60+ wines reviewed below, including the latest from 14 Hands, Boomtown by Dusted Valley, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, Eight Bells, Elentone, Foundation, H3, Intrinsic, Mongata, Noble Ridge, Northstar, Parejas, RoxyAnn, Spring Valley, Syncline, The Walls, and Wysling.
It’s hard to overstate how much James and Poppie Mantone were at the vanguard when they started Syncline in 1999. The winery quickly focused in large part on Rhône varieties at a time when Syrah had a less than 15 year history in the state. Syncline also worked with varieties – such as Carignan and Cinsault – that few others had. Finally, Syncline planted its flag in the Columbia Gorge long before the region was in vogue.
In many ways, Syncline is the worthy successor to McCrea Cellars, the winery that led the way in producing a wide assortment of Rhône varieties and blends in Washington. (McCrea no longer produces wine.) Syncline has also made sparkling wine since the beginning, with sparklers just now starting to become more popular with winemakers in the state.
Today, almost 25 years in, Syncline continues to lead the way in Washington with its style of wines and approach to winemaking. The focus is squarely on freshness and purity of fruit. The winery’s estate offerings from the Columbia Gorge are among the most thrilling wines being made in the state. The Syncline whites, rosés, and reds continue to have a voice all their own. These are all very high bars to reach. (Read a feature article I wrote about Syncline for Edible Seattle in 2011.)
Speaking of sparkling wine, Woodinville’s Elentone is making shockingly good traditional method sparklers. Chris Sherry and Miguele de Quadros-Sherry first made wines from Washington fruit in 2013 and 2014 before restarting production in 2018. Elentone – the Old English name for Chris Sherry’s hometown in England – is one of a handful of wineries in Washington dedicating itself solely to sparkling wines.
Fruit for the Elentone wines comes from the Lake Chelan and Columbia Gorge appellations. Some of the Elentone wines see extended aging in bottle, as much as three years. If you’re looking for evidence that Washington can produce world class sparkling wines, look no further than Elentone.
Eight Bells is located in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle. It is a true urban winery in every sense, with its production and tasting room all taking place in an unassuming facility located down an alleyway off Roosevelt Way Northeast. (Read a 2012 article about Eight Bells.) Many of the winery’s customers live within a short walk or drive to the winery.
Eight Bells is also unique in that the winery focuses almost exclusively on fruit from Red Willow Vineyard. (Some white and some red wine comes from Boushey.) Many Washington wineries include a Red Willow wine as part of their portfolio. I know of no other winery that is as dedicated to Red Willow fruit as Eight Bells.
The winery, which was founded by Tim Bates, Andy Shepherd, and Frank Michiels in 2009, is in the midst of a generation transition, with Frank Michels’ daughter Taylor Nordby now CEO. Her husband, Kip, is also involved in the winery.
One only has to look at all the construction happening left, right, and center around Eight Bells due to the light rail to realize that the winery will likely need to find a new home before long. If and when that happens, Eight Bells is committed to remaining an urban winery through and through.
Spring Valley has always been one of the most distinctive sites in Walla Walla Valley. The winery is located off by itself, surrounded by rolling wheat fields. To my palate, this location also gives a distinct, recognizable fingerprint to the wines.
The 2019 vintage in Washington had some challenges, with a cool finish and an early October freeze. Whether for this or some other reason, the 2019 Spring Valley wines seem notably higher in acidity, with a pleasing tartness to them. In this regard, they almost seem like throwback wines to an earlier time in the state. For a winery that has always excelled, they are some of Spring Valley’s best wines this decade.
Of note, Kate Derby was named winemaker at Spring Valley earlier this year. Read a profile of Derby here.
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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.
