Wine Press Northwest 20th Annual Platinum Judging, Part 2
Red wines from regions across the Great Northwest judged by my panel in the 20th annual Platinum Judging included the following Platinum (P) and Double Platinum (PP) winners:
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2016 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR($32): Feminine and elegant is thiswell-balanced Pinot Noir, that awakens the senses with a eucalyptus and earthdriven aroma. Savory cranberry sauce,shitake mushrooms, wild red raspberries and exotic spices engage the taste budsthrough the lengthy finish. (PP)
Melrose Vineyards 2015 Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley, OR($28): A delicate, light ruby huecatches the eye, and this gem blooms in the mouth. Strawberry preserves, pomegranate seeds,earthy tones, red cherry soda entwine gently, and a touch of caramel graces thefinish. (PP)
Carlton Cellars 2015 Roads End Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton,OR ($45): Violet aromas segue to abowlful of fresh strawberries on entry. Nicelycomplex, it builds gracefully on the palate with black raspberry and cherryfruit, earthiness and licorice drops, and finishes with a note of sassafras. (P)
Panther Creek Cellars 2016 Kalita Vineyard Pinot Noir,Yamhill-Carlton, OR ($50): Forest floorand a whiff of dried flowers on the nose. Red raspberries, chai tea, damp earth and wild mushrooms are framed bysilky tannins and precise balancing acidity. Finishes with verve. (P)
Cathedral Ridge Cellars 2016 Dampier Vineyard Pinot NoirReserve, Columbia Gorge, OR ($48): Thefragrant lavender aroma of this intense yet lithe wine is intoxicating. Red berries with subtle herbs, cherry candy,spice box nuances and the essence of earth mingle deliciously. (P)
Cubanisimo Vineyards 2016 Rumba Pinot Noir, Eola-AmityHills, OR ($25): The black truffle aromaentices you into the glass. Satin smoothwith a rich mouthfeel, black tea, Bing cherries, and a hint of soy swirl on thepalate. Finishes with a touch ofvanilla. (P)
Left Coast Estate 2016 Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir, WillametteValley, OR ($24): Berries and cherrieson the nose are echoed on the palate with this fruit focused Pinot Noir. Deep and fully flavored with juicy purpleplums, sweet black cherries and a pinch of spice. (PP)
Northwest Cellars 2014 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, WA ($24): High-toned fruit shows forth on thearoma and entry. Rich, layered and fullbodied on the palate with plum, blueberry, spice box and licorice notes. Well balanced with bright acidity and plentyof depth; a Cab lover’s Merlot. (P)
Finn Hill Winery 2015 Merveille Merlot, Columbia Valley, WA($30): Highly aromatic, this fruit driven Merlot bursts with concentrated blackfruits. A melding of forest berries, roasted green bell peppers, and mochatantalize the palate, and the kiss of oak finishes it off in style. (P)
Milbrandt 2016 Merlot, Wahluke Slope, WA ($27): Wow, the perfumed nose completelycaptivates! Finely grained tanninssupport juicy blackberries and spiced blueberry preserves interlacing elegantlywith accents of cocoa powder and tobacco. Finishes with elegance. (PP)
Market Vineyards 2012 Acquisition Cab Sauv, Red Mountain, WA($55): Deep, dark fruit and saddleleather on the nose engage the senses. Intense and beautifully balanced with bright fruit, it unveils blackcurrant, juicy plums, a hint of caramel, pipe tobacco, and underlying oakwrapped around refined tannins.
