Wine Press Northwest 20th Annual Platinum Judging, Part 2

Gems in MY Glass . . ., Great Northwest, Tasting Notes

Red wines from regions across the Great Northwest judged by my panel in the 20th annual Platinum Judging included the following Platinum (P) and Double Platinum (PP) winners:

Bluebird Hill Cellars 2016 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR ($32):  Feminine and elegant is this well-balanced Pinot Noir, that awakens the senses with a eucalyptus and earth driven aroma.  Savory cranberry sauce, shitake mushrooms, wild red raspberries and exotic spices engage the taste buds through the lengthy finish. (PP)

Melrose Vineyards 2015 Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley, OR ($28):  A delicate, light ruby hue catches the eye, and this gem blooms in the mouth.  Strawberry preserves, pomegranate seeds, earthy tones, red cherry soda entwine gently, and a touch of caramel graces the finish. (PP)

Carlton Cellars 2015 Roads End Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, OR ($45):   Violet aromas segue to a bowlful of fresh strawberries on entry.  Nicely complex, it builds gracefully on the palate with black raspberry and cherry fruit, earthiness and licorice drops, and finishes with a note of sassafras. (P)

Panther Creek Cellars 2016 Kalita Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, OR ($50):  Forest floor and a whiff of dried flowers on the nose.  Red raspberries, chai tea, damp earth and wild mushrooms are framed by silky tannins and precise balancing acidity.  Finishes with verve. (P)

Cathedral Ridge Cellars 2016 Dampier Vineyard Pinot Noir Reserve, Columbia Gorge, OR ($48):  The fragrant lavender aroma of this intense yet lithe wine is intoxicating.  Red berries with subtle herbs, cherry candy, spice box nuances and the essence of earth mingle deliciously. (P)

Cubanisimo Vineyards 2016 Rumba Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, OR ($25):  The black truffle aroma entices you into the glass.  Satin smooth with a rich mouthfeel, black tea, Bing cherries, and a hint of soy swirl on the palate.  Finishes with a touch of vanilla.  (P)

Left Coast Estate 2016 Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR ($24):  Berries and cherries on the nose are echoed on the palate with this fruit focused Pinot Noir.  Deep and fully flavored with juicy purple plums, sweet black cherries and a pinch of spice.  (PP)

Northwest Cellars 2014 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, WA ($24):  High-toned fruit shows forth on the aroma and entry.  Rich, layered and full bodied on the palate with plum, blueberry, spice box and licorice notes.  Well balanced with bright acidity and plenty of depth; a Cab lover’s Merlot. (P)

Finn Hill Winery 2015 Merveille Merlot, Columbia Valley, WA ($30): Highly aromatic, this fruit driven Merlot bursts with concentrated black fruits. A melding of forest berries, roasted green bell peppers, and mocha tantalize the palate, and the kiss of oak finishes it off in style. (P)

Milbrandt 2016 Merlot, Wahluke Slope, WA ($27):  Wow, the perfumed nose completely captivates!  Finely grained tannins support juicy blackberries and spiced blueberry preserves interlacing elegantly with accents of cocoa powder and tobacco.  Finishes with elegance.  (PP)

Market Vineyards 2012 Acquisition Cab Sauv, Red Mountain, WA ($55):  Deep, dark fruit and saddle leather on the nose engage the senses.  Intense and beautifully balanced with bright fruit, it unveils black currant, juicy plums, a hint of caramel, pipe tobacco, and underlying oak wrapped around refined tannins. 

Andrew Januik Wines 2016 Lady Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, WA ($50):  The beckoning scent of earth and fresh picked berries draws you in.  Cassis, blackberry, blueberry, and black raspberry fruits meld with savory elements, tobacco, and understated oak.   Finishes long with a twist of orange. (P)

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2015 King’s Ransom Cab Sauvignon, Okanagan Valley, BC ($96):  Scents of fresh turned earth and ripe fruits will have you lingering over the glass.  Black raspberries, cassis, fresh tobacco leaf, black cherry and cocoa powder weave a fine tapestry of flavors. Complex with finely structured tannins and extended length; cellar worthy.  (P)

Woodward Canyon Winery Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State ($99): The intense, all-about-Cab nose is simply irresistible.  Cassis, fresh tobacco, spice tinged black plum chutney, hints of cedar, anise, black cherry, olive tapenade and well managed oak wow the palate.  Immaculately balanced, and the tannins are firm and taut through the lifted finish; ageworthy.  (PP)