ROSÉS
Syncline Rosé Horse Heaven Hills 2022 $28
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Year in and year out, Syncline produces consistently delicious rosé. This is yet another example. A blend of 55% Carignan and 45% Mourvèdre, it shows just a tinge of color. The aromas are immediately appealing, with notes of yellow strawberry, herb, and wet rock. The palate is medium-bodied, brisk, and richly flavorful. It’s sensational – everything one could want from a rosé. 12.8% alcohol. 500 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
The Walls French Creek Vineyard Cruel Summer Rosé Yakima Valley $99 (3L)
92 points
This is a rare example of a Washington wine in an 3L Astropouch, perfect for sipping and storing in the fridge during the summer. (The wine also comes in regular 750ml bottles.) Quite pale in color, the aromas bring notes of herb, rhubarb, and strawberry. Sleek, tart fruit flavors follow. Summer just got a little less cruel. 12% alcohol. 3L Bag-in-box.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Contemporary Winemaking Series Indian Wells Rosé Columbia Valley 2022 $20
91 points, Value Pick
A very pretty pale pink color, the aromas bring notes of watermelon rind, melon, and strawberry. Tart, bright, lighter-styled flavors follow, with Smarties on the finish. Like all good rosés, the acid drives it. 12.5% alcohol. 25,000 cases produced. Agglomerated cork.
Mongata Resurgent Vineyard Estate Rosé of Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2022 $28
91 points
Walla Walla Valley rosés remain a relative rarity, with this one all coming from Block G at this up-and-coming vineyard. An appealing pale peach color, the aromas show some reduction initially. It clears with vigorous swirling. Beyond that are aromas of strawberry, wet stone, and herb. Medium-bodied kiwi and guava flavors follow. Pleasing acidity keeps it all in balance. Decant briefly if still reduced. 13% alcohol. 102 cases produced. Natural cork.
Eight Bells Red Willow Vineyard Mourvèdre Rosé Yakima Valley 2022 $28
89 points
The vines that produced this wine were planted in 1999. The aromas show significant reduction on first pour – not uncommon with Mourvèdre rosés but a distraction. Beyond that are notes of spice, cherry, and mineral. The palate is fuller in feel, bringing pleasing weight and depth, while always remaining in focus. It finishes a touch warm. Decant if still reduced. 13.8% alcohol. 187 cases produced. Glass stopper.
Parejas Strand Vineyard Graciano Rosé Naches Heights 2021 $24
82 points
This is quite dark in color, showing significant bricking. The aromas bring notes of cherry and mesquite smoke. Smoke and barbequed hotdog flavors follow, with the smoke influence not letting go on the finish. 12% alcohol. 50 cases produced. Screwcap.
RED WINES
BORDEAUX-STYLE BLENDS
Spring Valley Estate Grown Uriah Red Wine Walla Walla Valley 2019 $60
94 points, Cellar Stocker
This is a blend of 46% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 17% Petit Verdot, and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 30 months in French oak, stainless steel, and neutral puncheons, aromas of flower, herb, coffee, cherry, dried citrus peel, soil, and black licorice are followed by quite tart, bright flavors backed by firm tannins. It’s a stylistic throwback wine to Washington of old and needs time in bottle to show its best. Enjoy after 2026 with a long life beyond that. 14.2% alcohol. 700 cases produced. Natural cork.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Red Wine Columbia Valley 2019 $65
92 points, Cellar Stocker
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 61% of this wine, Merlot 31%, and the rest Malbec (6%) and Cabernet Franc. The aromas boast notes of coffee, cherry liqueur, dried stem, and bountiful barrel spices. Creamy-feeling coffee, cherry, and plum flavors follow. Lightly grainy tannins support it all. Coffee notes linger on the finish. Fruit and barrel play off each other. Give it some additional time in bottle or decant. Best after 2027. 14.5% alcohol. 3,000 cases produced. Natural cork.
