Details

Over the past couple of weeks, we've been retasting some wines that I've already reviewed. Frequently, we get extra wine samples. Some wineries send two bottles of each wine with one as a backup. When we visit wineries, we usually purchase a couple of bottles or more for future reference. Since the time I wrapped up the August issue of the Review of Washington Wines, we've been revisiting these wines.

2020 Convergence Zone Cellars "Three Forks" Rosé of Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, Gamache Vineyard ($20) - This was reviewed in the April issue and we liked it so much that we bought three more bottles. Brilliant pink tinged copper colored, it possesses intriguing aromas of pink peach, Rainier cherry, blood orange, cherry and orange tree blossoms and orange incense. The flavors are well delineated, accented by peach and cherry stones and minerals. The back picks up cherry and peach liqueurs and orange peel, followed by a well defined finish. This still scores 18.5/20 points.

2020 Frichette "Sashay" Rosé, Columbia Valley ($30) - This is another distinctive Rosé. Produced from Merlot, it displays a brilliant copper-pink color and intriguing aromas of raspberry, pink cherry, blood orange, cherry and orange blossoms and orange incense. The flavors, as well, are striking, with grape skins, cherry stones and minerals, The back reveals framboise and cerise liqueurs and recurring orange peel, followed by a lingering dry, finely fruited finish. The distinction of flavors gives it a plus, 18.5+/20 points, same as in the July issue. 

2020 Amavi Semillon, Walla Walla Valley ($22) - Semillon is an undervalued white variety. Blended with 15% Sauvignon Blanc, this one shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and a distinctive nose of Bosc pear, Key lime, Crenshaw melon, meadow flowers and white incense. The flavors are rich, almost creamy, accented by pear and grape skins and minerals. The back picks up notes of beeswax and toast, counterpointed by recurring lime zest and melon rind on a crisp yet juicy finish. Reviewed July,  it scores 18.5/20 points both times.

2018 Vital Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($34) - The profits go to the Walla Walla SOS Clinic. This Syrah shows a deep ruby-crimson color and intense aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black currant, black roses, dark tobacco, lavender, olive tapenade and spiced incense. The flavors are mouth-filling and true to variety, with dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, French roast and silty minerals. The saturation continues on the back with macerated berries, roasted nuts, creme de cassis, blueberry preserves and charcoal, followed by a lingering spiced ripe tannin finish. Tastes like a $50 Syrah. Now and last June, 19/20 points.

2018 JM Cellars Cinsault Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($35) - Cinsault is one of the grapes used in Châteauneuf du Pape, but is rarely bottled as a varietal. I bought an extra bottle as I thought it would be interesting. This version (with 15% Syrah and 10% Grenache) shows a deep ruby-crimson color and enticing aromas of raspberry, bayberry, black currant, crushed roses, sweet tobacco, lavender and incense. The flavors are ample yet substantial, with red and black fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, black tea and earth. The back picks up framboise and creme de cassis liqueurs, followed by a ripe moderate tannin and acid finish. Both in June and now, 18.5/20 points.

2018 Efestē "Paulie" Red Wine, Wahluke Slope, Stonetree Vineyard ($40) - This blend of 42% Mourvèdre, 33% Grenache and 25% Syrah was reviewed in the June 2020 issue. Now it shows a deep ruby color and an intoxicating nose of wild fruits - blackberries, mountain blueberries, brambly currants - with scents of crushed roses, tobacco, garrigue, fennel and spiced incense. The flavors, as well are dramatic, with layers of dark fruits that are infused with licorice root, dark cocoa, Sumatra Roast and Wahluke scorched earth. The wine enriches further on the back with creme de cassis, roasted nuts, leather and charcoal, followed by a lingering, spiced ripe tannin finish. Both times: 19/20 points.

2018 Longship "Once is Enough" Petite Syrah, Wahluke Slope, Weinbau Vineyard ($36) - Also known as Durif, this wine boasts a semi opaque ruby-crimson color and intense aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black currant, crushed black roses, garrigue, cracked pepper and spiced incense. The flavors, as well, are bold, with dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice root, dark cocoa, French press and Wahluke scorched earth. On the back, the wine takes a sweetish, chewy turn with macerated fruits, roasted nuts, creme de cassis and burnt charcoal (a trait of Petite Syrah), followed by a lingering spiced ripe tannin finish. Reviewed April, then and now 19/20 points.

