65+ wines reviewed below, including the latest from:

Among the Giants, Ashlyn, Avennia, Board Track Racer, Brockmeyer, Chouette, Colter’s Creek, DeLille, Echolands, Figgins, Foundation, Goose Ridge, Hoquetus, Lytle-Barnett, Mark Ryan, Seven Hills, Tirriddis, Toil Oregon, Underground Wine Project, and Virtue.

Echolands is producing some of the most exciting wines in Washington. This is a new project from MS/MW Doug Frost and Brad Bergman, two Kansas City residents with a long love of Walla Walla Valley wine. Sadie Drury at North Slope Management grows the grapes, and Taylor Oswald, who cut his teeth at Mark Ryan, Gramercy, and Rôtie, makes the wines.

The Echolands wines bring the sensibility of Frost’s training, with lower alcohol (often sub-14%) and lower new oak (10-20%), as well as Oswald’s exquisite winemaking. They are thrilling, distinctive wines, worth seeking out.

Colter’s Creek is leading the way for winegrowing in Lewis-Clark Valley, Idaho. Mike Pearson manages the vineyard, while Melissa Sanborn makes the wines. The winery’s Syrah and Rhône-style blend reviewed here are among the best wines I’ve had from Idaho. The Rocinante red blend offers consistent, high-quality enjoyment.

Erik Zentler at Foundation Cellars has quietly been making wine since 2012. Zentler was originally inspired by a bottle of Purple Haze from Darby Winery and subsequently began assisting at the winery. He’s been making his wine at Darby ever since.

The Foundation wines show Zentler’s artistic side, both with their names and label designs. They also show impressive winemaking. Foundation has two wines in particular from the Rocks District that are standouts, a Syrah and a Cabernet Sauvignon. The Syrah is an outrageous value. Lovers of Rocks District wines, take note.

I’ve written recently about an increase in sparkling wine production in Washington (see here and here). Tirriddis is a new sparkling producer founded in 2021 by Washington State University graduates Andrew Gerow, Gabriel Crowell, and Matthew Doutney. The winery’s name comes from steps in traditional sparkling wine production – tirage, riddle, and disgorge. The wines are as ambitious as their young creators. They are also very well-priced for their level of quality.

Speaking of sparkling wines, Lytle-Barnett has some noteworthy offerings from Willamette Valley. The wines, made in the traditional method, focus on extended lees contact and bottle aging, providing plentiful autolytic aromas and flavors.

DeLille has been around for more than 30 years. What I remain most impressed by is the winery’s consistency in quality across wines over a long number of years. DeLille’s smaller production offerings, some only available at the winery, also provide a playground for exploration. They can be some of the most exciting wines in the portfolio.

Full reviews below. Look for upcoming feature articles on some of these wineries.

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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 how to interpret scores. Read definitions of closure type listings. 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

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Avennia Sestina Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2020 $75
94 points, Cellar Stocker

Sestina is Avennia’s flagship wine, and this vintage carries that flag high. It’s a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, with fruit coming from top sites Dionysus, Red Willow, and Bacchus. Aged 21 months in half-new French oak, laser-focused cherry, raspberry, dried leaf, herb, and licorice aromas lead to ripe, full-bodied flavors that show density, layering, intensity, detail, and balance. A long, long finish caps it all off. It’s a profound wine, one of the best offerings of Sestina that Avennia has produced to date. Patience is required. Best from 2028 to 2040. 14.8% alcohol. 330 cases produced. Natural cork.

DeLille Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2020 $80
93 points, Cellar Stocker

As always, fruit for this wine comes from DeLille’s four Red Mountain pillars – Upchurch (44%), Grand Ciel (28%), Klipsun (19%), and Ciel du Cheval. Aged 20 months in French oak (82% new), scorched earth, black cherry, barrel spice, and graphite aromas lead to generous, creamy-feeling, layered fruit and barrel flavors. The appeal is as much about feel as flavor, with fruit and barrel both playing prominent parts. It’s drinking beautifully now but will only ramp up with time in the cellar. Best from 2028-2036. 14.1% alcohol. 1,600 cases produced. Natural cork.