Eight Bells David’s Block Red Willow Vineyard Yakima Valley 2018 $42
92 points, Cellar Stocker
This is a unique wine for Washington, with all of the fruit co-fermented and coming from a block designed by the late David Lake. Cabernet Sauvignon comprises 81%, with the rest Merlot (10%), Cabernet Franc (5%), and Petit Verdot. The aromas show notes of fresh herb, coffee, red licorice, tobacco, cherry candy, and spice, along with some reduction. Plump, pleasing red fruit flavors follow, backed by velvety-soft tannins. Coffee notes accent the lingering finish. It’s beautiful but wound up tightly at present. Best after 2026. Decant if drinking sooner. 14.4% alcohol. 250 cases produced. Glass stopper.
Northstar Red Wine Walla Walla Valley 2020 $60
91 points
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, aromas of dried thyme, spice, leaf, and red and black fruit lead to ultra-pure, polished, seamless raspberry and cherry flavors that extend on the finish. This one is all about elegance, purity, and sophistication, and boy does it bring it. The fruit is right at the front. 13.8% alcohol. 300 cases produced. Natural cork.
Intrinsic Red Blend Columbia Valley 2020 $22
90 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Malbec, aged on skins for nine months. (Yes, you read that right.) Aromas of coffee bean, tea leaf, tangerine rind, plum, and dark fruit lead to flavors that are initially broader around the edges, somewhat lighter in the middle, filling in over time. There’s pleasing depth and freshness. It provides impressive value. Flash decant. 14.5% alcohol. 20,000 cases produced. Natural cork.
RoxyAnn Single Vineyard Estate Grown & Bottled Claret Rogue Valley 2019 $30
90 points, Critic’s Choice
Cabernet Sauvignon comprises 37% of this wine and Merlot 31%, with the rest evenly split between Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Aromas of cocoa, tobacco, cedar, and mushroom lead to medium-bodied, bright flavors. It shows pleasing sophistication. 13.9% alcohol. 2,395 cases produced. Synthetic cork.
Foundation Ransom Note Red Wine Columbia Valley 2019 $38
89 points
This wine is predominantly Discovery Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Red Mountain Merlot (25%), with the rest Petit Verdot from StoneTree and Red Mountain and Malbec from Stillwater Creek. Aged 22 months in French oak (25% new), the aromas show notes of cocoa, spice, black cherry, and a whiff of barnyard. Medium-bodied, well-balanced, cherry-driven flavors follow. 14.4% alcohol. 150 cases produced. Natural cork.
Parejas Appaloosa Red Columbia Valley 2021 $39
87 points
This is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon from Sweetwater Vineyard and 50% Cabernet Franc from Elephant Mountain. The aromas bring notes of raspberry jam mixed with cranberry, orange rind, flower, and assorted spices. Tart, lip-smacking, cranberry-driven flavors follow. There’s a smoky note on the finish that distracts. 14% alcohol. 82 cases produced. Screwcap.
Parejas Appaloosa Red Lewis-Clark Valley 2019 $37
86 points
This is a blend of 70% Merlot from Arnett Vineyard and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Sweetwater. Ground cranberry, cherry, flower, and dried tangerine rind aromas lead to medium-bodied, tangerine-filled flavors. It trails on the finish. 13.6% alcohol. 41 cases produced. Screwcap.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Eight Bells Red Willow Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley 2018 $95
92 points, Cellar Stocker
This is a true barrel selection – an individual barrel from Mike’s Block at this esteemed site, aged 34 months in 100% new French oak. It shows some initial reduction. Beyond that are notes of coffee, black cherry liqueur, a dash of cinnamon, crushed flower, and a medley of dried herbs. The palate is broad feeling but still elegant and sophisticated. It hangs around for a long time on the coffee-filled finish. Very classy stuff. Best from 2026 to 2035. 14.1% alcohol. 33 cases produced. Glass stopper.
Northstar Dionysus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2020 $120
92 points, Cellar Stocker
This is a rare look at one of Washington’s oldest vineyards. The aromas are appealing, with notes of roasted coffee bean, dark chocolate, plum, black cherry, flower, fresh herb, and barrel spice. Creamy-feeling flavors follow, with fruit and barrel playing off each other. True to the site, it’s more about sophistication and length than full-on hedonistic intensity – a very, very pretty interpretation of the variety. Enjoy after 2027. 14.7% alcohol. 200 cases produced. Natural cork.
