Tasting Notes Digest
Updated 10/10/2011

"Here's to the corkscrew - a useful key to unlock the storehouse of wit,
the treasury of laughter, the front door of fellowship,
and the gate of pleasant folly."
...French toast

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Introduction

    Whether you are new to the world of Pacific Northwest wines or a seasoned veteran, you will find our "Tasting Notes" pages a valuable tool for learning more about recently released Northwest wines.  Wine writer, judge and and wine-country traveler Chuck Hill provides the reviews you will find on these pages.

     Just click on the varietal of your choice below.  If  you find a wine review that peaks your interest, contact a wine shops or the winery itself.  For contact information, browse our wine shop lists by state, or by wine regions, using the "Wine Shops and Regional Tasting Rooms" links on each wine-region page.

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Reviews of Pacific Northwest Red Wines

Pinot Noir

Haden Fig
2009 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$30.00

In August of 2010, Erin and Jordan Nuccio took over the operation of Evesham Wood winery from Eola Hills winegrowing pioneers Russ and Mary Raney.  The Raneys spent 25 years building the Evesham Wood style and were happy to find a couple who shared their philosophies of grape growing and winemaking.  Haden Fig wines have been made at Evesham Wood for several years including this Pinot Noir.  This is a wine that appeals to experienced Pinot Noir (and Burgundy) devotees.  Floral and light berry notes tingle the nose with hints of citrus and spice.  The palate is very food friendly, offering flavors of strawberry, earth, citrus and anise. 

Evesham Wood
2009 Pinot Noir
Eola-Amity Hills District
$26.00

See notes above about the recent change of ownership at Evesham Wood.  Grapes for this wine were sourced predominantly from Temperance Hill Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.  Aromas of floral perfume and earth are complemented by notes of strawberry and vanilla.  The palate is delicate featuring berry, spice and citrus flavors.  The structure and balance of the wine make it an exceptional choice for pairing with salmon.

Ponzi Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$35.00

There is something in the overall aroma and flavor profile of Ponzi Pinot Noirs that immediately identifies them as a superb example of the Oregon style.  Richness in character includes aromas of ripe cherry, vanilla, spicy oak and citrus.  Flavors of cherry, caramel, smoky bacon and tangy oak are well integrated to accompany salmon from the grill - great with meats, too.  We tasted the 2008 vintage for this report, and the winery has since released their 2009 bottling.

Chehalem Wines
2009 Pinot Noir, Three Vineyards
Willamette Valley
$27.00

This is Chehalem's most widely distributed Pinot Noir that is the first released of their bottlings (before the single-vineyard and reserve wines).  The three vineyards include Chehalem Estate, Ridgecrest and Corral Creek, with each vineyard on different soil types providing a superb blend of terroir.  Aromas and flavors of black cherry, vanilla, spicy tobacco, earthy caramel and sweet oak make for a terrific salmon wine, especially for salmon cooked on the grill.

Hawks View Cellars
2009 Pinot Noir, Estate
Chehalem Mountains
$35.00

As we tasted this wine, I looked up the tasting notes from the preceding vintage and marveled at the consistency of production, creating a wine of almost identical characteristics.  This is an elegant wine, bright with aromas of cherry candy, vanilla, toasty caramel and spicy citrus.  Experienced tasters of Pinot Noirs from America and France make comments regarding the remarkable age-ability of such delicate wines.   

Brandborg Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir, Ferris Wheel Vineyard
Umpqua Valley
$38.00

Brandborg's Ferris Wheel Estate Vineyard produced a superb crop in the 2008 vintage, despite an early freeze in October that missed this maritime-climate-affected vineyard site.  A light crop load produced fruit that colored the resulting wine to a deep burgundy hue and created complex aromas and flavors.  Spicy cherry candy, blueberry, floral perfume and notes of cocoa and toast greet the nose, while the palate offers flavors of dark fruits and a firm palate perfectly suited to rich salmon such as Copper River sockeye.

King Estate
2009 Pinot Noir, Signature
Oregon
$29.00

King Estate's magnificent winery is located south of Eugene, Oregon, elevated on a hilltop that is surrounded by extensive vineyards.  The property was originally not open to the public, but now offers tours and tastings; it is a great wine country visit.  The Signature bottling of King Estate Pinot Noir is superbly balanced with ripe cherry, toast and vanilla aromas leading to a complex palate of blackberry, cherry, orange zest, caramel and toasty oak.  It was a favorite with our tasters and would be a great companion to your salmon barbecue.

Broadley Vineyards
2009 Pinot Noir, Estate
Willamette Valley
$30.00

Like many Northwest wine families, Craig and Claudia Broadley have welcomed the next generation - son Morgan and daughter-in-law Jessica - to the winemaking business to continue the success of this well-regarded property.  The 2009 Estate Pinot Noir offers aromas of ripe cherry and raspberry with notes of cedary spice and vanilla.  Earthy cherry and berry flavors dance with notes of mineral, oak and herbs on the palate - well structured and very tasty with grilled salmon.

Willamette Valley Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$28.00

The 2008 vintage in Oregon was marked by a cooler-than-average growing season that warmed just in time to ripen the Pinot Noir grapes to near perfection.  Clones included in this bottling included four Dijon clones as well as the two familiar clones from "old Oregon,"� Pommard and Wadenswil.  Classic Pinot Noir aromas of cherry, citrus zest, earthy spice and notes of leather and plum lead to rich flavors of black cherry with cocoa, nutmeg, vanilla and cedar notes.

