In this issue...

• Highlights of Taste Washington
• A Visit to Woodinville
• Walla Walla Valley Spring Release Preview Part II
• Highly Recommended Wines
• Best Buys
• Coming up in our June issue

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The Review of Washington Wines blog, posted weekly, supplements the Review with tips on travel in the wine country, the latest wine deals and special tasting reports plus insider news about goings on in the wine industry, including up and coming wineries, commentary on the wine market and more.

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I use the University of California Davis System for rating the wines being reviewed. Wines are scored 1 to 20 points based on characteristics: clarity, color, bouquet, total acidity, sweetness, body, flavor, bitterness, astringency and overall quality to obtain a total number of points. Here what is my range of scores mean:

• 17 points – Very good, above average wines.
• 18 points – Exceptional, fine wines.
• 18.5 points – A step higher, more complex and nuanced.
• 19 points – Outstanding wines with much complexity.
• 19.5 points – Great wines that show extraordinary character.
• 20 points – Wines that are not only flawless, but possess superlative depth and complexity.
  Occasionally (but not often) I will use a + to indicate a wine which is a notch above its point level in complexity.

Highlights of Taste Washington

Taste Washington Seattle is the Washington Wine Commission’s premier event. This year, over 200 wineries were represented on March 28th and 29th. Here are some of the top wines tasted. Others will be reviewed in upcoming issues.

2012 Avennia “Gravura” Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($35)
“Gravura” is owner Marty Taucher and winemaker Chris Peterson’s tribute to the Graves region of Bordeaux. This vintage consists of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc. It shows a deep ruby color and intense aromas of wild blackberries, cherries, black currants, crushed roses, anise, tobacco and eucalyptus. The dark fruit flavors are deep and direct, infused with licorice, Swiss chocolate, French roast and minerally earth. The back picks up roasted berries and nuts, mocha, pencil lead, dried cherries and toasty oak (50% new French for 20 months) on the way to a ripe, lingering moderate acid and tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2012 Avennia “Sestina” Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($60)
This Bordeaux-style wine is composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. It exhibits a crimson-ruby color and an alluring nose of blackberry, cherry, cassis, crushed roses, cigar box, sandalwood, juniper berry, olive, vanilla, and violets. On the palate, the dark fruit flavors are mouth encompassing, combining depth and elegance, underlain with licorice, cocoa, Swiss chocolate, French roast and gravelly earth minerals. The back reveals sensations of pressed berries, roasted nuts, kirsch liqueur, kidskin leather, integrated oak (70% new French for 20 months) all superbly balanced and precise, followed by a lingering spice dusted ripe tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

2012 Avennia “Justine” Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($40)
This Rhone-style red is composed of 49% Heart of the Hill Mourvèdre, 28% Alder Ridge Grenache, and 23% Angela’s Syrah, 15% whole cluster fermented. It shows a deep ruby-crimson color and seductive aromas of blackberries, blueberries and cassis, with scents of crushed roses, orange peel, garrigue (lavender and herbs), jasmine and wafts of spiced incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with black and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, chocolate, French roast and minerally earth. The intensity continues on the back with sensations of macerated berries, roasted nuts, toffee, and baking spices, followed by a savory, lingering ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2012 Avennia “Arnaut” Syrah, Yakima Valley, Boushey Vineyard ($50)
This is a superb rendition of Boushey Syrah. Semi opaque ruby colored, it emits intense aromas of wild blackberries, mountain blueberries, persimmon, crushed roses, lavender, violets and oriental incense. The flavors, as well, are seductive, deep and penetrating, underlain with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee beans and alluvial minerals. The intensity continues on the back with pressed dark berries, roasted nuts, and touches of leather, marzipan and dried orange peel, followed by a lingering, savory ripe tannin finish. 19.5/20 points.

www.avennia.com

 2012 Proper Estate Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($42)
From the Rocks District of the South Valley, and made by Sean Boyd (Rotie Cellars), this shows a deep purplish color and an intoxicating nose of wild blackberries, blueberries, cassis, crushed roses, violets and spiced incense. On the palate, the wine is thick and meaty, with loads of dark fruits and cobblestone minerals, intermixed with licorice, cocoa and roasted coffee beans. The back picks up macerated berries and roasted nuts, and touches of kidskin, dried orange peel, blueberry preserves, and crème de cassis, followed by a lingering herb (dried lavender, sage) and spice (cardamom, clove) dusted ripe tannin finish. The varietal vividness of this wine is amazing (tasted twice). 19.5/20 points.

www.properwines.com

Continued...