Mark Ryan Lonely Heart Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2020 $100
93 points

As in most vintages, this top-end offering from the winery is 100% varietal, with fruit coming from Quintessence Vineyard, a younger site that is quickly making a name for itself and where Mark Ryan has estate plantings. Black cherry, coffee, and high cacao chocolate aromas lead to polished, rich, black fruit flavors. It shows hedonism and class – classic Mark Ryan. 14.8% alcohol. 328 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Foundation MMXVII Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2017 $45
91 points, Critic’s Choice

Foundation is making attention-getting, well-priced wines. This is just one of many examples. Fruit comes from Shaw and Quintessence vineyards. Dark raspberry, black currant, herb, and bramble aromas lead to drawn-out, full-bodied black cherry flavors. It shows impressive hang time on the coffee and cherry-filled finish – straight-up delicious. 14.8% alcohol. 148 cases produced. Natural cork.

Foundation Inner Voices Stone Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2019 $45
91 points, Critic’s Choice

It’s rare to see Rocks District Cabernet Sauvignon, and this is a lovely example. The aromas pop, with notes of plum, spice, moist earth, and dried herb. Fresh, bright, medium-bodied flavors follow, with sweet barrel spice accents throughout. It’s tasty. 14.4% alcohol. 88 cases produced. Natural cork.

Goose Ridge Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2019 $44
91 points

Fruit for this wine was aged 20 months in French oak (63% new). Subdued aromas of vanilla bean, ground coffee, anise, whole satsuma, black cherry, peppercorn, and generous barrel spices lead to plump-feeling, wound-up fruit flavors. The tannins give a firm handshake. Decant if drinking in the near term. 13.8% alcohol. 382 cases produced. Natural cork.

DeLille Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2020 $80
90 points

Coming from one of this appellation’s top sites, the aromas offer piercingly pure notes of black currant along with fresh herb, tangerine rind, and flower. Plump, silky-soft fruit flavors follow. Toast and dark coffee notes linger on the finish. It’s a pretty interpretation of this variety and appellation, with the tannins very soft and refined for this site. 14.2% alcohol. 185 cases produced. Natural cork.

Mark Ryan Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2020 $70
90 points

Blended with Merlot (8%), Cabernet Franc (1%), and Petit Verdot (1%), fruit for this wine comes from Quintessence, Obelisco, Discovery, and Olsen vineyards. Aged 21 months in French oak (65% new), tea leaf, raspberry, dark cherry, and crushed flower aromas lead to plump, soft-feeling black cherry flavors. Coffee and chocolate notes linger on the finish. The tannins have a lightly grainy feel. It’s an understated offering compared to recent vintages. 14.9% alcohol. 2,371 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Board Track Racer Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2020 $28
89 points

Blended with 17% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, espresso, bittersweet chocolate, flower, and black cherry aromas lead to plush, accessible dark fruit flavors, with generous barrel accents and a kiss of smoke. Well-integrated tannins provide support. It offers good value. 14.9% alcohol. 8,094 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

DeLille Shaw Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2020 $85
89 points

Aromas of fresh green herb, plum, barrel spice, and satsuma lead to soft, svelte flavors that show appealing polish. Coffee notes linger on the finish. The tannins give a light grip. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 14.3% alcohol. 800 cases produced. Natural cork.

Underground Wine Project Devil’s Playground Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2020 $35
89 points

100% varietal, the aromas are locked up initially, with notes of high cacao chocolate, black cherry, barrel spice, and graphite, showing a lot of class. Ripe dark fruit flavors follow, with firm, lightly gritty tannins. Smoke notes emerge over time. For those who don’t notice the smoke, it’s a whole lot of wine for the money. Drink now. 14.8% alcohol. 999 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Colter’s Creek Expedition Series Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon Lewis-Clark Valley 2020 $45
88 points
Aromas of bell pepper, green herb, moist soil, flower, orange rind, and cherry lead to lighter-styled, fresh flavors. Coffee notes linger on the finish. It explores the variety’s greener side. 14.2% alcohol. 200 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Mark Ryan Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2020 $80
88 points

