Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for August 2017. Wines are listed alphabetically by winery. Read additional information on how I review wines here. All of these reviews are freely available on-line at the Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide. There is also a freely available Wine Enthusiast Tasting Guide app. See previous Wine Enthusiast reviews re-published in this space here. Search Wine Enthusiast‘s on-line database here.

153 wines reviewed in the August issue of Wine Enthusiast. Avennia continues to make some of the best wines in the state (Avennia 2014 Valery Columbia Valley $50, 92 points; Avennia 2014 Sestina Columbia Valley $65, 91 points).

Newcomer Damsel Cellars impresses with its Damsel 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley ($28, 91 points) and Damsel 2014 Boushey Vineyard Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley ($32, 91 points).

The Les Trouvés 2014 Red Blend Columbia Valley ($25, 92 points) offers exceptional quality and value.

Mark Ryan Winery crafts a strong set of Rhone-style wines, including Mark Ryan 2014 Lost Soul Red Willow Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley ($48, 93 points) and Mark Ryan 2014 Crazy Mary Mourvèdre Red Mountain ($48, 92 points).

Passing Time releases three stunning Cabernet Sauvignons (Passing Time 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $75, 92 points; Passing Time 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $75, 92 points; Passing Time 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $75, 91 points).

Savage Grace makes two compelling Syrahs (Savage Grace 2016 Red Willow Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $28, 91 points; Savage Grace 2015 Underwood Mountain Vineyards Syrah Columbia Gorge $35, 92 points).

Seven Hills Winery produces more impressive wines than I can reasonably list here. Check out the reviews below.

On the value side, check out the Charles & Charles 2016 Rosé Columbia Valley ($12, 89 points) and Renegade 2016 Rosé Columbia Valley ($12, 88 points).

Enjoy!

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14 Hands 2014 Limited Release Kentucky Derby Red Blend Columbia Valley $12 87 points
Aromas are light, with notes of matchstick, herb and cherry. The cherry and plum flavors are sweet and generous, providing easy-drinking appeal. Best Buy

14 Hands NV Brut Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Blend Columbia Valley $15 87 points
Light aromas of lemon, apple, pineapple, toast and spice lead to just off-dry flavors. It drinks a little sweet for a brut but still delivers enjoyment—a straightforward crowd pleaser.

14 Hands 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $12 88 points
The aromas of barrel spice, toast, herb and plum are reticent on first pour. On the palate, sweet fruit flavors are supported by lightly grainy tannins. It’s straight down the fairway. Best Buy

14 Hands 2015 Reserve Late Harvest Viognier Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
The aromas are somewhat light considering the variety and style, with notes of orange peel and flower. It drinks sweet, finishing with orange flavors. It’s enjoyable but the concentration doesn’t seem all there.

Auclair 2014 Left Blend Artz Vineyard Red Mountain $48 87 points
This wine is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Baking-spice aromas are at the fore, followed by dried-out dark fruit and herbs. The palate is reserved in style, with the tannins bringing some grit.

Auclair 2014 Right Blend Artz Vineyard Red Mountain $39 88 points
Merlot and Cabernet Franc make up equal parts of this blend. Aromas are up front, with notes of baking spice, dates, anise and slightly dried-out fruit. Dark-cherry flavors bring a sense of concentration and enjoyment.

Avennia 2014 Valery Columbia Valley $50 92 points
This wine is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, with the fruit coming from Boushey and Champoux vineyards. Seeing just 30% new French oak, the wine emphasizes the fruit, with wound-up aromas of herb, bay leaf, pencil lead and red cherry. The palate shows an exquisite sense of restraint along with a compelling mouthfeel. It’s a beautiful expression of these two varieties, all about subtlety. Give it time to open up.

Avennia 2014 Sestina Columbia Valley $65 91 points
Coming from older vine plantings at Dionysus, Red Willow, Boushey and Bacchus vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) takes the lead, with the rest Merlot (20%) and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of graphite, savory herb and red and black fruit are followed by refined fruit flavors. It shows a sophisticated sensibility, bringing a sense of texture and vibrancy, along with a lingering finish.

Barnard Griffin 2015 Syrah Columbia Valley $17 90 points
This is an intriguing offering, with aromas of crushed flower, herb, orange peel, blue fruit and wet stone. The palate is loaded with fruit and savory flavors that show a delicate styling. The balance is downright impressive.

Board Track Racer 2015 Chardonnay Yakima Valley $28 88 points
This wine starts out lightly reductive, providing initial distraction from the aromas of pear, lees and spice. The palate is medium bodied, with a creamy, generous feel.

Board Track Racer 2014 The Shift Red Blend Columbia Valley $28 91 points
Though labeled as a red wine, this wine is 97% Syrah and 3% Mourvèdre. The aromas are wound-up and high-toned at present, with notes of purple fruit and black fruit, bittersweet chocolate and barrel spice. The palate is sweet and saturated with black-fruit flavors, showing the warmth of the vintage. It’s far from shy and delivers a lot of hedonistic appeal. Editor’s Choice

Board Track Racer 2015 The Vincent White Chardonnay Columbia Valley $15 86 points
Aromas of pear, lees, herb and spice lead to a medium-bodied palate. Some bitter notes provide a bit of distraction.

Canvasback 2014 Grand Passage Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $80 91 points
The aromas are quite wound up at present, with notes of vanilla, Moroccan spice, woodspice, pencil lead and brooding dark fruit. The palate is full of concentrated black cherry and blackberry flavors along with well-integrated tannins. It shows some pleasing subtleties, so give it time to open up.