H3 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills 2020 $14
90 points, Value Pick
2020 was a giving vintage, elevating entry tier wines such as this one. Aromas of plum and fresh black currant lead to fruit-forward, plump-feeling flavors. Lightly grainy tannins back it all up. Coffee notes linger on the finish. It provides excellent value. 14.5% alcohol. 72,458 cases produced. Agglomerated cork.
14 Hands The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills 2019 $40
89 points
Aromas of cocoa, cream, raspberry, and spice lead to medium-bodied, well-balanced coffee and chocolate flavors. Like the vintage it came from, it’s reserved in style, with the freshness elevating the wine. 14.5% alcohol. 704 cases produced. Natural cork.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2019 $30
89 points
This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, coming from a site planted in 1973. Aged 18 months in French and American oak (51% new), coffee, mushroom powder, black cherry, and barrel spice aromas lead to medium-plus bodied, well-balanced flavors that mix herbal notes, cherry, and barrel accents. 14.8% alcohol. 14,000 cases produced. Natural cork.
Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2019 $22
89 points, Value Pick
There is not another Cabernet like this in the state – spending nine months on its skins. Coffee, orange rind, chocolate, and ember aromas lead to fruit flavors that are initially fuller on the edges, filling in the middle with time open. It lingers on the finish. There’s a lot of quality and value to be had. 14.5% alcohol. 20,228 cases produced. Natural cork.
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Washington 2020 $12
88 points, Value Pick
The aromas boast notes of espresso bean, coffee, plum, and red fruit. The palate is nowhere near as oak-driven as the aromas suggest, featuring medium-bodied red and black currant flavors. Coffee notes accent the finish. It hits a lot of high notes for this price. 14.5% alcohol. 132,566 cases produced. Screwcap.
MERLOT & OTHER BORDEAUX VARIETIES
Eight Bells Red Willow Vineyard Merlot Yakima Valley 2018 $35
92 points, Critic’s Choice
All of the fruit for this wine comes from a single block, planted in 1990. Aromas of freshly brewed espresso are at the fore. Beyond that are notes of bittersweet chocolate and red and black fruit. The palate brings a pleasing mixture of intensity and briskness, with plentiful, lightly creamy-feeling coffee and cherry flavors. A lingering finish caps it off. 14.7% alcohol. 120 cases produced. Glass stopper.
Northstar Merlot Columbia Valley 2020 $45
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Northstar has been a point of reference for Washington Merlot for nearly three decades. Wines like this ensure that it will continue to be. The aromas offer notes of cocoa, coffee, and raspberry – a classic Washington Merlot profile. Dried orange rind notes provide accents. Plump-feeling flavors follow, showing pleasing depth and enough tannic structure to go the distance. Vanilla notes speckle the finish. Enjoy it now or in the next five to 10 years. 14.5% alcohol. 2,200 cases produced. Natural cork.
Eight Bells Red Willow Vineyard Malbec Yakima Valley 2020 $35
91 points, Critic’s Choice
This is an aromatically brooding wine, with notes of dried herb, black currant, plum, and tar. The supple, reserved flavors show dazzling purity, sophistication, and restraint. It’s a wine all about fruit, with no signs of new oak influence. Malbec fans, this one is for you. 14.1% alcohol. 84 cases produced. Glass stopper.
Spring Valley Katherine Corkrum Estate Grown Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley 2019 $60
91 points
100% varietal, the aromas are alluring, with notes of espresso, roasted coffee bean, cigar, crushed flower, dried herb, and raspberry. The palate brings pleasing elegance and briskness. It’s terrific on its own, but put it on the dinner table to see this wine at its best. 14.5% alcohol. 300 cases produced. Natural cork.
