50+ wines reviewed below, including the latest from DeLille, Dusted Valley, Amos Rome, Luke, Gramercy, Lemelson, Soter, and more.
At Northwest Wine Report, all scores come from blind tastings in varietal/style sets. Read more about this site’s process for rating and reviewing wines. Read about the Northwest Wine Report rating system and special designations. Read about how to interpret scores. Wineries do not need to be subscribers to receive or use ratings and reviews. To receive a copy of the reviews after they have been published, contact [email protected]. Please allow two weeks for reviews to be sent via email after they have been requested.
RED WINES
BORDEAUX-STYLE BLENDS
DeLille D2 Red Wine Columbia Valley 2020 $50
91 points
Merlot (61%) makes up most of this wine, with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon (27%) and dashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The aromas are subdued, with notes of black currant, plum, and dark raspberry. Ripe, rounded, cranberry, cherry, and black raspberry flavors follow. Plentiful tannins surround it all. The feel is just as pleasing as the flavors. Give it some time in bottle or an extended decant. 14.4% alcohol. 9,400 cases produced.
Dusted Valley BFM Southwind Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2019 $55
91 points
Merlot (81%) takes the lead on this wine, with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon (18%) and Petit Verdot. Coming from a site in the SeVein project, the aromas bring notes of baking spice, herb, and dark raspberry, mixing fruit and barrel. Supple, full-bodied cherry, oak spice, and dried leaf flavors follow. There’s a lot of tannic structure backing it all up, along with impressive acidity. The wood gets somewhat in front of the fruit at present. Give it time in bottle or a very long decant to allow the oak to come more fully into balance. 14.5% alcohol. 140 cases produced. Screwcap.
Crooked Barn Estate Grown Crooked Red Applegate Valley 2019 $35
89 points
This is a blend of near equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The aromas offer notes of barrel spice, dried leaf, herb, crushed flower, red fruit, and a whiff of wood smoke. A soft, supple palate follows, with a lightly smoky finish. It’s a pretty interpretation of these two varieties. 14.4% alcohol. 75 cases produced.
Amos Rome Estate Foundation Lake Chelan 2020 $40
88 points
This is a blend of Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc almost in equal percentages. Aged 18 months in oak, the aromas provide notes of black currant, herb, peanut shell, and cherry. Soft, sultry flavors follow. A quite warm finish caps it off. 15.3% alcohol. 225 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Gramercy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2019 $95
93 points, Cellar Stocker
Fruit for this wine comes from old vines at Bacchus Vineyard in White Bluffs as well as 20+ year-old plantings at Phinny Hill in the Horse Heavens. A pinch of Merlot (5%) from Loess Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley rounds it out. Aged 22 months in French oak (45% new), the aromas command attention, with notes of dried leaf, clove, herb, cherry, graphite, and scorched earth. Reserved, quite supple cherry flavors follow. It’s all about class and finesse, bringing both in abundance. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best. Enjoy after 2027. 14.5% alcohol. 265 cases produced.
Luke Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2020 $60
92 points
Fruit for this wine comes from Weinbau (Wahluke Slope) and Obelisco (Red Mountain) vineyards. Fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in all-used French oak, the aromas lead with notes of vanilla bean, dark cherry, plum, herb, and graphite. Full-feeling, palate-coating cherry flavors follow, showing roundness and richness. Vanilla notes accent the finish. There’s surprising freshness, along with sneaky structure. 14.7% alcohol. 257 cases produced.
Dusted Valley V.R. Special Cabernet Sauvignon Southwind Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2019 $62
91 points, Cellar Stocker
This wine gets its name from one of the founder’s grandfathers, Vernon Rhodes, who made a chocolate chip cookie with the same moniker. The aromas are generous, with notes of black fruit – blackberry, black cherry, and black currant – along with dark chocolate, crushed rock, and whiffs of green pepper. The palate’s dark fruit flavors paint around the edges, with firm tannins flowing through the middle. It’s ripe but there’s freshness too. Vanilla and other barrel notes speckle the finish. Best after 2028. 14.5% alcohol. 350 cases produced. Screwcap.
Luke Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope 2020 $25
91 points, Critic’s Choice
Most of the fruit for this wine comes from Weinbau Vineyard, along with pieces from StoneTree, Northridge, Ravencliff, and Clifton Hill. Aromas of black cherry, spice, carob, and sautéed herb lead to opulent dark fruit flavors. The tannins give a light squeeze. It’s a whole lot of wine for the money. Give it a short decant. 14.3% alcohol. 19,550 cases produced.