Maryhill Winery 2016 Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA ($46):  The heady aromatic fills the senses with dark fruit and spice.  Delivers consistent qualities on the palate, as boysenberries, huckleberries and black currants, herbs de Provence and oak spices fill the mouth. Well-structured and balanced, with a persistent finish. (P)                                                                                            

Coyote Canyon Winery 2016 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Big John Cab Sauv, Horse Heaven Hills, WA  ($42): Tightly wound and full bodied, decant this gem for fuller enjoyment now, or hold for future rewards.  Cassis, touches of earth and graphite, wild forest berries and chopped herbs align with full on tannins and good acid structure, and the oak adds toasty spice. (P)

Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2017 Louis Delsol Cabernet Sauvignon, Lewis Clark Valley, ID ($32):  Purity of fruit that shines at first whiff, and continues to impress through the palate.  Black currant, dark-skinned plums, savory olive paste, dusty earthiness and crushed tobacco leaves blend harmoniously, and the bright finish sings.  (P)

Antolin Cellars 2015 Petite Sirah, Yakima Valley WA ($30):  The fruit dominant aroma presents concentrated sweet berry cobbler.   Deeply fruited in the mouth as well, with cassis liqueur and spicy  boysenberry jam filling the palate concluding with a showy finish.  (P)

Westport Winery Garden Resort 2016 “Swimmer” Petite Sirah, Yakima Valley, WA ($31):  This broad shouldered Petite Sirah captures a rich red and black fruit aroma, which is echoed on the palate. Multilayers of red raspberries, savory notes, blackberry reduction sauce, and juicy blood orange combine in harmony.  (P)

Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery Petite Sirah, Wahluke Slope, WA ($60):  Wildly aromatic with tantalizing mint and spice notes.  Beautifully integrated tannins, fine balance support the dense berry and plum goodness at the core, and the oak sits neatly in the background.  Bold and strong while preserving elegance and purity. (P)

Valcan Cellars 2015 Syrah, Willamette Valley, OR ($30):  Earthy notes and wild berries lead to a brilliant palate that brims with Bing cherries, red and purple huckleberries, and freshly crushed herbs.  Roasted meat notes add complexity on the lingering finale. (P)

Vanessa Vineyard 2015 Syrah, Similkameen Valley BC ($45):  Charcuterie meats on the nose join brambleberries, black plums, cinnamon spice and roasted coffee beans unraveling onto the palate.  Savory qualities continue to deliver through the satisfying finish.   (P)

Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2016 Estate Cuvée Syrah, Umpqua Valley, OR ($32):  Pure and deeply flavored, this Syrah opens with an inviting aroma.  Blackberries, grilled meat, well-integrated oak, a trace of smoke, and black pepper entwine, extending beyond the lifted finish. (P)

Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2017 Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah; Umpqua Valley, OR ($42):  Full bodied and complex, this Syrah is tightly wound.  With aeration, layers of dark berries, black cherry, roasted meat with savory herbs begin to unwind.  Smooth as silk with a firm backbone of tannins. (P)

Colter’s Creek Winery 2017 Skookumchuck Reserve Syrah, Lewis-Clark Valley, ID ($25):  This intensely built Syrah starts off with aromas of sliced, cured meats.  Lithe and nicely balanced with juicy plums, chocolaty tones, oak spice and a pinch of herbs adding complexity. (P)

Maryhill Winery 2016 Cab Franc, Columbia Valley, WA ($27):  Aromas of fresh plums and tobacco leaf on the nose.  In the mouth, pencil shavings, Damson plum preserves, espresso, cassis and spiced oak nuances are supported by approachable tannins and fine balance. (P)

Orenda Winery 2016 Cab Franc, Columbia Valley, WA ($37):  Wafting from the glass are fragranced aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon.  Raspberries, strawberry jam, pie spice, olallieberries, hints of graphite and fresh cut herbs join firm tannins and nice underlying oak through the persistent finish. (P)

Weisinger Family Winery 2016 Malbec, Rogue Valley, OR ($32):  Deep, dark and delicious is this well-structured and elegant Malbec.  Blackberry, and black cherry fruit at the core meld in harmony with accents of dark chocolate and spice.  Balanced and pure all the way through. (P)

Zerba Cellars 2016 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, WA ($45): Aromas of dark fruit and hints of toast lead the way to boysenberry jam, nutmeg spice, raspberries, and a smoky  oak underlay.  Supple and mouth coating as it heads to a smooth finish. (P) 

Rocky Pond Winery 2016 Malbec, Columbia Valley, WA ($42):  Fruit dominant from the fragrant berry aroma to the opulent blueberry, blackberry, plum flavors saturating the palate.  Nicely integrated oak, brown sugar, and a dusting of sweet herbs completes the lovely package.