Misty Oaks Vineyard
2008 Pinot Noir, Stuckagain Heights Vineyard
Umpqua Valley
$26.00

About a dozen years ago Steve and Christy Simmons journeyed from Alaska to begin a new life pursuing their dreams of farming and winemaking in Southern Oregon.  In 2000, they put in the first plantings at Misty Oaks Vineyard southwest of the towns of Sutherlin and Oakland in the Umpqua Valley AVA.  Named after a misadventure in a certain part of their vineyard, Stuckagain Heights Pinot Noir offers aromas of light blackberry and strawberry, laced with notes of mineral and citrus zest.  The palate offers flavors of jammy berry, vanilla and spicy anise.  This is a winery to watch in the Umpqua Valley!

Youngberg Hill Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir, Natasha Block
McMinnville
$30.00

Youngberg Hill Vineyards began as a hobby of the original owners of the Youngberg Hill Bed and Breakfast, an elegant property southwest of McMinnville, Oregon.  Later owners have taken the vineyard and winery more seriously and indeed, the grapes produced here frequently produce award-winning wines... like this gold-medal winner.  Look for ripe aromas of earthy cherry, spicy vanilla and notes of apple and caramel.  The berry/cherry palate is firm with toasty oak and medium tannins, pairing very well with smoky salmon from the grill. 

Youngberg Hill Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir, Jordan Block
McMinnville
$35.00

This intense wine needs a few hours breathing to open up and show its stuff.  Cherry cola, anise, earthy herbs and toast dominate the aroma, though more characters appear as the wine breathes.  The palate offers flavors of black fruits, citrus zest, fennel and vanilla toast.

Left Coast Cellars
2006 Pinot Noir, Cali's Cuvee
Willamette Valley
$24.00

Left Coast Cellars is situated directly on the 45^th parallel - halfway between the equator and the North Pole.  The 100 acres of sustainably-farmed vineyards occupy varying soils, elevations and orientations, and take advantage of moderating winds from the ocean coming through the Van Duzer Corridor, a gap in Oregon's Coast Range mountains.  The 2006 vintage was one of Oregon's warmest on record, producing ripe and powerful wines.  Look for aromas of blackberry, plum, toasty herb and citrus.  Flavors include ripe plum and berry with notes of earthy anise, mint and toasty bacon.

Firesteed
2008 Pinot Noir
Oregon
$14.00

Howard Rossbach sources fruit for his Firesteed wines from all parts of Oregon.  For example, this wine was produced from grapes grown in the Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue and Walla Walla Valleys.  Only 20% of the wine was barrel-aged to round out the flavors and add complexity.  One of the great values in Oregon Pinot Noir, the Firesteed Oregon bottling offers aromas and flavors of tangy strawberry, cherry tart, spicy cedar and vanilla - truly a go-to wine during Copper River salmon season.  

Cathedral Ridge Winery
2009 Pinot Noir, Dampier Vineyard
Columbia Gorge
$29.00

The Columbia Gorge AVA is becoming well known for production of quality Pinot Noir, as evidenced by this superb wine from Cathedral Ridge Winery.  The Dampier Vineyard is on the Washington side of the Gorge above the town of Underwood at about 1,100 feet elevation.  A perfect pairing with salmon, this wine offers aromas of strawberry, black cherry/rhubarb and light notes of herbs and spice.  The palate is not overwhelming, but bright with flavors of cherry, strawberry and cranberry with herbal notes on the finish - very fine sip for your Copper River adventure.

R. Stuart & Co.
2008 Pinot Noir, Autograph
Willamette Valley
$60.00

R. Stuart & Co.
2008 Pinot Noir, Bigfire
Oregon
$19.00

Rob Stuart has more Northwest vintages under his belt than most winemakers, having served in that post at several wineries before founding R. Stuart & Co. in 2002.  He takes his crafting of each wine very seriously and imparts his personal interpretation of character on each vintage.  So what is the difference between the pricey “Autograph” bottling and the pocketbook-friendly “Bigfire?”  Complexity.  One wouldn’t say that Autograph is an appreciably bigger wine, nor would one say that Bigfire is light or wimpy.  Experienced wine drinkers will appreciate Autograph for its aromas of earthy blackberry, floral perfume, light spicy oak and vanilla.  The palate is long and intriguing with flavors of dark fruits, cherry, black pepper, lime zest, citrus, floral notes, tobacco and a dozen other nuances.  Both experienced and novice wine drinkers will enjoy the forward fruit and “vibrant, playful and voluptuous” character of Bigfire.

Ghost Hill Cellars
2009 Pinot Noir, Bayliss-Bower Vineyard
Yamhill-Carlton District
 $42.00

When winemaker Rebecca Shouldis blends Ghost Hill Cellars’ Bayliss-Bower Pinot Noir grapes for this wine, she is blending the vineyard's four clones: 40% Pommard, 22% Dijon 777, 22% Dijon 114 and 16% Wadenswil.  Rebecca feels that each component adds a measure of balance to the wine, yielding a rich foundation (Pommard), flavors of red and black fruits (777), heightened aromatics and backbone (114), and spicy complexity (Wadenswil).  Though she would no doubt point out that this is a gross over-simplification, one can’t argue with the result.  Look for aromas and flavors of cherry pie, citrusy floral notes, rhubarb, tobacco and light notes of vanilla. 