Métier by DeLille Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2021 $30
89 points
Métier is a new project from DeLille Cellars, one of Washington’s most storied wineries. This young wine is aromatic, with notes of and black currant, just-peeled tangerine rind, fresh flower, and herb. Plump, pleasing blue and purple fruit flavors follow. 13.9% alcohol. 18,000 cases produced.TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
MERLOT
Luke Merlot Wahluke Slope 2020 $25
91 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from Weinbau, Northridge, Clifton Hill, and Ravencliff vineyards. The aromas provide notes of dried leaf, freshly chopped herb, plum, cedar, and graphite. Supple, layered, currant and cherry flavors follow. There’s a sense of seriousness that ups the interest. Give it a brief decant. 14.0% alcohol. 2,514 cases produced.
Crooked Barn Estate Grown Merlot Applegate Valley 2019 $34
89 points
100% varietal, aromas of dried and fresh herb, wood smoke, and cherry lead to an elegant palate that shows nuance. It’s a very pretty wine. 14% alcohol. 200 cases produced.
Crooked Barn Estate Grown Merlot Applegate Valley 2020 $34
88 points
This wine is 100% varietal. Aromas of currant, barrel spice, and a whiff of tire rubber are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors. It dips in the middle before coming back together on the lightly smoky finish. 14.1% alcohol. 208 cases produced.
SYRAH, GRENACHE, AND OTHER RHONE VARIETIES & BLENDS
DeLille Red Willow Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley 2020 $65
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from the first vineyard in the state to plant Syrah. The aromas are completely captivating, with generous notes of boysenberry, dried violet, orange rind, and dried herb. It lives up to all of that promise, with palate-staining purple and black fruit flavors that show richness and structure. It’s downright tasty, with a lengthy finish kicking it up a notch. 15.2% alcohol. 48 cases produced.
Dusted Valley Squirrel Tooth Alice Stone Tree Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2020 $45
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Grenache makes up 81% of this wine, with the rest Syrah (13%), Mourvèdre (5%), and Petit Sirah. It’s an aromatic offering, with mesmerizing notes of fresh peeled tangerine, flower, white pepper, rain-soaked herb, and blue and red fruit. The palate delivers on all of that promise and more – plump, pleasing, and rounded. There’s a freshness that ups the interest, but make no mistake, there’s plenty of hedonism too. 14.6% alcohol. 110 cases produced. Screwcap.
Gramercy John Lewis Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2019 $NA
92 points, Cellar Stocker
John Lewis is always this producer’s reserve-level Syrah. All of the fruit here comes from Block 46 at Les Collines Vineyard, with 90% whole cluster fermented in concrete. Aged 17 months in 10% new French oak, aromas of stem, blackberry, and dried herb are followed by a bright, flavorful, achingly pure palate. The balance and feel on this low alcohol offering are exquisite. Best after 2026. Pair it with grilled lamb chops. 13% alcohol. 240 cases produced.
Luke Reserve Syrah Columbia Valley 2020 $45
92 points
All of the fruit for this wine comes from Block 16 at StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. The aromas bring notes of iron, pain grillé, flower, mineral-laced pomegranate, and toasty barrel spices speckled with vanilla. Full-bodied dark fruit flavors follow, coating the palate from end to end. The tannins bring a light grip that resolves with time open. Decant if drinking in the near term. 14.8% alcohol. 146 cases produced.
Luke Syrah Wahluke Slope 2020 $25
92 points, Critic’s Choice
This is all StoneTree Vineyard fruit. The aromas are generous, with notes of black fruit along with orange rind, flower, barrel spice, and a touch of pain grillé. Full-bodied blue and purple flavors follow, with a big punch of fruit. It’s got that pleasingly thick mid-palate that is the hallmark of so many Washington wines. Supremely delicious, and a big time value to boot. 14.8% alcohol. 1,505 cases produced.
August Forest Eritage Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2021 $46
91 points
Eritage is a young vineyard site located north of downtown Walla Walla. Partially foot-stomped and fermented with 41% stem inclusion, the aromas provide immediate appeal, with notes of blueberry pie and blackberry along with bramble. Plush, ripe, layered flavors follow. A warm, flavorful finish caps it off. It’s hedonism in a glass. 15% alcohol. 141 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
DeLille Signature Syrah Yakima Valley 2020 $55
91points
Blended with just a pinch of Viognier (1%), aromas of mulberry, cherry, grill plate, coffee bean, flower, and barrel spice lead to plump, saturated flavors. It carries on the finish, bringing a lot of hedonism and enjoyment. 14.6% alcohol. 760 cases produced.