Andrew Januik Wines 2016 Lady Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon, HorseHeaven Hills, WA ($50): The beckoningscent of earth and fresh picked berries draws you in. Cassis, blackberry, blueberry, and blackraspberry fruits meld with savory elements, tobacco, and understated oak. Finishes long with a twist of orange. (P)
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2015 King’s Ransom CabSauvignon, Okanagan Valley, BC ($96): Scents of fresh turned earth and ripe fruits will have you lingeringover the glass. Black raspberries,cassis, fresh tobacco leaf, black cherry and cocoa powder weave a fine tapestryof flavors. Complex with finely structured tannins and extended length; cellarworthy. (P)
Woodward Canyon Winery Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon,Washington State ($99): The intense, all-about-Cab nose is simplyirresistible. Cassis, fresh tobacco,spice tinged black plum chutney, hints of cedar, anise, black cherry, olivetapenade and well managed oak wow the palate. Immaculately balanced, and the tannins are firm and taut through thelifted finish; ageworthy. (PP)
Maryhill Winery 2016 Proprietor’sReserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA ($46): The heady aromatic fills the senses with darkfruit and spice. Delivers consistentqualities on the palate, as boysenberries, huckleberries and black currants,herbs de Provence and oak spices fill the mouth. Well-structured and balanced,with a persistent finish. (P)
Coyote Canyon Winery 2016 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Big JohnCab Sauv, Horse Heaven Hills, WA ($42):Tightly wound and full bodied, decant this gem for fuller enjoyment now, orhold for future rewards. Cassis, touchesof earth and graphite, wild forest berries and chopped herbs align with full ontannins and good acid structure, and the oak adds toasty spice. (P)
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2017 Louis Delsol CabernetSauvignon, Lewis Clark Valley, ID ($32): Purity of fruit that shines at first whiff, and continues to impressthrough the palate. Black currant, dark-skinnedplums, savory olive paste, dusty earthiness and crushed tobacco leaves blend harmoniously,and the bright finish sings. (P)
Antolin Cellars 2015 Petite Sirah, Yakima Valley WA ($30): The fruit dominant aroma presentsconcentrated sweet berry cobbler. Deeply fruited in the mouth as well, with cassis liqueur and spicy boysenberry jam filling the palate concludingwith a showy finish. (P)
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2016 “Swimmer” Petite Sirah,Yakima Valley, WA ($31): This broadshouldered Petite Sirah captures a rich red and black fruit aroma, which isechoed on the palate. Multilayers of red raspberries, savory notes, blackberryreduction sauce, and juicy blood orange combine in harmony. (P)
Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery Petite Sirah, WahlukeSlope, WA ($60): Wildly aromatic withtantalizing mint and spice notes. Beautifullyintegrated tannins, fine balance support the dense berry and plum goodness atthe core, and the oak sits neatly in the background. Bold and strong while preserving elegance andpurity. (P)
Valcan Cellars 2015 Syrah, Willamette Valley, OR ($30): Earthy notes and wild berries lead to abrilliant palate that brims with Bing cherries, red and purple huckleberries,and freshly crushed herbs. Roasted meatnotes add complexity on the lingering finale. (P)
Vanessa Vineyard 2015 Syrah, Similkameen Valley BC($45): Charcuterie meats on the nosejoin brambleberries, black plums, cinnamon spice and roasted coffee beansunraveling onto the palate. Savory qualitiescontinue to deliver through the satisfying finish. (P)
Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2016 Estate Cuvée Syrah,Umpqua Valley, OR ($32): Pure and deeplyflavored, this Syrah opens with an inviting aroma. Blackberries, grilled meat, well-integratedoak, a trace of smoke, and black pepper entwine, extending beyond the liftedfinish. (P)
Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2017 Winemaker’s ReserveSyrah; Umpqua Valley, OR ($42): Fullbodied and complex, this Syrah is tightly wound. With aeration, layers of dark berries, blackcherry, roasted meat with savory herbs begin to unwind. Smooth as silk with a firm backbone oftannins. (P)
Colter’s Creek Winery 2017 Skookumchuck Reserve Syrah,Lewis-Clark Valley, ID ($25): This intenselybuilt Syrah starts off with aromas of sliced, cured meats. Lithe and nicely balanced with juicy plums,chocolaty tones, oak spice and a pinch of herbs adding complexity. (P)
Maryhill Winery 2016 Cab Franc, Columbia Valley, WA ($27): Aromas of fresh plums and tobacco leaf on thenose. In the mouth, pencil shavings,Damson plum preserves, espresso, cassis and spiced oak nuances are supported byapproachable tannins and fine balance. (P)
Orenda Winery 2016 Cab Franc, Columbia Valley, WA($37): Wafting from the glass arefragranced aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon. Raspberries, strawberry jam, pie spice, olallieberries, hints ofgraphite and fresh cut herbs join firm tannins and nice underlying oak throughthe persistent finish. (P)
Weisinger Family Winery 2016 Malbec, Rogue Valley, OR($32): Deep, dark and delicious is thiswell-structured and elegant Malbec. Blackberry, and black cherry fruit at the core meld in harmony withaccents of dark chocolate and spice. Balancedand pure all the way through. (P)
Zerba Cellars 2016 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, WA ($45):Aromas of dark fruit and hints of toast lead the way to boysenberry jam, nutmegspice, raspberries, and a smoky oakunderlay. Supple and mouth coating as itheads to a smooth finish. (P)
Rocky Pond Winery 2016 Malbec, Columbia Valley, WA($42): Fruit dominant from the fragrantberry aroma to the opulent blueberry, blackberry, plum flavors saturating thepalate. Nicely integrated oak, brown sugar,and a dusting of sweet herbs completes the lovely package.