Proper Wines Proprietor, Billy Adams

2011 Andrew Will Red Blend, Yakima Valley, Two Blondes Vineyard ($65)
Composed of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, this wine displays a medium ruby color and intriguing aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, dried roses, mulberry, tobacco, sandalwood and smoldering incense. The medium bodied flavors are pleasingly supple, yet deep and penetrating, with notes of licorice, cocoa, French roast, and alluvial minerals. The back reveals sensations of pressed berries, orange peel, toffee, autumn leaves and moderate oak, followed by a lingering, herb dusted dryish finish. 19+/20 points.

2011 Andrew Will Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills, Champoux Vineyard ($75)
From Horse Heaven’s premier vineyard, this 54% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon blend offers a brilliant crimson color and seductive aromas of raspberry, huckleberry, plum, orange peel, minerala and oriental incense. The medium bodied flavors are deliciously ripe and fleshy, imbued with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, and Horse Heaven earth and minerals. On the back, the wine turns chewy textured, yet svelte and well delineated, with notes of kirsch and framboise liqueur, dried orange peel, mocha and toffee, all gliding effortlessly into a long, moderate tannin and acid finish. 19+/20 points.

www.andrewwill.com

2011 Cadence “Camerata” Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Cara Mia Vineyard ($60)
Here, Ben Smith has composed a superb blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 7% each of Cabefrnet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It exhibits a semi opaque ruby-garnet color and an exotic nose of wild blackberries, cherries, plums, orange peel, burning brambles, crushed roses, sandalwood, and incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with dark fruits that are underpinned by licorice, dark chocolate, French roast and Red Mountain scorched earth and mineral. The back picks up roasted berries and nuts, toffee, mocha, graphite, and integrated oak, followed by a lingering fine grained tannin finish that is dusted with spices and herbs. 19+/20 points.

2011 Cadence “Bel Canto” Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain, Cara Mia Vineyard ($60)
This combination of 84% Cabernet Franc and 8% each of Merlot and Petit Verdot offers a semi opaque ruby color and intriguing aromas of black cherries, Damson plums, black currants, black roses, juniper berries, cigar box, anise and violets. The dark fruit flavors are deep and full bore, imbued with black licorice, dark chocolate, campfire roast and Red Mountain minerally earth. The penetration continues on the back with sensations of roasted berries and walnuts, burnt charcoal, toffee, leather, and integrated oak. The dryish tannins on the lingering, complex finish gives the wine a bit of “old world” character. 19+/20 points.

www.cadencewinery.com

A Visit to Woodinville

On Friday and Saturday March 27th and 28th, we visited Woodinville. Here are the new releases we tasted.

2012 DeLille Cellars Doyenne “Aix” Red Wine, Red Mountain ($39)
This 60% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon combination offers a deep ruby color and intriguing aromas of wild blackberries, pomegranates and cassis, with scents of crushed roses, garrigue (lavender and herbs), tobacco, mint and spiced incense. The flavors are deep and chewy, with intermixtures of licorice, cocoa, French roast and Red Mountain scorched earth. The back picks up macerated berries, roasted nuts, dried orange peel, leather and charcoal, followed by a long, grainy sweetish tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2012 DeLille Cellars Doyenne “Signature” Syrah, Columbia Valley ($42)
This is a lovely Syrah. Deep crimson colored, it possesses expressive aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis, lavender, orange peel, cedar and violets. On the palate, the black and blue fruit flavors are well delineated, with notes of licorice, cocoa powder, French roast and minerals. The back reveals sensations of pressed berries, kidskin, crème de cassis, and recurring dried orange peel, followed by a long spice and herb dusted sweet-dry tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2012 DeLille Cellars “D2” Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($44)
This “BDX” style wine takes it name from the route through the Medoc. It exhibits a deep ruby color and a sultry, smoky nose of blackberry, cherry, blueberry, cassis, lavender, tobacco and oriental incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics, with dark fruits intermixed with licorice, dark cocoa, roasted coffee beans, and minerally earth. The back reveals macerated berries, graphite, and toasty integrated oak, followed by a long moderately grainy tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2012 DeLille Cellars “Four Flags” Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($67)
This four vineyard (Ciel du Cheval, Upchurch, Grand Ciel and Klipsun) 100% Cabernet offers a deep, brilliant ruby color and enticing aromas of wild blackberries, bayberries, red plums, anise, olive, dried orange peel, cigar box and incense. The flavors are equally seductive, with deep, dark fruits that are interwoven with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, campfire roast, and Red Mountain scorched earth and minerals. The intensity continues on the back with touches of roasted berries and nuts, leather, and burnt charcoal, followed by a lingering spice and herb dusted sweet-dry grainy tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