Itä Les Collines Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2020 $48
90 points, Critic’s Choice
Itä focuses on picking earlier at higher acid and lower alcohol levels and letting the fruit speak for itself. The aromas on this wine pop, with notes of boysenberry, huckleberry, and other blue fruit along with violet and dried herb. The palate is fresh and quite restrained in style, supported by lightly grainy tannins. The purity is nothing short of dazzling. Give it a short decant, drink it at a cool 62 degrees, and put it on the dinner table to see it at its very best. Dry rubbed pork loin would do nicely. 12.7% alcohol. 201 cases produced. Microagglomerative cork.
Amos Rome Six Generations Vineyard Syrah Lake Chelan 2020 $35
89 points
Coming from a site by the winery’s tasting room and aged 18 months in oak, the aromas are fruit forward, with notes of boysenberry and dried herb. Dark fruit and barrel flavors follow. 14.7% alcohol. 225 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
DeLille StoneTree Vineyard Mourvèdre Wahluke Slope 2020 $49
89 points
This is a variety that excels in Washington, though this was a challenging vintage for it. Reserved aromas of cherry, peppery spice, and fresh herb lead to somewhat lighter-seeming flavors. It’s surprisingly understated for the producer and vineyard. 14.9% alcohol. 360 cases produced.
Dusted Valley Wallywood Stone Tree Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2020 $45
89 points
This is a blend of 90% Mourvèdre, 8% Syrah, and 2% Petite Sirah. The aromas are brooding, with notes of ash, pot roast, herb, and black pepper. The palate is lighter through the middle, fuller at the edges. It’s fresher in style and shows some astringency at present. Give it an extended decant to see it at its best. 14.2% alcohol. 110 cases produced. Screwcap.
Dusted Valley Tall Tales Syrah Stoney Vine Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2020 $62
88 points
Reserved aromas of olive, fresh herb, smoked meat, and a whiff of medicine lead to lighter-styled flavors that show greater intensity around the edges and are lighter in the middle. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 14.2% alcohol. 180 cases produced. Screwcap.
Dineen Estate Grown & Bottled Syrah Yakima Valley 2020 $37
87 points
Co-fermented with 3% Syrah and aged in one-third new French oak, light aromas of spice, dark fruit, and a whiff of orange twist lead to date flavors. It has a gritty feel. 14.3% alcohol.
PINOT NOIR
Lemelson Jerome Reserve Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 $60
94 points, Cellar Stocker
Meyer Vineyard makes up the majority of the fruit for this wine (60%), with the rest equal parts Stermer and Chestnut Hill. Aged 16 months in French oak (50% new), the aromas pull you into the glass, with notes of crushed flower, fresh tea leaves, herb, and plum. Palate coating, layered flavors follow, showing intensity and richness but also freshness. Black tea notes linger on the finish. There’s much to enjoy, both now and in the future. Best after 2025. 13.3% alcohol. 223 cases produced.
Lemelson Stermer Vineyard Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton 2019 $56
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from a vineyard that has been organically farmed since 1997. The aromas are intoxicating, with notes of satsuma, cherry, raspberry, dried herb, flower, and cocoa, showing nuance and detail. Deft, flavorful red fruit and plum notes follow on the palate. The finish sticks around for a 12-count. 13.2% alcohol. 228 cases produced.
Lemelson Chestnut Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains 2019 $60
92 points, Cellar Stocker
A quarter of the fruit for this wine was whole cluster pressed, and it spent 30+ days on skins during fermentation. The aromas bring notes of black licorice, dark cherry, tea leaves, woodspice, and bright green herb. The palate is broad in feel, with power, energy, and structure. It’s an infant now, best enjoyed when it grows up. Enjoy after 2025, with a long life beyond that. 13.2% alcohol. 150 cases produced.
Soter Estate Grown Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton 2019 $75
92 points
This wine had a 30 day extended maceration during fermentation and was subsequently aged in French oak (45% new) for a year. It shows some reduction out of the gate, followed by notes of barrel char. Once it opens up – and it’s more than worth the wait – the enjoyment begins, with plentiful aromas of raspberry, sour cherry, and herb. The palate is fresh, minerally, and chock full of layered, juicy red fruit. Best after 2026. If drinking prior to then, give it a long decant. 13.8% alcohol. 1,738 cases produced.