Isenhower Cellars 2016 À Bloc Malbec, Columbia Valley, WA($38): Forest berries on the nose aremirrored on the palate. Velvety smoothand round in the mouth, with brambleberries, tayberries and olallieberriesaccented by vanilla extract and fresh ground black peppercorns. Elegance in a glass! (P)
Structure Cellars 2017 Foundation Mourvedre, SnipesMountain, WA ($35): The plummy, berryaroma is engaging. Entwining flavors ofblack raspberry, wild strawberry, savoriness, and a pretty smoky note delightthe palate. Lush, well balanced and refined, with good length. (P)
Cooper Ridge Vineyard 2015 Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley($36): Reminiscent of an old-world Riojaup front, with its earth driven nose. The earthy elements join classic new world juicy black fruit on thepalate. Boysenberry, plum preserves,moist earth and hints of vanilla prevail all the way through the long-lastingfinish. (P)
Stone River Vineyards & Winery 2015 Tempranillo, RogueValley, Oregon ($28): Irresistiblefloral and berry aromas lead to burst of flavors dancing across thepalate. Juicy dark-fleshed plum, figjam, dried herbs, and a touch of vanilla meld in harmony. (P)
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2016 Estate Tempranillo, ApplegateValley, Oregon ($36): Rich, dark-fruitedaromas lift from the glass with this deeply flavored Tempranillo. Black currant, boysenberry and fruitcakenotes at the core, with a thread of exotic spice from bright start to lingeringfinish. (P)
Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2016 Estate Winemaker’sReserve Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley ($42): Old world meets new world with this precisely balanced, refined wine.Rubyqueen plums, blackberry, blackcurrant, earthiness and tobacco join spice accents and nicely integrated oak,and the finish simply sings. (P)
Maryhill Winery 2016 Pained Hills Tempranillo, Yakima Valley($38): Provocative floral aromaticsguide you straight into the glass. Expressive and bright, with layers of blackberry, marionberry, andhuckleberry fruit, hints of toast and leather, and savory spice. Elegant through the long finish. (PP)
Dumas Station Wines 2016 Cow Catcher Red, Walla WallaValley, WA ($24): The aroma of a bowlfulof fresh berries is engaging. On thepalate, spiced berry compote, blueberry pie, milk chocolate, black raspberries andhints of pipe tobacco coat the palate. Fresh and lively throughout. (P)
Spangler Vineyards 2016 Claret, Southern Oregon ($28): Fresh picked wild berry aromas and flavorson the nose and entry are bright and tasty. Layers of huckleberry, tayberry, graphite, and toffee flow seamlessly across the palate. Finishes with a pinch of orange zest. (P)
Cellardoor Winery 2015 Aurora,American ($32): This deeply structuredSyrah dominant blend boasts an irresistible aroma. A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauv and CabernetFranc, the layers of black cherry, cassis, and black raspberry are accented byvanilla bean, allspice, and hints of warm maple bars. Finishes on a long and savory note. (PP)
Belle Fiore Winery 2015 EstateIcon Souspire, Rogue Valley, Oregon ($37): This firmly structured, black-fruited Syrah-dominant blend is rich whilebeing elegant at the same time. Lush andsmooth with blackberry and black cherryfruit joining notes of toast, black licorice drops, and hints of earth;delectable. (P)
Brian Carter Cellars 2015Takahashi Red Wine, Columbia Valley, WA ($38): Here’s a sophisticated Bordeaux-style blend of Malbec, Merlot and CabernetFranc. Subtle eucalyptus notes on thenose pave the way for gorgeous flavors of black currant, Bing cherry, blueberryjam, nutmeg spice, a subtle roasted red pepper note, and underlying cocoapowder, well built. (PP)
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2016Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley, ID ($23): This blend of Malbec, Cab Franc, Syrah, CabSauvignon and Merlot is loaded with personality. Intense and alluring on the nose, it kicksoff with a dark berry, meaty nose. Blackcherry, blackberry, spice-scented blueberry sauce, caramel, and toasty oak nuances meld inharmony, a delicious quaff. (P)
INTRINSIC Wine Company 2017 RedBlend, Columbia Valley, WA ($22): Thiswell-balanced Malbec blend weaves aromas and flavors of dark plum and blackcherry compote, spice box accents, raspberry jam and crushed herbs. Round and full with supple tannins andbalancing acidity, and a drop of vanilla extract shows through on the finishingsip.