2017 Adams Bench "Ursula" Sangiovese, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($58) - This is weighty Sangiovese. From grapes grown by Mike Sauer, it exhibits a semi opaque purplish ruby color and intense aromas of black cherries, black currants and black plums with scents of black roses, dark tobacco, sandalwood, anise and incense, The flavors are deep and authoritative, yet accessible, with layers of dark fruits that are marked by licorice root, dark cocoa, espresso, and alluvial minerals. On the back, the wine intensifies further with macerated fruits, roasted hazelnuts, mocha, cherry and currant liqueurs and pulverized charcoal, and then smooths out into a long sweet-dry tannin finish. Reviewed December 2020, then and now, 19.5/20 points.

2016 De la Luz Reserva Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, Golden Ridge Vineyard ($60) - Victor De la Luz sent two bottles, one reviewed in the October 2020 issue. This time, it shows a deep ruby-crimson color and seductive aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, crushed roses, mulberry, sandalwood, olive and sweet oriental incense, The medium full bodied flavors are thick, almost opulent with layers of red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, dark cocoa, French roast and Palouse Hills loess minerals. On the back, the wine amplifies with roasted berries and nuts, mocha, toffee, fine ground graphite and toast, followed by a lengthy, herb dusted ripe tannin finish. Both times, 19.5/20 points.

2016 Force Majeure "Parvata" Red Wine, Red Mountain ($70) - We bought this blend of 49% Mourvèdre, 21% Syrah and 10% Grenache in May 2019 at a preview tasting at the winery in Milton-Freewater and reviewed it in the June 2019 issue. Now, it shows a deep purplish ruby color and and intense, smoky aromas of blackberry, huckleberry, brambly currants, crushed roses, pipe tobacco, sandalwood and smoldering spiced incense. The flavors are bold and fleshy, still young, with layers of dark fruits that are infused with licorice, dark cocoa, dark roast coffee and Red Mountain scorched earth. The penetration continues on the back with creme de cassis, charcoal and spices on the rich, long finish. Still has a great future. Both times: 19.5/20 points.

The following wines were revisited at lunch at the Valdemar Estates tasting room in Walla Walla.

2019 Valdemar Estates Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, DuBrul Vineyard ($50) - This is world class Chardonnay. It displays a brilliant lemon-gold color and floral aromas of pear-apple, peach, star fruit, apple blossoms, acacia flowers, lemon verbena and white incense. The flavors are exquisitely balanced, with vivid true varietal fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins and Rattlesnake Hills minerals. The back reveals poire and pêche liqueurs and touches of crème brulée and toasty oak (50% new French) followed by a long, long finish, lifted by precise fruit acids. Reviewed June, both times: 19.5/20 points.

2018 Valdemar Estates Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($65) - Blended with 5% Grenache, this Syrah exhibits a deep ruby-crimson color and intense aromas of blackberry, mountain blueberry, black currant, crushed roses, pipe tobacco, lavender, violets and oriental incense. The flavors are intense, laser-like with dark fruits that are infused with licorice, cocoa powder, French roast and silty minerals. The penetration continues on the back with macerated fruits, mocha, crème de cassis and pulverized charcoal, all extending into a long, focused spiced sweet-dry tannin finish. 19.5/20 points. Reviewed June 2020 (wrongly listed as 2017) , then and now, 19.5/20 points.

2018 Valdemar Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Klipsun Vineyard ($80) - This is Red Mountain Cabernet at its best. It displays a semi-opaque ruby-crimson color and intense aromas of blackberry, black cherry, black plum, black roses, dark tobacco, sweet pea flowers, sandalwood, olive, anise and spiced incense. The flavors are intense yet refined, with dark fruits that are infused with licorice, dark chocolate, French press and Red Mountain scorched earth. The penetration continues on the back with sensations of roasted fruits and walnuts, kirsch, pencil shavings, integrated oak (60% new French) and touches of caramel and toast, followed seamlessly by a lengthy firm yet sweetish tannin finish. 19.5/20 points, now and June 2021.

