Washington

Country: US / Vineyard Selection The Fresh Market Variety: Red Blend Washington Winery: Firebrix / Columbia Valley (WA) This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Zinfandel shows aromas of green olive, lemongrass, herb and woodspice. The style is elegant with sweet fruit flavors backed by lightly astringent tannins.

Country: US / Vineyard Selection The Fresh Market Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Washington Winery: Firebrix / Columbia Valley (WA) This wine is straight down the Cabernet fairway with aromas and flavors of black and green olive, plum, herbs, mocha and pencil lead. It’s soft in feel with a pinch of sugar stitching it all together.

Country: US / Variety: Chardonnay Washington Winery: Firebrix / Columbia Valley (WA) This wine is straight down the fairway with tropical aromas and flavors of pineapple, kiwi and spice. There’s not a lot of complexity but it’s hard to deny its appeal.

Country: US / Variety: Chardonnay Washington Winery: JM Cellars / Columbia Valley (WA) This blend of Stillwater Creek and Conner Lee vineyards conveys aromas of pear, yellow apple, pineapple and butter. The concentration is light yet creamy with a warm finish.

Country: US / Cara Mia Vineyard Camerata Red Wine Variety: Red Blend Washington Winery: Cadence / Red Mountain This is the first release from Cadence’s estate vineyard, a 94/6 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. Sharp and intense, the nose brings out tightly wound red fruit scents, annotated with leaf and white pepper. In […]

Country: US / Blanc Variety: White Blend Washington Winery: Chaleur Estate / Columbia Valley (WA) Make no mistake—the model for this wine can be found among the classified growth white wines of Bordeaux. The barrel influences are many and varied, layering in a mix of smoke, caramel and cracker; and the fruit is supple and […]

Country: US / Estate Variety: Syrah Washington Winery: Dumas Station / Walla Walla Valley (WA) A great effort, with mountain-grown fruit, high-altitude acids that give the flavors shape and cut, tightening up and brightening up the sharp, wild berry fruit. Iron filings and stone add a strong mineral element as well; this is the best […]

Country: US / Rollat Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Washington Winery: Chateau Rollat / Walla Walla Valley (WA) Less immediately accessible than the 2005, the 2006 is tight and tart and almost seems encased in some sort of a shell. The fruit is concentrated raspberry and plum, and the acids taste natural while the tannins are polished […]

Country: US / Rollat Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Washington Winery: Chateau Rollat / Walla Walla Valley (WA) Rollat is the mid-level red wine of the three inaugural releases from Chateau Rollat. It’s less brooding and compact than the companion Edouard Cabernet. Immediately accessible, it could almost be the template for this new and exciting producer; elegant, […]

Country: US / Variety: Riesling Washington Winery: Seven Hills / Columbia Valley (WA) Fragrant, with scents and flavors of pears and orange blossoms. This wine has 1.8% residual sugar, which qualifies it as off-dry, but it is still quite suitable for a wide range of foods, especially spicy Asian dishes. Full, fleshy and well-made, it […]

Country: US / Reserve Variety: Johannisberg Riesling Washington Winery: Tagaris / Columbia Valley (WA) Tagaris makes two Rieslings, priced just a buck apart. The “Reserve” may be just a stitch tighter, with more creaminess in the mouth, less in-your-face fruit.

Country: US / Variety: Johannisberg Riesling Washington Winery: Tagaris / Columbia Valley (WA) Here is a beautifully rendered, vividly fruity Washington Riesling. Crisp green apple flavors combine with succulently sweet citrus in a classic, off-dry style.