineyards "Creative Impulse" Red Wine, Yakima Valley ($95) - January

2013 Rasa Vineyards "in Order to form a more Perfect Union" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($95) - January

2013 Charles Smith "King Coal" Cabernet-Syrah, Wahluke Slope, Northridge Vineyard ($100) - February

2014 Mark Ryan "Lost Soul" Syrah, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($48) - February

2013 Northstar "Premier" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($85) - March

2014 Mark Ryan "Lonely Heart" Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($95) - April

2012 Forgeron Cellars "Anvil" Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($65) - April

2013 Andrew Will Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills, Champoux Vineyard ($74) - May

2014 Avennia "Sestina" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($65) - May

2014 L'Ecole No. 41 Estate Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, Ferguson Vineyard ($65) - May

2012 Tero Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Windrow Vineyard, Plateau Block ($55) - May

2014 Waters "Old Stones" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($50) - May

2015 Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Walla Walla Valley ($75) - June

2014 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($95) - June

2014 Maison Bleue "Frontière" Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Waliser Vineyard ($65) - June

2014 Gramercy Cellars "John Lewis" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Les Collines Vineyard ($85) - June

2013 Gramercy Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($95) - June

2014 DeLille Cellars "Chaleur Estate" Red Wine, Red Mountain ($80) - June

2014  DeLille Cellars "Harrison Hill" Red Wine, Snipes Mountain ($90) - June

2014 Adams Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($65) - June

2014 Adams Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, Mays Discovery Vineyard ($65) - June

2015 Morell-Pena "Ysabella Bjork" Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($45) - July

2015 Morell-Pena "Camylla Loren" Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($45) - July

2015 Morell-Pena "Gemma Camaryn" Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($45) - July

2013 Ocellii Cellars Grenache, Snipes Mountain, Upland Vineyard ($45) - July

2014 Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Sagemoor Vineyard ($50) - July

2014 Reininger Carmenère, Walla Walla Valley, Seven Hills Vineyard ($54) - July

2015 Rotie Cellars Southern Red Blend, Washington State ($48) - August

2012 G. Cuneo Cellars "Seccopasa" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($75) - August

2014 Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($75) - October

2014 Tranche Cellars Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge, Celilo Vineyard ($45) - October

2015 Tierra Labrada Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, Elevation Vineyard ($75) - October

2015 Tierra Labrada Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, Elevation Vineyard ($95) - October 

2015 Tierra Labrada Cabernet Sauvignon, Walls Walla Valley, Elevation Vineyard ($95) - October

2014 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($70) - October

2014 Woodward Canyon "Old Vines" Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State ($99) - October

2015 Ardor Cellars Grenache, Walla Walla Valley, Stoney Vine Vineyard ($60) - November

2015 Ardor Cellars "Quaternarioum" Syrah, Columbia Valley ($70) - November

2015 Sleight of Hand Cellars "Psychedelic" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Stoney Vine Vineyard ($60) - November

2015 Forgeron Cellars "Anvil" Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, French Creek Vineyard ($45) - November

2014 Seven Hills Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Artz Vineyard ($75) - November

2016 Abeja Chardonnay, Washington State ($40) - December

2014 The Walls "Concrete Mama" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($75) - December

2014 Rasa Vineyards "in Order to form a more Perfect Union" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($95) - December

2013 Rasa Vineyards "Fianchetto" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, XL Vineyard ($95) - December

2013 Rasa Vineyards "Veritas Sequitur" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, SJR Vineyard ($95) - December

2012 MTR Productions "Memory Found" Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($85) - December

2015 Rotie Cellars "little g" Grenache, Washington State ($60) - December

2015 Rotie Cellars "Swordfight" Red Wine, Washington State ($60) - December

2015 Rotie Cellars "Homage" Red Wine, Washington State ($60) - December

 

Next Week, Friday, December 22 - Best Buys of 2016 - Wines Scoring 19/20 Points for $40 or Less and Wines Scoring 18.5/20 Points for $25 or Less and the January 2018 Issue of the Review of Washington Wines

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Walla Walla Holiday Barrel Tasting 2016's
  2. Walla Walla Wine News Roundup
  3. Tasting Archetypes of Region and Variety
  4. A Tasting of All Fourteen Washington AVAs