Charles & Charles 2016 Rosé Columbia Valley $12 89 points
A blend of Syrah (60%), Grenache (17%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Mourvèdre (10%), Cinsault (2%) and Counoise, this wine is very pale yellow-pink in color. It offers appealing aromas of orange rind, citrus and strawberry. The palate is dry and quite tart, loaded with citrus flavors. It brings a lot of enjoyment. Best Buy

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Cold Creek Vineyard Merlot Columbia Valley $30 87 points
Baking spice and vanilla aromas are at the fore, followed by blue fruit and barrel spices. The barrel influence (71% new French and American) leads on the palate as well, with abundant vanilla flavors that wash over the fruit. There’s some good fruit underneath, if you can get to it.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay Columbia Valley $22 90 points
Despite coming from the warmest vintage on record for the state, this wine displays a very pleasing sense of restraint. Aromas of straw, clarified butter and peach are followed by well-balanced, textured fruit flavors. An elegant styling only heightens the appeal.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $20 90 points
Canoe Ridge Vineyard is the warmer of the winery’s two single-vineyard Chardonnay sites. Straw, spice and stone-fruit aromas lead to a full-bodied palate, loaded with ripe peach and tropical-fruit flavors. It provides lots of appeal, along with exquisite balance.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot Horse Heaven Hills $24 89 points
This wine shows light aromas of blue fruit, plum and spice. The palate boasts sculpted fruit and barrel flavors, conveying a good sense of structure and balance.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Ethos Reserve Merlot Columbia Valley $45 91 points
Most of the fruit for this wine comes from the esteemed Cold Creek Vineyard. It brings an aromatic medley of plum, cocoa, vanilla, milk chocolate and spice. The flavors are plush in feel, barrel heavy, but still bringing plenty of appeal.

Columbia Crest 2014 Reserve Coyote Canyon Syrah Horse Heaven Hills $40 88 points
Aromas of smoke, herb, barrel spice and dark fruit lead to medium-bodied, supple fruit flavors. It doesn’t all seem to come together at present, with the wood seeming primary.

Columbia Crest 2014 Reserve Beverly Vineyard Malbec Columbia Valley $40 88 points
On first pour, the aromas of toast, char, spice and herb show some reduction that blows off over time. The purple-fruit flavors are lighter in style, showing a pleasing sense of purity, with the concentration dipping in the middle before coming back together on the finish.

Damsel 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $28 91 points
All coming from Stillwater Creek, this aromatic wine offers vibrant aromas of purple fruit along with herb, whiffs of smoked meat and violets. The palate is tart, bright and fresh, with lively acidity and good depth of flavor.

Damsel 2014 Boushey Vineyard Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley $32 91 points
This 100% varietal wine comes from a vineyard best known for its Syrah. It offers brooding aromas of mortared savory herbs, bittersweet chocolate and spice that lead to tart, well-balanced fruit flavors, backed by lightly dry tannins.

Doubleback 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $94 92 points
This wine is a blend of McQueen, Bob Healy and Lefore vineyard fruit, aged 22 months in 73% new French oak. Alluring aromas of macerated cherries, scorched earth, coffee, barrel spice and dark chocolate are followed by supple, focused, concentrated dark-fruit flavors. It brings some tannic heft that will benefit from time in the cellar. Best from 2023–2030. Cellar Selection

Drumheller 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $12 86 points
The aromas of plum and blue fruit bring appeal but don’t seem entirely varietal. Flavors are sweet, backed by lightly tacky-feeling tannins. It delivers easy-drinking enjoyment, though characteristics of the variety seems hard to find.

Drumheller 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley $12 87 points
Though labeled as Merlot, this smells more like Syrah which makes up 20% of the blend, with aromas of blue and purple fruit along with whiffs of smoked meat and dried herb. The fruit flavors are sweet and plump, backed by soft, luxurious tannins. It’s enjoyable but doesn’t seem varietally correct. Best Buy

Dunham 2015 Shirley Mays Lewis Estate Vineyard Chardonnay Columbia Valley $25 88 points
Bright aromas of toast, spice and pear are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors that persist on the finish.

Fidelitas 2014 Optu Red Mountain $50 88 points
Cabernet Sauvignon (73%) makes up the majority of this wine, with the rest filled out by Merlot (15%), Petit Verdot (8%) and Cabernet Franc. Anise, woodspice and herb aromas are at the fore, leaning a bit into the green. The palate is light and elegant, with the tannins bringing a fair amount of grittiness. It needs some food to keep them in check.

Gamache 2013 Estate Grown Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $25 86 points
Aromas of herb, macerated cherries, toast, flowers and a strong Band Aid note are followed by sleek cherry and game flavors that narrowtoward the finish.

Gamache 2013 Vineyard Select Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain $50 86 points
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc each make up 50% of this blend. The aromas are forward, with notes of matchstick, smoke, herb, char and game. The flavors are lighter in style, with game and herb influences throughout that distract.

Gamache 2012 Estate Grown Merlot Columbia Valley $25 88 points
Already five years old, this wine still doesn’t hasn’t opened up, seeming fairly muted aromatically. The flavors are medium bodied, round in the middle and tapering toward the finish.

Gamache 2012 Estate Grown Malbec Columbia Valley $30 86 points
This aromatically unusual wine, with notes of cocoa and green herb, seems to show some oxidation. The purple fruit and orange-peel flavors are on the lighter side of medium bodied, pulling up on the finish.

Gamache 2011 Barrel Select Nicolas Columbia Valley $40 88 points
Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (34%) make up the majority of this blend, with the balance equal parts Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Aromas are light and high-toned, with notes of savory herb, cherry and cedar. Elegant in style, the palate is backed by tart acids. The midpalate concentration at times seems a bit wanting, with cranberry flavors lingering on the finish.

Gamache 2013 Vineyard Select Reserve Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $40 87 points
This wine is a blend of fruit from Gamache (65%) and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. Aromas of game, Band Aid and dried cherry are followed by lush, sweet fruit and savory flavors. There are some interesting things going on but the gaminess proves too distracting.

