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)