100% varietal with fruit coming from Red Willow and Ciel du Cheval vineyards, flower, green herb, coffee, and cherry aromas are out front, followed by black raspberry and anise. The polished flavors are lighter in intensity, particularly for the listed alcohol, dipping in the middle. A light grip of tannin finishes it off. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 15.1% alcohol. 378 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

BORDEAUX-STYLE BLENDS

Echolands Seven Hills Vineyard Red Wine Walla Walla Valley 2019 $52
94 points, Cellar Stocker

Echolands is a young winery founded by MS/MW Doug Frost and Brad Bergman, with Taylor Oswald in charge of winemaking. This is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc, finished off with a dash of Petit Verdot. Coming from one of the most esteemed vineyards in the valley, the aromas are closed initially, with brooding notes of black cherry, black currant, dried herb, and raspberry. The palate is polished, supple, and reserved, focusing on the prettiness of the vintage. The oak (20% new) is pleasantly dialed back, allowing the fruit to shine. It’s a stunner. Best from 2025 to 2035. 14.0% alcohol. 501 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

DeLille Red Willow Yakima Valley 2020 $80
93 points, Critic’s Choice

Coming from one of the state’s top sites, this is predominantly Cabernet Franc (47%) and Merlot (40%), with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark raspberry, bittersweet chocolate, spice, and licorice aromas are followed by rich, generous, layered dark fruit flavors that come in wave after wave. The textural feel is stunning. What a tribute to this esteemed site. 14.5% alcohol. 575 cases produced. Natural cork.

Echolands Rubrum Red Wine Walla Walla Valley 2019 $38
93 points, Critic’s Choice

Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) takes the lead on this wine, followed by Merlot (37%), Cabernet Franc (6%), and Petit Verdot. Aged in 20% new French oak, the aromas bring notes of scorched earth, fresh tobacco, carob, berry, and a whiff of peat. Supple, layered, vivid fruit flavors follow, showing freshness, purity, and detail. A long, fruit-filled finish caps it off. It focuses on class and restrained fruit, bringing both in abundance. Look for it to have an exceptionally long life ahead of it, though it’s delicious right now. 13.9% alcohol. 418 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

DeLille Chaleur Estate Red Wine Yakima Valley 2020 $90
92 points, Cellar Stocker

This is DeLille’s flagship offering that the winery has been making since its inception in 1992. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (24%), Cabernet Franc (11%), and Petit Verdot, the aromas are arresting, with notes of coffee, blackberry, bramble, black currant, black tea, cocoa, spice, and scorched earth. Well-balanced chocolate and cherry flavors follow. Cocoa notes linger on the finish. It brings direct appeal as well as freshness. Give it time in the cellar to see it at its best. Enjoy from 2027 to 2038. 14.6% alcohol. 625 cases produced. Natural cork.

DeLille Minuit Yakima Valley 2020 $60
92 points, Critic’s Choice

Malbec comprises 72% of this wine, with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Chocolate, coffee, plum, cherry, whole orange, and spice aromas lead to supple, juicy fruit flavors. A lightly grainy feel backs it all up. It’s a very pleasing interplay of these two varieties, showing class and detail. 14.2% alcohol. 1,400 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Seven Hills Pentad Walla Walla Valley 2020 $85
92 points

This is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc, and a pinch of Carménère. Aged 22 months in half new French oak, fresh green herb, violet, green pepper, soil, barrel spice, and cherry aromas lead to ripe, balanced black fruit flavors that carry on the long finish. It’s riper in style than the norm for this producer, but delicious all the same. 15.0% alcohol. 300 cases produced. Natural cork.