Isenhower Cellars 2016 À Bloc Malbec, Columbia Valley, WA ($38):  Forest berries on the nose are mirrored on the palate.  Velvety smooth and round in the mouth, with brambleberries, tayberries and olallieberries accented by vanilla extract and fresh ground black peppercorns.  Elegance in a glass! (P)             

Structure Cellars 2017 Foundation Mourvedre, Snipes Mountain, WA ($35):  The plummy, berry aroma is engaging.  Entwining flavors of black raspberry, wild strawberry, savoriness, and a pretty smoky note delight the palate. Lush, well balanced and refined, with good length.  (P)

Cooper Ridge Vineyard 2015 Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley ($36):  Reminiscent of an old-world Rioja up front, with its earth driven nose.  The earthy elements join classic new world juicy black fruit on the palate.  Boysenberry, plum preserves, moist earth and hints of vanilla prevail all the way through the long-lasting finish. (P)

Stone River Vineyards & Winery 2015 Tempranillo, Rogue Valley, Oregon ($28):  Irresistible floral and berry aromas lead to burst of flavors dancing across the palate.  Juicy dark-fleshed plum, fig jam, dried herbs, and a touch of vanilla meld in harmony.  (P)

Schmidt Family Vineyards 2016 Estate Tempranillo, Applegate Valley, Oregon ($36):  Rich, dark-fruited aromas lift from the glass with this deeply flavored Tempranillo.  Black currant, boysenberry and fruitcake notes at the core, with a thread of exotic spice from bright start to lingering finish.  (P) 

Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2016 Estate Winemaker’s Reserve Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley ($42):  Old world meets new world with this precisely balanced, refined wine. Rubyqueen plums, blackberry,  black currant, earthiness and tobacco join spice accents and nicely integrated oak, and the finish simply sings.  (P)

Maryhill Winery 2016 Pained Hills Tempranillo, Yakima Valley ($38):  Provocative floral aromatics guide you straight into the glass.   Expressive and bright, with layers of blackberry, marionberry, and huckleberry fruit, hints of toast and leather, and savory spice.  Elegant through the long finish.  (PP)

Dumas Station Wines 2016 Cow Catcher Red, Walla Walla Valley, WA ($24):  The aroma of a bowlful of fresh berries is engaging.  On the palate, spiced berry compote, blueberry pie, milk chocolate, black raspberries and hints of pipe tobacco coat the palate.  Fresh and lively throughout. (P)

Spangler Vineyards 2016 Claret, Southern Oregon ($28):   Fresh picked wild berry aromas and flavors on the nose and entry are bright and tasty.  Layers of huckleberry, tayberry,  graphite, and toffee flow seamlessly across the palate.  Finishes with a pinch of orange zest. (P)

Cellardoor Winery 2015 Aurora, American ($32):  This deeply structured Syrah dominant blend boasts an irresistible aroma.  A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauv and Cabernet Franc, the layers of black cherry, cassis, and black raspberry are accented by vanilla bean, allspice, and hints of warm maple bars.  Finishes on a long and savory note. (PP)

Belle Fiore Winery 2015 Estate Icon Souspire, Rogue Valley, Oregon ($37):  This firmly structured, black-fruited Syrah-dominant blend is rich while being elegant at the same time.  Lush and smooth with blackberry and  black cherry fruit joining notes of toast, black licorice drops, and hints of earth; delectable.  (P)

Brian Carter Cellars 2015 Takahashi Red Wine, Columbia Valley, WA ($38):  Here’s a sophisticated Bordeaux-style blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  Subtle eucalyptus notes on the nose pave the way for gorgeous flavors of black currant, Bing cherry, blueberry jam, nutmeg spice, a subtle roasted red pepper note, and underlying cocoa powder, well built. (PP)

Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2016 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley, ID ($23):  This blend of Malbec, Cab Franc, Syrah, Cab Sauvignon and Merlot is loaded with personality.   Intense and alluring on the nose, it kicks off with a dark berry, meaty nose.  Black cherry, blackberry, spice-scented blueberry sauce,  caramel, and toasty oak nuances meld in harmony, a delicious quaff. (P)

INTRINSIC Wine Company 2017 Red Blend, Columbia Valley, WA ($22):  This well-balanced Malbec blend weaves aromas and flavors of dark plum and black cherry compote, spice box accents, raspberry jam and crushed herbs.  Round and full with supple tannins and balancing acidity, and a drop of vanilla extract shows through on the finishing sip.  