See Highly Recommended below for the 2012 Chaleur Estate and Harrison Hill.

The DeLille Cellars Tasting Menu

www.delillecellars.com

2013 Guardian Cellars “Entrapment” Chardonnay, Columbia Valley Conner Lee Vineyard ($30)
This is a top notch Chardonnay from a premier vineyard. Brilliant gold colored, it possesses attractive aromas of golden delicious apples, white peaches, yellow plums, apple blossoms and meadow flowers. The flavors are nicely balanced, with the white fruits accented by notes of peach stones and lees. The back picks up touches of cream, and vanilla (from 8 months in 66% new French oak), followed by a long, silky finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2012 Guardian Cellars “Confidential Source” Merlot, Columbia Valley ($30)
Sourced from the Ciel du Cheval, Obelisco, Stone Tree and Conner Lee vineyards, this is an attractively-styled 100% Merlot. It shows a deep, brilliant crimson color and lovely aromas of wild raspberries, pomegranates, red currants, red roses, tobacco, pepper and mint. The medium bodied flavors are well poised, with bright red fruits intermixed with licorice, cocoa powder, black tea, and variegated minerals. The back picks up notes of framboise liqueur, dried orange peel, and burnt toast, followed by a lingering moderate tannin and acid finish. Very nicely done, which gives it a plus. 18.5+/20 points.

Continued...

2012 Guardian Cellars “Chalk Line” Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($25)
This blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 20% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot offers a deep crimson color and attractive aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, black roses, tobacco, and mulberry. The flavors are robust, yet well rounded, with intermixtures of licorice, cocoa, French roast and minerally earth. The back picks up notes of pressed berries, kirsch liqueur, plum preserves and graphite, followed by a lightly herbed and spiced sweet-dry tannin finish. Fine value. 18.5/20 points.

2012 Guardian Cellars “The Wanted” Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($37)
This blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Cabernet Franc and 24% Merlot from Stone Tree and Stillwater Creek offers a brilliant ruby color and enticing aromas of wild blackberry, cherry and cassis, with scents of red roses, mulberry, sweet pea blossoms, mulberry, and spiced incense. The flavors are generous and velvety, yet focused, with intermixtures of licorice, Swiss chocolate, and French roast. The wine intensifies on the back with sensations of crushed berries, sweet nuts, mocha, and toffee, followed by a long, spice dusted ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.

www.guardiancellars.com

2012 JM Cellars “Tre Fanciculli” Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($45)
Composed of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 16% Syrah, this wine exhibits a brilliant crimson color and enticing aromas of wild raspberries, cherries, plums, crushed roses, mulberry, sweet tobacco, orange peel and incense. On the palate, the flavors are deliciously ripe and supple, accented by licorice, cocoa powder, French roast, and gravelly earth. The back picks up framboise and kirsch liqueurs, dried orange peel and kidskin on the way to a long integrated oak and fine-grained tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2012 JM Cellars Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley, Margaret’s Vineyard ($40)
Ordinarily, this is used for blending, but this vintage was so exceptional that it was bottled as a stand-alone varietal. It shows a brilliant ruby color and an intriguing nose of wild raspberry, cherry, plum, dried roses, tobacco, cedar and smoldering incense. The flavors are pleasingly ripe and generous, with earthy, silty undertones, as well as licorice, cocoa, and roasted coffee beans. The back reveals sensations of macerated berries, roasted chestnuts, toffee, kidskin, and autumn leaves, followed by a lingering, deftly oaked (50% new French) chewy tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