Stoller Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir, JV Estate
Dundee Hills
$25.00

This wine is crafted exclusively from fruit grown at Stoller Vineyards’ JV Estate in the Dundee Hills.  Partial indigenous yeast fermentation, multiple clones in fruit selection and a generous portion of new oak (35%) in the aging regime add up to a complex wine with expansive character to accommodate a wide variety of cuisines.  Aromas of raspberry and cherry mingle with notes of earth, baking spice, lilac fragrance and vanilla.  The palate adds notes of caramel and barrel spice with a cranberry and citrus-zest finish that pairs well with rich salmon from the grill.

Amity Vineyards
2009 Pinot Noir
Croft Vineyard
$35.00

Winemaker Darcy Pendergrass crafted this highly rated Pinot Noir from fruit grown at Croft Vineyard in Oregon’s Polk County (west of Salem, Oregon).  This area receives moderating marine winds through the Van Duzer Corridor – a gap in the Oregon Coast Range mountains.  This is Amity’s third vineyard-designated wine from Croft.  Look for superb balance throughout the wine with aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, vanilla and earthy herbs and spices.  The palate is complex with flavors of cherry, dusty herbs, vanilla and mineral.

Tyee Wine Cellars
2008 Pinot Noir, Estate Barrel Select
Willamette Valley
$35.00

Second-generation Tyee winemaker Merrilee Buchanan Benson crafted this reserve-style wine from grapes harvested from the oldest vines in the estate vineyard near Corvallis, Oregon.  Finding an excellent balance between power and elegance, the wine offers aromas of cherry, strawberry and cranberry with notes of earth and hints of smoky oak.  Flavors on the palate echo the nose with added notes of baking spices and black fruits.  Excellent aging potential and a great accompaniment to salmon.

Anne Amie Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$35.00

Anne Amie Vineyards lies in the heart of the Willamette Valley in the Yamhill-Carlton District AVA.  The historic property began life as Chateau Benoit in the late 1970s and was purchased in 1999 by Dr. Robert Pamplin who has instilled a passion for pinot in the Anne Amie team.  The 2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir offers aromas of black cherry, floral perfume, cedar and herbs leading to a palate with flavors of cherry, vanilla and tea leaf and a finish of moderate tannins.  It is well balanced and pairs well with salmon.

ROCO Winery
2009 Pinot Noir, Private Stash
Wits End Vineyard, Chehalem AVA
$75.00

Rollin Soles has been the driving force and winemaker at Argyle Winery in Dundee since 1987.  At that time he purchased a unique hillside property in the Chehalem Mountain Range.  Fast forward to 2001 when Rollin and his wife Corby planted the hillside to Pinot Noir – Rollin’s choice of the “three sexiest Dijon Pinot Noir clones available.”  The production from the vineyard spawned ROCO (ROllin-COrby) Winery.  This superb Pinot Noir is the reserve-style wine of the vineyard’s fruit, and it offers classic Pinot Noir aromas of dark cherry, earth, mineral with notes of floral and citrus.  The palate is rich with black cherry flavors, tobacco and anise.  A little bottle age will soften the tannins for optimum enjoyment.  The wine will be released for sale in November 2011.

Whistling Dog Cellars
2008 Pinot Noir, NSV Estate
Eola Hills
$24.00

Tom and Celeste Symonette are the owners, vineyardists and winemakers/cellar workers at Whistling Dog Cellars and Nuestra Sueño Vineyard.  They are passionate about letting nature do the work with only minimal intervention in the vineyard and the winemaking process.  Look for aromas and flavors of ripe cherry, earthy herbs, baking spice and toasty oak with notes of caramel and vanilla.

Brandborg Vineyard
2008 Pinot Noir, Love Puppets
Umpqua Valley
$30.00

Terry and Sue Brandborg use the best lots from dry farmed vineyards to craft the Love Puppets Pinot Noir.  The resulting wine is intense and concentrated, and they feel expresses the sense of place.  The fruit focus of the wine is black cherry and blueberry aromas and flavors with notes of caramel, vanilla, barrel spice and earthy black pepper - very tasty with grilled salmon.

Anam Cara Cellars
2007 Pinot Noir, Nicholas Estate
Chehalem Mtn. AVA
$30.00

Sheila and Nick Nicholas moved to Oregon in 2001 after running a small chain of pizza restaurants in the Napa Valley wine country of California.  Their immersion in the wine culture of St. Helena generated an interest that would lead to the planting of Nicholas Vineyard and the founding of Anam Cara Cellars.  This estate bottling is their flagship wine, offering aromas and flavors of cherry, dusty mineral, spicy oak, caramel and floral/citrus notes.   

Chehalem
2009 Pinot Noir
Ridgecrest Wind Ridge Block
$48.00

“This wine represents the future, being the fourth harvest of our newest vineyard-block plantings in our Ridgecrest Vineyard…a precocious wine that will age well, projecting full Pinot Noir stature.”  This new release from Chehalem comes from a new vineyard adjacent to plantings that go back to 1982 – the beginning of the Chehalem winery story.  Ripe cherry and citrus zest notes in the aroma complement nuances of dusty earth and floral perfume.  The palate is lean but offers nice flavors of strawberry/cherry and notes of lime zest and barrel spice – a nice contrast to the rich flavors of salmon.

Duck Pond Cellars
2009 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$20.00

Duck Pond Cellars opened in 1993 right on Highway 99W in Dundee, Oregon – in the center of the Dundee Hills wine region (now AVA).  Their value-priced wines have become very popular.  This lighter-style Pinot is crafted mostly from fruit grown on the winery’s estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley.  Look for light aromas of cherry candy, cola and floral perfume leading to a palate bright with cherry flavors that complement a wide variety of lighter meals.