Mark Ryan Water Witch Red Wine Red Mountain 2020 $70
91 points, Critic’s Choice

This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (66%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (3%), and Petit Verdot, with all of the fruit coming from Quintessence Vineyard. Aged 21 months in 49% new oak, plum aromas are out front, followed by notes of dark cherry, herb, spice, and café au lait. Sumptuous dark fruit flavors follow, with plump, polished tannins. It brings generous, immediate appeal. 14.8% alcohol. 756 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

DeLille Harrison Hill Snipes Mountain 2020 $105
91 points, Cellar Stocker

With fruit coming from some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the state, this is Washington wine history in a bottle. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (23%), and Cabernet Franc, aromas of tea leaves, violet, licorice, whole pepper, crushed flower, and black cherry lead to lighter styled, downright elegant flavors. Chocolate notes linger on the finish. It’s a throwback wine for Washington but a classic style for this site, all about the sophistication and elegance of these old vines. Enjoy after 2025. 13.4% alcohol. 300 cases produced. Natural cork.

Avennia Valery Columbia Valley 2020 $50
90 points

Merlot makes up 88% of this wine, with the rest Cabernet Franc. The aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of moist soil, orange rind, flower, herb, and black currant, showing pleasing purity. Full-bodied flavors follow, offering appealing texture and length, while also showing some smoke influence that persists on the finish. The tannins have a lightly gritty feel. For those who don’t notice the smoke – and many might not – it’s an otherwise spectacular wine. Drink in the near term. 216 cases produced. 14.6% alcohol.

Mark Ryan Long Haul Red Wine Columbia Valley 2020 $65
89 points

As always, Merlot (71%) takes the lead here, followed by Cabernet Franc (19%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), and bits of Malbec and Petit Verdot. Using fruit from Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun, and Red Willow aged in 54% new French oak, red cherry, apple, and spice aromas lead to full-bodied, creamy-feeling chocolate and cherry filled flavors, dipping in the middle before pulling back up toward the finish. The tannins give a light grip. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 14.9% alcohol. 1,869 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

FIGGINS Figlia Walla Walla Valley 2020 $55
89 points

A blend of Petit Verdot and Merlot, the aromas offer an assortment of raspberry, cherry, flower, dried and fresh herb, anise, and pencil lead. The flavors are reserved and polished, bringing layers of dark fruit flavors backed by a grainy feel. It shows some smoke influence, though light enough many might not notice. Drink in the near term. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 14.3% alcohol. 1,370 cases produced. Natural cork.

Underground Wine Project Idle Hands Columbia Valley 2020 $35
87 points

This is a blend of 49% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. Dark chocolate, cherry, and ember aromas lead to lightly smoky flavors with a gritty feel. The smoke influence distracts significantly. 14.7% alcohol. 1,064 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

MERLOT

Chouette Estate Merlot Lake Chelan 2020 $38
91 points, Critic’s Choice

Aged in French and Hungarian oak (52% new), the aromas show notes of baking spice, black and red currant, vanilla bean, and licorice. The palate offers straight-down-the-fairway ripe, generous, full-feeling fruit flavors, backed by finely combed tannins. Coffee notes linger on the finish. It’s an impressive wine – a standout from this young growing region. 14.6% alcohol. 148 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

DeLille Le Colosse Yakima Valley 2020 $65
89 points

This is 100% Merlot, with fruit coming from Boushey, Harrison Hill, DuBrul, and Red Willow vineyards. Blackberry, bramble, green herb, and café au lait aromas lead to medium-bodied flavors that show class and sophistication, along with light smoke influence. Coffee notes linger on the finish. 14.1% alcohol. 925 cases produced. Natural cork.

Seven Hills Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Merlot Walla Walla Valley 2020 $65
89 points

This is 100% varietal, all coming from 1982 vines at this vineyard planted by winery founder Casey McClellan. Blackberry, anise, and ember aromas lead to soft fruit flavors with a lightly grainy feel and smoke accents. The smoke impact becomes more noticeable with time open. 14.5% alcohol. 215 cases produced. Natural cork.

Among the Giants Estate Merlot Goose Gap 2020 $20
88 points

Reserved aromas of dark cherry, ember, vanilla bean, coffee, and spice lead to lightly smoky flavors. It has a grainy feel. 14.2% alcohol. 1,342 cases produced. Natural cork.