Gamache 2013 Estate Grown Syrah Columbia Valley $30 85 points
Barrel aromas are in the lead here, with notes of sawdust and cedar, along with Band Aid and gamy notes. Dark fruit aromas are in the background. The full-bodied flavors reveal more of the same, showing a lot of heat.

Gård 2016 Freyja Lawrence Vineyards White Blend Columbia Valley $14 87 points
This wine is 63% Viognier and 37% Roussanne. High-toned aromas of candlewax, flower petal, green apple and herb lead to dry, acid-driven fruit flavors. It doesn’t all come together but provides plenty of intrigue.

Gorman 2014 Old Scratch GSM Columbia Valley $28 87 points
This wine is 80% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache. It brings unusual aromas of sawdust, mushroom, Band Aid, dark fruit and spice. The palate is lush and full, showing warmth on the finish.

Gorman 2015 The Big Sissy Chardonnay Columbia Valley $35 91 points
Pale straw in color, this wine brings alluring aromas of toast, spice, clarified butter and stone fruit. The palate is full bodied with sweet, generous peach and tropical-fruit flavors that sail on the finish.

Gorman 2014 Zachary’s Ladder Red Blend Red Mountain $30 90 points
Cabernet Sauvignon (73%) makes up the majority of this blend, with the balance Syrah (15%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas of barrel spice, baking spice, dark fruit and herb are followed by luxurious black-fruit flavors that linger on the finish. It shows a bit of heat but otherwise delivers.

Gorman 2014 The F.O.G. Cabernet Franc Red Mountain $80 91 points
High-toned herb aromas mix with barrel spice, pencil lead and blackberry notes on this initially aromatically brooding wine. The palate holds nothing back with rich, intense black-fruit flavors that display a ripe style. It’s a bit hard to get at the variety but the yum factor is there.

Gorman 2014 The Sleeping Giant Boushey Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $60 91 points
This is an aromatic wine, with notes of blackberry, braised meat, Kalamata olive, iron and French-oak spices. The palate holds nothing back, with bold, rich fruit flavors that coat the palate, showing warmth on the finish. Although the oak seems prominent it still provides enjoyment.

Gorman 2014 The Pixie Syrah Red Mountain $45 92 points
Brooding dark fruit and luxurious French oak spices intermingle on the aromas. The palate is seamless with pitch-black fruit flavors. Not a shy wine, it’s an exhibition of power.

Gorman 2014 The Bully Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $50 91 points
The aromas are wound up at present, with notes of generous barrel spices, dried herb, dark fruit and pencil lead. The dark-cherry flavors are smooth and supple, backed by fine-grained tannins.

Gorman 2014 The Albatross Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $80 88 points
Barrel aromas are up front on this wine, with notes of char, smoke and coffee bean ahead of herb and cherry. On the palate, the barrel influence also seems to overwhelm the fruit, which doesn’t quite have the strength to stand up. Additional time in the bottle might bring it around.

Gorman 2014 Black Curtain Reserve Syrah Red Mountain $80 87 points
Aromas are light, with notes of potpourri, barrel spices, game and dark fruit. The black-cherry flavors are tart and puckering, also showing tannic grip. This wine seems disjointed at present.

Gorman 2015 The F.O.G. Gewürztraminer Columbia Gorge $28 88 points
This barrel-aged wine brings bright aromas of ginger, spice and lychee. It’s rich and full bodied, showing some warmth on the finish.

Gorman 2014 The Evil Twin Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $65 91 points
Syrah makes up just under two-thirds of this blend. Dark in color, it brings aromas of generous French-oak spices along with mineral, olive and dark fruit followed by a spicy top note. The palate is rich and dense, full of tightly wound cherry flavors that linger on the finish.

Hedges 2013 Descendants Liégeois Dupont Les Gosses Vineyard Syrah Red Mountain $30 88 points
This wine is brooding, with aromas of dark cherry and game. The palate boasts bold fruit and savory flavors along with slightly bunched-up tannins.

Hightower 2013 Estate Red Blend Red Mountain $45 87 points
Petit Verdot (38%) takes the lead on this blend, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (26%), Merlot (12%), Cabernet Franc (12%) and Malbec. The aromas come off as leafy and green, with notes of dates, flowers and spice. The palate is quite light and elegant, not having the heft to stand on its own. The extraction seems dialed way back.

Hightower 2013 Reserve Red Mountain $55 89 points
This wine is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Petit Verdot. Aromas are exuberant, with notes of dark cherries and raspberries along with soil, anise, savory herbs and light barrel accents. The palate is surprisingly restrained in style, with the fruit expression and oak dialed back. A core of acidity keeps the interest high.

Lauren Ashton Cellars 2013 Syrah Columbia Valley $35 91 points
A blend of fruit from Ambassador (Red Mountain) and Dineen (Rattlesnake Hills) vineyards, the aromas start off high toned, with notes of violets, talc and purple fruit. The flavors are big, dark and bold, packing a mouthful of fruit but not sacrificing on balance.

Lauren Ashton Cellars 2016 Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley $25 89 points
Rothrock Vineyard provides the fruit for this wine that was fermented and aged in neutral French oak. The aromas are light, with notes of herb, chamomile, green apple and spice. It’s medium bodied, backed by vibrant acidity that carries through the finish.

Lauren Ashton Cellars 2016 Roussanne Columbia Valley $25 88 points
It’s rare to see an offering of this variety in Washington. This one comes from Lonesome Springs Vineyard. Aromas are initially so light you need to strain to get at them, with notes of lemon zest and herb. The palate is medium bodied, with stone-fruit flavors that provide appeal.

Lauren Ashton Cellars 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $25 87 points
The aromas seem a bit disjointed on first pour, with notes of custard, citrus, mineral and spice. The palate is medium bodied, bringing some interest but not entirely pulling it all together.

