Wine Enthusiast reviews for December 31, 2020
Catching up on Wine Enthusiast scores, I’ll start with the December 31st issue and move backward as quickly as I can. 111 wines reviewed in this issue. Read more…
Shoreline gem offers virtue, value
When Kevin and Kathryn Mueller launched Virtue Cellars in 2017, they eschewed the popular winery locations of Woodinville and SoDo. Instead, the couple planted their flag in Shoreline, a suburb of Seattle. “We’re a neighborhood Read more...
Take the 2021 Washington Syrah Challenge!
Another year, another challenge. Each year for these Washington wine challenges, I’ve focused on an underappreciated grape variety that Washington excel at. The first year was Riesling. Last year was Merlot. This year’s grape is (drum Read more...
Basel Cellars purchased by new ownership group
On December 30th, Walla Walla Valley’s Basel Cellars was purchased by a group of local businessmen. The group includes individuals who founded Crossbuck Brewing and Walla Walla Valley Steak Company in 2018. Dan Thiessen, managing partner at Walla Walla Steak Company and Read more...
Pic of the Vine – November 2020
Contributing photographer Richard Duval wanders far and wide throughout harvest season looking to capture Washington wine country at its peak. October found him atop the Celilo Vineyard, with Pinot near ready for harvest and stunning Read more...
Five producers redefining Washington wine
The following article appeared in the December 1st issue of Wine Enthusiast. Image by of Devium Wines' Keith Johnson by Andrea Johnson (no relation). In 50 years, Washington has gone from fledgling wine region to player Read more...
Pic of the Vine – October 2020
Contributing photographer Richard Duval roamed the state from September through October recording harvest and crush activity. In Woodinville, he captured winemaker Jerod Whelchell pressing Sauvignon Blanc for Michael Florentino Cellars. A few days later near Read more...
Liminal: Wines at the threshold
Liminal - adj. of, relating to, or situated at the threshold The next frontier in Washington has long been viticulture – improving site selection, matching variety and clone, and fine tuning viticultural practices. Some estates Read more...
Pic of the Vine – September 2020
This month contributing photographer Richard Duval is traversing Washington wine country photographing the harvest season, as he does each year. In Woodinville, he captured this image of freshly picked Malbec at Adrice Wines as it Read more...
Washington gets its 15th appellation: the Royal Slope
Washington gained its 15th appellation September 2nd, with the approval of the Royal Slope, the U.S.’s latest American Viticultural Area (AVA). “I personally think it’s the best overall appellation in the state,” says Aryn Morell, who Read more...