Carabella Vineyard
2008 Pinot Noir
Chehalem Mountain AVA
$37.00

Mike and Cara Hallock began Carabella Vineyard and winery in 1998 in the (now) Chehalem Mountain AVA of the Northern Willamette Valley.  Though Mike’s focus is on Pinot Noir, he also produces Pinot Gris and Dijon-clone Chardonnay.  This Pinot Noir from the Chehalem AVA offers forward aromas of black cherry, smoky earth, citrus zest and tangy rhubarb with notes of brandy and baking spice.  The palate is rich and fruity with flavors of cherry candy, vanilla, tobacco and spice.

Raptor Ridge
2010 Pinot Noir Rosé
Oregon
$20.00

This was the favorite rosé of our separate rosé tasting, offering delicate aromas of cherry and orchard blossom with earthy notes and flavors of light cherry and citrus.  We paired the rosés with rich triple cream, soft-ripened cheese on sliced artisan bread; and this wine was a standout.

Ponzi Vineyards
2009 Pinot Noir Rosato
Willamette Valley
$17.00

This outstanding Pinot Noir rosé was sourced from high-elevation Merten and Laurel Vineyards in the Willamette Valley AVA.  Grapes were destemmed and allowed a 24-hour cold soak to pick up color before pressing, and fermentation was in stainless steel.  Look for aromas of ripe watermelon, floral perfume and spicy citrus.  The palate offers flavors of citrus, strawberry and spicy mineral with a crisp finish. 

Montinore Vineyards
2010 Pinot Noir Rosé, Estate
Willamette Valley
$20.00

Almost all of the Pinot Noir rosés tasted offered distinct aromas and flavors of spicy grapefruit mingling with floral notes and hints of Pinot Noir strawberry character.  This wine comes from the Montinore Estate near Forest Grove, Oregon and is the choice of winemaker Stephen Webber and owner Rudy Marchesi.  Look for the descriptors above along with notes of cherry and peach. 

Cubanisimo Vineyards
2010 Rosado de Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$19.00

Owner Mauricio Collada and winemaker Rob Stuart collaborated in producing this Spanish-style Rosado as a wine to enjoy on a warm summer evening with seafood, tapas and good friends.  Light aromas of citrus, wildflowers and strawberry lead to a crisp palate with light grapefruit and mineral flavors that are a great complement to seafood.  The winery offers salsa dance lessons on the third Saturday of each month, taught by local instructor Debra Seeck, Mz. Jitterbug, see www.cubanisimovineyards.com for details.

Ghost Hill Cellars
2010 The Spirit of Pinot Noir
Yamhill-Carlton District
$18.00

During the tasting, we speculated about the ability of tasters to determine if a wine was red, white or rosé if blindfolded (or if the wine is served in a black glass).  This spunky rosé offers much of the character of a red Pinot Noir wine.  Aromas of dusty earth, black cherry and floral perfume greet the nose, while the spicy palate shows flavors of citrus, mineral, candy cherry and vanilla – a versatile wine to pair with many food selections.

Erath Winery
2008 Pinot Noir, Estate Selection
Willamette Valley
$34.00

Oregon winegrowing pioneer Dick Erath planted some of the first Pinot Noir in the Dundee Hills south of Newberg, Oregon.  After more than 30 years of crafting fine Oregon wines, Dick retired to Tucson, Arizona and tinkers with winegrowing in southern New Mexico.  His legacy is carried on by new owner Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and talented winemaker Gary Horner.  This reserve-style Pinot offers ripe plum, vanilla and orange blossom aromas leading to a palate featuring flavors of cherry, smoky chocolate, black pepper and a finish of mineral and strawberry. 

WillaKenzie Estate
2008 Pinot Noir, Pierre Leon
Willamette Valley
$38.00

This bottling is a selection of estate grown Pinot Noir clones, including several Dijon clones densely planted on Willakenzie soil.  Excellent grape growing and excellent wine making contribute to the success of this delicious, balanced wine.  The aromas of cherry/rhubarb, citrus and spicy oak lead to a balanced, complex palate showing black cherry, earthy spice, cocoa and tangy citrus – a very complementary match with salmon.

Privé Vineyard
2009 Pinot Noir Le Nord
Yamhill County
$55.00

Mark and Tina Hammond are the owners of Privé Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, planted in 1980 on Jory soil (red clay) exclusively to the Pommard clone of Pinot Noir.  The Le Nord vineyard block is at 650 feet elevation.  This is a big and complex wine demanding that you grill your Copper River salmon to add smoke and light caramel flavors that will pair up with the wine.  The nose offers earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom, wrapped around a core aroma of red fruits, floral perfume and vanilla.  The palate shows flavors of ripe plum, black cherry and spicy pepper and toast.  The wine is a very interesting counterpoint to the proliferation of Dijon clone Pinot Noir being planted currently.

Cubanisimo Vineyards
2009 Pinot Noir, Rumba
Willamette Valley
$21.00

From Mauricio Collada’s native Cuba comes the passion for dance to a Latin beat, and a little Latin passion appears to be a very good thing for Pinot Noir!  The Rumba Pinot Noir entices with aromas and flavors of cherry and blackberry, then sells the passion with fresh palate notes of berry and a finish of caramel and vanilla.  It is a great wine for salmon and the winner of the week for best label.

