Recent changes on the Wine Enthusiast website have made it significantly easier to search for categories of wine reviews, such as Washington wines. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Go to winemag.com

2. Click on ‘Wine & Ratings’ in the upper left corner (or just go here).

3. Scroll down to where it says ‘Buying Guide’ on the left. Click on ‘Search.’ This will show you all of the reviews in the Wine Enthusiast database.

4. Notice a series of selection boxes on the left-hand side. Scroll down to where it says ‘COUNTRY’ and click on the ‘+’ symbol by U.S.

5. Click on the box for ‘Washington.’

This will show you all of the reviews for Washington, by default showing the most recent reviews first (you can change this using the ‘Sort by’ function).

From here, you can use the selection tools on the left to look at any number of things. For example, you can look at all of the ‘Red’ reviews under ‘Wine Style.’ You can look at all reviews for a particular variety, such as ‘Cabernet Sauvignon.’ You can search by ‘Publication Date,’ either by year or by expanding it to look at specific issues.

As always, all of these reviews are freely available on the website. Of course, if you’re just looking for a specific wine or producer, just type the name into the search box and hit 'Enter.' But if you’re interested in searching by broader categories, this is a powerful set of tools to use.

Enjoy!

P.S. My intent is to continue to republish Wine Enthusiast scores in this space, though I'm behind at present. So if you're looking for the latest reviews, the steps above are how to find them.

P.P.S. I began reviewing wines for Wine Enthusiast in January of 2013, covering certain specific appellations in Washington, as well as other areas. I began covering all of Washington in January of 2015.

Winter might mean fewer wine outings to Washington wine country for some but that doesn’t mean life stands still in the wineries and vineyards. Snow can actually help ensure healthy grape vines in the spring, acting as an insulator against freezing temperatures. It also makes for a striking photograph, noted contributing photographer Richard Duval, who ventured to the scenic Owen Roe wine estate in Wapato on a windy, snowy day.

“Owen Roe is amongst my favorite vineyards to photograph year-round,” Duval said. “The estate winds up and down the Valley hillsides, anchored by the dark red winery, and always offers a vineyard vista to capture. Here sleeps another vintage of a great Washington wine.”

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

The following article was published on February 2, 2018 at Wine Enthusiast.

Based on my talks with winemakers over the years, I get the impression that many think cork taint, a contaminant that can negatively affect a wine, is currently at a low and perhaps even acceptable level. My experience says otherwise.

Last year, after tracking the more than 1,200 wines I sampled that used natural corks, 3.59% appeared to be cork-tainted, or were “corked.” That’s a completely unacceptable percentage.

Read the full article here.

The following article appeared in the Winter issue of Washington Tasting Room magazine. 

WASHINGTON STATE continued a string of favorable growing seasons in 2017, with warm weather throughout the eastern part of the state during the summer months. Early reports from growers and winemakers indicate another high quality vintage is in store for Washington wine consumers. Reflecting back over the past 12 months, here is a look at some of the current highlights and trends we saw taking shape in the state’s wine industry.

Click here to read the full article.

The following article appeared in the March issue of Wine Enthusiast.

A bottling’s ability to stand the test of time has long been considered a mark of quality, but that might not be the case for every wine or even every region.

We’ve never had to question the ageability of wines from Old World regions like France and Italy—we already know the answer. Wineries throughout these countries date back generations, and top vintages of, say, Bordeaux or Barolo can last for decades; we have the pleasure and ability to taste such older bottlings as proof of their prowess. Can New World wines age the same way? More importantly, should they even be held to the same standard?

Read the full article here.

As many of you know, I review Washington and Idaho wines for Wine Enthusiast magazine. Throughout the year, I keep a tabulation of wines that use natural cork closures as well as various types of alternative closures. I also keep track of wines that appear to have cork taint.

Below is a summary of these data for 2017. In short, about 77% of wines sampled used natural cork; 23% used some type of alternative closure. The majority of alternative closures were screwcap (12.2%) followed by DIAM (8.56%), a cork composite that is said to be cork taint free. Nomacorc - a synthetic cork - and glass stoppers meanwhile made up a smaller percentage of the wines sampled.

Of the wines that used natural cork, 3.59% appeared to have cork taint (I say appeared because the wines were not sent in to a laboratory for confirmation). The lowest percentage I’ve ever seen is 3% (2010); the highest is a bit above 6% (2016). The average price of the corked wines in 2017 was just over $36.

Cork taint is most commonly caused by 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA). It typically presents itself as a musty basement aroma and/or flavor that can negatively affect the sensory enjoyment of a wine. The cork closure is most often the cause, though there can be other causes. The most obvious cases of cork taint are quite easy to detect if you know what you’re looking for. In the least obvious cases, it might just mute the aromas and flavors and be quite difficult if not impossible to detect.

For my purposes, I consider a wine to be corked if I smell what appears to be cork taint either on the bottom of the cork (yes, I smell every cork I pull) or on the wine. While it is possible to smell cork taint on the cork and not have it impact the wine, which may lead to some false positives, it’s not a risk I’m willing to take when reviewing wines. So, if a second bottle of the same wine was submitted (as it most often is largely due to the issue of cork taint), I put that bottle in the queue.

It is important to note that in almost all cases, I am tasting young, newly released wines. As cork taint can become more prominent/perceptible over time, my sense is that the percentage that I report here could be on the low end as there are most likely false negatives as well. That is to say, if this exact same group of bottles was sampled 10 years later, the incidence of cork taint might well be higher.

To try to account for this, I retaste each wine that I sample 24 hours after originally tasting it to look for latent cork taint. Additionally, I retaste a subset of wines over a more extended period of time to evaluate ageability. There were several instances this year, as in years past, where I discovered a wine to be corked on the second, third or even the fourth day. Presumably if I resampled every wine this way, I would pick up more corked wines as well.

It is important to note that there are very large individual differences in sensitivity to cork taint, with the most sensitive group of people said to be 200 times more sensitive than the least sensitive group of people. Additionally, individual sensitivity varies as well, with some who are able to smell TCA at less than 1ng/L on certain days not able to smell it at 6ng/L on other days.

I have seen the variability in sensitivity in my own tasting group. There are a couple of people in the group who are quite sensitive to cork taint and a couple of people who are quite insensitive to it, by their own admission, both backed up by our experiences in the group. The rest are somewhere in the middle (I should note that these are all trade professionals). I've seen it in my own home where, my wife, who is more sensitive to cork taint than I am, has on occasion pointed out that a bottle is tainted that I have missed.

This means that, even if you know what to look for, you might get a corked bottle and not know it. To this point, it’s not uncommon for me to find corked bottles of wine being poured at trade tastings, even if they’ve been proofed (I found two at an event recently).

As I have written about cork taint both in this space and on the Washington Wine Report Facebook page numerous times over the years (okay, maybe ‘numerous’ is an understatement), my sense is that many believe that perhaps I am just star crossed when it comes to cork taint. However, I believe that the incidence of TCA tainted wines I see is no greater or less than the incidence of tainted wines you see, assuming we’re drinking roughly the same selection of wines. I just might be slightly more sensitive to it than some. I also open a lot of bottles for review each year, and this has certainly helped me become more attuned to it.

Why do I care so much about cork taint? Two reasons. First, because as a consumer, it is extremely disappointing to have a corked bottle. I’ve had corked bottles on birthdays, anniversaries, and other big events. When I am opening up that special bottle of wine that I have saved for (insert the number of years here), virtually all I am thinking about is whether or not the wine will be corked because I’ve had so many corked bottles. Yes, a winery will most likely give you a replacement bottle if you ask for it, but probably not the same vintage. Additionally, the moment is gone.

Second, as a critic, I look at cork taint the way that I believe every winemaker should – as an existential threat. Every bottle of wine that someone purchases based on my recommendation that turns out to be corked hurts my reputation, because the likelihood of the person recognizing the fault is often not very high. Most will just think it’s a bad bottle of wine and that my review was inaccurate.

Many winemakers know that cork taint is an issue in the industry but, curiously, some seem to think that it’s not a significant problem for them personally or believe that they are taking sufficient steps to minimize the it. I once had a winemaker tell me that it was “impossible” that I had a corked bottle of wine from them, even though they were not using any type of taint free cork. This tells me understanding of cork taint in the industry needs to improve.

Closure choice is very much an individual decision for wineries, and I accept that. I don’t think that there necessarily is any perfect closure. I also understand the reluctance to use new products that don’t necessarily have a long history behind them, especially if you are making wines that are intended to be aged for extended periods. However, I think accepting the status quo when it comes to natural cork (buying more expensive corks, doing sensory testing of bales, sending a selection of corks off to a laboratory for analysis, etc.) is not enough.

If you’re a winemaker, unless you’re making wine from a product that is claimed to be TCA free – such as DIAM corks, screwcap, Nomacorc, glass closure or potentially the new technology that allows each natural cork to be individually test for TCA - cork taint is an issue for you. It’s just a question of how large of an issue, and the answer to that is you might not know. Personally, I would find that unsettling. I do hope that recent advancements in individually testing corks for TCA might lead to significant improvements. Time will tell.

I’ll close by telling one of my favorite stories about cork taint. Several years back I was tasting wine with a producer, and we were talking about the issue of cork taint. He said, “Well we just had our spring release recently, we opened up a lot of wine, and we didn’t have any corked bottles. So I think we’re doing really well.” I leaned down and smelled the wine that he had just poured into my glass and said, charitably, “Is this wine corked?”

	Total Wines Sampled	# Natural cork (%)	# Corked (%)	Avg $ Corked Wine	# Screw cap (%)	# DIAM (%)	# Noma corc (%)	# Glass Stopper (%)
2017	1,588* (75.25% red; 21.54% white; 3.21% rosé)	1,226** (77.20%)	44 (3.59%) (84.09% red; 11.36% white; 4.55% rosé)	$36.61 Max: $95 Min: $10 Median: $34	194 (12.22%)	136 (8.56%)	21 (1.32%)	11 (0.69%)

* The vast majority of the wines referenced were from Washington but the sample does include a small number of Idaho and American designated wines.

** Of technical corks, only DIAM corks were tracked separately. All others were included in the natural cork bucket.

Note: The following line - "In 2017, none of the technical corks showed signs of cork taint (Note: This has not always been the case in previous years)." - was removed from ** above as I did not understand that technical corks include 1+1 corks in addition to agglomerative corks. I had a number of 1+1 corks that showed signs for cork taint in 2017. 

Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for October 2017. Wines are listed alphabetically by winery. Read additional information on how I review wines here. All of these reviews are freely available on-line at the Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide. There is also a freely available Wine Enthusiast Tasting Guide app. See previous Wine Enthusiast reviews re-published in this space here. Search Wine Enthusiast's on-line database here.

25 reviews in the October 2017 issue. Enjoy!