14 Hands The Reserve Merlot Horse Heaven Hills 2019 $40
90 points
The aromas start out brooding, with notes of dried herb, carob, and black cherry. Raspberry notes emerge over time. A compact, center-focused palate follows, unfurling with time open to show a medium-bodied palate backed by soft tannins. Decant. 14.5% alcohol. 348 cases produced. Natural cork.
RHÔNE VARIETIES AND BLENDS
Spring Valley Estate Grown Nina Lee Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2019 $60
91 points
This seems a style departure for this wine, coming in at under 14% alcohol and tasting like it, bringing impressive freshness. Fragrant aromas of sweet herb, red fruit, wheat, and flower lead to quite tart, pure, medium-bodied red fruit flavors. The oak (30 months in 500L puncheons along with stainless steel) seems pulled back. The acid keeps it all in vivid focus. 13.8% alcohol. 500 cases produced. Natural cork.
Syncline McKinley Springs Vineyard Cinsault Horse Heaven Hills 2021 $55
91 points
Few in the state make a varietally labeled Cinsault. Blended with 10% Grenache, the aromas bring notes of red plum, gummy candy, raspberry, herb, wet stone, and dried flower. Plump-feeling, poised, elegant red fruit flavors follow. Tobacco notes linger on the finish. It’s a pretty, fruit-forward wine – classic Syncline. 13.2% alcohol. 275 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Syncline Grenache-Carignan Columbia Valley 2021 $60
91 points
This is a 60/40 blend of these two varieties, with Carignan rarely seen so prominently. Flower aromas are in the lead, followed by sweet herb, then red fruit, whole tangerine, and cream. The palate is broad in feel but remains light on its feet and juicy. Tangerine notes linger on the finish. 13.4% alcohol. 350 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Wysling Roskamp Vineyard Block Two Syrah Snipes Mountain 2017 $32
91 points, Critic’s Choice
Designated bottles from Snipes Mountain are a rarity, and this is a terrific example. Aromas of blue and purple fruit mix with sweet spice, cedar, and dried herb. Medium-bodied fruit flavors follow, showing pleasing purity and depth. 14.5% alcohol. 96 cases produced. Screwcap.
Foundation Stoney Vine Vineyard End of Silence Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2020 $38
90 points
The aromas offer notes of soot, sea salt, green and black olive brine, orange rind, crushed flower, and nori – a classic Rocks District profile. The flavors are medium-bodied and, true the sub-appellation, soft in feel, focused on the savory. A medicinal note emerges on the finish. It brings a touch more freshness than is typically seen in this appellation. 13.5% alcohol. 111 cases produced. Natural cork.
Syncline Subduction Red Columbia Valley 2021 $30
90 points, Critic’s Choice
Syncline’s Subduction Red is consistently one of the best Rhône-style values in Washington. The blend this vintage is 45% Mourvèdre, 30% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 9% Carignan, and 2% Cinsault. The aromas are captivating, with notes of raspberry, fresh dill, dried herb, and gummy bear. Achingly pure, medium-bodied flavors follow. It brings elegance and puts a premium on purity. More please. 13.6% alcohol. 1,350 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Eight Bells Southern Voyage Yakima Valley 2020 $40
89 points
This wine is a blend of 68% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 13% Counoise, 4% Mourvèdre, and 1% Viognier. With three-quarters of the fruit coming from Boushey and one quarter from Red Willow – the only wine I am aware of that deliberately combines these two esteemed vineyards – the aromas start out quite reduced, with notes of tire rubber that cause substantial distraction. Beyond that are notes of white pepper, fresh herb, flower, and red fruit. Elegantly-styled red and blue fruit flavors follow, speckled with spice notes. There’s not a hint of new oak in site. A light ash note emerges on the finish. 14.9% alcohol. 290 cases produced. Glass stopper.
Wysling Alder Ridge Vineyard Mouvèdre Horse Heaven Hills 2021 $32
86 points
The volatiles are elevated on this wine. Beyond that are notes of red and black cherry, black pepper, and smoked meat. Medium-bodied, smoky flavors follow. 14% alcohol. 165 cases produced. Screwcap.