 

Details

A week ago, I reported on the news that Ste Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE) was being acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity company, for approximately 1.2 billion dollars. There had been a lot of commentary about this news. The best analysis I've read is that of Sean Sullivan, reviewer of Washington wines for the Wine Enthusiast magazine. Go to winemag.com and then to Industry News for the article in BevarageIndustryEnthusiast. Here's my take on this news and what it means.

Ste. Michelle has been owned by a tobacco company, Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris, maker of the world's largest selling cigarette brand, Marlboro, along with other brands including U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company which owned Ste. Michelle until it was taken over by Altria in 2008. So Ste. Michelle has been a tobacco company subsidiary since 1974 when it was acquired by U.S. Tobacco.

Under U.S. Tobacco ownership, Ste, Michelle has undergone management changed over the years. Allen Shoup went on to found the Long Shadows winery in Walla Walla. Ted Basler retired in 2018 and was succeeded by Jim Mortensen, an Altria executive, and in 2020, David Dearie took over. Ste. Michelle had steady growth over the decades, but saw a sales decline from 2016 to 2020, due to increased competition and the COVID 19 pandemic. The current leadership realizes the need for creative management for future growth.

So, what's in the future for Ste. Michelle? David Dearie came to SMWE with wine experience at Treasury Wine Estates whose portfolio includes Penfolds and Lindemans in Australia and Beringer, Beaulieu Vineyards, Acacia and Chateau St. Jean in California. So being headed by a wine industry rather than tobacco industry person should benefit Ste. Michelle. With a portfolio that includes prestige wineries such as Northstar and Spring Valley Vineyard, and extensive vineyard holdings around the state, SMWE is positioned to continue to be a leader in much the same way as Beringer is a leader in California with its breadth of products from White Zinfandel to Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Another asset for Ste. Michelle is its economies of scale and production capabilities (over three million cases a year) which makes it the giant of the Washington wine industry. Ste. Michelle turns out the best values in Washington wines. In the August issue of the Review of Washington, there will be four Ste. Michelle wines in the Best Buys section. The product line, however, should be focused on quality. I think SMWE should consider dropping the lower tier brands such as Snoqualmie and Two Vines.

Back in 1967, it was Vic Allison (see the Review Blog posting of 21 January) who had the vision to make Ste. Michelle a prestige producer of quality wines. if Sycamore Partners and the current SWME management continues this vision, the company should continue to be an industry leader.

 

 

Details

On June 30, I received an email press release from Heather Bradshaw, Communications Director of The Washington State Wine Commission announcing the approval by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of Washington State's newest American Viticultural Area (AVA), Goose Gap. This follows the approval of the previous two AVAs in Mid June of White Bluffs and The Burn of Columbia Valley. These are significant and overdue additions to the list of Washington AVAs. 

Goose Gap

This is Washington's 19th AVA. It is situated within the Yakima Valley AVA and is located near the juncture of Interstate 82 and I-182. The name is for a saddle of land known as "Goose Gap." a flyway for geese. The orientation is east to west with vineyards on the north and northeast slopes. The soils are predominately Warden series wind-blown loess over stratified Missoula Food deposits with rooting depths of six feet or more, ideal for vineyards. The principal grower-winery is Goose Ridge.

The Burn of Columbia Valley

The 18th Washington AVA is located between the Columbia Gorge and the Horse Heaven Hills AVAs. It is so called for a burned-over area in the AVA. Soils (basalt and loess) are similar to those of the Walla Walla Valley AVA but with slightly warmer and milder temperatures, cooled by winds coming from the Gorge. The principal growers are Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Mercer Ranches. 

White Bluffs

The 17th Washington AVA is located north of Pasco, comprised of two plateaus above the plains of the Pasco Basin. White Bluffs gets its name for a layer of lakebed sediment referred to as a Ringold formation with a whitish appearance. The soils are sedimentary Missoula Flood deposits with no basalt contact for grapevines. The principal vineyards are Sagemoor, Bacchus and Dionysus which were first planted in the 1970's by wine growing pioneer, Alec Bayless. 