Lauren Ashton Cellars 2013 Cuvée Mirabelle Columbia Valley $50 91 points
This wine is a blend of Syrah (44.5%), Grenache (33.3%) and Mourvèdre. The aromas are light and nuanced, with notes of raspberry, thistle, flower petal and herb. The red- and black-fruit flavors bring a pleasing sense of purity and freshness that carries through the finish.

Lauren Ashton Cellars 2016 Cuvée Meline Columbia Valley $27 88 points
This wine is a blend of Sémillon (55%) and Sauvignon Blanc from Cave B and Mercer Estate vineyards. Aromas are reticent at present, with notes of reduction, grass, herb and spice. The palate is flavorful, with citrus and tropical-fruit flavors. It delivers a lot of enjoyment.

Les Trouvés 2014 Red Blend Columbia Valley $25 92 points
Mourvèdre (62%) takes the lead on this wine followed by Syrah (21%) and Grenache. It’s aromatic and appealing, with notes of roasted meat, black pepper, herb and plum. The red- and black-fruit flavors are concentrated and bring a compelling sense of texture. Smoke and savory flavors linger on the finish. It’s a standout at this price. Editor’s Choice

Liberty Lake 2012 Heritage Reserve Red Blend Red Mountain $38 88 points
This wine is a blend of 50% Syrah aged for 40 months in new American oak, with the other half Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new Slovakian oak. Aromas of cardamom, green pepper, cherry, vanilla and anise are followed by abundant baking-spice accents backed by tart fruit flavors. Barrel notes take over the finish.

Liberty Lake 2012 Petit Verdot Red Mountain $28 88 points
Light, high-toned aromas of potting soil and purple flowers are followed by lemon-twist flavors and a wall of burly tannins. It’s a bit brusque on its own but will show better with food.

Love That Red 2014 Daily Double Columbia Valley $36 88 points
Cabernet Franc makes up half this wine, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) and Merlot. Plum, blueberry, blackberry and baking-spice aromas lead to a fruit-filled palate with light barrel accents throughout.

Mark Ryan 2014 Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $58 91 points
Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun, Obelisco and Quintessence make up this wine. The aromas of smoke, dark plum, cocoa, herb and spice lead to black-fruit flavors that show a sense of sophistication. There’s no question it comes from a warm vintage and region but it shows a judicious touch.

Mark Ryan 2014 Water Witch Red Mountain $58 90 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (14%) and Petit Verdot all coming from Quintessence Vineyard. Aromas of black tea, smoke, cassis and barrel spice are followed by saturated black-fruit flavors. The tannins bring a bit of grip and the midpalate dips a touch, but overall the wine delivers a lot of enjoyment.

Mark Ryan 2014 Lost Soul Red Willow Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $48 93 points
Coming from one of the state’s premier Syrah vineyards, this wine offers perfumed, intense aromas of boysenberry, tar, mineral, smoked meat and fresh flower. The palate boasts dense, seamless purple and black-fruit flavors that sail on the finish. It’s a standout example of the variety.

Mark Ryan 2014 Crazy Mary Mourvèdre Red Mountain $48 92 points
100% varietal, this wine is a blend of fruit from Ciel du Cheval and Force Majeure vineyards. The dark fruit, mineral, meat, white pepper, green herb and savory aromas are initially brooding but intriguing. The palate packs a big wallop of dark-fruit flavors, bringing a lot of hedonistic appeal. It’s not for the faint of heart but it delivers.

Mark Ryan 2014 Long Haul Columbia Valley $55 91 points
Merlot (78%) takes the lead on this blend, with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon (14%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Petit Verdot (2%). Fragrant aromas of green tea, flowery herb, barrel spice and cherry aromas are followed by concentrated, silky-soft red- and black-fruit flavors and exquisitely integrated tannins.

Mark Ryan 2015 Viognier Columbia Valley $30 89 points
This blend holds fruit from Olsen and Red Willow vineyards. Aromas start out lightly reduced, followed by notes of stone fruit, spice and mineral. The peach flavors are full bodied, bringing generosity and appeal.

Mark Ryan 2014 Lonely Heart Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $95 91 points
This 100% varietal wine is a blend of fruit from Ciel du Cheval and Obelisco vineyards. Aromatically expressive, it boasts directly appealing notes of black plum, cassis, violets and dark spice, with the fruit very primary. The black-fruit flavors coat the palate from end to end and bring a compelling mouthfeel. The tannins are there but are beautifully integrated. It will be best from 2022–2030. Cellar Selection

Mark Ryan 2014 The Dissident Columbia Valley $38 90 points
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 75% of this wine, with the balance Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Aromas of smoke, herb, red and black fruit and spice are followed by plentiful dark-fruit flavors. It delivers a sense of hedonism.

Mark Ryan 2014 Wild Eyed Syrah Red Mountain $48 91 points
Ciel du Cheval Vineyard fruit makes up the majority of this wine, with the balance from Olsen Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Aromas are bright and fruit forward, with notes of purple fruit and spice. The palate is rich, dense and dark, pulling up just a touch toward the finish.

Mark Ryan 2014 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $65 91 points
This is 100% varietal with the fruit coming from Ciel du Cheval, Red Willow and Phinny Hill vineyards. Expressive but still wound-up aromas of exotic spice, French oak, chocolate and dark fruit are followed by pitch-black fruit flavors and tightly wound tannins. It’s not yet ready to fully reveal its charms but has the stuffing to go the distance.

Murray 2014 Syrah Red Mountain $25 87 points
This wine shows a bit of oxidation, along with aromas of orange peel, smoked meat and mountain blueberries. The flavors are medium bodied, providing some textural appeal but not entirely coming together.

Nodland 2013 Bad Attitude Walla Walla Valley $25 88 points
Quite light in color, this wine offers aromas of cherry, berry and baking spice. The palate is lighter styled, full of tart cranberry and cherry flavors, along with kisses of vanilla threaded throughout. It doesn’t quite stand up on its own but does show a pretty sense of balance.