Mark Ryan Little Sister Merlot Red Mountain 2020 $90
88 points

This is almost all varietal, with just a smidge of Petit Verdot (2%). With fruit coming from Quintessence and Red Willow, high-toned tea, flower, cassis, and anise aromas lead to a soft palate with bunched up, fresh flavors, that dip in the middle. A warm finish caps it off. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 14.9% alcohol. 252 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

OTHER BORDEAUX VARIETIES

Echolands Blue Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley 2019 $38
93 points, Critic’s Choice

Aged in 10% new French oak, this is a style of Cabernet Franc few have explored in Walla Walla Valley – lighter, brighter, and with the oak pulled way back. Flower, red and darker fruit, satsuma, green pepper, and herb aromas lead to fresh, pure, medium-bodied flavors. It’s a complete delight. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best. 13.6% alcohol. 120 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

DeLille Red Willow Vineyard Malbec Yakima Valley 2020 $65
91 points, Critic’s Choice

Varietal Malbec is a relative rarity from this esteemed vineyard. Blackberry, espresso, satsuma, and chocolate aromas lead to well-balanced blue and black fruit flavors. Polished tannins provide support. A long finish caps it off. It’s captivating. 14.2% alcohol. 185 cases produced. cases produced. Natural cork.

Board Track Racer Malbec Red Mountain 2020 $28
88 points

Blended with 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, high-pitched raspberry, satsuma, and spice aromas lead to plump, center-focused blueberry and plum flavors. The palate is lovely, but the aromas don’t sync up. 14.9% alcohol. 428 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

SYRAH, GRENACHE, AND RHÔNE-STLYE BLENDS

Foundation Translation Stone Valley Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2019 $38
94 points, Critic’s Choice

One sniff and this wine immediately places itself in the Rocks District, with aromas of nori, firepit, grilled asparagus, and charcuterie plate. Fuller-feeling potpourri, orange rind, and grill plate flavors follow, showing polish and balance. An exceptionally long finish caps it off. It’s exquisite, a stunning example of what this sub-appellation of the valley has to offer at an eye-popping price. 13.5% alcohol. 92 cases produced. Natural cork.

Colter’s Creek Renegade Estate Red Wine Lewis-Clark Valley 2020 $25
93 points, Critic’s Choice

Colter’s Creek is leading the way in Lewis-Clark Valley and in Idaho more broadly. This is a blend of Cinsault (33%), Syrah (33%), Mourvèdre (23%), and Grenache. The aromas erupt from the glass, with notes of piercingly pure red and blue fruit, intermingled with flower, orange rind, and herb. The flavors are vivid, showing clarity, purity, layering, texture, and length, all the while retaining elegance and freshness. A long finish kicks it up a notch. It’s a benchmark wine for this young growing region and an insane value. 14.3% alcohol. 200 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Echolands Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2019 $38
93 points, Critic’s Choice

Unlike previous vintages, this Les Collines Vineyard-drive wine is supplemented with some fruit from the Rocks District. Fermented 50% whole cluster and blended with 2% Viognier before being aged in 500L oak puncheons, aromas of peat, fresh tobacco, dark raspberry, and mineral lead to achingly pure, fresh, medium-bodied, downright elegant flavors with exceptional length. The clarity and feel are heart-stopping. It’s a strikingly vivid wine that will have a very long life ahead of it. 13.0% alcohol. 764 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Colter’s Creek Expedition Series Estate Bottled Reserve Syrah Lewis-Clark Valley 2020 $45
92 points, Critic’s Choice

Syrah is quickly making its mark in this young growing region, and Colter’s Creek is one of the wineries leading the way. Sarsaparilla, cola, tangerine rind, and black cherry aromas are followed by broad, pillowy-soft feeling flavors. There’s exuberant appeal to the texture, as well as outrageous length on the finish. I can’t say I’ve had another Northwest Syrah quite like it. 14.5% alcohol. 200 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Echolands Grenache Riviere Galets Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2021 $38
92 points, Critic’s Choice

Fruit for this wine comes from the Rocks District, but it is made in an entirely different style than any other wine coming out of the appellation – direct, approachable, chill-and-chug. Racked to stainless steel barrels before malolactic fermentation, aromas of red fruit, cigar humidor, and dried stick lead to plump, juicy, ultra-pure fruit flavors. On one hand, it’s a wine that doesn’t take itself too seriously. On the other, it brings serious, serious enjoyment, succeeding at all it aims to do and more. Reconcile that as you enjoy another glass, then another. 12.3% alcohol. 164 cases produced. Screwcap.