For more information about these new AVAs, go to www.washingtonwine.org/press/.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates to be Acquired by Sycamore Partners

Another piece of big news this week was the announcement that Ste. Michelle, a subsidiary of the Altria Group, was to be acquired by Sycamore Partners Management, a private equity company for approximately 1.2 billion dollars. Of course, this is big news because Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is the Washington wine industry giant which includes Chateau Ste Michelle, Columbia Crest and other brands including Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, and importation agreements with Antinori and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. Ste Michelle's President and CEO, David Dearie looks forward to working with Sycamore Partners.

 

Details

Since last week's Blog posting, we've tasted some more French wines. Here are my notes and scores.

2020 Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhone Rosé ($10.99 - Safeway) - This shows a light copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, pink peach, tangerine, pink lilac and pink lavender. The flavors are light and fresh yet well delineates, with notes of grape skins, peach stones and stony minerals. The back picks up fraise liqueur and orange peel, followed a crisp, nicely fruited dry finish. Lynn - two stars, Best Buy. A steal at $10.99. 18+/20 points.

See below for the Famille Perrin Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc and Rouge.

2020 Domaine de la Modorée Côtes du Rose Rosé, "La Dame Rousse" ($26.99 - wine.com) - Composed of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% each of Cinsault and Carignaon, this displays a brilliant copper-pink color and enticing aromas of wild strawberry, red currant, blood orange, pink roses, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors, as well, are attractive, with bright orange and pink fruits that are accented by grape skins and mas minerals. The appeal continues on the back with fraise and cassis liqueurs and orange peel, followed by a dry nicely fruited finish. 18.5/20 points.

2020 Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé ($25 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - Miraval is a popular upscale brand in France. This vintage shows a brilliant salmon-pink color and lovely aromas of strawberry, pink peach, tangerine and pink currant, with scents of orange blossoms, pink lavender and whiffs of herbs and pink incense. The flavors, as well, are alluring, with precise extraction and vibrant fruits that are accented by peach stone and hillside minerals. The charm continues on the back with gently pressed fruits and recurring tangerine peel, followed by a lingering, faintly honeyed dry finish. Shows balance throughout. Lynn: 3 stars, highest rating. 19/20 points.

2020 La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé ($28 - The Thief) - Brilliant copper-gold colored, this emits intriguing aromas of wild raspberries, pomegranate, orange peel. lavender, orange blossoms and orange tea. The flavors are mouth-filling, with bright pink and orange fruits that are accented by grape skins, pomegranate seeds and Mediterranean hillside minerals. On the back, the wine enlivens with squeezed fruits, framboise liqueur and recurring orange peel, followed by s brisk finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2020 Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Rosé ($27.90 - Foodscape, Walla Walla) - Sancerre Rosé is made from Pinot Noir. This one shows a brilliant copper-pink color and enticing aromas of fraises de bois, peach, pink cherry, tangerine, cherry and orange tree blossoms and pink incense. The flavors are fresh and lively, the essence of Pinot Noir Rosé, with notes of grape skins, peach stones and chalky minerals. The back picks up fraise and cerise liqueurs and recurring tangerine peel, followed by a precise, finely fruited finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2019 Domaine Franck Besson "Rose Granit" Sparkling Rosé, Methode Traditionelle ($20 - The Thief) - Produced from Gamay and disgorged in 2020, this presents a pale salmon-pink color, tiny bubbles and lovely aromas of strawberry, pink cherry and pink grapefruit, with scents of pink roses, pink lilac and pink incense. The flavors are delightfully bright and sprightly, with pink fruits that are accented by grape skins, cherry stones and rose granite minerals. The back is enlivened by CO2 and grapefruit zest, followed by a bracing Brut finish. Terrific value. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Figuère "Atmosphere" Sparkling Rosé, Extra Brut ($30 - The Thief) - This 50/50 Cinsault, Grenache combination offers a brilliant light copper-pink color, pin point bubbles and enticing aromas of wild strawberries, pink peach, orange peel, pink roses, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors, as well, are appealing with bright, lively pink fruits that are enlivened by grape skins, peach stones, CO2 and stony minerals. The resonance continues on the back with fraise and pêche liqueurs and recurring orange peel, followed by a lingering, bracing Extra Brut finish. A real gem. 19/20 points.

See last week's posting for the still 2020 Figuère "Signature Magli" Rosé.