www.jmcellars.com

2012 Robert Ramsay Cellars “Le Mien” Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($35)
Composed of 62% Grenache, 21% Mourvedre, 10% Counoise, and 7% Cinsault, this South Rhone style wine offers a deep, brilliant ruby color and rich, sultry aromas of wild raspberry, blueberry and pomegranate, with scents of crushed roses, lavender and violets. The flavors are thick and juicy, with succulent red and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, baker’s chocolate, medium roast coffee and minerally earth. On the back, the wine turns chewy and savory, with sensations of framboise liqueur, dried orange peel, pomegranate seeds, and a squeeze of blueberry juice, all gliding deliciously into a ripe, lingering herb and spice dusted finish. 18.5/20 points.

2012 Robert Ramsay Cellars Counoise, Red Mountain, Red Heaven Vineyard ($35)
Counoise is one of the 13 varieties used in Chateauneuf du Pape. This is one of the few stand-alone versions. It exhibits a deep crimson color and intriguing aromas of wild raspberries, cherries, Damson plums, rosebuds, mulberries, anise, lavender and smoldering spiced incense. The mouth-encompassing flavors are infused with black licorice, dark cocoa, Sumatra roast, and Red Mountain scorched earth and minerals. The richness continues on the back with sensations of roasted berries and nuts, dried spiced cherries and orange peel. Bright, lip smacking fruit acids preface the lingering herb and spice accented ripe tannin finish. This wine’s flavor interest gives it a plus. 18.5+/20 points.

www.robertramsaycellars.com

2013 Sparkman Cellars “Wonderland” Grenache, Yakima Valley ($32)
This is a tasty young Grenache (with 12% Syrah) from the Boushey, Lonesome Springs, Oasis and Olsen vineyards. It offers a deep crimson-ruby color and intriguing aromas of raspberry, plum, persimmon and pomegranate, with scents of rosebuds, orange peel, brambles, lavender and spiced incense. The medium bodied red and blue fruit flavors are deliciously ripe and vivid, with intermixtures of red licorice, cocoa, and medium roast coffee and alluvial minerals. On the back, the wine turns chewy textured, with sensations of squeezed berries, framboise liqueur, pomegranate seeds and recurring dried orange peel, all culminating in a lingering spice dusted finish. The vibrancy of this wine gives it a plus. 18.5+/20 points.

2012 Sparkman Cellars “Kingpin” Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($62)
This is an archetypical Red Mountain Cabernet. Deep ruby colored, it emits rich aromas of wild blackberries, red cherries, Damson plums, black currants, red roses, cigar box, violets and smoldering incense. On the palate, the flavors are thick and expansive. Imbued with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, Sumatra roast and Red Mountain scorched earth. The back reveals sensations of pressed berries, kirsch liqueur, crème de cassis, toffee, and touches of kidskin, lanolin, and graphite, followed by a lingering, deftly oaked, sweetish moderate tannin finish. The depth and breadth of flavor gives this wine a plus. 19+/20 points.

www.sparkmancellars.com

Walla Walla Valley Spring Release Preview Part II

Below are more wines that will be poured during Spring Release May 1 through 3. For others, see the April issue. Also see Highly Recommended below for some more outstanding new releases.

2013 Sleight of Hand Cellars “The Enchantress” Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, French Creek Vineyard ($28)
This is a striking terroir-driven Chardonnay from a 30 plus year old vineyard that is strewn with Missoula flood rocks over a basalt substrate. It exhibits a brilliant gold color and enticing aromas of Asian pear-apple, peach, papaya and citrus, with scents of apple blossoms and meadow flowers. The flavors, as well, are alluring, with notes of peach stones, pear skin and minerals. The back reveals sensations of poire William liqueur, crème fraiche and a touch of vanilla oak, followed by a lingering persistently minerally finish. This delivers a lot for the price, giving it 19/20 points.

2013 Sleight of Hand Cellars “The Conjurer” Red Blend, Columbia Valley ($28)
This bottling consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot. It displays a deep ruby color and attractive aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, rosebuds, anise and sweet, spiced incense. The flavors brim with bright young medium full-bodied red and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, medium roast coffee, and loamy earth. The back picks up squeezed berries, kirsch liqueur, and plum preserves, followed by a ripe, lightly oaked (15% new) sweetish moderate tannin finish.  18.5/20 points.