Aubichon Cellars 2015 Reserve Grenache The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater $45 91 points
Light in color, this offers alluring peat, white pepper, herb, earth and raspberry aromas. It dances on the palate, showing elegance and sophistication and bringing plenty of intrigue.

Cayuse 2014 Impulsivo En Chamberlain Vineyard Tempranillo Walla Walla Valley (OR) $95 93 points
Alluring aromas of moist earth, cassis bud, olive, nori, pipe tobacco, charcoal, funk and mineral give way to lithe fruit and savory flavors with an ultra soft feel. The texture is absolutely dazzling.

Cayuse 2014 Wallah Wallah Special #6 Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $175 93 points
This wine—only released in magnum—comes from a blend of vineyards across the portfolio. The aromas pop, with complex notes of stems, nori, sea salt, green olive, fire pit, tapenade, flowers and mineral. The smoked meat, firepit and stem flavors are intense and savory, drawing out on the finish.

Cayuse 2014 Armada Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $97 93 points
The aromas are initially more fruit forward than often seen from this area, with notes of plum followed by ash, black pepper, Stargazer lilies, charcuterie and iron. The flavors are palate coating and dense in feel, lingering on the finish. It needs some time in the cellar to truly show its stuff. Best after 2022. Cellar Selection

Cayuse 2014 Bionic Frog Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $105 94 points
Aromatically brooding notes of herb, mineral, black olive tapenade, stem, flower, soot and plum lead to vibrant, concentrated fruit and umami flavors. It’s an intense wine that brings a great sense of tension, along with abundant minerality. Give it time to open up.

Cayuse 2014 En Chamberlain Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $85 93 points
Brooding aromas of crushed rock, mineral, black olive, soot, cracked black pepper, charcuterie and dried herb lead to fresh, focused flavors that are flavorful but remain light on their feet. It shows a bit more tannic heft than this area often shows along with great length on the meaty finish.

Cayuse 2014 En Cerise Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $85 93 points
The aromas are brooding, with notes of ash, raw meat, smoke, herb, stem, blood orange and mineral. The palate brings a sense of freshness to the generous savory flavors, showing a bit of tannic heft on the finish that should settle with additional time in the bottle.

Cayuse 2014 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $85 94 points
The aromas of this wine leap from the glass, with notes of orange peel, potpourri, smoked meat, spice, fresh herb, stem, ash and plum. It’s expressive, but still wound up. The flavors are focused, concentrated and savory, bringing a sense of intensity and richness but also lightness. The balance is exquisite.

Cayuse 2014 Widowmaker En Chamberlain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley (OR) $95 93 points
The aromas are expansive and mineral laden, with notes of earthy funk, wet stone, fire pit, graphite, peat, grilled meat and cassis. The palate is soft in texture, ripe and intense, with a compelling mixture of fruit and savory flavors that interweave through the extended finish. The balance is exquisite.

Cayuse 2014 Camaspelo Red Blend Walla Walla Valley (OR) $85 92 points
The aromas are light, with notes of moist earth, smoke, cassis, herb and berry. The saline and fruit flavors are silky in feel, bringing a sense of concentration and texture that keeps the interest high. There’s plenty of minerality throughout along with a lengthy finish.

Cayuse 2014 The Lovers Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $97 92 points
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 85% of this wine, with the balance Syrah. Bright aromas of plum, cassis, spice, herb, green pepper, blackberry bud and smoke are followed by a fruit forward palate showing a lovely sense of texture, balance and tension, with graphite notes throughout. It’s remarkably fruit-filled for a wine from this region.

Cayuse 2014 Flying Pig Bordeaux-style Red Blend Walla Walla Valley (OR) $95 91 points
A blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), this aromatic wine brings aromas of funk, earth, truffle, fire pit, dried peat, herb and cherry. The flavors are soft, silky and refined, showing a sense of grace—a very pretty expression of a Bordeaux-style blend.

Cayuse 2014 God Only Knows Red Blend Walla Walla Valley (OR) $97 93 points
Mostly Grenache, the aromas are vibrant, with notes of orange peel, stem, funk, smoked meat, white pepper, herb and crushed flower. It’s light on its feet with abundant raspberry and earth flavors that draw out on the finish.

Cayuse 2015 Edith Grenache Rosé Walla Walla Valley (OR) $50 90 points
This wine is a very appealing pale bronze color with a light peach tinge. It brings bountiful aromas of wet rock, mountain strawberry and herb that lead to a dry, broad, flavorful palate, with mouthwatering fruit and stone flavors.

Cayuse 2015 Cailloux Vineyard Viognier Walla Walla Valley (OR) $75 92 points
Aged in a mixture of concrete and stainless steel, this wine brings perfumed aromas of crushed stone, flowers and peach. The flavors are mineral laden, broad and silky in feel, showing an impeccable texture and sense of balance. This shows a beautiful sense of freshness.

Hors Categorie 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $240 96 points
This is a new project from Christophe Baron. The aromas pop, with notes of earth, plum, nori, iron, sea salt, herb, olive tapenade, black pepper and smoked meat. The palate is concentrated and structured, with rich yet restrained bacon fat and smoke flavors that bring a sense of vibrancy and richness along with a near endless finish. It brings a fair amount of tannic heft that will benefit from some additional time in the bottle. Best from 2024-2028. Cellar Selection

Horsepower 2014 Sur Echalas Vineyard Grenache Walla Walla Valley (OR) $120 95 points
The aromas explode with notes of potpourri, olive, smoked meat, fire pit, orange peel, mineral, mushroom, garrigue and white pepper. The palate is lifted, bright but intensely flavored, loaded with flower, berry, olive and charcuterie flavors. The finish seems near endless and the sense of balance is exquisite. It’s shockingly good.

Horsepower 2014 Sur Echalas Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $120 94 points
Alluring and intense aromas of soot, campfire, charcuterie, black pepper, herb, crushed flowers and liquid stone lead to a broadly rich, intense, flavorful palate, absolutely loaded with fruit and savory flavors that glide on the extended finish.

Horsepower 2014 The Tribe Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $120 94 points
Lighter in color, this wine is aromatic and expressive, with notes of fire pit, blood, black olive tapenade, sea salt, black pepper, cured meat, nori, crushed flowers and umami. The palate brings soft, lithe, focused notes of earth and savory flavors that shimmer on the salty finish. It’s all about delicacy but the aroma and flavor expression is compelling. Give it some time in the cellar or decant.

No Girls 2014 La Paciencia Vineyard Grenache Walla Walla Valley (OR) $75 94 points
Quite light in color, the aromas bring initially locked up but then broadly expansive notes of peat, green olive, white pepper, strawberry, Stargazer lilies, mineral and herb, showing a lot of complexity. The palate is textured, bringing a profound mixture of fruit and savory flavors that intertwine effortlessly on the long finish. It brings a sense of tension, texture and finesse that is completely captivating. Editor's Choice

No Girls 2014 La Paciencia Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $75 92 points
This wine starts out quite locked up, with aromas of flowers, plum, dried herb, black pepper and mineral, showing more fruit expression than this area is often known for. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, bringing a sense of elegance, sophistication and freshness.

No Girls 2014 Tempranillo Walla Walla Valley (OR) $75 91 points
The aromas rise up from the glass, with notes of pepper, violet, cigar box, peat, smoke, braised meat and an earthy funk. The palate is considerably lighter in style than the aromas might suggest, bringing notes of cherry, earth and herb that linger, with citrus twist notes on the finish.

Primarius 2016 Pinot Gris Oregon $14 86 points
This wine opens with light aromas of freshly sliced red apple, pineapple and spice. The palate brings broad fruit flavors that go down easy.

Primarius 2015 Pinot Noir Oregon $17 87 points
This is pale in color, with light aromas and strawberry, spice and herb notes. The fruit flavors are also restrained, seeming faint but still bringing appeal.

Primarius 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $22 89 points
Light in color, this wine brings pleasing, pure aromas of peppermint, strawberry, sarsaparilla and cherry. The flavors are light, elegant and juicy, providing a lot of appeal.

Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for November 2017. Wines are listed alphabetically by winery. Read additional information on how I review wines here. All of these reviews are freely available on-line at the Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide. There is also a freely available Wine Enthusiast Tasting Guide app. See previous Wine Enthusiast reviews re-published in this space here. Search Wine Enthusiast's on-line database here. Read instructions on how to find Washington wine reviews at Wine Enthusiast here.

221 reviews in the November 2017 issue. Enjoy!

:Nota Bene 2013 Syrah Columbia Valley $25 88 points
This wine, which includes 17% Mourvèdre and 8% Grenache, is a blend of fruit from Arianses, Stone Tree, Ciel du Cheval and Heart of the Hill vineyards. Baking spice, vanilla, dark fruit and cocoa aromas lead to ripe, generous black fruit flavors. It’s a bold, hedonistic interpretation of the variety, with oak playing a prominent role.

:Nota Bene 2013 Arianses Vineyard Wahluke Slope $30 88 points
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Merlot (33%), Cabernet Franc (17%) and Petit Verdot brings vanilla, baker’s chocolate, woodspice, dried herb and cherry aromas. It’s medium bodied on the palate, with cherry flavors and cinnamon accents throughout.

:Nota Bene 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain $40 88 points
Cabernet Sauvignon (54%) takes the lead in this wine, followed by Merlot (31%) and Cabernet Franc (15%). The aromas are all high toned, including spice, dried dark fruit and herb notes. The black fruit shows depth, framed by lightly dry tannins and a gamy flavor that lingers on the finish.

:Nota Bene 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Merlot Red Mountain $35 88 points
In this 100% varietal wine, tire rubber, spice box and flower aromas are followed by seamless dark fruit flavors backed by firm but well integrated tannins. It shows a pleasant balance that sustains through the finish.

:Nota Bene 2013 Heart of the Hill Mourvèdre Red Mountain $30 87 points
This 100% varietal wine’s cocoa and sweet baking spice aromas are followed by ripe, luscious fruit and barrel flavors. Oak plays a prominent role, with light gamy notes that persist on the finish.

:Nota Bene 2013 Stone Tree Vineyard Syrah Wahluke Slope $35 87 points
Aged in 50% each new American and seasoned French oak, this leads with cocoa powder, vanilla and shaved coconut aromas. The flavors are extremely ripe, loaded with coconut and vanilla flavors. The barrel influence shows prominently, as does the ripeness.

:Nota Bene 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Syrah Red Mountain $40 87 points
Vanilla, coconut and baking spice aromas are at the fore, with the wood primary. The palate is rich and full bodied, with dark fruit and oak spice flavors. There are some good things going on but the oak—half new American and half seasoned French—rides right over them.

:Nota Bene 2013 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Malbec Red Mountain $30 87 points
This wine’s unusual purple fruit, citrus, herb and wood spice aromas waft up from the glass. The palate brings abundant orange peel flavors supported by tannins that are surprisingly firm for the variety. Citrus twist notes linger on the finish.