2019 Schoffit Chasselas, Alsace, "Vieilles Vignes" ($21.90 - Foodscape, Walla Walla) - Most Chasselas comes from the Swiss Valais where it is called Fendant. This version shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and floral aromas of Bosc pear, gooseberry, Crenshaw melon, Key lime, pear blossoms and green incense. The flavors are vivid, almost laser-like, with green and white fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins and saline minerals. On the back, the wine fills out with sensations of poire William liqueur, butternut, lime custard and melon rind, followed by a crisp yet silky finish. A real "find." 18.5/20 points. 

2018 Guy Breton Chiroubles ($36 - Foodscape) - This Cru Beaujolais displays a deep ruby color and seductive aromas of fraises de bois, cranberries, red currants, crushed red roses, wild violets and whiffs of oriental incense. The flavors are medium bodied yet deep and mouth filling, with layers of red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa powder and granitic minerals. On the back, the wine rounds out yet stays focused, with fraise and cassis liqueurs, toasted nuts and light charcoal, followed by a satiny yet well defined finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2018 Famille Perrin Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc, "Les Sinards" ($43.99 - wine.com) - Most Châteauneuf du Pape is red, but a small amount of white wine is made. This one shows a brilliant gold color and rich aromas of ripe pear, white peach, honeydew melon, grapefruit, pear blossoms, honeysuckle, jasmine, butternut and yellow incense. The flavors are simultaneously viscous and bracing, with yellow and green fruits that are intermixed with pear skins, peach stones and minerals. The richness continues on the back with pressed fruits, toasted nuts, poire and pêche liqueurs and touches of creme fraiche, ginger and lemon zest, followed by a lingering lightly spiced finish. 19/20 points.

2018 Famille Perrin Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge, "Les Sinards" ($41.99 - wine.com) - Deep ruby colored, this wine emits seductive aromas of wild raspberries, blueberries, black currants, wild roses, tobacco, garrigue and spiced incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with generous yet deep cored black and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice root, cocoa powder, black tea and mas minerals and earth. On the back, the wine takes a chewy textured turn with macerated berries, roasted nuts, mocha, framboise and cassis liqueurs, lanolin, kidskin and pepper, followed by a savory, lingering ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.

 

Details

In our continuing quest for affordable French wines, here are some we've tasted recently.

2020 Gavoty "Récital" Côtes de Provence Rosé ($23 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - This presents a brilliant copper-tinged pink color and lovely aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate, tangerine, red currant, pink roses, lavender and pink incense. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with deftly extracted grape skins, pomegranate seeds and Provençal hillside minerals. The resonance continues on the back with fraise and cassis liqueurs and recurring tangerine peel on the dry, lightly spiced finely fruited finish. 18.5/20 points.

2020 Figuière "Signature Magali" Côtes de Provence Rosé ($23 - The Thief) - Composed of 35% Grenache, 35% Cinsaulkt, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet, this features a brilliant copper-pink color and enticing aromas of fraises de bois, pomegranate, tangerine, red currants, rose petals, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors are pleasingly juicy, with notes of grape skins, pomegranate seeds and stony minerals. The back picks up strawberry and currant liqueurs and recurring tangerine peel on the way lightly brisk finish. 18.5/20 points.

The above two wines are quite similar, with the Gavoty a bit spicier and the Figuière a bit crisper.

2019 Domaine Fenouillet Ventoux Rosé ($19 - The Thief) - Ventoux is situated in the southeast section of the Rhone Valley. This Rosé shows a light copper color and intriguing aromas of raspberry, pink cherry, tangerine, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors are lightly extracted yet well delineated, with notes of gently pressed fruits and wind-blown (ventoux) earth. The back picks up gently pressed fruits, kirsch and framboise, and recurring tangerine peel, followed by a fresh, dry finish. 18/20 points.