Hoquetus Francisca’s Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2021 $55
92 points, Critic’s Choice

This young winery is making some compelling wines, with this being another example. The aromas offer notes of dried herb, smoked meat, violet, and herb. Lighter-styled, fresh smoked meat flavors follow. Lightly grainy tannins back it all up. The focus is on freshness, elegance, and purity. If you’re looking for a wine to sip as a cocktail, look elsewhere. Food is required to reveal this wine’s true beauty, but make no mistake, it’s outrageously beautiful. Decant. 13.1% alcohol. 94 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Foundation FKA Stillwater Creek Vineyard Syrah Columbia Valley 2018 $38
89 points

Short for “Formerly Known As,” the aromas intrigue, with notes of blueberry, raspberry, cigar box, menthol, smoked meat, and herb. Medium-bodied, quite soft flavors follow, centered around the middle. 14.4% alcohol. 91 cases produced. Natural cork.

Foundation Great Heights Discovery Vineyard Syrah Horse Heaven Hills 2019 $38
88 points

Aromas of blackberry, sweet barrel spice, and dried tobacco lead to linear-seeming flavors with a tacky feel. It pulls up on the finish. There are good things happening, but the oak gets too far out front. 14.8% alcohol. 74 cases produced. Natural cork.

OTHER RED VARIETIES & BLENDS

Colter’s Creek Estate Bottled Rocinante Lewis-Clark Valley 2019 $35
91 points, Critic’s Choice

This is a blend of Cinsault (44%), Grenache (18.5%), Graciano (12.5%), Mourvèdre (12.5%), and Tempranillo. Black pepper, tangerine, citrus twist, flower, and fresh herb aromas lead to supremely soft, elegantly-styled flavors. Citrus and black pepper notes linger on the finish. The freshness and purity are dazzling. 13.4% alcohol. 200 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Colter’s Creek Estate Bottled Tempranillo Lewis-Clark Valley 2020 $25
90 points, Critic’s Choice

The aromas are perfumed, with notes of flower, cranberry, and black currant, along with light barrel accents. Quite soft, medium-bodied flavors follow. It’s a tasty offering of the variety and an exceptional value. 14.7% alcohol. 350 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Vice by Virtue Indulgence Dessert Wine Columbia Valley 2019 $35
90 points

The aromas bring plentiful barrel notes – vanilla bean, vanilla extract, pencil shavings, cocoa, and spice – along with dark cherry and brown sugar. Smooth, well-balanced dark fruit flavors follow. There’s much to enjoy. 19% alcohol. 50 cases produced. Natural cork.

Colter’s Creek Expedition Series Estate Bottled Negroamaro-Cabernet Sauvignon Lewis-Clark Valley 2020 $45
88 points
This is a 50/50 blend of these two varieties. The aromas are generous, with notes of blackberry, black cherry, cocoa, green pepper, medicine, and dried herb. Bright, fresh, medium-bodied fruit flavors follow. 14.5% alcohol. 100 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

WHITE WINES

CHARDONNAY

Among the Giants Estate Chardonnay Goose Gap 2021 $18
91 points, Value Pick

Clarified butter, cream soda, peach, and yellow apple aromas lead to well-balanced flavors that bring textural richness while remaining poised and balanced. A lingering finish caps it off. It’s a spot-on example of the variety and an exceptional value. 13.5% alcohol. 1,396 cases produced. Screwcap.

Goose Ridge Estate Bottled Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2020 $30
89 points

This wine was aged 10 months in 70% new French oak. The aromas offer notes of clarified butter, corn silk, toast, and pear. Medium-bodied flavors follow, showing pleasing balance, texture, and length. A wet clay and ash note emerges on the finish, providing distraction on an otherwise lovely wine. 13.5% alcohol. 326 cases produced. Natural cork.