:Nota Bene 2013 Una Notte Columbia Valley $30 86 points
This combines 73% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 11% Mourvèdre from Stone Tree, Arianses, Ciel du Cheval and Heart of the Hill vineyards. Its vanilla, pencil box, green herb, raspberry and purple fruit aromas are followed by quite sweet, ripe, full-bodied red and black fruit flavors. The balance seems off.

:Nota Bene 2013 Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $40 85 points
This 100% varietal wine shows medicine cabinet, barnyard, Band-Aid and dried fruit aromas followed by dried out fruit and medicinal flavors. The tannins bring some dryness.

:Nota Bene 2013 Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley $25 85 points
This 100% varietal wine from the Dineen (66%) and Ciel du Cheval vineyards shows garden herb, green pepper, seaweed, cherry and citrus aromas. It’s medium bodied, with gritty tannins and somewhat green flavors.

4 Cellars 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $25 87 points
Barrel aromas and malolactic notes are prominent in this wine, suggesting baking spice and vanilla. The palate is full and creamy, needing a bit more acidity to hold it together but still providing enjoyment.

4 Cellars 2014 Red Blend Columbia Valley $25 87 points
This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Malbec offers vanilla, herb and cherry aromas that seem a bit coarse. The palate is full of baking spice flavors—notably vanilla. It’s heavy on the oak notes, despite having aged in just 42% new French barrels, the rest older French and American.

Adega Northwest 2014 Weinbau Vineyard Block 10 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $36 89 points
This wine’s aromas are locked up but still show nuance, with fresh herb, flower, vanilla, chocolate and cherry notes. The palate shows restraint despite the warm region and vintage, with firm, lightly dry tannins providing support. It shows well at the dinner table.

Adega Northwest 2014 McB Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $28 88 points
This wine’s light cranberry, cherry and maple candy aromas show a bit of volatility. Full-throttle dark fruit flavors follow, coating the palate from end to end. It pulls no punches and shows some heat on the finish.

Andrew Januik 2014 Lady Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $50 91 points
This wine’s aromas are brooding and high toned, with herb, vanilla and cherry notes. The palate is focused and brings textural appeal, with plum and cocoa flavors that linger long into the finish. It shows a lot of poise and subtlety.

Andrew Januik 2014 Stone Cairn Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $40 90 points
This wine’s aromas suggest bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, cherry and spice. The palate is rich and layered, with sumptuous red and black fruit flavors speckled with plentiful barrel accents.

Apex 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $19 86 points
Enchanting apricot and spice aromas are followed by full-bodied, creamy fruit flavors that provide intrigue but lack depth. Overall, it’s a bit ponderous and short on the finish.

B. Leighton 2014 Gratitude Olsen Brothers Vineyard Yakima Valley $45 92 points
This blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache and 5% Syrah brings crushed flower, dried herb, plum, black pepper and red fruit aromas. The palate shows velvety red and black fruit flavors that feel pure and balanced.

Baer 2014 Malbec Columbia Valley $29 91 points
This wine’s aromas are vibrant and fruit forward, with plum, blackberry seed, barrel spice, herb and clove notes. The palate delivers plush, tart, textured flavors. A compelling example of the variety.

Baer 2014 Callisto Red Blend Columbia Valley $39 91 points
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Syrah (27%), Petit Verdot (15%) and Merlot delivers a medley of herb, baker’s chocolate, smoke, plum and black tea aromas. Fine-grained tannins support its dark fruit flavors, which stretch long into the finish. Highly styled yet lovely.

Baer 2014 Arctos Stillwater Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $43 90 points
This delivers vanilla, fig, smoke and woodspice aromas. Its dark fruit flavors are medium bodied, tapering toward the finish.

Baer 2014 Star Merlot Columbia Valley $35 89 points
This delivers smoke, coffee bean, dark red fruit and spice aromas. It’s oak-forward on the palate, somewhat obscuring the fruit flavors, but it still brings appeal.

Balancing Act 2016 Chardonnay Washington $12 87 points
Almost effervescent on first pour, this wine is brightly aromatic, with apple, pear and melon notes. The palate shows no obvious oak influence, with a rounded mouthfeel and Granny Smith apple-like acidity. It’s a pleasing, straightforward example of the variety. Best Buy

Balancing Act 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $18 87 points
Fruit forward aromas of plum, black currant, herb and spice lead to lightly sweet blue and black fruit flavors in this wine. Grainy tannins provide support, delivering easy-drinking appeal.

Beast 2014 Wildebeast Red Blend Columbia Valley $24 88 points
Light herb, green olive and earth aromas are followed by broad cranberry, cherry and orange peel flavors in this wine. It doesn’t quite stand up on its own but should fit well at the dinner table.

Bonair 2014 Chateau Puryear Vineyard Merlot Rattlesnake Hills $15 87 points
Vanilla, herb, pencil box and spice aromas are followed by sweet cherry flavors in this wine. Lightly tacky tannins provide support.

Bonair 2016 Chardonnay Yakima Valley $13 86 points
This wine’s generous aromas suggest roasted corn and apple. It’s medium bodied, with appealing yet straightforward flavors, finishing tart.

Bonair 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $13 86 points
Pungent notes of cocoa, herb, medicine cabinet, vanilla and cherry liqueur mark this wine’s nose. The palate is full bodied with firm, dry tannins and dried out fruit flavors.

Bonair 2013 Chateau Puryear Vineyard Malbec Rattlesnake Hills $24 85 points
This wine’s cranberry, orange peel and herb notes are atypical for the variety. Its fruit flavors are tart and elegant, needing a bit more structure to prop them up. It’s a bit thin in concentration, with consistent orange peel flavors throughout.

Bonair 2016 Dry Gewürztraminer Yakima Valley $13 85 points
This wine brings high-toned aromas of white flower, lychee and spice. The palate is broad and light, with a distracting bitter note on the finish.

Browne Family Vineyards 2015 & Red Blend Columbia Valley $40 88 points
This leads with blue fruit aromas and follows with baking spice notes. The flavors are sweet, plump and undeniably appealing.

Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $36 87 points
This Cabernet Sauvignon’s vanilla, baking spice, dill, herb and cherry aromas are locked up. The palate brings plenty of vanilla flavors backed by gritty tannins, but the oak is too prominent and distracting.

Browne Family Vineyards 2015 & White Blend Columbia Valley $34 86 points
Bright aromas of ripe peach, apricot, flower and jasmine lead to off-dry stone fruit flavors in this simple, straightforward quaffer.

Buty 2015 Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc-Muscadelle Columbia Valley $25 88 points
Light dried orange peel, herb and candlewax aromas lead to broad, medium-bodied fruit flavors in this white. It’s enjoyable despite the muted aromatic expression.

Cadaretta 2014 Southwind Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $75 92 points
From the winery’s estate plantings above Seven Hills Vineyard in the new SeVein project, this wine is still closed aromatically, needing time or air to coax out its vanilla, toast, herb and dark cherry notes. The palate is dense, delivering layer upon layer of dark fruit flavors, with a compelling texture and impeccable balance. It has a long life ahead of it. Best 2022–2028. Cellar Selection

Cadaretta 2014 Southwind Walla Walla Valley $75 91 points
Malbec and Petit Verdot each make up 37% of this wine, with the balance in Cabernet Sauvignon. The Malbec pops aromatically, suggesting clove, spice and plum. The palate is well balanced, with supple black cherry flavors and a persistent finish. It brings a lot of appeal.

Cadaretta 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $45 89 points
Light herb, sweet spice, orange peel, maple and red and black fruit aromas are followed by dark fruit flavors in this wine. It’s a bit wound up now, so give it some time in the cellar or a long decant.

Cadaretta 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $35 89 points
Huckleberry, blackberry, coffee and bramble aromas lead to full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors in this wine. It’s appealing despite the heavy-handed oak.

Cadence 2014 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain $45 93 points
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon each make up a third of this wine, with smaller amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Its dark cherry, earth, flower and spice aromas are followed by concentrated and luscious but still refined cherry flavors. It shows a lot of structure and ripeness, in keeping with the warmth of the vintage.

Cadence 2015 Coda Red Mountain $28 92 points
This blend of Cabernet Franc (46%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) and Petit Verdot (9%) starts out brooding, with black cherry, herb, black currant, anise, and spice notes. The palate is rich and structured, loaded with dark fruit flavors and firm tannins. Give it some time to open up. Editor's Choice

Cadence 2014 Tapteil Vineyard Red Mountain $45 92 points
This wine is half Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It’s subtle on the nose, with currant, flower, crushed rock and herb notes. The palate is firmly structured, punctuating the flavors on the finish. Best 2025–2030. Cellar Selection

Cadence 2014 Bel Canto Cara Mia Vineyard Red Mountain $60 92 points
Cabernet Franc makes up half of this wine, with the balance in Merlot (38%) and Petit Verdot (12%). It delivers light currant, herb, flower and dark fruit aromas. The palate is saturated with dark fruit flavors while firm, structured tannins provide support. It needs some time in the cellar to settle. Best after 2022. Cellar Selection

Cadence 2014 Camerata Cara Mia Vineyard Red Mountain $60 91 points
Made from 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc, this shows brooding aromas of spice and black and red fruit, followed by ripe, concentrated, plump fruit flavors. The tannins are grainy, calling for additional time in the cellar or a long decant to mellow.

Cairdeas 2016 Nellie Mae Columbia Valley $24 88 points
This blend of 60% Viognier and 40% Roussanne bursts with honeysuckle, jasmine, pear and ripe peach aromas. The flavors are broad and fleshy, with a slightly sharp finish that shows some warmth.

Canoe Ridge 2014 The Explorer Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills $22 89 points
This blend of 49% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Franc and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon leads with boysenberry, blackberry and sweet spice aromas, followed by full-bodied, lush fruit flavors. The tannins are a bit tacky, but it’s otherwise appealing, showing pleasant balance.

Canoe Ridge 2015 The Expedition Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills $16 88 points
This wine is just over two-thirds Merlot, the balance in Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Dark plum, coffee, bittersweet chocolate and spice aromas are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors backed by plump tannins. It goes down easy.

Canoe Ridge 2016 The Expedition Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley $16 86 points
This wine is reduced out of the gate but opens into kiwi, pineapple and herb aromas. It’s light to medium bodied on the palate and needs more concentration and acidity to feel complete.

Canoe Ridge 2016 Limited Edition Canyon Vineyard Ranch Cinsault Rosé Yakima Valley $20 84 points
This pale rosé has subdued strawberry aromas and a hint of residual sugar. It comes off as quite generic, without a lot of flavor to bring it to life.