Nodland 2013 Private Blend Walla Walla Valley $32 88 points
This blend of all six Bordeaux varieties is lighter in color and offers wound-up aromas of savory herb, char, exotic spice, green pepper and cherry. The flavors are light and silky in feel, intertwining with charry barrel notes on the lingering finish.

Nodland 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $40 87 points
Aromas are barrel forward, with notes of char, vanilla, toast and sweet spice. The barrel notes continue on the palate, overwhelming the fruit almost completely. It’s a shame as there’s good things to be had underneath.

Noviello 2015 French Creek Vineyard Chardonnay Yakima Valley $28 86 points
Toast, Bosc pear, spice, lees and flower aromas are followed by a sleekly styled palate. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.

Noviello 2014 Brava Red Mountain $48 90 points
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up half of this blend, with the rest equal parts Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Aromas are all high-toned at present and initially wood forward, with brooding notes of vanillin and woodspice followed by dark fruit. The flavors are pitch black and, despite the boldness of the oak, show a very pretty sense of styling.

Noviello 2014 Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $56 89 points
Aromas of baking spice, woodspice and dark fruit are followed by sweet, wood-heavy fruit flavors that show a fair amount of tannic grip. The cranberry accents bring appeal but the wood is pretty primary.

Noviello 2014 Syrah Red Mountain $48 86 points
Aromas of flowers, purple fruit and baking spice are followed by a vanilla-filled palate, with the tannins showing a touch of astringency. The vanilla barrel influence takes over the show, especially on the finish. It’s a shame as there are good things going on underneath.

Owen Roe 2014 The Pearl Block Union Gap Vineyard Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley $72 89 points
Somewhat lighter in color, this wine offers subtle aromas of raspberries, flowers and herb. The flavors are lithe and delicate, with coffee accents that persist on the lingering finish. It’s a very pretty expression of this variety.

Owen Roe 2015 Ex Umbris Syrah Yakima Valley $21 88 points
Nuanced aromas of red fruit, herb, smoked meat and spice are followed by a full-flavored palate that seems tart, almost sour at times. Some rough edges still need to be rounded out but this wine has good stuffing.

Owen Roe 2014 DuBrul Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $72 89 points
This wine displays Cabernet’s greener side, with aromas of savory herb backed by generous barrel spices. The flavors are cranberry-tart and elegant, showing a pretty sense of styling. Those looking for a big, bold Cabernet, look elsewhere. People looking for nuance, this one’s for you.

Owen Roe 2014 Union Gap Vineyard Yakima Valley $85 90 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (42%), Cabernet Franc (34%), Merlot (15%) and Malbec. Aromas are fresh and fruit filled, with notes of raspberry and black cherry, along with abundant spice and herb accents. The palate is vibrant and flavorful, delivering hedonistic appeal as well as freshness. The emphasis is on elegance.

Owen Roe 2014 1973 Block Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $72 90 points
Coming from the original plantings at this esteemed vineyard, this wine brings brooding, high-toned aromas of savory herbs, exotic spice and cherry. The palate is all about sophistication and delicacy of flavor, showing nuance and detail, particularly considering the warmth of the vintage.

Owen Roe 2014 DuBrul Vineyard Yakima Valley $85 91 points
Cabernet Sauvignon (71%) is in the lead here followed by Merlot (24%) and Cabernet Franc. Brooding aromas of herb, smoke, cherry and spice are followed by an elegantly styled palate. Lightly crunchy tannins and tart acids provide support. It’s a very pretty expression of this esteemed vineyard.

Owen Roe 2014 Red Willow Yakima Valley $65 88 points
Cabernet Franc makes up just under half of this wine, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Barrel-spice aromas are in the lead followed by cherry, flower, apple and herb. The cherry flavors are medium bodied, backed by lightly gritty tannins.

Passing Time 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $75 92 points
This is the inaugural release of this wine, which is composed of fruit from Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills vineyards. It’s aromatically generous, with appealing notes of sage, dried herb, cassis, dark chocolate, spice, pencil lead and dark fruit. The palate delivers a mouthful of dark-fruit flavors and tannins that are combined to a fine sheen. It shows a beautiful sense of balance capped off by a persistent finish. It drinks well now but is made with the future in mind.

Passing Time 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $75 92 points
The inaugural release of this wine, this hails largely from the esteemed Klipsun Vineyard. Alluring aromas of herb, earth, cherry liqueur and black fruit lead to sweet, sappy black-fruit flavors and burly but still well-integrated tannins. It’s only going to get better with additional time in the bottle. Best after 2023. Cellar Selection

Passing Time 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $75 91 points
Cabernet from Discovery (43%) and Champoux (43%) vineyards make up the heart of this wine, with dollops of Klipsun Merlot and Champoux Cabernet Franc. Pungent aromas of blackberry, herb and earth lead to sweet black cherry and blackberry flavors that show sophistication. The sense of balance is compelling. It’s very pretty, a thinking person’s Cabernet.

Pursued by Bear 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $85 92 points
This wine is a blend of fruit from top sites DuBrul (60%) and Klipsun. Appealing aromas of milk chocolate, herb, vanilla, French-oak spices and cherry lead to supple, focused cherry, date and spice flavors, capped off by an exceptionally long finish. It delivers both unabashed appeal and plenty of nuance.

Pursued by Bear 2013 Baby Bear Syrah Columbia Valley $60 91 points
In this blend of fruit from Lewis and Phinny Hill vineyards, sweet spice, baking spice, vanilla and dark fruit lead to silky dark fruit and barrel flavors. The wood influence is primary but it still brings a lot of appeal.