Thurston Wolfe Winery 2014 The Geologist Red Wine, ColumbiaValley, WA ($50): This Cab Sauvbased red blend engages with itsperfumed nose of violets and spice followed by a generous berry entry. Raspberries, marionberries, hints of cocoa, awhisper of campfire smoke, and savory spice parade across the palate. Fullbodied with firm tannins and a lingering finish. (P)
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2015 Rusty Red Reserve, ColumbiaValley, WA ($44): Juicy plums fill thesenses with this confident red blend. Black currant, spearmint, plum jam, a twist of mixed peppercorns,and earthiness abound. Firm, well defined, and smooth through the powerful finish. (P)
Hightower Cellars 2015 RedMountain Estate, Red Mountain, WA ($45): Wild berries and a suggestion of flint rise asthis dry red blend approaches the nose. Dense yet lithe with berries and plums melding with savory olivetapenade and warm toast notes. Wellbalanced with a trace of orange peel on the finish. (P)
Eternal Wines 2015 EternalPassion Red Wine, Columbia Valley, WA ($69): Heavenly aromas open to dark berries and allspice with this 50/50 blendof Red Mountain Cab Sauv and Walla Walla Valley Syrah. Blackberry and blueberry fruit and grilledmeat join tobacco, vanilla custard, andbaking spice accents. Complex and smoothwith firm tannins and good acids; approachable now and ageworthy. (P)
Dunham Cellars 2016 Trutina,Columbia Valley, WA ($29): Here’s anelegant red blend composed of 45% Cab Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 12% Malbec, 3% CabFranc. Blueberry, black currant, andblack cherry fruit at the core are framed by approachable tannins and balancingacids. Hints of smoke andteriyaki-marinated meat notes peek through on the finish. (P)
Alexandria Nicole Cellars 2016Destiny Ridge Vineyard Quarry Butte Red Wine; Horse Heaven Hills, WA($26): A deep blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot,Cab Franc, Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot is intensely flavored and elegant. Blackberry, huckleberry, cherry cola, pipetobacco, and spiced fig compote create a colorful palate of flavors from startto lifted finish. (P)
Hood Crest Winery 2016 SuperTuscan, Columbia Valley, WA ($48): Boldaromas jump from the glass with the savory Sangiovese dominant red blend. Layers of red cherries, raspberries, black currants, and fresh turnedearth meld harmoniously. A fine backboneof tannins and acids support the dense fruit, and the texture is velvety smoothas it reaches an elegant finale. (P)
Davenport Cellars 2013 Petit Verdot, Red Mountain, WA($30): Alluring nose of dark fruits andherbs sets the stage for this savory Petit Verdot. Black plum and huckleberry fruit, freshchopped herbs and nice oak integration glide across the palate, and the finishends with a trace of orange zest. (P)
Spangler Vineyards 2014 Petit Verdot, Oregon ($35): Aromas of black and purple berries on thenose. Intensely built with dense purpleplum, blackberry and sweet blueberry notes cascading upon the palate. Well balanced and full bodied, with a nice backboneof chalky tannins. (P)
Mercer Estate Winery 2015 Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills,WA ($30): Bright and sassy is this richand smooth Petit Verdot. Brimming withboysenberry and huckleberry fruits, hints of vanilla, tobacco and dried herbsin the mouth. Precisely balanced and juicy, with blood orange accents liftingthe finish. (P)
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2017Phinny Hill Vineyard Carmenere, Horse Heaven Hills, WA ($32): Boysenberry pie on the nose fully engagesthe senses. Bright and lively withraspberries, crushed boysenberries, strawberry sorbet, and fresh choppedherbs. Precisely balance and purethrough the long-lasting finish. (P)