Canoe Ridge 2016 The Expedition Rosé Yakima Valley $16 84 points
Pale salmon in color, this delivers strawberry and watermelon aromas. It’s dry on the palate, but the flavors fall a bit flat.

Canoe Ridge 2016 The Expedition Pinot Gris Horse Heaven Hills $16 84 points
Light peach and ale notes mark the nose of this wine. The palate is dry, and the flavors somewhat flat, making it hard to ascertain the variety.

Casa Smith 2013 Jack’s Vineyard Barbera Walla Walla Valley $35 91 points
The only varietally labeled Barbera from the Rocks District, this offers intriguing notes of currant, savory herb, pipe tobacco and moist earth. The palate is light in body, with a mix of fruit and savory flavors that carry through to the cranberry-inflected finish.

Casa Smith 2015 Cinghiale Wahluke Slope & Rosebud Vineyards Sangiovese Wahluke Slope $NA 89 points
This wine’s macerated cranberry, raspberry jam and dried orange peel aromas are bright. Its raspberry and cranberry flavors are sweet and focused, delivering a lot of appeal, though seeming a bit ripe.

Cerebella 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $30 87 points
This wine’s aromas suggest asphalt, herb and dark fruit, showing whiffs of volatility. The palate delivers bountiful black fruit flavors supported by smooth tannins, providing appeal.

Cerebella 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $25 87 points
This wine’s aromas are so light you have to strain to pick them out, yet it shows whiffs of volatility. The palate delivers sweet, smooth dark fruit flavors with a fair amount of heat. There’s enough here to keep it interesting, needing more aromatic expression and balance to truly come together.

Chandler Reach 2012 Reserve Parris Estate Sangiovese Yakima Valley $40 87 points
This wine’s barrel aromas are upfront, suggesting vanilla and sawdust along with dried cherry and raspberry. Fruit and oak notes play off each other on the palate, with vanilla-rich barrel notes winning out on the finish.

Chandler Reach 2013 Brevetatta Yakima Valley $28 86 points
This blend of 70% Syrah, 10% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese delivers vanilla, shaved coconut and dark fruit aromas. It’s full bodied, with fruit and barrel-derived flavors that linger on the finish. The oak influence is cumbersome.

Col Solare 2014 Collector’s Society Red Mountain $NA 91 points
This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Malbec. The aromas bring notes of blue plum, herb, cherry and spice. The palate features ripe, dense fruit flavors that display a spot on sense of balance.

Corvus 2014 La Reserve Red Mountain $55 89 points
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (33%), Merlot (33%), Petit Verdot (16%), Malbec (16%) and Cabernet Franc (2%) delivers high toned notes of cocoa, purple flower, green herb and plum, showing whiffs of volatility. The palate is velvety-smooth, with plentiful dark fruit and chocolate flavors backed by burly tannins. Give it time to stretch its legs.

Corvus 2014 Mourvèdre Red Mountain $40 87 points
This wine’s light aromas include herb, black pepper, licorice and cherry notes, showing volatility. It’s full bodied on the palate, with black cherry flavors that run a bit sweet.

Coyote Canyon 2012 Tres Cruces Horse Heaven Hills $25 86 points
This wine’s barrel spice, barnyard, coffee and vanilla aromas lead to medium-bodied fruit flavors tinged with a strong, distracting gamy note.

Ded.Reckoning 2013 No. 14 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Grenache Red Mountain $40 91 points
This wine was made by Rhône-variety specialist James Mantone of Syncline. The aromas are locked up at present but suggest mineral, spice and red and blue fruit as it opens. The palate is full bodied, seamless and pure, showing depth and detail.

Delmas 2015 SJR Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $NA 93 points
Out of the gate, this is a bit brooding for a wine from the Rocks District, with dried orange peel, crushed gravel, blue fruit and flower aromas, revealing smoked meat notes over time. The flavors lean savory, suggesting tapenade and ember, followed by softly textured blueberry fruit. Long on the finish, it’s all about elegance and sophistication. Editor's Choice

Dowsett Family 2015 Celilo Vineyard Gewürztraminer Columbia Gorge $22 91 points
From vines planted in 1982, this delivers exuberant lychee, spice, rose petal and citrus zest aromas. It’s dry and medium-bodied on the palate, with spice-driven flavors and floral notes that persist on the (slightly warm) finish. It drinks well on its own but really sings at the dinner table. Editor's Choice

Drink Washington State 2015 Escape to Walla Walla Walla Walla Valley $26 88 points
This blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot boasts bright raspberry and cherry aromas, with green wood, baking spice and whiffs of game. The palate delivers concentrated fruit and medicinal flavors that carry through the finish.

Drink Washington State 2014 Welcome to Columbia Valley Chardonnay Columbia Valley $19 88 points
This Chardonnay’s lees, custard, pear and spice aromas are somewhat inharmonious. It’s elegant on the palate, however, showing graceful apple flavors.

Drink Washington State 2014 Groovin On Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $26 88 points
Tight as a drum out of the gate, this brings smoke, spice, vanilla, apple and dark fruit aromas. Its currant flavors are more giving, showing a pleasing balance.

Drink Washington State 2014 Enjoy Walla Walla Carmenère Walla Walla Valley $26 88 points
Upfront jalapeño, white pepper and freshly sliced bell pepper aromas lead the nose of this wine. It’s soft in texture and an intriguing example of the variety.

Dusted Valley 2014 Petite Sirah Wahluke Slope $42 89 points
This wine’s matchstick, dark fruit, vanilla, herb and spice aromas are brooding. It’s full and rich on the palate, with dark fruit flavors that linger on the finish.

Eternal 2015 Eternal Restraint Syrah Walla Walla Valley $60 90 points
Co-fermented with 5% Viognier, this wine’s appealing fresh flower, orange peel, ham hock and black olive tapenade aromas jump out of the glass. The palate is light, tart and sleek, not delivering on all that the aromas suggest but still providing plenty of intrigue.

Eternal 2015 Eternal Heritage Syrah Walla Walla Valley $60 90 points
Co-fermented with 5% Roussanne, this wine comes from Morrison Lane Vineyard. It’s brightly aromatic, with blueberry jam, huckleberry and spice notes. The palate is soft and textured, delivering rich fruit flavors and a long finish that shows some warmth.

Eternal 2015 Eternal Darkness Cockburn Ranch Syrah Walla Walla Valley $60 90 points
This wine’s aromas suggest black fruit, minerals, dark plum, barrel spice and kirsch. Its black fruit flavors are sweet and sappy, augmented with toasty barrel notes.

Eternal 2015 Rocketman Columbia Valley $35 89 points
This blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 5% Carmenère is fragrant, with raspberry, freshly sliced bell pepper and green herb notes. The palate is full of cocoa and chocolate flavors, leaning heavily on oak attributes but still providing appeal.

Eternal 2016 Eternal Perspective Grenache Blanc Columbia Valley $30 88 points
Lightly toasty notes lead the nose of this wine, along with herb, green apple and citrus rind aromas. The palate is quite elegant in style, needing only a bit more concentration to truly shine.

Eternal 2016 Eternal Beauty Rosé Walla Walla Valley $21 88 points
Pale salmon in color, this delivers mineral, strawberry and cherry aromas. It’s dry on the palate, with tart, lightly concentrated sour cherry and citrus rind flavors.

Fielding Hills 2014 Estate Riverbend Vineyard Cabernet Franc Wahluke Slope $38 91 points
This wine’s coffee, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, coconut, herb and cherry aromas are followed by a rich, full bodied palate loaded with black fruit flavors and generous barrel accents. Its oak influence seems prominent at times but doesn’t stand in the way of its hedonistic appeal.

Fielding Hills 2014 Estate Riverbend Vineyard Merlot Wahluke Slope $40 89 points
Vanilla, herb, cherry, coconut and barrel spice aromas are followed by supple cherry and spice flavors in this wine. The barrel influence is a bit up-front, but it still provides plenty of pleasure.

Fielding Hills 2016 Old Vine Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley $28 88 points
The first white wine from Fielding Hills, this boasts fresh yellow apple and herb aromas, which lead to dry-tasting fruit flavors. It’s cleanly made, albeit a bit short.

Finn Hill 2013 L’abime Corfu Crossing Vineyard Syrah Columbia Valley $35 88 points
Char, firepit, barrel spice and herb aromas lead to elegantly styled cranberry flavors in this wine. The tannins lend a light structure.

Finn Hill 2013 Merveille Stillwater Creek Vineyard Merlot Columbia Valley $35 88 points
Dried herb, purple flower, vanilla, baking spice, black licorice and barrel spice aromas lead to ripe dark fruit flavors in this wine. Generous barrel accents run throughout while tannins bring a touch of dryness.

Finn Hill 2013 Le Beau Hedges Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $35 88 points
This wine’s tightly wound woodspice, black cherry, cocoa, caramel and herb aromas are followed by tart, plentiful dark fruit flavors. It needs some time for its chewy, lightly dry tannins to settle, but plenty of good things are going on. Give it some time in the cellar or a long decant.

Finn Hill 2013 Tenebrae Stillwater Creek Vineyard Petit Verdot Columbia Valley $30 87 points
This 100% varietal wine leads with woodspice, green herb and flower aromas and follows with sweet, vanilla-laced black fruit flavors. Although aged entirely in used French oak, the barrel influence is prominent. The tannins bring dryness, needing food to ease their grit.

Finn Hill 2016 Blondie Rosé of Sangiovese Rattlesnake Hills $20 86 points
Electric pink in color, this brings wild strawberry, cherry, watermelon and spice aromas. The palate is broad and heavy, lacking lift.

Finn Hill 2016 The Gnome Corfu Crossing Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley $20 85 points
This wine’s red apple, flower and lees aromas lead to off-dry, leesy fruit flavors that seem a bit heavy and weighed down.

Forgeron 2013 Merlot Columbia Valley $30 91 points
This combines Merlot from Minnick Hills and Birch Creek vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley and Candy Mountain in the larger Columbia Valley with smaller amounts of Malbec from StoneTree and Petit Verdot from Dionysus. It’s generous in aroma, with with plentiful coffee, raspberry, bittersweet chocolate, flower and graphite notes. The palate displays a lot of elegance, with tart acidity providing support. It’s a very pretty expression of the variety that should show especially well at the dinner table.

Hawkins Cellars 2014 Mourvèdre Columbia Valley $45 88 points
This blend of Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain fruit delivers brooding cherry and herb aromas and full-bodied black cherry flavors. The tannins contribute grit.

Hawkins Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $42 88 points
This wine seems advanced for its age, with fruit leather, cherry cordial, vanilla and herb notes. The flavors are a bit jagged, showing some rough edges.

Januik 2014 Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $55 92 points
Vanilla, cocoa, graphite, woodspice and black cherry aromas lead to polished blackberry and cherry flavors in this Cabernet. It shows a fine balance and texture that piques interest, and a distinctive spice note that lingers on the finish.