Lemelson Meyer Vineyard Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2019 $56
91 points
Fruit for this wine is a mixture of Dijon clones 777 and 114. Aged 15 months in French oak (50% new), brooding aromas of cola, cherry, and spice lead to medium-bodied cranberry and cherry flavors. Much of this wines remains locked away. Give it time in bottle to emerge or a long decant. Best after 2025. 13.3% alcohol. 228 cases produced.
Firesteed Pinot Noir Oregon 2021 $18
89 points, Value Pick
2021 was a giving vintage, and we see that here. Fruit forward aromas of plum, mandarin orange, herb, and violet lead to well-balanced flavors on the lighter side of medium-bodied. There’s good value to be had. 20,000 cases produced. Screwcap.
Planet Oregon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2021 $24
88 points
This young wine is still settling in, with the aromas of fresh herb and stem seeming somewhat muddled. The palate brings plummy, medium-bodied goodness and varietal correctness. If the two sync, it moves up. As is, there’s still value to be had. 13.4% alcohol. 25,000 cases produced. Screwcap.
RED BLENDS
DeLille Doyenne Columbia Valley 2020 $50
91 points
Syrah makes up 60% of this wine, with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit comes from a who’s who list of vineyards: Grand Ciel, Ciel du Cheval, StoneTree, Quintessence, Upchurch, Discovery, and Boushey. Aromas of dark blue fruit, fresh herb, cherry, flower, coffee, and a dash of cinnamon lead to plump, well-structured pit fruit flavors. The appeal is as much about feel as flavor. 14.4% alcohol. 1,700 cases produced.
Luke The Companion Red Blend Columbia Valley 2020 $25
90 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and 14% Syrah, finished with bits of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The aromas are forward, with notes of blackberry, bramble, tar, dried herb, flower, and anise. Pleasing blue and black fruit flavors follow, with tannins that bring some chewy rusticity. Give it extended time in the decanter and the rewards will be there. 13.8% alcohol. 7,709 cases produced.
Amos Rome Estate Embers Red Wine Blend Lake Chelan 2020 $34
88 points
This is a blend of Merlot (34%), Malbec (22%), Cabernet Franc (22%), and Pinot Noir. Aged 18 months in oak, the aromas bring notes of barrel char, freshly brewed coffee, and red fruit. Medium-bodied flavors follow. 14.3% alcohol. 320 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
Franchere Cascadia Willamette Valley 2021 $22
88 points
Pinot Noir makes up 88% of this wine, with the rest Gruner Veltliner (8%) and Syrah, all co-fermented and foot stomped. The aromas are bright, with notes of raspberry, cinnamon stick, flower, coarsely ground black pepper, and manure. Light, bright, crunchy red fruit flavors follow, backed by grainy tannins. Give it a short decant and put it on the dinner table to see it at its best. 13.1% alcohol. 150 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
OTHER RED VARIETIES
Amos Rome Estate Concrete Malbec Lake Chelan 2021 $37
90 points, Critic’s Choice
The aromas are subdued on this early release wine, with notes of plum, a kiss of herb, and dried orange rind emerging over time. There’s pleasing freshness and vibrancy to the flavors. It’s drinking quite young. Give it some additional time in bottle or a short decant. 14.2% alcohol. 220 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
Amos Rome Quail Run Vineyard Tempranillo Lake Chelan 2020 $35
88 points
This is 100% varietal aged 18 months in American oak. Aromas of orange rind, spice, and purple fruit lead to lithe flavors, with plentiful barrel accents. It’s interesting, though the intensity doesn’t always stay consistent throughout. 14% alcohol. 250 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
Dusted Valley Stone Tree Vineyard Petite Sirah Wahluke Slope 2020 $36
88 points
Blended with just a pinch of Syrah (2%), the aromas bring notes of purple fruit, orange rind, barrel spice, and flower. Medium-plus bodied flavors follow, with dry tannins that give a very firm grip. 14.5% alcohol. 880 cases produced. Screwcap.
CHARDONNAY
Dusted Valley Olsen Vineyard Chardonnay Yakima Valley 2021 $32
91 points
Fruit for this wine comes from a site that tops out at 1,350 feet above sea level – high by the standards of most plantings in Washington. Aromas of squash, apple, herb, stone fruit, and spice lead to medium-bodied flavors that show pleasing apricot and other stone fruit subtleties. There’s length on the finish. 13.2% alcohol. 490 cases produced. Screwcap.