Wysling Grenache Yakima Valley 2021 $32
85 points
Aromas of blue fruit, campfire, and raspberry lead to quite smoky medium-bodied flavors. The smoke impact is substantial. It’s a shame, as there’s a lovely purity underneath it. 14% alcohol. 84 cases produced. Screwcap.
RED BLENDS & OTHER RED VARIETIES
Spring Valley Estate Grown Frederick Red Wine Walla Walla Valley 2019 $60
93 points, Cellar Stocker
This vintage of the Frederick is a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 16% Syrah. Aged 30 months in French oak, it’s an aromatically fascinating wine, with notes of dried leaf, licorice, green herb, plum, cocoa, and raspberry, Fresh, vibrant herb and cherry flavors follow. Lightly grainy tannins provide support. The freshness keeps the interest way up. Enjoy from 2025 to 2032. Drinks best at the cooler end of 62-66 degrees. 14.5% alcohol. 1,200 cases produced. Natural cork.
Syncline Estate Grown Gamay Noir Columbia Gorge 2021 $45
92 points, Critic’s Choice
This is 100% varietal from Steep Creek Ranch – the winery’s home vineyard. Fermented 65% whole cluster with carbonic maceration in concrete cubes, the aromas offer notes of purple fruit, red currant, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and dried herb. Medium-bodied, achingly pure flavors follow, backed by lightly grainy tannins. Gorgeous stuff. 13.5% alcohol. 375 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Foundation Rusty Cage Red Mountain 2019 $38
91 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of 45% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 5% Petit Verdot, coming from Quintessence, Stanton, Quinn, and Discovery vineyards. Aged in 15% new French oak, the aromas show subdued notes of cherry, plum, spice, and a whiff of dill. Well-balanced, polished fruit flavors follow, with a robust middle, stretching out on the finish. It’s got a high yum factor. 14.4% alcohol. 157 cases produced. Natural cork.
Eight Bells Red Willow Vineyard Sangiovese Yakima Valley 2020 $30
90 points, Critic’s Choice
Varietal Sangiovese is increasingly rare in Washington. Eight Bells consistently makes one of the best. As always, this is a blend of Piccolo and Grosso clones from vines planted in the early ‘90s. Aromas of red fruit and earth lead to medium-bodied, fresh, juicy flavors. The acid is dialed up, and there’s nary a whiff of new oak in site. Pair it with pasta with a red sauce. 14.1% alcohol. 175 cases produced. Glass stopper.
RoxyAnn Honor Barn Red Rogue Valley 2020 $20
88 points
This is a blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. The aromas show notes of cherry, green herb, yogurt, plum, and herb. Plump, pleasing cherry flavors follow, with bountiful vanilla notes on the finish. 14% alcohol. Case production not provided. Screwcap.
RoxyAnn Single Vineyard Estate Grown & Bottled Petite Sirah Rogue Valley 2019 $34
87 points
The aromas offer notes of cherry, fruit leather, coffee, sweet spice, and tobacco. Broad-feeling cranberry flavors follow, leading to a tart finish. Fruit and barrel tussle at times. 14.2% alcohol. 273 cases produced. Synthetic cork.
Wysling WA Red Blend Washington NV $30
84 points
The aromas and flavors bring notes of dried tobacco and dried cherry, with the fruit seeming desiccated. The flavors trail on the finish. Alcohol not listed. 128 cases produced. Screwcap.
WHITE WINES
CHARDONNAY
Noble Ridge King’s Ransom Block 4 Old Vines Chardonnay Okanagan Falls 2020 $50
91 points
The aromas bring notes of char, toast, pumpkin, peach, and cream. Medium-bodied flavors follow, showing pleasing freshness. Lees notes linger on the finish. High quality stuff. 14.0% alcohol. 225 cases produced. Natural cork.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills 2021 $20
90 points
The aromas show notes of spice, straw, peach, and herb. A medium-bodied, pleasingly textured palate follows. The feel bringing as much appeal as the flavors, which hang around on the finish. 13.5%. 40,000 cases produced. Natural cork.