Januik 2014 Reserve Columbia Valley $65 92 points
Cabernet Sauvignon from Champoux and Weinbau vineyards make up the heart of this wine, with a balance of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Cocoa, vanilla, dark plum, spice and herb aromas are followed by generous dark fruit flavors that coat the palate from end to end, with a lingering coffee note. At once hedonistic and balanced, it has a long life ahead of it. Best after 2022. Cellar Selection

Januik 2014 Champoux Vineyard Malbec Horse Heaven Hills $40 92 points
This wine comes from one of Washington’s top vineyards, best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, however this Malbec seems to shine as well. Almost 100% varietal, it boasts vibrant plum, coffee, clove, vanilla and herb aromas. The palate is loaded with plump, creamy fruit and an oak note of lingering espresso. Editor's Choice

Januik 2014 Merlot Columbia Valley $25 91 points
This wine’s plum, vanilla, milk chocolate and blue fruit aromas are followed by a palate saturated with supersmooth fruit and barrel flavors. The variety isn’t immediately apparent, but it’s delicious all the same.

Januik 2014 Weinbau Vineyard Cabernet Franc Wahluke Slope $35 91 points
This wine’s vanilla, woodspice, black cherry and dried herb aromas lead to tightly wound fruit flavors with hefty tannins. Oak plays prominently, but it largely works, needing only additional time in the bottle or a short decant to strut its stuff.

Januik 2014 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $45 90 points
From one of the state’s most highly regarded vineyards, this boasts beguiling aromas of milk chocolate, plum, barrel spice, vanilla, herb and coffee. Lightly smoky, sensuous fruit and barrel flavors follow, showing more elegance than this often brawny appellation is known for.

Januik 2014 Klipsun Vineyard Merlot Red Mountain $30 90 points
This leads with plum, vanilla, barrel spice and herb aromas. The palate is soft and velvety, keeping the vineyard’s often burly tannins well in check and providing a lot of textural appeal. Cocoa notes linger on the finish, delivering a yum factor that is hard to ignore.

Januik 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $30 90 points
This wine comes from Weinbau, Lady Hawk, Champoux, Shaw and Obelisco vineyards. Its high toned vanilla, toffee, cherry, herb, coffee, barrel spice and plum aromas lead to generous cherry and espresso flavors. Lightly grainy tannins provide support.

Januik 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $40 90 points
This wine combines fruit from Ciel du Cheval, Obelisco, and Shaw vineyards. The aromas suggest fresh plum, gun smoke, herb, flower, vanilla, cinnamon and spice. The flavors are soft and supple, with tannins combed to a fine sheen.

Januik 2014 Weinbau Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $40 89 points
This wine’s aromas suggest woodspice, herb, parsley, cherry and smoke. Its cherry and coffee flavors are light in style and cut short on the finish.

Januik 2014 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Syrah Red Mountain $35 88 points
From one of the state’s most esteemed vineyards, this shows prominent toast, vanilla, coffee and marionberry aromas. The palate is considerably more restrained, bringing a sense of lightness. Alone, each delivers, but the two seem out of sync.

Januik 2014 Weinbau Vineyard Syrah Wahluke Slope $30 88 points
This leads with light raspberry, plum, vanilla and barrel spice aromas. The palate is lighter still, mixing fruit and barrel qualities in equal proportion and finishing on a baking spice note. The oak is a little intense.

Januik 2015 Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay Columbia Valley $30 88 points
This wine offers light pear, citrus, cream and lees aromas. The palate is broad and lightly creamy in feel, lacking only a bit of concentration.

Januik 2015 Bacchus Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley $20 88 points
This wine’s citrus zest and honeysuckle aromas seem a bit light for the variety. It drinks off dry, with fleshy stone fruit flavors.

Januik 2016 Sagemoor Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley $20 87 points
Brooding aromas of lemon curd, fresh herb and citrus lead to broad citrus and herb flavors in this wine. It lacks concentration.

JM Cellars 2014 Boushey Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $48 92 points
Brooding blackberry, dark plum, dried herb, vanilla and bacon fat aromas are followed by sappy, rich, saturated fruit flavors in this wine. It’s a hedonistic rendition of Syrah that holds nothing back.

JM Cellars 2014 Founder’s Legacy Columbia Valley $85 91 points
This blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc shows prominent blue fruit aromas, with plum, mountain blueberry, herb and spice notes to round them out. The flavors are concentrated and texturally rich, providing a lot of appeal.

JM Cellars 2014 Tre Fancuilli Red Blend Red Mountain $48 91 points
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Merlot (31%) and Syrah (15%) boasts blue fruit aromas, from plum and huckleberry to bramble, along with vanilla and spice. The palate shows depth and density, with silky fruit and barrel flavors that heighten the interest. Its balance is spot on.

JM Cellars 2015 Margaret’s Vineyard Carmenère Walla Walla Valley $55 91 points
This 100% varietal wine leads with appealing blue fruit, herb, jalapeño, toast and spice aromas followed by soft, supple fruit and barrel flavors. It’s a very enjoyable expression of this often green variety.

JM Cellars 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $38 89 points
This wine’s aromas are fruit forward, suggesting cantaloupe, melon and pear. The palate is spicy and broad, bringing a lot of appeal.

JM Cellars 2014 Bramble Bump Red Blend Columbia Valley $25 88 points
This blend of 43% Merlot, 26% Petit Verdot, 22% Carmenère, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Syrah offers orange peel, herb, raspberry and spice aromas that don’t seem entirely knit together. Dry tannins back up its blue and black fruit flavors.

Joleté 2015 Summit View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $30 87 points
This leads with herb, vanilla and plum aromas, along with a reduced note of tire rubber. On the palate, sweet plum flavors are backed by gritty tannins, proving somewhat disjointed.

K Vintners 2014 The Hidden Northridge Vineyard Syrah Wahluke Slope $70 93 points
This Syrah appeals to all the senses, leading with blackberry, bramble, kirsch, mineral and crushed flower aromas. The palate is rich and dense, holding nothing back with its opulent black fruit flavors. A hedonistic expression of the variety.

K Vintners 2014 The Deal Sundance Vineyard Syrah Wahluke Slope $40 92 points
This wine’s crushed herb, mineral and blackberry aromas lead to intensely rich, full-bodied black fruit and smoked meat flavors. It’s big and bold and ready for steak.

Kestrel 2013 Falcon Series Estate Syrah Yakima Valley $25 89 points
This wine’s aromas are bright and fruit forward, with generous black pepper, raspberry, fresh flower, smoked meat and barrel spice notes. The full-bodied palate delivers cranberry flavors that are appealing but more ponderous than the aromas might suggest.

Kestrel 2016 Falcon Series Viognier Yakima Valley $21 88 points
Bright melon and lime zest aromas lead to lightly sweet, broad, fleshy fruit flavors in this wine. It’s not entirely representative of the variety but still brings a lot of freshness and appeal.

Kestrel 2013 Signature Series Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $65 88 points
Brooding aromas of barrel spice, graphite, plum, herb, anise, char and blackberry are followed by dark fruit flavors in this wine, which shows appealing restraint.

Kestrel 2013 Falcon Series Merlot Yakima Valley $25 87 points
This wine’s barrel spice, licorice, cranberry and cherry aromas are high toned. The palate is broad, with generous fruit flavors that taper toward the finish.

Kestrel 2013 Signature Series Raptor Yakima Valley $65 87 points
This wine’s sawdust, green herb, vanilla and spice aromas are brooding. The light- to medium-bodied palate delivers cherry flavor, bringing appeal but wanting more expression.

Kestrel 2014 Falcon Series Frizzante White Blend Yakima Valley $21 86 points
This spritzy, 100% Viognier wine delivers melon, citrus zest and floral flavors. It drinks dry, fresh, clean and tart—an unusual interpretation of the variety.

Kestrel 2013 Falcon Series Tribute Red Blend Yakima Valley $25 86 points
This offers bright raspberry jam, herb, pepper and spice aromas. It’s full of vanilla flavors, seeming somewhat disjointed.

Kestrel 2016 Falcon Series Estate Chardonnay Yakima Valley $21 86 points
This wine’s perfumed melon, white flower, vanilla and baking spice scents are followed by broad stone fruit flavors that finish tart. It goes down easy.

Kestrel 2012 Winemaker’s Select Series Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $45 86 points
At five years old, this shows green pepper, dark fruit, tar and barrel spice scents followed by restrained fruit and barrel flavors. Its jalapeño-like notes are distracting.

Kestrel 2013 Falcon Series Estate Sangiovese Yakima Valley $25 85 points
Reductive aromas distract from the fruit and barrel notes in this wine. The palate brings medium-bodied, mouth-puckering cranberry and cherry flavors. Vanilla notes linger on the finish.

Kirkland Signature 2015 Signature Series Red Blend Columbia Valley $17 89 points
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese initially distracts with reductive aromas, but bright plum, cherry and spice notes follow. The flavors are plush, with light, grippy tannins. A great value that goes down easy.

La Rata 2014 Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $75 93 points
This blend of Grenache (53%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) and Syrah (13%) explodes with potpourri, peat, white pepper, smoke and earth aromas. The palate is loaded with fruit and savory flavors that glide into the extended finish. The texture is absolutely dazzling.

L'Ecole No. 41 2014 Estate Grown Merlot Walla Walla Valley $37 88 points
This combines fruit from Ferguson (60%) and Seven Hills vineyards to deliver barrel spice, clove, raspberry and mineral scents. The palate is medium bodied and full of chewy, slightly dry tannins. The oak shows prominently at present, needing more time in bottle to integrate.

Liberty Lake 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $50 88 points
Aged 40 months in French and Russian oak, this leads with green herb, bell pepper, vanilla, cherry and spice aromas and follows through with ripe black cherry flavors. The nose and palate seem disconnected, the green notes unusual for the appellation and vintage.

Liberty Lake 2016 Tahija Rosé Yakima Valley $22 87 points
Pale salmon in color, this wine offers strawberry and cherry aromas. The palate is heavy, ponderous and weighed down.

Liberty Lake 2013 Tempranillo Red Mountain $28 87 points
This wine shows vanilla, celery root, mesquite and herb aromas on the nose. Its baking spice flavors are quite sweet, suggesting heavy-handed oak. Vanilla flavors take over on the finish, leaving a disjointed impression.

Lobo Hills 2012 Right Bank Blend Lonesome Springs Ranch Yakima Valley $35 91 points
This wine’s brooding black cherry, spice box and black licorice aromas are followed by a medium-bodied, well-structured palate that finishes with tart fruit flavors. It should perform particularly well at the dinner table and have a long life ahead of it.

Lobo Hills 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $25 91 points
Dried herb, plum, black licorice, woodspice and cherry aromas are followed by palate-coating black fruit flavors, showing depth and density. It’s tightly wound at present, so give it a short decant.