Cooper Mountain Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir, Mountain Terroir
$45.00

Bob Gross and Cooper Mountain Vineyards were the original Northwest pioneers of biodynamic wine production and have continued to lead the industry in putting the environment first.  The highly regarded Mountain Terroir bottling offers aromas of earthy forest floor, dark fruits, citrusy mineral and barrel spice.  A fruit basket of flavors on the palate includes black cherry, plum, berry, baking spice and peppery vanilla on the finish – very tasty with salmon.

Domaine Serene
2008 Pinot Noir, Yamhill Cuvee
Willamette Valley
$42.00

This powerful, yet elegant, Pinot Noir is crafted from half Pommard Clone, 40% Dijon clone and 10% Wadenswil clone.  There is plenty of power and structure to please the carnivore, but charm and fresh cherry reward the salmon lover as well.  Black cherry and raspberry open the aromatics with earthy spice, mineral and floral perfume dancing in the background. The palate is rich with flavors of spicy dark fruits, tobacco, cocoa and caramel – salmon from the grill, please.

Grateful Red
2009 Pinot Noir Redhawk Vineyard
Willamette Valley
$15.00

From the name to the graphics on the label to the tasty Pinot Noir in the bottle, this wine will put a smile on the face of every baby boomer and wannabe at your Copper River salmon dinner party.  Winemaker John Pataccoli crafts a complete line of wines including Pinot Gris, Riesling, several Pinot Noirs, Gamay Noirs and other red wines, but this is his most popular bottling.  Look for bright strawberry, floral and baking spice aromas leading to a fresh palate of berry, cherry, vanilla and toast.  Great with all salmon preparations.

Raptor Ridge Winery
2009 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$24.00

Owner/winemaker Scott Schull has been crafting fine Oregon Pinot Noir since founding his Chehalem Mountain winery and vineyard in 1995.  The estate vineyard is named Tuscowallame, an indigenous word meaning “place where the owls dwell.”  Indeed, it is the wide variety local hawks and owls that gave the winery its name.  This wine is a blend of fruit from a number of local vineyards.  Forward cherry aromas and flavors give the wine a salmon-friendly personality with added notes of mineral, smoky vanilla and caramel.

Benton-Lane Winery
2008 Pinot Noir, Estate
Willamette Valley
$26.00

Benton-Lane Winery was founded in 1988 by Steve and Carol Girard, proprietors of Girard Winery in California.  The name comes from the property’s proximity to the line dividing Benton County (Corvallis) and Lane County (Eugene) in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  The 2008 Pinot Noir is a “pretty” wine - leaning towards the feminine side of Pinot Noir - with cherry and raspberry aromas, leading to fruity flavors of cherry and berry with notes of vanilla and earth on the finish – very nice with salmon. 

Adelsheim Vineyard
2009 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$32.00

Celebrating the winery’s 30^th anniversary this year, Adelsheim Vineyard is truly one of the Pinot pioneers of Oregon.  Founder David Adelsheim was (and is) active in many facets of improving Oregon Pinot Noir - clonal selection, proper oak barrel selection, evaluation of planting sites – to name a few.  This popular wine offers ripe cherry, berry and baking spice aromas with a palate of berry and cherry flavors with notes of earth and citrus.  The texture is silky and rich and complements grilled salmon very well. 

Willamette Valley Vineyards
2010 Pinot Noir, Whole-Cluster Fermented
$20.00

This wine has been a favorite with our Pinot and salmon tasters for many years.  Whole-cluster fermentation is somewhat similar to the carbonic maceration technique that is used to produce Nouveau Beaujolais.  Indeed, the wine offers much of the charming fresh fruit character and gentle, soft palate that makes Nouveau Beaujolais so appealing.  Look for aromas of bright cherry and berry mingling with floral and citrus perfume.  The palate offers juicy cherry flavors with hints of brown spices, earth and vanilla. 
 

Rex Hill Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$28.00

Here is another superb wine from the 2008 vintage that is an excellent complement to salmon and many other foods.  As the wine breathes and opens up, aromas of raspberry, dark cherries and plum emerge, soon followed by notes of mineral, floral and citrus perfumes.  The full-bodied palate offers flavors of red fruits and spice with notes of toasty oak and velvety tannins.   

Lange Winery
2009 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$22.00

Winemaker Jesse Lange blends Pinot Noirs from all of Lange’s North Willamette vineyard sites to produce this distinctive bottling that reflects the quality of viticulture and site selection.  In the nose and on the palate, the wine delivers the aromas and flavors that define Oregon Pinot Noir: cherry, raspberry, earthy spices, floral and citrus.  In the mouth, Jesse eloquently sums up, “This wine owns the requisite structure to be both luscious and lively!”

Erath Winery
2009 Pinot Noir
Oregon
$19.00

It is the stated goal of the Erath Winery with their Oregon Pinot Noir to “make the best Pinot Noir in the world for under $20” – a bold intention, but one that is not without precedence.  Since the founding of the winery in the 1970s, wines under the Erath label have always been among the best value-for-quality bottlings in Oregon.  Look for aromas of raspberry tart, citrus and orchard blossoms with notes of smoky mineral and vanilla.  The palate is juicy with flavors of cherry and pomegranate – a medium-light example that pairs well with salmon and other lighter fare. 

Sineann
2009 Pinot Noir
Oregon
$30.00

Peter Rosback blends his Oregon Pinot Noir from lots of single-vineyard Pinots that could read like a who’s who of notable vineyards in Yamhill County and beyond.  Dedicated winemaking achieves good results for Rosback, who crafts up to 30 different wines from each vintage.  Aromas of Marionberry, red cherry and earthy mineral lead to a well-structured palate that features red fruit flavors, baking spices and notes of toasty oak. 