Thurston Wolfe Winery 2014 The Geologist Red Wine, Columbia Valley, WA ($50):   This Cab Sauv based  red blend engages with its perfumed nose of violets and spice followed by a generous berry entry.  Raspberries, marionberries, hints of cocoa, a whisper of campfire smoke, and savory spice parade across the palate. Full bodied with firm tannins and a lingering finish. (P)

Cathedral Ridge Winery 2015 Rusty Red Reserve, Columbia Valley, WA ($44):  Juicy plums fill the senses with this confident red blend.  Black currant, spearmint, plum jam, a twist of mixed peppercorns, and  earthiness abound.  Firm, well defined, and smooth  through the powerful finish. (P)

Hightower Cellars 2015 Red Mountain Estate, Red Mountain, WA ($45):  Wild berries and a suggestion of flint rise as this dry red blend approaches the nose.  Dense yet lithe with berries and plums melding with savory olive tapenade and warm toast notes.  Well balanced with a trace of orange peel on the finish. (P)

Eternal Wines 2015 Eternal Passion Red Wine, Columbia Valley, WA ($69):  Heavenly aromas open to dark berries and allspice with this 50/50 blend of Red Mountain Cab Sauv and Walla Walla Valley Syrah.  Blackberry and blueberry fruit and grilled meat join tobacco,  vanilla custard, and baking spice accents.  Complex and smooth with firm tannins and good acids; approachable now and ageworthy.  (P)

Dunham Cellars 2016 Trutina, Columbia Valley, WA ($29):  Here’s an elegant red blend composed of 45% Cab Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 12% Malbec, 3% Cab Franc.  Blueberry, black currant, and black cherry fruit at the core are framed by approachable tannins and balancing acids.   Hints of smoke and teriyaki-marinated meat notes peek through on the finish.  (P)

Alexandria Nicole Cellars 2016 Destiny Ridge Vineyard Quarry Butte Red Wine; Horse Heaven Hills, WA ($26):  A deep blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cab Franc, Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot is intensely flavored and elegant.  Blackberry, huckleberry, cherry cola, pipe tobacco, and spiced fig compote create a colorful palate of flavors from start to lifted finish.  (P)

Hood Crest Winery 2016 Super Tuscan, Columbia Valley, WA ($48):  Bold aromas jump from the glass with the savory Sangiovese dominant red blend.  Layers of red cherries,  raspberries, black currants, and fresh turned earth meld harmoniously.  A fine backbone of tannins and acids support the dense fruit, and the texture is velvety smooth as it reaches an elegant finale.  (P)

Davenport Cellars 2013 Petit Verdot, Red Mountain, WA ($30):  Alluring nose of dark fruits and herbs sets the stage for this savory Petit Verdot.  Black plum and huckleberry fruit, fresh chopped herbs and nice oak integration glide across the palate, and the finish ends with a trace of orange zest. (P)

Spangler Vineyards 2014 Petit Verdot, Oregon ($35):  Aromas of black and purple berries on the nose.  Intensely built with dense purple plum, blackberry and sweet blueberry notes cascading upon the palate.  Well balanced and full bodied, with a nice backbone of chalky tannins. (P)

Mercer Estate Winery 2015 Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills, WA ($30):  Bright and sassy is this rich and smooth Petit Verdot.  Brimming with boysenberry and huckleberry fruits, hints of vanilla, tobacco and dried herbs in the mouth. Precisely balanced and juicy, with blood orange accents lifting the finish.  (P)

Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2017 Phinny Hill Vineyard Carmenere, Horse Heaven Hills, WA ($32):   Boysenberry pie on the nose fully engages the senses.  Bright and lively with raspberries, crushed boysenberries, strawberry sorbet, and fresh chopped herbs.  Precisely balance and pure through the long-lasting finish. (P)