See Highly Recommended below for the 2012 Archimage and Illusionist.

www.sofhcellars.com

2012 Locati Cellars Estate Barbera, Walla Walla Valley ($25)
This is a fine rendition of an Italian Piedmont variety. It shows a brick red color and ripe aromas of cherry, plum, red roses, bayberry and whiffs of smoke. The red fruit flavors are bright and juicy, with notes of red licorice, baking chocolate and silty earth. The back reveals squeezed tart cherries (a Barbera trait) that are counterpointed by a supple texture and a ripe tannin finish. 18+/20 points.

2012 Locati Cellars Primitivo, Walla Walla Valley ($28)
From the Seven Hills Vineyard, this clonal Zinfandel offers a deep ruby-garnet color and rich aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, dried roses, brambles, and spiced tobacco smoke. The medium bodied flavors are redolent of semi-dried fruits, and minerally earth, evoking a southern Italian red. On the back, the dried fruits theme continues with notes of dried cherries and plums, roasted nuts and grappa liqueur, followed by a savory, ripe sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

www.locaticellars.com

2012 Helix by Reininger “Stone Tree SoRho” Red Wine Columbia Valley ($36)
This vintage of Chuck Reininger’s South Rhone style wine is composed of 42% Mourvèdre, 31% Cinsault and 27% Grenache. It displays a deep ruby color and rich aromas of boysenberry, cherry, cassis, mulberry, garrigue and spiced incense. The flavors are generous, yet focused, with the ripe fruits intermixed with licorice, cocoa, roasted coffee beans and Wahluke Slope scorched earth. The back picks up macerated berries, roasted nuts and toffee, followed by a deliciously ripe, savory finish. 18.5/20 points.

www.reiningerwinery.com

Continued...

2013 Forgeron Cellars Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($28)
This multi vineyard Chardonnay (with 4% Roussanne) offers brilliant gold color and attractive aromas of pear, peach and citrus, with scents of pear and orange blossoms and spring flowers. On the palate, the flavors are pleasingly ripe and juicy, with notes of peach stone, kiwi and grapefruit. The back picks up touches of poire William liqueur, caramel, and vanilla oak (34% new French), and lemon zest, followed by a lingering, crisp and minerally finish. Lynn: “I love this wine.” 19/20 points.

2012 Forgeron Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($35)
Ninety percent Cabernet Sauvignon and ten percent Petit Verdot, this wine shows a deep, brilliant ruby color and aromas of blackberries, blueberries, plums, juniper berries, roses and violets. The flavors are full-bodied, yet silky and elegant, with notes of licorice, Swiss chocolate, French roast, and variegated earth minerals. The back reveals sensations of pressed berries, roasted nuts and deft oak (45% new), followed by a lingering smooth, yet firm tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.

www.forgeroncellars.com

2012 Result of a Crush Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($28)
Result of a Crush is a project of Matt Reynvaan’s sisters, Amanda and Angela. Mostly Syrah, this is a thick and chewy wine. Deep purplish colored, it emits aromas of blackberry, blueberry and cassis, with scents of black roses, garrigue, brambles and spiced incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with generous, meaty flavors that are intermixed with chocolate, coffee grounds and minerally earth. The back picks up notes of roasted berries and nuts, leather and toffee on the way to a grainy moderate tannin and acid finish. 18.5/20 points.

www.resultofacrush.com

2012 Otis Kenyon Carmenère, Washington State, Phinny Hill Vineyard ($40)
Deep crimson colored (a trait of Carmenère, the “lost grape” of Bordeaux), this wine emits alluring, perfumed aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum and cassis, with scents of rose petals, sandalwood, dark violets and oriental incense. On the palate, the dark fruit flavors are sensuous and richly textured, imbued with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, French roast and Phinny Hill basaltic earth. The back picks up squeezed berries, kirsch liqueur, crème de cassis, fruit confit and a touch of kidskin, followed by a lingering ripe, grainy moderate acid and tannin finish. 19/20 points.

www.otiskenyonwine.com

2012 Mansion Creek Cellars “Waldheim Cuvee” Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($28)
This is a tasty blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenère and Malbec. It shows a deep ruby color and rich aromas of blackberry, cherry and plum, with scents of black roses, mulberry, tobacco, brambles and incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with thick, direct dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, chocolate, roasted coffee beans and minerally earth. On the back, a chewy texture emerges, with sensations of macerated berries, roasted nuts, mocha and toffee, followed by a ripe, grainy moderate tannin and acid finish. 18.5/20 points.