Renegade 2016 Rosé Columbia Valley $12 88 points
A pretty pale-peach color, this wine is a blend of Syrah (69%), Cinsault (15%), Grenache (9%) and Mourvèdre. Pleasing aromas of wild strawberry and watermelon lead to tart, dry drinking flavors with a mouthwatering, orange-rind-filled finish. Best Buy

Reynvaan Family Vineyards 2014 The Classic Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $75 91 points
This wine starts out reduced before opening to reveal aromas of earth, peat, pencil lead and dark fruit. Dark plum and black-olive flavors show concentration and sophistication, with the barrel influence dialed way back. It’s an intriguing example of the variety. Give it a short decant.

Ribbon Cliff 2014 Sangiovese Columbia Valley $30 85 points
This wine is lighter in color, with aromas of sawdust, cherry and barnyard. The style is quite faint, with spice flavors on the finish.

Ribbon Cliff 2013 Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $35 88 points
The variety is unmistakable here, with aromas of savory herb mixed with cherry and accented by sweet barrel spices. Flavors are light, dry and reserved in style, with abundant barrel accents that prove a bit distracting.

Ribbon Cliff 2012 Estate Reserve Blend Red Blend Columbia Valley $25 88 points
Sangiovese makes up 45% of this blend, with the balance Barbera (22%), Malbec (22%) and Cabernet Franc. The barrel treatment is at the fore, with notes of baking spice and vanilla that are followed by aromas of dried cherry and herb. The palate is full bodied, loaded with appealing tart cranberry and cherry flavors.

Ribbon Cliff 2013 Malbec Columbia Valley $35 87 points
Barrel notes dominate, with aromas of vanilla, pencil lead and coconut shavings out in front of purple fruit that’s struggling to get to the surface. The palate is tart and elegantly styled, but the wood takes over the show.

Ribbon Cliff 2013 Estate Reserve Blend Columbia Valley $30 89 points
This wine is an unusual blend of Barbera (40%), Malbec (25%), Sangiovese (21%) and Cabernet Franc. It works, with aromas of sweet baking spices, vanilla, cherry and herb that are followed by generous, velvety cherry flavors. The oak is very primary but it still brings appeal.

Savage Grace 2016 Underwood Mountain Vineyards Grüner Veltliner Columbia Gorge $24 89 points
This variety is extremely rare in Washington, especially in single-vineyard wines that are dry farmed. Light aromas of white pepper, lime and herb are followed by a dry palate marked by a strong sense of acidity. It needs food to shine.

Savage Grace 2016 Red Willow Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $28 91 points
This wine comes from three-year-old vines at this esteemed vineyard. Lighter in color, it has aromas that pop and are very primary, with notes of boysenberry, raspberry and herb. Lighter in style, the flavors are pure and direct, showing no new oak influence (neutral barrels for four months) and an appealing feel. The purity is dazzling. It impresses on its own but is meant to be shown at the dinner table. Editor’s Choice

Savage Grace 2015 Underwood Mountain Vineyards Syrah Columbia Gorge $35 92 points
This wine hails from an up-and-coming appellation and one of the few dry-farmed vineyards in the state. Nuanced aromas of white pepper, dried flower, herb and lemon zest provide direct appeal. It’s light, tart and elegant on the palate, showing a mesmerizing sense of purity and restraint. Editor’s Choice

Seven Falls 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $23 88 points
French oak spices, herb and black-fruit aromas are at the fore. The palate boasts generous coffee and cherry flavors supported by fine-grained tannins. It all comes together nicely.

Seven Falls 2014 GPS Series Stone Tree Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $40 88 points
High-toned aromas of spice, black fruit and red apple are followed by dark coffee and pitch-black cherry flavors that show a lot of barrel influence. There’s enjoyment to be had but this wine seems a little heavy handed.

Seven Falls 2014 GPS Series Mracheck Vineyard Syrah Wahluke Slope $40 88 points
Baking spice, vanilla and dark-fruit aromas are followed by dark cherry and coffee flavors that linger on the finish. The barrel influence seems a little intense.

Seven Hills 2014 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $50 88 points
Aromas of moist earth, black fruit, pencil lead and slightly overripe red apple are followed by a firm palate backed by lightly grippy tannins. This wine needs some food to keep them in check.

Seven Hills 2014 Seven Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $50 92 points
This wine comes from this vineyard’s original Cabernet blocks planted in 1980. Wound-up aromas of woodspice, herb, pencil lead and dark fruit are followed by concentrated but still supple black-fruit flavors. It’s high up on the hedonistic scale, accentuated by a lengthy finish. Decant to let it open up. Editor’s Choice

Seven Hills 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $75 92 points
Aromas of barrel spice are up front on this locked-up wine, followed by pencil lead, herb, vanilla, black currant and cherry. The palate brings a compelling sense of texture, juxtaposed by aggressive tannins that need a significant amount of time to come into their own. Don’t go near it for a decade but it should last well beyond that. Best from 2027–2035. Cellar Selection

Seven Hills 2016 Dry Rosé of Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $18 90 points
This light-peach-colored wine brings appealing aromas of peppery spice, watermelon, citrus and herb. The flavors are dry and broad in feel, with a pleasing lick of acidity that keeps the interest high.

Seven Hills 2014 Seven Hills Vineyard Merlot Walla Walla Valley $45 92 points
This wine comes from the original Merlot blocks at this vineyard, planted in 1982. It’s aromatic, with notes of plum, raspberry, clove and generous spices. The flavors coat the palate from end to end, backed by firm tannins that need time to soften out but have the strength to go the distance. It will be best after 2022. Cellar Selection

Seven Hills 2014 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain $0 92 points
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from one of the state’s most esteemed vineyards brings aromas of baking spice, savory herb and cherry. Flavors are medium bodied, with bright acidity. The tannins currently show a bit of grit that should soften with time. It will be best after 2022. Cellar Selection

Seven Hills 2014 McClellan Estate Malbec Walla Walla Valley $30 91 points
This is an aromatic wine, with generous notes of potpourri, clove, dried herb and purple fruit. The palate is lush and fruit forward, supported by tart, vibrant acidity. It’s lovely on its own but should really sing at the dinner table.