Toil Oregon Chardonnay Oregon 2021 $40
88 points

The aromas are subdued, with notes of pear, flower, and wet clay. Medium-bodied flavors follow, showing some nuttiness and bitterness on the finish. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 14.5% alcohol. 947 cases produced. Natural cork.

Chouette Chardonnay Quail Ridge Vineyards Lake Chelan 2021 $35
87 points

Light aromas of pear, apple, cinnamon, and a whiff of cider and flower lead to medium-plus bodied flavors. Char notes take over on the finish and linger. 97 cases produced. 13.6% alcohol. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

OTHER WHITES

Goose Ridge Estate Bottled Riesling Goose Gap 2022 $24
91 points, Critic’s Choice

This wine was partially native fermented in a mixture of concrete, stainless steel, and neutral oak puncheons. The aromas pop, with notes of flower, ginger, apricot, lemon, and jasmine. The palate is a wild ride of white peach, lemon iced tea, and citrus flavors, with a textured feel and backed by zippy acidity. It’s got loads of hang time on the finish – absolutely delicious. 12.3% alcohol. 313 cases produced. Natural cork.

Goose Ridge Estate Bottled Pinot Gris Goose Gap 2022 $26
90 points

The aromas are exuberant, with notes of pear, star fruit, apricot, and straw. Clean, rounded flavors follow, showing balance, proportion, and length. 12.9% alcohol. 203 cases produced. Natural cork.

Seven Hills Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2022 $20
90 points

Blended with 7% Semillon, 2% Muscadelle, and 1% Orange Muscat, this is an aromatically generous wine, with notes of honeydew, green melon rind, citrus, banana, kiwi, and papaya. Ripe, full-bodied tropical fruit flavors follow, with enough acid to stitch it all together. It’s a very enjoyable, riper styled offering of the variety. 14.1% alcohol. 9,000 cases produced. Screwcap.

Ashlyn Heart of Willamette Valley Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2021 $20
89 points

Whole cluster pressed, cool fermented, and aged nine months in stainless steel, aromas of pear, apple, and spice, lead to a full-bodied, almost viscous-feeling palate. It’s rich in texture and flavor, with enough acid to pull it all off. 13.0% alcohol. 500 cases produced. Screwcap.

Brockmeyer Albariño Yakima Valley 2022 $22
88 points

Fruit for this wine comes from Otis Vineyard. It was fermented in neutral barrel for three weeks before being transferred to stainless steel drums. The aromas are bright, with botanical notes of eucalyptus and spearmint, along with flower. A medium-bodied palate follows, showing pleasing depth, texture, and length. It’s a unique offering, unlike anything else I’ve tasted of this variety from Washington (or elsewhere), though the aromas and flavors don’t fully sync up. 12.5% alcohol. 40 cases produced. Screwcap.

ROSÉ

Goose Ridge Estate Bottled Rosé Goose Gap 2022 $28
92 points, Critic’s Choice

This was 100% native fermented in concrete and then aged in concrete and neutral French oak puncheons. The aromas are vibrant, with notes of wild strawberry, starburst, orange rind, flower, and herb, showing pleasing complexities. The palate has textural richness and layering, backed by juicy acidity. A long finish caps it off. It’s a compelling balance of seriousness and pink wine whimsy. 12.9% alcohol. 727 cases produced. Natural cork.

Revelation by Goose Ridge Rosé Goose Gap 2022 $18
90 points, Value Pick

A pretty pale color, the aromas offer bright notes of rhubarb, strawberry, orange rind, kiwi, and white watermelon. Fleshy but brisk flavors follow. A kiwi and strawberry-filled finish caps it off. It’s tasty, with pleasing balance throughout. 13.8% alcohol. 15,000 cases produced. Screwcap.

Underground Wine Project And Why Am I Mr Pink Rosé Columbia Valley 2022 $15
89 points, Value Pick

Mr. Pink is consistently the best value rosé in Washington. Watermelon, strawberry hard candy, and herb aromas lead to well-balanced, medium-bodied flavors that linger on the finish. It’s somewhat weightier in feel than recent vintages, still possessing the acid to tie it all together and pull it off. 12.5% alcohol. 16,500 cases produced. Screwcap.