Lobo Hills 2015 Roth Rock Farm Chenin Blanc Yakima Valley $22 90 points
From 30-year-old vines, this is one of the finest examples of this variety to come out of the state in recent vintages. It delivers citrus, candlewax, lees, apple and pear aromas, the palate sleekly styled with a blast of acidity that makes it a versatile pour for the dinner table.

Lobo Hills 2016 Inland Desert Auxerrois Yakima Valley $22 90 points
This wine leads with light mineral, pear and white grapefruit aromas. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with bright acidity and citrus rind flavors that persist into the finish and keep you coming back for more. Editor's Choice

Lobo Hills 2013 Stonetree Vineyard Syrah Wahluke Slope $30 90 points
This wine’s bright aromas include cranberry, cherry, vanilla and red fruit. The flavors are tart and full, with an appealing mouthfeel and a lingering finish.

Lobo Hills 2013 Spilya Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $30 90 points
This wine’s aromas are quite restrained but include whiffs of red fruit and spice. The palate is light to medium bodied, showing both subtlety and balance. A lovely wine lacking only in aromatic expression.

Lobo Hills 2012 Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $35 88 points
This blend of 67% Stonetree Vineyard Syrah and 33% Arianses Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. delivers vanilla, baking spice and dried cherry notes. Its fruit flavors are sweet but seem dried out. Drink now.

Locations NV WA4 Red Blend Washington $20 88 points
This shows cranberry and herb aromas, along with a floral top note. The palate comes off as sweet and liquorous, with lightly grainy tannins providing support.

Maison Bleue 2014 Voyageur Yellow Jacket Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $50 94 points
Hailing from old plantings in the Rocks District, this brings unique sagebrush, violet, blackberry, smoked meat, black pepper and wet stone notes. The palate is exquisitely pure and fresh, with abundant, layered blackberry and kirsch flavors. With its peppery finish and plush mouthfeel, it’s swoon-worthy. Editor's Choice

Maison Bleue 2014 Bourgeois Grenache Walla Walla Valley $45 93 points
All of the fruit for this wine comes from Monette’s Vineyard in the Rocks District, and it was fermented using 75% whole clusters. The aromas are fresh and perfumed, recalling red raspberry, pipe tobacco, white pepper, pomegranate, kirsch, herb and orange peel. The palate shows mesmerizing purity in its red fruit flavors, which are backed by fine-grained tannins. A thoroughly delicious interpretation of the variety that is nothing short of dazzling. Editor's Choice

Maison Bleue 2014 Coureur des Bois Red Blend Columbia Valley $40 93 points
This unique blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Olsen, Les Collines and Waliser vineyards. Its savory herb, black currant, bramble, smoked meat, white pepper, orange peel and plum aromas pop. The palate is supple, elegant and balanced. A lengthy finish caps off the experience, which is as much about texture as flavor.

Maison Bleue 2014 Frontiére Waliser Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $65 93 points
This 100% varietal wine is the winery’s inaugural Cabernet Sauvignon and hails from the Rocks District. It’s boasts all of Cabernet’s prototypical aromas, from black currant to tobacco and herb, with a kiss of vanilla from having aged in 50% new French oak. It’s soft and palate-coating in mouthfeel yet retains a strong sense of structure, with lightly chewy tannins. A fine interpretation of the variety with a downright dazzling feel.

Maryhill 2014 Alder Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $38 89 points
This 100% varietal wine shows raspberry jam, fruit leather and plum aromas that are bright on the nose. The palate packs tart fruit flavors supported by plump, ripe tannins. It’s not your typical Cabernet but still provides appeal, though the alcohol dominates at times.

Maryhill 2014 Clifton Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $40 88 points
This wine is brightly aromatic, with raspberry, mint, herb and woodspice notes. The palate is full of plush, plump fruit flavors that provide appeal, despite the prominent alcohol.

Maryhill 2014 Kiona Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $45 87 points
This wine’s bright raspberry jam, pencil lead and barrel spice aromas lead to quite ripe, dried out fruit and barrel flavors. The tannins are a bit drying.

Maryhill 2015 Winemaker’s Red Blend Columbia Valley $16 86 points
This wine’s smoke, seaweed, black pepper, orange peel and purple fruit aromas pop. The palate features easy-drinking fruit flavors, with gritty tannins to back them up.

Maryhill 2014 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $36 86 points
This 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignon shows cocoa, green herb and cherry notes, with a hint of volatility. It’s medium bodied on the palate, with scratchy tannins.

Matthews 2013 Reserve Columbia Valley $60 88 points
In this blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, vanilla, carob, herb, green wood and dark fruit aromas are followed by fruit and oak-derived flavors in equal proportion. It shows restraint but doesn’t come together.

Milbrandt 2014 Single Vineyard Series Clifton Hill Vineyard Syrah Wahluke Slope $45 88 points
This shows vanilla, clove, barrel spice and dark fruit aromas. Its fruit flavors are full and laced with upfront barrel notes. It seems a little boozy.

Milbrandt 2015 Pinot Gris Columbia Valley $13 88 points
This shows light lime, green apple and herb aromas. It drinks dry, with abundant apple flavors supported by tart acidity. Best Buy

Milbrandt 2014 The Estates Malbec Wahluke Slope $26 88 points
This wine shows cocoa, vanilla and barrel spice aromas on the nose. The medium-weight palate shows decent fruit tones however is overshadowed by heavy-handed oak.

Milbrandt 2014 Ravenscliff Vineyard Malbec Wahluke Slope $45 88 points
Anise, barrel spice, clove, vanilla and plum scents lead to full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors in this wine. It shows some warmth on the finish, with lingering purple fruit and pepper notes.

Milbrandt 2014 Single Vineyard Series Katherine Leone Vineyard Syrah Wahluke Slope $45 87 points
This wine seems quite reduced out of the gate, delivering aromas that prove distracting. The palate shows more depth with an array of pleasing dark fruit flavors.

Nine Hats 2016 The Benches Vineyard Pinot Gris Horse Heaven Hills $14 88 points
This wine’s red and yellow apple and melon aromas lead to broad, fleshy fruit flavors. It’s direct and delivers a lot of appeal.

Nine Hats 2016 Riesling Columbia Valley $14 87 points
This wine’s aromas are surprisingly reserved for the variety, with faint peach, lime and mandarin orange notes. It’s just off dry on the palate, with zippy fruit flavors. It delivers enjoyment despite its muted aromatic expression.

Novelty Hill 2014 Cascadia Columbia Valley $50 91 points
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up just over half of this wine (52%); Merlot (46%) and a pinch of Malbec make up the rest. Plum, herb, barrel spice and currant aromas are followed by smooth fruit and barrel flavors. Lightly grainy tannins provide support while coffee flavors linger on the finish.

Novelty Hill 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $26 91 points
Dried herb aromas are at the fore of this Cabernet; exotic spice, smoke, licorice and cherry notes follow. Cherry and chocolate flavors coat the palate, showing vibrancy, while a distinctive espresso note marks the finish. Editor's Choice

Novelty Hill 2014 Merlot Columbia Valley $23 90 points
Espresso, dark chocolate, herb and purple fruit aromas lead to a soft, smooth palate in this wine. Fruit and barrel notes play equal parts, yet it comes up short on the finish.

Novelty Hill 2014 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Merlot Columbia Valley $28 90 points
This wine’s milk chocolate, herb, cherry, barrel spice and plum aromas lead to a plush, soft palate loaded with chocolate and plum flavors. It strikes a lovely balance.

Novelty Hill 2014 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Syrah Columbia Valley $28 90 points
Brooding smoke, purple fruit and violet aromas are followed by sumptuous fruit and barrel flavors in this Syrah. Barrel notes linger on the finish, feeling a bit raw but not detracting from the overall enjoyment.

Novelty Hill 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley $20 90 points
This leads with vibrant and fresh aromas, recalling cut grass, herbs, lime zest and citrus, with whiffs of tropical fruit. The palate brings tart, zingy, mouthwatering citrus flavors, with a lightly creamy feel on the finish.

Novelty Hill 2014 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $30 89 points
Vanilla, bright herb, cocoa, cassis and spice aromas lead to plentiful coffee and cherry flavors in this wine. The tannins are a bit gritty.

Novelty Hill 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Chardonnay Columbia Valley $23 89 points
This wine’s apricot, spice and creamsicle scents are followed by tart, medium-bodied, lightly creamy fruit flavors. Tart citrus notes fill out the finish.

Novelty Hill 2014 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Grenache Columbia Valley $28 88 points
Berry, vanilla, coconut and barrel spice aromas are followed by barrel flavors in this wine. It brings appeal, but the oak (42% new French and American) seems to take over.

Novelty Hill 2014 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Malbec Columbia Valley $28 88 points
Vanilla, cocoa, barrel spice and herb aromas are followed by creamy fruit and barrel flavors. The vanilla notes overwhelm the nose and palate, however, distracting from the fruit.

Novelty Hill 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Roussanne Columbia Valley $23 88 points
Fermented in neutral oak barrels and aged sur lie for 7 months, this wine, which includes 6% Viognier, brings herb, honeycomb, pear and orange peel aromas. It drinks dry, with sleek, citrusy flavors.

Novelty Hill 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Viognier Columbia Valley $23 87 points
Faint white flower, orange peel, spice and citrus aromas are followed by broad fruit flavors in this wine, which lacks concentration.

Original House Wine 2016 Rosé Columbia Valley $12 85 points
This wine is pale pink in color, with aromas suggesting herbs, cherry and red apple. It drinks off dry and is an easy-drinking porch pounder.

Original House Wine 2015 Fish House Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley $12 84 points
This wine delivers light herb and citrus aromas. The flavors seem washed out, lacking cohesion. It comes off as quite generic.

Pacific Rim 2016 Sweet Riesling Columbia Valley $11 89 points
This wine leaves no doubt about the variety, with its freshly peeled orange and jasmine notes. The palate is sweet yet not cloying, with impeccable balance. For those looking for a well-priced sweet wine, look no further. Best Buy

Pacific Rim 2015 Solstice Vineyard Riesling Yakima Valley $24 89 points
Vibrant diesel, orange rind, white flower and dried apricot aromas lead to dry stone fruit flavors in this wine. It shows a pleasant balance and persists through the finish.

Pacific Rim 2016 Wallula Vineyard Riesling Horse Heaven Hills $15 88 points
Subtle pear, orange rind and peach aromas lead this Riesling, along with a floral top note. It drinks off dry, with stone fruit and ale flavors that need more time in bottle to settle. It comes up a bit short on the finish.

Pedestal 2014 Merlot Columbia Valley $65 91 points
This wine opens with pleasing cocoa, dark raspberry and graphite aromas. The palate offers medium-bodied, tart fruit flavors cinched with tannin. A big, bold interpretation of Merlot.