Seven Hills 2014 Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley $35 91 points
Aromas are fragrant and appealing, with notes of fresh flowers, rubbed herb, cherry, anise, clove and barrel spice. The palate shows freshness along with a compelling mouthfeel. Pair it with food to see it at its best. Editor’s Choice

Seven Hills 2014 McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $45 90 points
Green herb, barrel spice, clove and cherry aromas intermingle and lead to a highly structured palate, with supple fruit flavors. It might be a touch green for some tastes.

Seven Hills 2014 Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $50 89 points
Aromas of barrel toast, spice and cherry lead to a somewhat barrel-forward palate, filled with coffee and cherry flavors along with firm tannins. It drinks tight now and needs some time to unwind.

Seven Hills 2014 McClellan Estate Petit Verdot Walla Walla Valley $35 91 points
The aromas are all high-toned, with notes of violets, mortared herb, lemon zest and tilled soil. The palate brings bright acidity along with firm but exceptionally well-integrated tannins. It shows well on its own but really is designed for the dinner table. Editor’s Choice

Seven Hills 2014 Carmenère Walla Walla Valley $35 89 points
The aromas don’t hold back, with strong varietal notes of jalapeño and freshly cut green pepper along with cherry and hot-spice accents. The palate brings more of the same with light, tart, bright fruit flavors. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.

Seven Hills 2014 Pentad Walla Walla Valley $75 92 points
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Carménère, Malbec and Cabernet Franc offers aromas of purple fruit, green herb, clove, barrel spice and spice box. It’s light and supple, filling out with palate-coating fruit flavors. The tannins bring a bit of grip that softens with additional time open. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.

Sharecropper’s 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $16 89 points
Black and purple fruit, toast, herb and spice aromas lead to abundant cherry flavors, tart acids and well-integrated tannins. Overall, this wine shows a lovely sense of balance, with a fleshy midpalate piquing the interest.

Sharecropper’s 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $16 85 points
Lees notes lead off the aromas and lend a creamy, rich texture to the palate as well. It’s a distinctive approach to the variety, not for all tastes.

Sleight of Hand 2015 The Conjurer Columbia Valley $28 88 points
This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Cabernet Franc (28%), Merlot (8%) and Petit Verdot coming largely from Red Mountain and Phinny Hill vineyards. Aromas are vibrant, with notes of plum, char, red apple, cherry, blueberry, green herb and spice. The appealing blue-fruit flavors are lighter in style.

Sleight of Hand 2016 Magician’s Assistant Blackrock Vineyard Rosé of Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley $18 89 points
A rare single-vineyard rosé, this wine is rose gold in color. It offers aromas of fresh herb, citrus peel and strawberry. The palate is dry, bright and focused with lively citrus flavors that extend on the finish.

Sleight of Hand 2015 The Enchantress French Creek Vineyard Old Vine Chardonnay Yakima Valley $28 89 points
This wine comes from 35-year-old vines at French Creek Vineyard. Light aromas of spice, herb and candlewax are followed by a medium-bodied palate brightened by lively, lemony acidity. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.

Sleight of Hand 2015 The Magician Evergreen Vineyard Riesling Ancient Lakes $18 89 points
Very primary aromas of lime zest and mineral are followed by lightly spritzy, just a hair off-dry citrus flavors backed by bright, tart acidity.

Sleight of Hand 2015 The Spellbinder Columbia Valley $20 89 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of sweet blue fruit, herb and spice are followed by plump, plush plum flavors that go down easy. It brings a sense of deliciousness.

Snoqualmie 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $10 88 points
Bright aromas of fresh pear and melon are followed by a medium-bodied palate that sails right down the fairway. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Best Buy

Snoqualmie 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $10 86 points
The aromas are quite reticent, with notes of herb, purple fruit and abundant wood spices. Still, the palate delivers plush-feeling fruit flavors, speckled with attractive barrel accents. Best Buy

Soos Creek 2014 Terrible Beauty Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $35 91 points
This wine blends fruit from top sites Champoux, Ciel du Cheval, Dineen, Elephant Mountain, Klipsun and Weinbau. Pleasing aromas of black tea, herb, dark chocolate and black fruit lead to bountiful black-fruit flavors supported by vibrant acids and firm, lightly chewy tannins that need time to unwind.

Soos Creek 2014 Champoux Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills $45 89 points
Coming from one of the state’s most esteemed vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 83% of this wine, with the balance Cabernet Franc. It brings notes of savory herb, barrel spice, flower, dark fruit and black tea. The fruit flavors are rich and well structured, with firm tannins and a sweet, spice-filled finish.

Soos Creek 2014 Artist Series #14 Columbia Valley $30 88 points
This wine is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Cabernet Franc. Barrel aromas are at the fore, with baking spice, woodspice and clove in front of dark fruit and herb. The palate brings sweet, sappy fruit flavors, with plentiful licorice and game accents.

Soos Creek 2014 Sundance Columbia Valley $25 89 points
Cabernet Franc (54%) takes the lead on this blend, with the balance Merlot (29%) and Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromas of flower, barrel spice and herb are light, with slightly dried-out raspberry and cherry notes lurking in the background. It also has a medicinal top note. Flavors are super-smooth and palate-coating, finishing sweet.

Soos Creek 2014 Soleil Columbia Valley $20 90 points
A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, this offers aromas of high-toned red fruit, French-oak spice and herbs that lead to luxurious but still in-check dark-fruit flavors. Tart black-tea accents persist on the finish.

Swiftwater Cellars 2014 Merlot Columbia Valley $42 90 points
Aromas are all high toned, with notes of raspberries, blueberries, dark chocolate and spice, with the barrel notes up front. The palate is rich and flavorful, backed by tightly wound tannins. It needs some time to strut its stuff, and will be best after 2020.

