History Upland Vineyard Muscat 2014
A rarity from Washington State’s Upland Vineyard on Snipes Mountain, these plantings of Muscat Hamburg date back to 1935, and, had I have tasted this blind, I would have pegged it as an Old World wine, given its restraint and lissome form. The color of onion skin and imbued with ephemeral, fleeting tones of stargazer […]
Côté Mas St. Hilaire Crémant de Limoux Brut NV
Aged sur point for twelve months, the Côté Mas Brut St. Hilaire is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, and 10% Mauzac crafted from vines planted in clay and limestone soils at elevations between 820 and 920 feet. In the glass, it’s the color of onion skin and is generously […]
Cooper Mountain Mountain Terroir Johnson School Pinot Noir 2016
Another flat-out gorgeous biodynamic wine from Cooper Mountain Vineyards, the 2016 Mountain Terroir Johnston School Pinot Noir is made from fruit grown in Laurelwood basalt soil in eastern foothills of the Chehalem Mountain AVA. Bright primary ruby in the glass, the tears hold pigment. The nose is fresh and vibrant with assertive aromas of root […]
Exitus Red 2016
A blend of Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Merlot, the 2016 Exitus is aged for three months in Kentucky Bourbon barrels. It opens with unapologetic, strapping aromas of dark cherries, plums, dark chocolate shavings, mocha, allspice, and, of course, toast. In the mouth, plush round fruit, with just a touch of discernible […]
History Cabernet Sauvignon Otis Vineyard 2014
Stoller’s latest project, a series of wines named History aims to showcase some of the oldest plantings in Oregon and Washington State. The 1957 History Cabernet is sourced from Yakima Valley’s Otis Vineyard, the oldest panting of the variety in the state. It’s an elegant, pure expression of Cabernet opening with plum and black currant […]
Bollig-Lehnert Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 2015
The Bollig-Lehnert Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 2015 is pale lemon yellow, with classic Mosel aromas of kerosene and rubber pool toy followed by lemon drop and ripened pear. Medium-weight on the palate, but nicely offset by a jaunty burst of acidity, fruit emerges on the finish with yellow peach and apricot buoyantly weaving in and […]
Francois Baur Schlittweg Pinot Noir 2015
Francois Bauer Pinot Noir. From biodynamically grown Pinot Noir located in the Brand Alsatian Grand Cru, the 2015 Francois Bauer Schlittweg Pinot Noir sports nimble layers of underbrush, briery berries and black cherry, spice, lavender, and rose petal. In the mouth, it’s round, with supple, ultra-fine tannins and an acid spine that wends its way […]
Cooper Mountain Life Pinot Noir 2017
Cooper Mountain Winery’s Life Pinot Noir is a brilliant quinacridone violet, with a watery rim. It’s fresh and primary, emitting a powerful elixir of wild forest berries, huckleberries, and plums. Dusty earth, mocha, and underbrush follow, with a top note of crushed lavender and violet pastille. Wonderful palate tension and energy on the palate, as […]
Pacifica Evan’s Collection Riesling Washington 2017
Pacifica is interestingly owned by Herzog Wine Cellars—and the wines from this line, as with wines from the Herzog lines, are Kosher. Profile-wise, it’s a classic Washington State Riesling with fruit-forward aromas of pear and crisp green apple, lime zest and lemon drop. On the palate, it’s round and subtlety sweet, with acid that finishes […]
Domaine Jean Royer Cuvée Tradition Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2014
A blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault from vines planted in the galet-laden La Crau and Les Grandes Serres lieux-dits, the 2014 Domaine Jean Royer Cuvée Tradition has slight bricking at this stage in its evolution, with layered aromas of black cherry, plum skin, sagebrush, loamy tilth, cigar box, and […]