SPARKLING

Lytle-Barnett Blanc de Blancs Eola-Amity Hills 2017 $75
92 points

This is 100% Chardonnay, with fruit coming from Bieze Vineyard. Aged on lees, the aromas intrigue, with notes of thyme, lemon, baked bread, and bottle age notes. A fresh, lively palate follows, loaded with autolytic flavors. The freshness keeps it moving along nicely, as does the nervy acidity. 12% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Natural cork.

Lytle-Barnett Brut Rosé Willamette Valley 2016 $75
92 points

This is a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay. Aged in French oak and stainless steel, the aromas bring notes of brioche, lemon essence, strawberry, lees, and cardamom. The palate brings broad-feeling, pleasingly rich fruit and baked bread flavors, backed by a light mousse. A very long finish caps off this yeast-driven wine. Bottles show some variation. 12.5% alcohol. 180 cases produced. Natural cork.

Lytle-Barnett Blanc de Noirs Eola-Amity-Hills 2018 $75
91 points

This is 100% Mariafeld clone Pinot Noir from Bieze Vineyard. Vinified in French oak barrels and stainless steel and aged on lees, the aromas are bright, with notes of pear, flower, spice, raspberry, baked bread, and herb. A light mousse follows, with creamy flavors, chock full of yeast notes that stretch out on the finish. Lemony acidity frames it all. 12% alcohol. 180 cases produced. Natural cork.

Lytle-Barnett Brut Willamette Valley 2015 $75
91 points

Pinot Noir comprises 70% of this wine with the rest Chardonnay, all coming from two different valley vineyards. Spice, lemon, raspberry, baked bread, and yeast aromas lead to a fresh palate with a lighter mousse. Citrus and herb notes weave through the finish. It’s very nicely done. 12.5% alcohol. 315 cases produced. Natural cork.

Tirriddis Blanc de Blanc Rendition No. 2 Traditional Method Sparkling Chardonnay Columbia Valley NV $25
91 points, Critic’s Choice

This is all Chardonnay. Captivating aromas of apple, pear, and brioche lead to tart lemon and apple flavors. It’s everything one could ask for in a wine of this style at a terrific price. 12.52% alcohol. 700 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Echolands PoÉt-Nat Sparkling Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley 2021 $35
90 points

Sparkling wines from Walla Walla Valley are a new trend. This one offers aromas and flavors of green and jalapeño pepper along with citrus. A fine-grained mousse and lively acidity keep the interest up. It might be too green for some tastes. 12.5% alcohol. 70 cases produced. Crowncap.

Tirriddis Washington Blend Rendition No. 2 Traditional Method Sparkling Wine Columbia Valley NV $24
90 points, Critic’s Choice

Pear, toast, lemon, and herb aromas lead to fuller-feeling, almost creamy flavors, showing some phenolics. There’s plenty of acidity to keep it moving. A cleansing finish, accented by bitters, ties it all together. 12.20% alcohol. 312 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Tirriddis Traditional Method Rendition No. 2 Brut Sparkling Rosé Columbia Valley NV $27
89 points

This is a blend of roughly one-third each Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Pale pink in color, the aromas bring notes of raspberry, brioche, and cinnamon stick. A brisk palate follows with a light mousse. It’s enjoyable but needs more bubbles to fully pull it off. 12.58% alcohol. 900 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Tirriddis Blanc de Gris Rendition No. 3 Traditional Method Sparkling Pinot Gris Columbia Valley NV $30
88 points

This is a blend of 76% Pinot Gris and 24% Chardonnay. The aromas offer appeal, with notes of brioche and spice, along with some phenolics. Medium-bodied, textured flavors follow. 12.95% alcohol. 187 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.

Tirriddis Blanc de Blanc Rendition No. 3 Traditional Method Sparkling Chardonnay Columbia Valley NV $25
87 points

Aromas of metal, petroleum jelly, banana, and apple lead to fuller feeling flavors. It remains brisk and light on its feet. 12.52% alcohol. 700 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.