Montinore Estate
2009 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley, Organic
$20.00

There are serious, ponderous wines, and there are wines that bring a smile.  This is a wine that brings a smile…and a smack of the lips.  To paraphrase Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of Pinot Noirs.  You pull the cork and you never know what you’re gonna get.”  It was a pleasure to pull this cork.  Aromas of strawberry, spicy black pepper, floral perfume and grapefruit zest lead to charming flavors of fresh berry, pepper and light toasty notes.  Nothing to ponder, just a delight to enjoy. 

Acrobat
2009 Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$18.00

Here is another Pinot Noir that brings a smile, and one with a convenient screw cap closure.  Pinot Noir belongs on picnics to show its aromatic character of bright berry and cherry, hints of earthy tobacco, oak and field flowers.  Break out the cold salmon salad, fried chicken and potato salad to savor the flavors of blueberry, cocoa and spicy oak.

Agate Ridge Vineyard
2007 Pinot Noir, Clonal Selection
Rogue Valley
$24.00

This is an older Pinot Noir and one from a warmer climate.  Crafted from two Dijon clones – 115 and 777 – and the old standby Pommard clone; it offers sterner stuff than many Oregon Pinots.  In the aroma, red fruits are complemented by black fruits – raspberry, black cherry, blueberry and black currant.  On the palate, flavors of ripe red and black fruits mingle with ample toasty oak and spicy nuances.  Grill some salmon and some lamb…this is the wine for the surf and turf that Pinot lovers dream about.

Stoller Vineyards
2007 SV Estate Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
$40.00

Grown 196 miles north of those for the wine above, the grapes for this wine (from the same vintage) are also from remarkably similar clonal stock.  The vintage was scary up north, cool weather and “a patchwork of rain events” made for sleepless nights.  The oak regimen was similar – ample new oak barrels and 10 months in barrel.  Go figure the 200 miles – the wines are kindred spirits.  Toasty oak aromas mingle with Bing cherry and vanilla.  The palate offers ripe berry flavors with spicy oak, vanilla and hints of caramel.  Just like above: salmon, lamb, grill…buy one of each wine for a dandy comparative tasting. 

 

 

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tamarack Cellars
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sagemoor Reserve
$50.00

In the early modern era of Washington wine, there was one name that appeared on more red wines than any other.  Sagemoor Vineyards is located northwest of Pasco on southwest facing slopes overlooking the Columbia River.  Winemaker Ron Coleman used grapes from this venerable source to craft this intense and characterful wine featuring dark cherry and black currant aromas and flavors with notes of dark chocolate, herbs and toasty vanilla on the finish. 

Sineann
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Baby Poux Vineyard
Horse Heaven Hills
$42.00

Baby Poux is the name of a decade-old vineyard block at (Paul) Champoux Vineyard (the former Mercer Ranch) bestowed by Rick Small of Woodward Canyon Winery.  Peter Rosback has made wine from this block for a number of years with great success.  A dichotomy to the taster, the wine offers big, dark cherry fruit character with ample oak and tannin, but also some feminine components of floral, candy and pretty vanilla notes.  Great with meat 'tis the season.

Efeste Cellars
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Big Papa, Old Block, CV
$45.00

Efeste's winemaker Brian Leighton was "raised by artists and hippies in Santa Cruz, CA - born to rebel."�  He brings strong opinions and innovative creativity to his job.  Big Papa is crafted of grapes harvested from some of the oldest blocks of Washington's great vineyards.  The wine is over-the-top, highly extracted, toasty-oaky, and a favorite with our tasters.  It shows flavors and aromas of intense cherry and berry, meaty, smoky bacon and cocoa, leather and tobacco.  Order your steak charred on the outside, rare on the inside.

Three Rivers Winery
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Champoux Vineyard
Horse Heaven Hills
$50.00

Three Rivers' winemaker Holly Turner has crafted many wines using fruit from the famous Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.  Her 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon offers ripe aromas of earthy dark cherry and cassis with notes of caramel and vanilla.  Flavors of black currant, cherry and candied red fruits lead to a finish with moderate tannins and toasty vanilla flavors.  Stop by their tasting room for a wide selection of wines and wine-related gifts. 

Helix
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
$25.00

Helix is the name of the second label for Walla Walla's Reininger Winery.  This quality Cabernet shows complex character in both aroma and flavor featuring cranberry and cherry with notes of roasted vegetable, olive, vanilla and cherry candy.  Needs a few minutes breathing to open up, and the palate begins a little hard but smooths out agreeably after 15 minutes.

Hightower Cellars
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
$35.00

Crafted from predominantly Red Mountain fruit, Tim and Kelly Hightowers' 2006 Cab includes 18% Merlot in the blend.  Showing many of the good things that can happen to a wine with oak aging (spice, herbs, mineral, coffee, vanilla), the wine provides ample red fruits of blackberry and cherry as a backbone to lovely complexity.  It is a pleasure to enjoy a balanced wine with all parts working together. 

Barnard Griffin
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve
Columbia Valley
$40.00

Rob Griffin continues to produce outstanding wines that are among the best in Washington.  His reserve Cabernet is built for beef.  Rich aromas of dried cherries, smoky blackberry and earthy notes lead you to flavors of black cherry, plum, barrel spice and vanilla.  Rich and well balanced, this Reserve pairs well with prime rib or steaks from the grill. 