Swiftwater Cellars 2014 Estate Bottled Zephyr Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $42 89 points
Herb notes are at the fore, followed by red cherry, pencil lead and generous barrel spices on this aromatic brooder. The palate is fresh and lively, backed by firm but still well-integrated tannins.

Swiftwater Cellars 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $35 89 points
This aromatic wine suggests a bowl of fruit, with notes of blueberries and blackberries sprinkled with herbs. The palate is tart and supple, showing good concentration of flavor.

Swiftwater Cellars 2014 Malbec Columbia Valley $42 89 points
Aromas are quite light, with notes of woodspice and herb. The palate is more showy, with sweet, ripe purple-fruit flavors backed by oak spices, missing a bit in the middle.

Swiftwater Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $42 89 points
Dark in color, this aromatic brooder brings notes of pencil lead, herb and black and purple fruit. Flavors are rich and liquorous, showing tannic heft along with a bit of astringency. The variety isn’t readily apparent but the wine is delicious all the same.

Swiftwater Cellars 2014 Proprietary Red Blend Columbia Valley $50 90 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. There’s freshness to the fruit, with aromas of cherry and raspberry kissed by herb, clove and spice. The flavors are lush and palate-coating, with the tannins bringing a touch of astringency that hopefully will settle out with additional time in the bottle.

Tertulia 2013 Phinney Hill Vineyard Carmenère Horse Heaven Hills $40 87 points
Aromas of whole green pepper, hot spice, cherry and baking spice are followed by lighter styled, tart, silky-feeling fruit and barrel flavors.

Tertulia 2013 Estate Reserve Excelsior Walla Walla Valley $55 89 points
Two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one-third Merlot, this wine conveys brooding aromas, with notes of dark cherry, herb, anise, toast and gun smoke. The palate has restrained dark-fruit flavors that possess a silky feel.

Tertulia 2011 Sobra Walla Walla Valley $30 88 points
A late release from this cool vintage, this wine is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It explores Cabernet’s greener side, with aromas of jalapeño and bell peppers, green herbs and cherry. The tart cherry and pepper flavors are elegantly styled, backed by light baking spice and vanilla accents.

Three Rivers 2015 River’s Red Blend Columbia Valley $15 87 points
Merlot (32%), Sangiovese (31%) and Malbec (30%) make up the majority of this blend, with the balance Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of currant, plum and herb are followed by plump cherry flavors backed by lightly grainy tannins. It provides appeal and value.

Three Rivers 2016 Rosé Columbia Valley $14 88 points
This pale, peach-colored wine is a blend of Syrah (55%), Sangiovese (28%) and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of bubble gum and herb lead to a bone-dry palate that seems to have a slight spritz. Tart citrus flavors round it out, with the focus on acidity.

Three Rivers 2016 Cabernet Franc Rosé Walla Walla Valley $16 86 points
Not a lot of rosé comes out of this appellation. Light bronze in color, this wine brings vibrant aromas of flowers, cherry, green pepper and fresh herb. The flavors are light, dry and crisp, almost at times seeming a bit sour.

Three Rivers 2014 Malbec Columbia Valley $29 88 points
Unique, high-toned aromas of freshly peeled orange, potpourri, clove and blue fruit lead to lighter styled, tart, plentiful plum flavors. This wine doesn’t stand up on its own but should fit in well at the dinner table.

Three Rivers 2015 Reserve Chardonnay Columbia Valley $29 90 points
Aromas of clarified butter are at the fore, followed by a spice top note. The palate is rich and creamy in feel, lingering on the finish.

Three Rivers 2012 Svelte Columbia Valley $50 88 points
This wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec. Aromas of baking spice, red and black fruit and sweet spices are followed by dark-fruit flavors. The tannins come off as a bit dry and burly at present.

Three Rivers 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $21 88 points
Brooding aromas of toast, cocoa, cherry, barrel spice and fresh herb are followed by dry, full black-fruit flavors with bitters on the finish. The tannins are quite firm, even a bit dry, and need some time to unwind. Best after 2021.

Three Rivers 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $39 87 points
Reticent dark fruit and licorice aromas are followed by tart fruit flavors and lightly bunched-up tannins. There’s interest but it doesn’t all seem to come together.

William Church 2014 Keystone Series Lewis Vineyard Syrah Columbia Valley $55 88 points
Aromas of cola, herb, barrel spice and cherry lead to plentiful cola flavors. The palate brings some heft but the tannins possess a slight sense of grittiness that distracts.

William Church 2014 Bishop’s Blend Red Blend Columbia Valley $25 88 points
This blend holds 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Syrah, 12% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. Aromas convey barrel spice, dried flower, herb, blue fruit, anise and cherry. The palate shows an elegant mix of dark-fruit flavors, with a touch of grittiness from the tannins.

William Church 2013 Sur La Mer Columbia Valley $38 89 points
This wine is principally Merlot (58%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (17%), with the balance Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of mortared green herbs mix with anise and the blackest of cherries. The palate is medium bodied, delivering enjoyment but coming off as a bit green.

William Church 2014 Red Willow Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $40 91 points
Coming from one of the state’s top Syrah vineyards, this wine offers aromas of herb, stem, flower, smoked meat and marionberry that are followed by a velvety palate redolent with fruit and savory flavors. It delivers a lot of enjoyment and sophistication.

Zero One Vintners 2015 6 Riesling Columbia Valley $15 88 points
Vibrant aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine, mandarin orange and petroleum jelly lead to just off-dry, lightly spritzy fruit flavors. Tart, lively acidity keeps the interest high.

Zero One Vintners 2015 Copper Lily Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley $13 86 points
The aromas in this wine are light, with notes of herb, citrus and orange peel. The palate is dry and broad, with tart citrus flavors. Although appealing, it seems a bit generic.