Eight Bells Boushey Vineyards Chardonnay Yakima Valley 2022 $30
90 points
This is a blend of four clones of Chardonnay, all co-fermented, some in barrel. Pleasingly pure aromas of melon, apple, and pear lead to lighter-bodied, fresh, pleasing flavors. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best. Pair with seared scallops topped with a beurre blanc. 12.9% alcohol. 176 cases produced. Glass stopper.
Boomtown by Dusted Valley Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2021 $19
88 points
The aromas offer notes of apple and plentiful stone fruit. Medium-bodied ripe peach and apricot flavors follow, with the fruit out front. 13.1% alcohol. 500 cases produced. Screwcap.
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay Washington 2021 $12
87 points
The aromas are reserved, showing notes of muscat gummy, apple, toast, and whiffs of melon and medicine. Medium-bodied flavors follow. Toasty notes linger on the finish. It’s a pleasant, well-priced offering of the variety. 13.5% alcohol. 62,284 cases produced. Screwcap.
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Boomtown by Dusted Valley Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2022 $19
89 points
There’s substantial reduction initially, clearing with significant time open. Behind that are notes of herb, citrus, and whiffs of green pepper. Lighter-styled, bright flavors follow, mixing citrus and tropical notes. The acid propels it forward. 12.9% alcohol. 1,000 cases produced. Screwcap.
H3 Sauvignon Blanc Horse Heaven Hills 2021 $14
89 points, Value Pick
This is an aromatic offering, with captivating notes of thyme, fresh mint, and lemon verbena. Broad-feeling, medium-bodied citrus and green papaya flavors follow, with plenty of acid to keep it all in focus. It provides a lot of enjoyment and value. 12.5% alcohol. 5,000 cases produced. Screwcap.
Roxy Ann Single Vineyard Estate Grown & Bottled Sauvignon Blanc Rogue Valley 2022 $22
88 points
The aromas intrigue, with notes of green flower, pea pod, and herb along with kiwi, passion fruit, and other tropical fruits. Broad-feeling flavors follow. It wants a bit more acid to stitch it all together, but what’s there is lovely. 13.5% alcohol. 325 cases produced. Screwcap.
RHÔNE WHITES
Syncline Boushey Vineyard Picpoul Yakima Valley 2022 $28
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Fermented in concrete and then aged in stainless steel, the aromas bring notes of white grapefruit zest, wet stone, and flower. The palate brings texture and layering to the flavors, all heightened by electric acidity. It’s among the best offerings of this variety that the winery has made to date, and that’s saying something. Stock up. 13% alcohol. 320 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Parejas Grenache Blanc Columbia Valley 2022 $26
87 points
Aromas of pear and apple lead to tart, bright flavors. It’s shows some bitterness on the finish. 13% alcohol. 33 cases produced. Screwcap
RoxyAnn Single Vineyard Viognier Rogue Valley 2022 $22
87 points
Aromas of canned peach in syrup, pineapple, and honeysuckle – almost reminiscent of a dessert wine – lead to full-bodied, rich tropical fruit flavors. It shows some bitterness on the finish. It’s a walk on the variety’s riper side, stepping just a bit too far over the line. 13.7% alcohol. 595 cases produced. Screwcap.
OTHER WHITES
Boomtown by Dusted Valley Pinot Gris Columbia Valley 2022 $19
90 points, Value Pick
Washington makes an abundance of Pinot Gris, but much of it lacks distinction. This wine rises above the fray. Subdued aromas of apple, herb, lemon, and crayon lead to broad-feeling, well-balanced fruit flavors, enlivened by brisk acidity. It begs for another glass. 12.9% alcohol. 3,200 cases produced. Screwcap.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Riesling Yakima Valley 2022 $20
90 points, Value Pick
The aromas boast notes of honeysuckle and ripe peach, along with a hint of lime leaf. Off-dry, leaning slightly sweeter, well-balanced flavors follow, with the fruit and acid playing off each other. It’s straight-up enjoyment. 11.5% alcohol. 45,000 cases produced. Micro-agglomerated cork.