2019 Domaine Michel Chignard Fleurie, "Les Moriers" ($26.99 - wine.com) - This Cru Beaujolais is a real charmer. It displays a deep ruby color and seductive aromas of raspberry, cherry, black currant, crushed roses, sweet tobacco, wild violets and stick incense. The flavors are mouth encompassing and vigorous yet supple, with delicious black and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, black tea and granitic minerals. The penetration continues on the back with pressed fruits, roasted nuts and framboise and creme de cassis liqueurs, followed by a savory, slightly grainy ripe tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2019 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon, "Côte de Py" ($27.99 - wine.com) - This is another nice Cru Beaujolais. Deep ruby colored, to emits rich aromas of raspberry, currant, bayberry, crushed roses, tobacco, wild violets and whiffs of incense. The flavors are medium bodied but substantial, with red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa, black tea and granitic minerals. On the back, the wine intensifies with pressed fruits, framboise and cassis liqueurs and soft charcoal, followed by a thickly juicy moderate tannin finish that is lifted by bright fruit acids. 18.5+/20 points.

2019 Domaine Guy Breton Chiroubles, "Cuvée Léa" ($35.99 - wine.com) - This is Burgundian style Cru Beaujolais at it's best. It displays a deep brick red color and intense aromas of wild fruits - raspberries, cranberries, black currants - with scents of wild roses, mulberry, pipe tobacco, lavender and oriental incense. The flavors show considerable old vine (60 years) character, with generous yet deep and penetrating fruits that are infused with licorice root, cocoa powder, black tea and hilltop granitic minerals. The wine intensifies further with macerated berries, roasted nuts, framboise and creme de cassis liqueurs and touches of kidskin and graphite (traits of old vine Gamay) followed by a lingering chewy yet smooth ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2019 Domaine de la Chapelle Pouilly-Fuissé, "Vieilles Vignes" ($37 - The Thief) - This comes from Catherine and Pascal Rollet's property (57 year-old vines) in Soulutré, one of the best climats in Pouilly-Fuissé. It shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and floral aromas of pear, white peach, lemon custard, pear tree blossoms, acacia flowers, lemon verbena and white incense. The flavors show wonderful Chardonnay character, with vivid white fruits that are accented by pear skins, peach stones and granitic minerals. The textured back picks up poire and pêche liqueurs and touches of creme fraiche, lemon zest and butternut on the way to a silky lingering finish. 19/20 points.

2018 Domaine Michel Magnien Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Côte d'Or ($35 - Foodscape, Walla Walla) - Magnien is a respected grower in Morey-St. Denis. Aged in amphorae, this exhibits a brick red color and a rich, smoky nose of dark fruits - blackberries, black currants and old tree cherries - with scents of black roses, pipe tobacco, black herbs, anise and incense. The flavors show considerable intensity for Pinot Noir, with dark fruits that are infused with licorice, cocoa, French roast and granitic minerals. The saturation continues own the back with macerated fruits, grilled nuts, kitsch and creme de cassis, followed by a deliciously thick, satisfying finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2018 Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas, "Vieilles Vignes" ($32.99 - wine.com) - Deep ruby colored, this possesses rich, smoky aromas of semi-dried fruits - raspberries, black currants, bayberries, orange peel - with scents of crushed rose petals, tobacco, garrigue, roasted meats and sultry incense. The flavors are thick and chewy, marked by licorice, cocoa, roasted coffee beans and Montmirial minerals. The chewy textured back reveals roasted berries and nuts, mocha, framboise and cassis liqueurs and recurring orange peel, followed by a savory ripe tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf du Pape, "Le Miocene" ($56.99 - Esquin) - It was during the Miocene Epoch that modern flora and Fauna emerged, including grape vines and cats. Composed of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre and other varieties, this exhibits a deep ruby-crimson color and rich, smoky aromas of raspberry, black currant, black plum, crushed black roses, sweet tobacco, lavender, sandalwood and smoldering spiced incense. The flavors are thick and generous and deep cored, with red and purple fruits that are infused with licorice root, cocoa, black tea and argillocalleus minerals. On the back, the wine takes a precise turn with macerated fruits, roasted pecans, framboise and creme de cassis liqueurs and touches of suede leather and charcoal, followed by a lengthy, spiced (nutmeg, clove) warm (15% alcohol) sweetish tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

  1. A Visit to Red Mountain & Prosser
  2. Walla Walla Wine News & Value Pinot Noirs
  3. Revisiting Older Rosés, Plus Some New Ones
  4. More Rosés and Other Wines