Columbia Crest
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Horse Heaven Hills
$18.00

This ripe and approachable Cabernet carries the H3 designation indicating that the grapes were grown in vineyards of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.  Aromas of black cherry, floral perfume, tealeaf and cedar entice a taste that reveals soft flavors of cherry, exotic spices and a finish of earthy tannins.

Mannina Cellars
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley
$30.00

Don Redman moved to Walla Walla to pursue his profession of Environmental Engineer.  His love of wine and discovery that his science background was a leg up on a co-career as winemaker led to the founding of Mannina Cellars and the release of his first wines.  This Cabernet offers complex aromas and flavors of cranberry, cherry, peppery spice and toasty oak.  Nuances of eucalyptus, vanilla, floral perfume and spicy berry add to its affinity for rich meats from the grill.

Adams Bench
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, "The V"� CV
$42.00

Tim and Erica Blue make only Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends at their small Woodinville, WA winery.  "The V"� is their signature bottling marrying fruit from Red Mountain (Artz Vineyard), the Horse Heaven Hills (Mays Discovery Vineyard), Frenchman Hills (Stillwater Creek Vineyard) and Yakima Valley (Two Blondes Vineyard).  Look for intense aromas of blueberry and cassis with notes of earthy forest and herbed olives.  Flavors of blackberry and cranberry meld with hints of cocoa and vanilla to pair well with lamb and beef.

Otis Kenyon
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley
$34.00

Owners Stephen Kenyon and Deborah Dunbar Kenyon are quite excited about this latest vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon.  Crafted from the fruit of some of Walla Walla's finest vineyards, the wine offers spicy dark cherry aromas with hints of chocolate and cranberry.  The palate is rich, but not overwhelming, with dusty berry flavors leading to more substantial cassis, cocoa and tobacco.  The finish shows floral perfume, red fruits and vanilla with toasty oak nuances. 
 

Leonetti Cellar
2007 Reserve

Walla Walla Valley
$135.00

 

Gary Figgins, founder of Leonetti Cellar, put Washington State red wines on the map more than any other single vintner.  His selection of premium fruit and use of expensive new oak were guided by his personal palate, and the results appealed to prominent wine media of the day.  Not a family to rest on their laurels, son Chris Figgins now crafts the wines with Gary and, to a bottle, they have become even greater examples of Washington's potential to make the best in the world.  The 2007 Reserve offers aromas of ripe cherry and plum with notes of olive, bell pepper, mint and smoky cassis.  The palate is elegantly structured with juicy fruit flavors restrained by spicy oak and vanilla with refined tannins standing by to complement rich meaty goodness.

 

Woodward Canyon
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley
$39.00

 

Another Walla Walla pioneer in winemaking and grape growing, Rick Small has been close friends with Gary Figgins for more than 35 years.  Rick took a slightly different path to success, in fact many early fans of Woodward Canyon became aware of the brand through Rick's luscious Chardonnays.  This annual bottling of Walla Walla Valley Cabernet includes some Syrah (see above) as well as Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot.  Look for aromas of dusty cherry and cassis with notes of cedar and coconut in the background.  The palate offers flavors of cassis, cranberry and spicy cola with vanilla notes on a finish of silky tannins.

 

DeLille Cellars
2007 Harrison Hill
Yakima Valley
$75.00

 

Harrison Hill Vineyard is the second oldest vineyard in Washington State (1961) and is located near Sunnyside in the Yakima Valley.  Because of the unique qualities of fruit from this site, DeLille winemaker Chris Upchurch bottles this blend to showcase the terroir of Harrison Hill Vineyard.  Aromas of cherry, plum, wild herb and smoky Darjeeling tea lead to a palate featuring flavors of dusty cherry, cassis, lavender, herbs and toasty vanilla.  This very special wine shows site terroir better than any other in Washington, and is a treat to savor with elegant beef or lamb.

L'Ecole N^o 41
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley
$34.00

 

A blend of fruit from several Walla Walla vineyards, this Cabernet carries the regional banner high, showing aromas and flavors of blueberry, blackberry and toasty oak.  Paired with rich meat from the grill (or a sumptuous roast from the oven) it is a superb companion at the table.  Nuances of herbs, vanilla and barrel spice gather forces in the finish to complement each delicious bite.

 

DeLille Cellars
2007 Grand Ciel
Red Mountain
$135.00

 

Grand Ciel is the first winery-owned vineyard for DeLille Cellars, a partnership with Jim Holmes, owner of Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, granddaddy of all Red Mountain plantings.  The first fruit was harvested from Grand Ciel in 2004.  Powerful fruit is evident in the aromas and flavors of this wine as are significant amounts of oak from barrel aging.  Aromas of dried cherry, cassis, herbs and vanilla lead to flavors of ripe plum, black currant, spicy oak and a finish of vanilla and sage.

 

 

Feather by Long Shadows
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
$60.00

 

Randy Dunn has his own winery in the Napa Valley and annually makes Feather from Columbia Valley fruit.  The 2007 bottling included fruit from Dionysus, Weinbau and the Benches vineyards as well as Red Mountain fruit for structure and backbone.  This wine exhibits the elegant side of Cabernet Sauvignon showing aromas of floral perfume, earthy black currant, violet and spice.  The palate weaves flavors of cherry and vanilla with notes of dark chocolate and anise.