2012 Mansion Creek Cellars “Waldheim” Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($36)
Deep ruby colored, this wine emits engaging aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, black roses, juniper berry, tobacco, anise and rubbed sage. On the palate, the flavors are direct and true to variety, with intermixtures of bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee beans and earth. The back picks up notes of pressed berries, roasted nuts, kirsch and mocha, followed by a savory (cardamom, clove) ripe tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

www.mansioncreekcellars.com

Highly Recommended

2012 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Rouge, Red Mountain ($67)
This vintage of DeLille’s flagship red is composed of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It displays a deep ruby color and intoxicating aromas of wild blackberries, mountain blueberries, black cherries, sandalwood, juniper berries, tobacco, lavender, anise and smoldering incense. The flavors, as well, are seductive, redolent of rich, deep-cored flavors that are underpinned with licorice, dark chocolate, Sumatra roast, and Red Mountain scorched earth and calcareous minerals. On the back, the intensity is reinforced by roasted berries and nuts, kirsch liqueur, dried meats, and well-integrated spiced oak, followed by satiny tannins on the long, long finish. 19.5/20 points

2012 DeLille Cellars Harrison Hill Red Wine, Snipes Mountain ($90)
From one of the oldest vineyards in the state, this is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It exhibits a deep ruby-garnet color and seductive aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, dried oranges, tobacco, sandalwood, anise, and oriental incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with deep, supple, well-extracted dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, dark cocoa, French roast and gravelly minerals. On the back, the wine picks up roasted berries and nuts, kidskin leather, autumn leaves, pencil lead, and integrated fine grain oak. The lengthy, elegant spiced (cardamom, clove) finish reveals a strikingly Bordeaux like character. 19.5/20 points.

www.delillecellars.com

2012 Adams Bench “Ursula” Sangiovese, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($52)
Named for Erica Blue’s sister, this wine displays a deep, brilliant ruby color and enticing aromas of wild cherries, plums, mulberries and olives, with scents of rosebuds, sandalwood, sweet tobacco, fennel, and incense. The medium full-bodied flavors, as well, are seductive, with a rich, fleshy texture that is imbued with licorice, cocoa powder, Darjeeling tea, and Red Willow stony earth. The back reveals sensations of gently roasted berries and sweet nuts, grappa, Vin Santo, and finely ground spices (cardamom, coriander) and herbs (rosemary, sage), followed seamlessly by a long, slightly nutted, sweet-dry tannin finish. This is the most complex and compelling Washington Sangiovese reviewed so far. 19.5/20 points.

2012 Adams Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($60)
This is another stellar vintage from Mike Sauer’s vineyard. Composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% each of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it offers seductive, almost ethereal, aromas of wild raspberries and cherries, plums, and cassis, with scents of attar of rose, sandalwood, violets, and wafts of white oriental incense. The flavors, as well, are alluring, with deep multi-layered dark fruits that are interwoven with licorice, dark cocoa, and French roast, all underlain with old vine minerality. The Cab Franc and Merlot add a touch of graininess to the satiny texture, and the back reveals gently pressed ripe fruits, toasted nuts, kirsch, and lanolin, all gliding effortlessly into an elegant, well oaked, lingering finish that lasts sixty seconds. 20/20 points.

www.adamsbench.com

The following Walla Walla Valley wines were released during “Cayuse Weekend,” April 3-4. They are not to be missed.

2012 L’Ecole No. 41 Ferguson Vineyard Estate Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($59)
Marty Clubb introduced this blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 6% each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec at a dinner celebrating the 100th Birthday of the Frenchtown Schoolhouse. It exhibits a semi opaque ruby color and an intense nose of blackberry, cherry, cassis, attar of rose, juniper berry, cigar box, violets and incense. The dark fruit flavors are wrapped around a firm, yet supple core, marked by notes of black licorice, bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee beans and basaltic minerals. The intensity continues on the back with sensations of macerated berries, roasted nuts, integrated oak, precise fruit acids and firm yet smooth tannins on the lingering finish. With real depth and complexity, this gets 19.5/20 points.