Luke Chardonnay Ancient Lakes 2021 $21
91 points, Critic’s Choice
All of the fruit for this wine comes from Evergreen Vineyard, one of the top Chardonnay sites in the state. Aged in oak (about 10% new), the aromas offer notes of pear, brioche, talc, and cream soda. Well-balanced, lightly creamy-feeling pear and apple flavors follow. It’s very varietal and a big-time value. 14.2% alcohol. 1,800 cases produced.
Amos Rome Estate Chardonnay Lake Chelan 2020 $35
90 points, Critic’s Choice
Most of this wine was raised in stainless steel (80%), with the rest in oak. Harvested September 8th, aromas of green apple and melon rind lead to full bodied, textured flavors, backed by lemony acidity. It carries on the biscuit and citrus-filled finish. The acidity is impressive, especially considering the listed alcohol. 14.5% alcohol. 245 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
SPARKLING WINE
Dusted Valley Falz Pinot Noir Sparkling Wine Breezy Slope Walla Walla Valley 2019 $62
92 points, Critic’s Choice
This is the producer’s first foray into traditional method sparkling wine, and it’s an outstanding success coming from an under-appreciated site. It’s also an extremely rare sparkler from the valley. The aromas are vibrant, with notes of pear, apple, and lemon pith. Tart, racy, acid-driven citrus flavors follow. A cleansing finish caps it off. It’s delicious. 12.8% alcohol. TCA-free microagglomerative cork. 50 cases produced.
Soter Mineral Springs Estate Grown Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine Yamhill-Carlton 2018 $72
90 points
This wine is a blend of Pinot Noir (79%) and Chardonnay that was aged four years en tirage. Made in the traditional method, it was disgorged in March of 2022 and received 6g/L dosage. A pretty pomegranate seed color, aromas of raspberry, apricot, and strawberry lead to a brisk, flavorful palate. The fruit hangs on the finish. 12.8% alcohol. 1,100 cases produced.
Aquilini Già Bella Méthode Traditionelle Cabernet Sauvignon Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine Red Mountain 2020 $40
89 points
To my knowledge, this is the first traditional method sparkling wine to come from Red Mountain. Aromas of brioche, cherry, and raspberry lead to fuller feeling flavors. It’s a very pleasant surprise from this typically red wine-dominated appellation. 12.5% alcohol. 1,200 cases produced.
OTHER WHITES
Troon Druid’s Fluid Biodynamic Oregon White Blend Estate White Wine Applegate Valley 2021 $25
92 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of 65% Vermentino, 22% Marsanne, and 13% Roussanne. The latter two were whole cluster pressed to stainless steel before being moved to neutral oak barrels for fermentation. With 100% malolactic fermentation, aromas of candlewax, peach, and apricot lead to a full-feeling palate, chock full of stone and other fruit flavors. It’s delicious, with a long, richly flavored finish that kicks it up a notch. 12.6% alcohol. 285 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
Amos Rome Diounne’s Vineyard Chenin Blanc Lake Chelan 2021 $26
91 points
Raised in stainless steel, this is an aromatic offering of the variety, with notes of melon, herb, apple, and lemon balm. A full bodied, textured palate follows, framed by juicy lemon notes. The acid is impressive, as is the length. 14% alcohol. 100 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
Amos Rome Estate Malbec Rosé Lake Chelan 2021 $21
90 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from Block 14 at the winery’s estate vineyard. Harvested October 12th at 24.7 Brix, it’s an eye-catching pale peach. The aromas suggest notes of strawberry, green melon, peach skin, and a whiff of bubble gum. Full-bodied, textured flavors follow, with plenty of acid to pull off this richer style. 14.3% alcohol. 245 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
August Forest Riesling Columbia Valley 2021 $36
88 points
Almost two-thirds of the fruit for this wine comes from Bacchus, with the rest from Gamache, both in the newly approved White Bluffs appellation. A blend of three clones fermented in neutral French oak and stainless steel, bright, honeysuckle and lime aromas are followed by a touch off-dry drinking, spritely, and center-focused citrus flavors. It’s equal parts promise and delivery and could go up with some additional bottle time. Decant or enjoy after 2023. 11.8% alcohol. 94 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerative cork.
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