 

Quilceda Creek Vintners
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Galitzine Vineyard, Red Mtn.
$170.00

 

Alex (father) and Paul (son) Golitzin, and Marv Crumb are the driving forces behind the winemaking at Quilceda Creek, crafting wines that are legendary for quality, rarity and cost.  This bottling is sourced from their Red Mountain vineyard, a partnership with Jim Holmes of Ciel du Cheval.  Look for toasty oak, light blackberry, floral perfume and wild herbs on the nose, leading to a rich palate of plum, caramel and vanilla.
 

Chateau Ste. Michelle
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Indian Wells, CV
$16.00

 

This wine is Chateau Ste. Michelle's "warm climate ripe, jammy 'New World' style of Cabernet - typifying the Wahluke Slope region."�  Indeed the wine offers aromas of ripe black cherry, dark plum and vanilla, inviting a sip, which reveals flavors of cherry and black currant with notes of baking spice, toasty oak and coffee.  This is an easy-to-like wine for your holiday table from Washington's most recognized consumer brand.

 

Genesis by Hogue Cellars
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
$15.00

 

This wine is traditionally vinted from fruit grown on the Wahluke Slope and the Horse Heaven Hills.  Barrel aging in French and American oak barrels (30% new) adds depth and spice to the wine.  Look for intense aromas of dark cherry and cassis with notes of oak spice and vanilla.  The palate is soft with cherry and berry flavors up front, and toasty herbal notes on the finish.

Woodward Canyon
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Vines
Washington
$79.00

Rick Small selects lots of Cabernet from old blocks (planted in 1970s) from Champoux and Sagemoor Vineyards.  This wine is Margaux-like with pretty aromas of ripe berry, floral perfume and complex nuances of herbs, leather and licorice.  The palate is intense with cassis and black cherry flavors with a finish of toasty oak, vanilla and caramel-coconut.  

Leonetti Cellar
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley
$85.00

Winemakers Gary and Chris Figgins consider Cabernet Sauvignon to be the standard bearer for the Leonetti label; they regard its suitability to the Walla Walla Valley to be on par with that of Bordeaux.  Aromas of ripe cherry, bell pepper, French herbs and tobacco lead to flavors of rich cassis, vanilla and coffee with notes of toasty oak and caramel on the finish.

Abeja
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
$42.00

Production of Cabernet at Abeja is a hands-on affair with hand sorting of fruit at picking, delivery and destemming stages.  The winemaker feels this gives the wine its best chance to deliver the pure fruit quality and its own elegant tannin structure.  Aromas of ripe berry, herb and vanilla lead to a rich, fruit-forward palate of boysenberry and spicy oak.  It has excellent structure in the mouth and pairs well with steak from the grill. 

Milbrandt Vineyards
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estates
Columbia Valley
$25.00

This easy-drinking Cabernet comes from the Milbrandt Vineyards on the Wahluke Slope AVA, including Northridge, Clifton Hill and Katherine Leone Vineyards.  Crafted by Milbrandt winemaker Gordon Hill, the wine offers aromas and flavors of cherries, cassis, cocoa, vanilla and espresso powder.  It pairs well with both beef and lamb. 

Cadaretta
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
$40.00

The first 22 acres of Cadaretta's Southwind Estate vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley were planted in 2008.  While these vineyards mature, Cadaretta sources fruit from selected vineyards in the Walla Walla and Columbia Valley AVAs.  Their 2008 Cabernet is rich with ripe plum and cherry aromas and flavors with ample oak, vanilla, tobacco and caramel character.

Thurston Wolfe
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, The Teacher
Horse Heaven Hills
$22.50

Wade Wolfe and Becky Yeaman of Thurston Wolfe Winery craft this wine in memory of their friend Stan Clarke - one of Washington's great wine educators and friend to hundreds in the industry.  Cabernet Sauvignon from superb Horse Heaven Hills vineyards forms an intense base for the wine with oak aging adding complexity and style.  Look for ripe blackberry, cherry, cassis and mocha, with notes of coconut, vanilla and cedar.

Walla Walla Vintners
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vineyard Select
Columbia Valley
$48.00

Walla Walla Vintners has always scored a hit with their reserve-style, Vineyard Select Cabernet Sauvignon.  It features lots of intense fruit and spicy oak.  Aromas and flavors of ripe cherry, vanilla and coconut mingle with wild herbs, dried fruits and spicy cedar.  The winemakers suggest grilled, butterflied leg of lamb, marinated two days in a garlic and herb mixture with a hint of Madras curry. 

DiStefano Winery
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
$32.00

This intense Cabernet Sauvignon from DiStefano is crafted from fruit from six different vineyards representing Horse Heaven, Yakima Valley, Wahluke and Columbia Valley AVAs.  The wine opens with aromas of bright cassis, herbs and earthy pepper.  Flavors of blackberry and black cherry on the front palate yield to vanilla, earth and dried plum on the finish - very nice with hearty meats.

Two Mountain Winery
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Yakima Valley
$28.00

Brothers Matthew and Patrick Rawn operate Two Mountain Winery near Zilla, Washington.  Their family has been farming in the Rattlesnake Hills since 1951 with their estate vineyard planted in 2000.  This Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of black cherry, espresso, and toasty oak, leading to enticing flavors of berry, black currant, dark chocolate and a finish of silky tannins.

Wines of Substance
2008 CS, Cabernet Sauvignon
$22.00

When talented winemakers join forces with dedicated principals good things happen.  Jamie Brown crafts single-varietal wines under the Substance label to show the true expression of each grape as grown in Washington State.  Aromas of dark fruits, coffee and vanilla lead to flavors of black currant, wild herbs and caramel with notes of toasty oak on the finish. 

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Last revised: October 10, 2011