Parejas Sweetwater Vineyard Albariño Lewis-Clark Valley 2022 $24
87 points
The aromas seem somewhat muddled, with notes of flower and green apple. There’s pleasing tartness to the medium-bodied flavors. It’s interesting, but the aromas and palate don’t entirely sync up. 13% alcohol. 32 cases produced. Screwcap.
Roxy Ann Single Vineyard Estate Grown & Bottled Pinot Gris Rogue Valley 2022 $20
87 points
The aromas are subdued, with notes of ripe peach and citrus. The palate drinks dry and is broader in feel, filled with canned peach flavors. It wants more acid to fully stand it up. 13.5% alcohol. 1,671 cases produced. Screwcap.
Parejas Sauvignon Gris Yakima Valley 2021 $24
86 points
Sauvignon Blanc makes up 83% of this wine, with the rest Pinot Gris. Aromas of muscat gummy, tin, and herb lead to medium-bodied flavors. 13% alcohol. 36 cases produced. Screwcap.
SPARKLING
Elentone Shadowplay Traditional Method Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir Columbia Gorge 2019 $55
93 points, Critic’s Choice
This wine is 100% varietal, aged 36 months on lees. Showing just a tinge of pink color, the aromas offer notes of brioche, yellow strawberry, and pink grapefruit. A brisk, well-balanced palate follows. Tart, puckering lemon notes finish it off. It’s spectacular – an indication of the promise and delivery for sparkling wines in this appellation. 12.5% alcohol. 60 cases produced. Natural cork.
Elentone Noa Traditional Method Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine Columbia Gorge 2019 $55
92 points, Critic’s Choice
100% Chardonnay, this wine was aged 36 months on lees. It’s a modern-style offering, with fresh, immediately appealing aromas of lemon and spice, complicated by herb notes. Medium-bodied, textured flavors follow, showing richness and intensity but still briskness. Lively acidity connects it all together, and an extended finish caps it off. The moment you’re done with one sip, it’s right back for the next. 12.5% alcohol. 35 cases produced. Natural cork.
Elentone Brut Traditional Method Sparkling Wine Columbia Valley 2018 $48
91 points
This is a blend of Chardonnay (82%) and Pinot Noir, all coming from the Lake Chelan appellation and aged 36 months on lees. It immediately captures attention, with aromas of spice, brioche, and citrus. A medium-bodied, lighter-styled mousse follows. It’s lovely, bringing seriousness and class. 12.5% alcohol. 80 cases produced. Natural cork.
Elentone Juno Rosé of Pinot Noir Columbia Valley 2019 $42
91 points, Critic’s Choice
100% varietal with fruit coming from the Lake Chelan appellation, this wine was aged 20 months on lees. It shows just a tinge of color. The aromas are expressive, with notes of baked bread, lemon zest, thyme, wet stone, and herb. A pleasingly subtle, reserved palate follows. Tasty stuff. 12.5% alcohol. 125 cases produced. Natural cork.
Iris Brut Sparkling Wine Willamette Valley NV $34
90 points, Critic’s Choice
Aromas of lemon gummy, citrus, and herb lead to fresh, focused flavors. A lighter-styled mousse follows. There’s pleasing brightness to the acidity. A long finish ups the interest. It’s a lot of wine for the money. 11.9% alcohol. Case production not listed. Natural cork.
Areté Brut Rosé Willamette Valley 2019 $30
88 points
This is all Pinot Noir from the winery’s estate vineyard, fermented in French oak barrels. A darker red cherry color, the aromas display notes of herb, strawberry, spice, and baked bread. Medium-bodied flavors follow, getting bogged down through the middle before coming back together on the finish. 12.6% alcohol. 210 cases produced. Natural cork.
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