See the April issue for other recent L’Ecole releases.

www.lecole.com

2012 Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Klipsun Vineyard ($45)
From a block planted in 1989, this 100% varietal wine exhibits a deep ruby color and intriguing aromas of wild raspberries, black cherries, plums, black roses, tobacco, sage, and a hint of mint. The flavors are deep and penetrating, marked by notes of licorice, bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee beans and Red Mountain calcareous earth and minerals. The back reveals sensations of macerated berries, toffee, graphite and vanillin, followed by a lingering pepper dusted dryish tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

Continued...

2012 Seven Hills “Pentad” Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($75)
This vintage of Seven Hills’ signature five variety blend is composed of 67% Cabernet Sauvingon, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 7% Carmenère. Deep crimson colored, it possesses enticing aromas of wild blackberry, cherry, Damson plum, crushed rose petals, juniper berries, cigar box, vanillin and spiced incense. The dark fruit flavors are deep and wrapped around a firm core, integrating notes of black licorice, bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and silt and gravel minerals. The back reveals sensations of pressed berries, kirsch liqueur and crème de cassis, along with touches of mocha, fig, leather and vanilla oak, followed by a long, satiny ripe tannin finish. 19.5/20 points.

www.sevenhillswinery.com

2012 Sleight of Hand Cellars “The Archimage” Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($52)
A blend of 49% Cabernet Franc, 48% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, mostly from the Blue Mountain vineyard, this wine offers a deep ruby color and enticing aromas of raspberry, Bing cherry, red currants, crushed roses, mulberry, tobacco, sage, and spiced oriental incense. The medium full-bodied flavors mirror the aromatics with dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, bittersweet chocolate and French roast and gravelly minerals. The back reveals sensations of macerated berries and roasted nuts, with touches of leather, graphite, and caramel, all leading into a long, moderately oaked (40% new French) sweet-dry tannin finish. This evokes the memory of a fine Right Bank Bordeaux. 19+/20 points.

2012 Sleight of Hand Cellars “The Illusionist” Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($52)
This 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, exhibits a deep ruby color and an intoxicating nose of wild blackberries, cherries, plums, crushed roses, juniper berry, cigar box, violets and oriental perfumes. The dark fruit flavors are equally seductive, wrapped around a deep core, and interwoven with black licorice, Swiss chocolate, French roast, and gravelly minerals. The intensity continues on the back with sensations of roasted berries and nuts, toffee, crème de cacao, and graphite, all flowing seamlessly into a toasty oak laced (60% new French for 20 months) and spice dusted (nutmeg, cardamom, clove) lingering, ripe yet firm tannin finish that lasts two minutes. This is Trey Busch’s best Illusionist to date, and it can easily go another ten years. 19.5/20 points.

www.sofhcellars.com

2012 Va Piano Vineyards “Black Label” Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, DuBrul Vineyard ($95)
This wine debuted at the Va Piano Black Label Release Party. One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, it displays a deep crimson-ruby color and intoxicating aromas of wild blackberries, Bing cherries, Damson plums, attar of rose, juniper berries, cigar box, anise, olive and black violets. The flavors mirror the aromatics with layers of penetrating dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, dark roast coffee, alluvial minerals and Rattlesnake Hills scorched earth. The intensity continues on the back with sensations of roasted berries, toasted walnuts, kirsch liqueur, dried cherries, toffee, lanolin, kidskin, graphite, and fine-grained oak (75% new French), all leading into a long,, authoritative sweet-dry tannin finish. Should age beautifully for ten or more years. 19.5/20 points.

www.vapianovineyards.com

2012 Maison Bleue “Bourgeois” Grenache, Columbia Valley ($50)
Sourced from the Boushey, Ciel du Cheval and Seven Hills vineyard, this is Jon Meuret’s best Grenache to date. It exhibits a deep ruby-garnet color and enticing aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, cherry, and cassis, orange peel, crushed roses, white pepper and oriental incense. The palate is bathed with thick, ripe, juicy, yet deep and focused red and black fruit flavors that are multilayered with notes of licorice, cocoa powder, herbal tea and earthy minerals. On the back, the wine intensifies, with sensations of gently macerated berries, roasted nuts and meats, framboise and kirsch liqueurs, recurring dried orange peel, all reeling out into a lingering, complex, ultra refined, spice dusted, finish, with fine grained tannins and precise acids. 19.5+/20 points.

Maison Bleue Tasting Room, Manager Dawn Brumfield

2012 Maison Bleue “Voyageur” Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($55)
This comes from some of the oldest Syrah vines in the Valley; Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills and Yellow Jacket. It displays a semi opaque crimson-ruby color and intoxicating aromas of blackberries, blueberries, black currants, crushed roses, brambles, lavender, violets and smoldering incense. The black and blue fruit flavors are massive, yet svelte and seamless, casting a wide swath across the palate, underpinned by black licorice, Swiss chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and loess, gravel and cobblestone minerals from the wine’s three terroirs. The intensity continues on the back, with sensations of macerated berries, crème de cassis, blueberry preserves, toasted nuts, and touches of suede leather, mocha and burnt charcoal, all leading into a lingering, spice and herb dusted satiny ripe tannin finish. 19.5+/20 points.

www.mbwinery.com

Best Buys

This section is devoted to wines that offer high quality/price ratios. If a wine scores less than 18 points, but is priced below it’s quality level, it may be included. And wines rated 18 or more, are included if they sell for substantially less than their peers.

More New Rosés

2014 Forgeron Cellars Rosé of Sangiovese, Walla Walla Valley, Seven Hills Vineyard ($22)
Whole cluster pressed, and then cold fermented in neutral oak, this is a beautiful Rosé. It displays a copper-tinged pink color and lovely aromas of strawberry, Rainer cherry, and pink peach, with scents of pink lilac and lavender. The flavors, as well, are fresh and appealing, with bright fruits dancing on the palate, along with sensations of fraise and cerise liqueurs, peach stone and minerals, all leading into a lingering, juicy finish. One of Lynn’s favorite Rosés. 18.5/20 points.

2014 Lauren Ashton Cellars Rosé, Columbia Valley, ($24)
This is a lovely 50/50 combination of Grenache and Mourvèdre. Pale copper tinged pink, colored, it emits enticing aromas of fraises de bois, Rainier cherry and tangerine, with scents of cherry and orange blossoms, On the palate, the flavors are crisp and resonant, with notes of fraise and cerise liqueurs and stony minerals. The finish is enlivened by zesty orange peel and dustings of cinnamon and clove. Lynn says, “spring, summer vibrancy.” 18.5/20 points.

www.laurenashtoncellars.com

Continued...

2014 Gramercy Cellars Rosé, Columbia Valley, Olsen Vineyard ($25)
Composed of 50% Cinsault, 28% Grenache and 22% Syrah, this offers a light copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, watermelon and pink peach, with scents of spring flowers, white lavender, and wafts of incense. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with hints of peach stone and melon rind, followed by a lingering, juicy, yet crisp and dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

www.gramercycellars.com

2014 Result of a Crush Rosé, Columbia Valley ($20)
This is an interesting Rosé of Tempranillo. Orangish copper colored, it offers intriguing aromas of wild raspberry, pink peach and watermelon, rosebuds, orange peel and wafts of spiced incense. The flavors, as well, are distinctive, with notes of grape skin, melon rind and peach stones. The back picks up framboise and pêche liqueurs and orange peel on the lightly spiced, slightly honeyed finish that is lifted by bright fruit acids. 18+/20 points.

2014 Balboa Rosé of Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Eidolon Vineyard ($24)
Co-fermented with 4% Viognier, this Rosé shows a brilliant copper color and enticing aromas of raspberry, red currant, Rainer cherry, tangerine, lavender and spiced incense. The flavors are ripe and well extracted, with notes of grape skin, cherry juice, and framboise liqueur, and a twist of orange peel, followed by lightly spiced (nutmeg, clove) dry finish. If you like a fuller style of Rosé, this is for you. 18.5/20 points.

www.balboawinery.com

Coming up in our June Issue...

• A Visit to Red Mountain
• More New Wines from Woodinville
• Walla Walla Valley Spring Release Weekend
• Highly Recommended Wines
• Best Buys

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