Pendulum 2015 Red Blend Columbia Valley $17 87 points
This blend of Petit Verdot (28%), Malbec (27%), Syrah (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (16%) and Merlot (9%) leads with wild blueberry, crushed flower, herb, vanilla and spice aromas. Soft, elegant blueberry flavors follow, persisting on the finish. Light on the midpalate, it still brings appeal.

Poet's Leap 2016 Riesling Columbia Valley $20 90 points
This wine’s aromas are bright, with honeysuckle, ripe peach, mandarin orange, slate and lime zest notes. It drinks just off dry, with abundant stone fruit flavors, mouthwatering acidity and a balance that’s spot-on.

Rasa 2015 QED Axiom of Choice Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $38 92 points
This 100% Cabernet Franc bottling hails from Weinbau and Firethorn vineyards, both located in the Columbia Valley. It leads with bay leaf, tobacco, hickory, bittersweet chocolate and anise aromas. A palate that holds nothing back follows: big, bold dark fruit flavors supported by chewy tannins. An absolute delight.

Saviah 2014 G-S-M Washington $38 91 points
Grenache makes up two-thirds of this wine, filled out with Syrah and Mourvèdre from Lonesome Springs, Sugarloaf and Elephant Mountain vineyards. It boasts rich raspberry, herb, orange peel and spice aromas. The palate is loaded with blue fruit and earth flavors, showing appealing texture and concentration. The balance is spot-on, kicking it up a notch.

Saviah 2014 The Stones Speak Funk Estate Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $55 91 points
Orange peel, fresh flower, black olive, moist earth and tire rubber aromas lead to intense, palate-coating fruit flavors in this Syrah. It doesn’t seem to have fully blossomed yet but has all of the stuffing to suggest a long life ahead, with floral accents on the finish.

Saviah 2014 Tempranillo Walla Walla Valley $38 89 points
With fruit from Funk, Dugger Creek and Watermill Estate vineyards, this delivers funky peat, olive and fresh tobacco aromas. The flavors are light, soft and palate-coating, gliding into the finish. A subtle rendition of the variety.

Sparkman 2014 Untamed Syrah Columbia Valley $0 90 points
This wine is a blend of fruit from Olsen (50%), Boushey (34%) and Clifton Hill vineyards, aged in 34% new French oak. Its aromas are bright, recalling flowers, dark raspberry, graphite, sweet barrel spice and herb. The palate is rich with luscious fruit flavors and oak characteristics.

Stottle 2013 6 Prong Vineyard Mourvèdre Horse Heaven Hills $32 91 points
This wine’s raspberry, garrigue, black pepper and citrus aromas lead to intense flavors that linger on the finish. The round mouthfeel heightens the appeal.

Stottle 2013 Big Eddie Columbia Valley $36 89 points
This combines 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Malbec. Its baking spice, black fruit and herb aromas are followed by silky-smooth dark fruit flavors that linger on the finish.

Stottle 2013 6 Prong Vineyard G-S-M Horse Heaven Hills $36 89 points
This blend of 37% Grenache, 37% Syrah and 26% Mourvèdre is brooding, with its char, smoke, cranberry, dark plum and woodspice aromas. On the palate, silky black cherry flavors are accented with barrel-derived notes, striking a lovely balance.

Stottle 2013 Merlot Yakima Valley $28 88 points
This wine’s aromas are quite generous, suggesting herbs, vanilla, baking spice and purple fruit. Its cranberry and cherry flavors are both tart and ripe, supported by soft tannins and a lingering café au lait note. The oak influence gets in the way of the fruit at times, but it’s pleasant all the same.

Stottle 2013 6 Prong Vineyard Syrah Horse Heaven Hills $32 88 points
Smoke, mineral, dark berry and vanilla aromas are followed by lighter black fruit flavors in this wine. It tapers off on the finish.

Stottle 2013 Hombre 6 Prong Vineyard Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills $34 87 points
Strong burnt coffee, pencil lead and cherry aromas lead the nose of this blend of Tempranillo (68%), Malbec (29%), Grenache (1%) and Mourvèdre (2%). Barrel influence shows prominently on the palate, with smoky flavors that overwhelm the fruit. A vanilla note lingers on the finish.

Stottle 2013 Dineen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $35 87 points
This opens with cherry cordial, cranberry, herb and barrel spice aromas that seem a bit off. The palate is marked by sweet cherry and cranberry flavors that trail off quickly on the finish.

Stottle 2013 6 Prong Vineyard Tempranillo Horse Heaven Hills $30 87 points
Burnt coffee, vanilla bean, green wood and tobacco aromas are followed by medium-bodied fruit and barrel flavors in this wine. It’s enjoyable despite the intense oak influence.

Stottle 2013 6 Prong Vineyard Malbec Horse Heaven Hills $34 87 points
Green herb, vanilla, woodspice, plum and tire rubber aromas are followed by light but sweet barrel spice flavors in this wine. The variety is obscured beneath the heavy oak influence, the whole seeming disjointed.

Stottle 2013 6 Prong Vineyard Sangiovese Horse Heaven Hills $28 87 points
Brooding raspberry, tobacco, herb, cedar and barrel spice aromas are followed by ripe cherry flavors in this wine. It’s enjoyable but lacks precision.

Syncline 2015 Mourvèdre Horse Heaven Hills $35 93 points
This 100% varietal wine delivers mineral, citrus twist, raw meat, raspberry and black pepper notes. The palate is full bodied and packed to the brim with fruit and savory flavors. It brings a seamlessness and length that are absolutely dazzling. Editor's Choice

Syncline 2015 Boushey Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $45 91 points
Brooding black raspberry, iron and crushed dried-herb aromas are followed by bright red fruit flavors in this wine. Its purity and texture provide great appeal.

Syncline 2016 Boushey Vineyard Picpoul Yakima Valley $25 91 points
From an extremely rare grape variety for the state, this delivers citrus rind and flower blossom scents and sleek fruit flavors backed by mouth-puckering acidity. It screams for shellfish. Editor's Choice

Syncline 2016 Boushey Vineyard Grenache Blanc Yakima Valley $30 91 points
Grenache Blanc is an up-and-coming variety in the state. This standout example brings talc, flower, pear and citrus aromas. The medium-bodied palate is tart and lively, piquing interest. Editor's Choice

Syncline 2014 McKinley Springs Vineyard Rosé Horse Heaven Hills $24 90 points
This blend of 35% Cinsault, 35% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre is a very pretty pale shade of peach. It brings strawberry, herb and wet stone aromas, sleek and creamy flavors and a snap of acid. The finish lingers.

Syncline 2016 Grüner Veltliner Washington $24 90 points
There are only a few examples of Grüner Veltliner from the state, and this one—from the Columbia Gorge and Terrace Heights—shows the variety’s promise at the right site and in the right hands. Its white pepper, citrus and herb scents are followed by broad, dry fruit flavors stitched together with tart acidity that carries them into the finish.

Tempus Cellars 2014 Art den Hoed Vineyards Grenache Yakima Valley $28 88 points
This wine’s raspberry, red apple, spice and red fruit aromas are bright. The flavors are ripe and full bodied, showing some heat.

The Conqueror 2014 Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills $25 88 points
This easy-drinking blend of 33% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah and 17% Merlot opens with blue fruit, herb and spice aromas and leads to sweet, plush fruit and barrel flavors. Lightly grainy tannins provide structure.

The Conqueror 2015 Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $17 87 points
This leads with light baking spice and apple pie aromas. The palate is broad, with abundant vanilla flavors that suggest strong oak influence.

The Conqueror 2016 Rosé Horse Heaven Hills $17 87 points
With its pretty pale peach color and strawberry, orange peel and herb aromas, this is dry and broad. Tart citrus flavors provide backing.

The Conqueror 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $25 86 points
From Canoe Ridge Vineyard, this delivers raspberry, herb, tire rubber and spice aromas and medium-bodied dark fruit flavors. The tannins are a bit dry and pasty.

W.T. Vintners 2014 Stoney Vine Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $48 92 points
Fermented using 75% whole clusters, this hails from Block 2 of the up-and-coming vineyard. It’s aromatically expressive, with black olive, grilled asparagus, garden herb and moist earth notes. The palate shows exquisite restraint and savory flavors, bringing more acidity than the region is known for.

W.T. Vintners 2014 Stoney Vine Vineyard Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $35 88 points
This blend of 57% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 3% Mourvèdre brings grilled asparagus, stewed fruit and black olive aromas. It’s plush and palate-coating, but the aromas and flavors are out of sync.

Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Washington State Cuvée Washington $40 92 points
This wine is a blend of all six Bordeaux varieties: 35% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 4% Carménère, 3% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. Its coffee, cranberry, herb, currant, barrel spice and anise aromas lead to tightly wound, layered red and black fruit flavors. Plump, silky tannins provide the frame.

Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Estate Syrah Walla Walla Valley $50 92 points
This wine’s aromas are a bit locked up at present, revealing plum, herb, clove and barrel spice notes as it opens. The palate is dense and rich, full of dark fruit flavors and generous barrel accents. It pulls no punches.

Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Malbec Columbia Valley $30 91 points
This 100% varietal wine brings brooding aromas of black licorice, anise, dark plum and herb followed by rich, focused black plum flavors. It delivers a lot of charm and hedonistic appeal. Editor's Choice

Walla Walla Vintners 2015 Sangiovese Columbia Valley $29 91 points
High toned aromas mark the nose of this wine, including dried herb, fresh plum, huckleberry and spice. Its purple fruit flavors are rich and lush, with a pleasing purity that carries through the finish. It’s uncharacteristic of Sangiovese but brings undeniable appeal.

Walla Walla Vintners 2015 Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $35 91 points
High toned notes of garden herb, spice, cherry and bittersweet chocolate lead the nose of this wine. Chocolate and cherry flavors intertwine throughout the palate and linger on the finish. It brings plenty of appeal despite the obvious oak influence.

Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $45 91 points
This wine’s cedar, espresso, herb, spice, vanilla, dark chocolate and black cherry aromas lead to a supple, well balanced palate full of cherry and bittersweet chocolate flavors that carry long into the finish. With its grippy tannins, it shows finesse and elegance, though oak plays a prominent role.

Walla Walla Vintners 2015 Dwelley Vineyard Dolcetto Walla Walla Valley $29 91 points
This wine’s bright, fruit-forward raspberry, herb, cocoa and barrel spice aromas are followed by exquisitely pure, elegant red plum flavors that coat the palate from end to end. A delicious rendition of this seldom seen variety.

Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Merlot Walla Walla Valley $35 91 points
This wine’s raspberry jam, cocoa, fig and barrel spice aromas really pop. Its red fruit flavors are rich and ripe, providing hedonistic appeal.

Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Bello Rosso Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $42 90 points
This blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese delivers bright cranberry, vanilla, coconut, baking spice, raspberry and milk chocolate aromas. Fruit and barrel flavors play off each other nicely on the light, lifted palate. Oak plays a primary role but is well integrated.

Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Sagemoor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $50 90 points
With its dried herb, parsley, cherry and spice aromas, this could only be Cabernet Sauvignon. Its cherry and raspberry flavors are bright yet subtle, carrying long into the finish.

Waterbrook 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $13 88 points
Vanilla, baking spice, herb, plum and cherry aromas are followed by supersmooth, creamy feeling plum and barrel flavors in this Cabernet. Caramel and vanilla notes linger on the finish, and while the oak influence is heavy, it largely works. Best Buy

Waterbrook 2015 Malbec Columbia Valley $13 88 points
Plum, herb, blue fruit, vanilla and spice aromas lead to soft, plush fruit flavors in this wine. The texture and blue fruit flavors bring appeal. Best Buy

Waterbrook 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $12 87 points
Lightly creamy fruit and vanilla flavors follow melon, apple and baking spice aromas in this wine. It’s a pleasant, straightforward easy-drinker. Best Buy

Waterbrook 2016 Mélange Founder’s White Blend Columbia Valley $12 86 points
Riesling and Gewürztraminer make up over half of this wine, giving it an aromatic punch. Vibrant ripe peach, flower and pear scents lead to an off-dry palate with fleshy fruit flavors. It provides easy-drinking appeal, though the concentration, especially through the midpalate, seems light.

Waterbrook 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley $12 84 points
You almost need to lean into the glass to perceive this wine’s faint citrus, candlewax and herb aromas, which show some reduction. It’s equally subtle on the palate and lacks concentration.

Willow Crest 2016 Pinot Gris Yakima Valley $15 89 points
This wine’s apple, melon and pear aromas are bright and appealing. The flavors are taught and focused, with a light creaminess and lemony acidity. It’s interesting overall, providing both quality and value.

Woodward Canyon 2014 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $99 94 points
One of the state’s best bottles year after year, this delivers herb, blackberry, woodspice and vanilla bean aromas. The palate is tightly wound and impeccably balanced, with a mixture of fruit and barrel flavors that show depth. Made with the future in mind, it will be best from 2025–2032. Cellar Selection

Woodward Canyon 2013 Erratic Walla Walla Valley $59 90 points
This blend of 46% Mourvèdre, 45% Syrah and 9% Grenache showcases café au lait, milk chocolate, pepper, herb and smoked meat aromas. It’s ultrasoft on the palate, with fruit and oak flavors that linger on the finish. The oak influence is prominent but doesn’t detract from the overall appeal.

Woodward Canyon 2014 Merlot Columbia Valley $52 89 points
This wine’s aromas bring cherry and chocolate to mind. The palate provides pleasing fruit and barrel notes, but the two seem disconnected.

Woodward Canyon 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $49 89 points
This Cabernet Sauvignon’s char, vanilla, caramel, toast, herb and dark fruit scents are followed by equal parts fruit and barrel flavors. It delivers enjoyment notwithstanding the heavy oak influence, which may yet integrate in the bottle.

Woodward Canyon 2014 Estate Barbera Walla Walla Valley $29 88 points
Walla Walla Valley Barbera is rare, although this producer consistently makes one. Its toasty spice, tart cherry and herb aromas give way to well-balanced plum and cherry flavors, needing food to truly shine.

Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for December 1, 2017. Wines are listed alphabetically by winery. Read additional information on how I review wines here. All of these reviews are freely available on-line at the Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide. There is also a freely available Wine Enthusiast Tasting Guide app. See previous Wine Enthusiast reviews re-published in this space here. Search Wine Enthusiast's on-line database here. Read instructions on how to find Washington wine reviews at Wine Enthusiast here.

67 reviews in the December 1, 2017 issue. Enjoy!

14 Hands 2016 Pinot Gris Washington $10 87 points
Aromas of pear, cantaloupe and apple are followed by broad, dry fruit flavors, with a spritzy finish. There’s not much complexity, but the wine goes down easy and is very varietal. Best Buy

Alder Ridge 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $30 87 points
Aromas come off as quite green, with notes of jalapeño pepper and garden herb mixed with cherry and vanilla. The palate brings broad cherry flavors. It provides appeal but the aromas and flavors seem a bit disconnected and the greenness proves distracting.

Apex 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $36 86 points
The aromas are bright, with notes of vanilla and cherry. In contrast. the palate comes off as light. This is a simple, straightforward quaffer, with cranberry notes persisting on the finish.

Ashan 2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Columbia Valley $25 91 points
Aromas of candy corn, spice and almond butter are followed by full-bodied, tropical-fruit flavors that show a pleasing sense of richness and intensity. It’s a delicious example of the variety, with a lingering finish. Editor's Choice

Auclair 2014 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $45 88 points
Barrel influences takes over aromatically, with notes of wood, toast and dark chocolate in front of golden raisins, with the fruit seeming somewhat dried out. The palate brings tart cranberry and cherry flavors that show a sense of liveliness. Good things are going on but the aromas and palate seem a bit disconnected at present.

Bieler Family 2016 Daisy Pinot Grigio Washington $13 87 points
Aromas of ripe apple, sliced pear and white flowers lead to tart, lighter-side-of-medium-bodied fruit flavors. Spices notes fill out the finish. It delivers easy-drinking enjoyment and is very varietal.

Bontzu 2016 Pinot Gris Walla Walla Valley $25 87 points
Aromas bring notes of beeswax, lees and lemon. The palate is medium bodied and creamy in feel, backed by zippy acidity. The variety isn’t entirely distinct but, despite this, it delivers appeal.

Bontzu 2014 Carmenère Walla Walla Valley $45 89 points
There’s no mistaking the variety here, with its notes of red chili pepper and green pepper along with snuffed-out cigar. The palate is broad and generous but still shows elegance, with its cherry and spice flavors. It’s an intriguing example of the variety.

Bontzu 2015 Reserve Grenache Walla Walla Valley $60 90 points
The aromas are alluring, with notes of stem, dried herb, white pepper, cigar box and raspberry. The palate is chock-full of raspberry flavors that show a pleasing purity, and the finish lingers, showing just a touch of heat.

Bontzu 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $45 85 points
The aromas bring notes of medicine cabinet and Band Aid that seem a bit untoward. Flavors are tart and lighter in style, narrowing toward the finish.

Bontzu 2016 Viognier Walla Walla Valley $25 85 points
The aromas seem a bit off, with volatile notes along with lees, orange peel and peach. The palate is lightly creamy but still somewhat lean in style, not able to hold all of the flavors together.

Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $36 87 points
Aromas of cocoa, vanilla, coconut and herb are at the fore, with a green note lurking in the background. The barrel flavors are out front on the palate as well, with the tannins seeming a bit gritty and dry. It’s a bit hard to discern the variety.

Browne Family Vineyards 2016 Heritage Chardonnay Columbia Valley $22 87 points
Aromas bring notes of white flowers, candlewax and summer squash, showing no overt new-oak influence. The palate is medium bodied, delivering easy-drinking appeal.

Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Petit Verdot Columbia Valley $36 89 points
Coming from Waterbrook Estate, Blackrock and Summit View vineyards, this offers high-toned aromas, with notes of flower, soil and bittersweet chocolate. The palate is full of bold flavors backed by lively acidity and firm, slightly dry tannins. It’s a high-quality example of the variety, though it could use some steak to tame the tannins.

Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Merlot Columbia Valley $36 88 points
Aromas are high toned and barrel-forward, with notes of vanilla, green wood and cocoa. The fruit is able to break through on the palate that shows a pleasing sense of balance.

Canoe Ridge 2014 Limited Edition Canyon Vineyard Ranch Cinsault Yakima Valley $36 87 points
This wine is a little green out of the gate, with notes of garden herbs and green flowers along with macerated cranberries and ripe blue fruit. The palate has a pleasing texture and sense of purity but ultimately the aromas are too distracting.

Canoe Ridge 2014 Limited Edition The Benches Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $42 87 points
Aromas of spice, macerated cherry, vanilla and blackberry lead to jammy, sweet-seeming fruit flavors. It provides easy-drinking appeal, with grainy tannins backing it all up.

Canoe Ridge 2014 Reserve Merlot Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
Aromas of toasty barrel spices, vanilla, cedar, high-toned herbs and plums lead to tart cranberry flavors. The tannins give a firm squeeze and this wine shows a bit of heat, but is otherwise appealing.

Canoe Ridge 2015 Reserve Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
A blend of fruit from Canoe Ridge and Wallula vineyards, this puts the oak (40% new French) at the fore. Aromas of vanilla and baking spice lead to buttery, creamy, full-fruit flavors. The oak and malolactic influence is not shy but it’s a good choice for those seeking that style.

Canoe Ridge 2015 The Expedition Merlot Horse Heaven Hills $16 87 points
With the fruit from equal parts The Benches and Canoe Ridge Vineyard, the addition of Syrah (9%) stands out on the aromas, with its notes of plum followed by vanilla and licorice. The palate is lightly sweet, with bunched-up tannins.

Canoe Ridge 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
Aromas of garden herbs, cherry and bittersweet chocolate lead to medium-bodied fruit and barrel flavors. The tannins are quite firm and need some time (hopefully) to soften. The oak seems to get out front.

Canoe Ridge 2015 The Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $16 86 points
Light aromas offer notes of berry, herb, plum and whiffs of tire rubber. The palate comes off a bit green and sweet, with lightly gritty tannins providing support.

Cavatappi 2016 Sangiovese Columbia Valley $13 87 points
The aromas on this wine seem a bit candied, with notes of red currant, raspberry and cranberry. Flavors are fresh, with plenty of tart, puckering cranberry notes throughout. There’s not a lot of complexity, but it should fit in well at the dinner table, with the oak dialed way back and the acid up.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Ethos Reserve Chardonnay Columbia Valley $35 88 points
This wine is a bit reduced out of the gate, providing distraction from its aromas of burnt toast, apple, pear and spice. The palate is creamy in feel, with buttery flavors along with a lemony finish. If the reduction blows off it could move up a notch or two.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Ethos Reserve Syrah Columbia Valley $50 89 points
The aromas pop, with notes of fresh blueberry pie, sweet herb, dark-roasted coffee and spice. The palate doesn’t quite deliver on all those aromas, seeming a bit less bold than the nose suggests. Still, this wine is enjoyable, especially after it has time to open up.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley $10 88 points
The aromas are bright, with notes of guava, pineapple and citrus. The palate is lightly spritzy with plenty of grapefruit flavors that keep the interest high. Best Buy

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley $15 89 points
Raspberry, cocoa, coffee and vanilla aromas lead to plump, focused fruit flavors. It’s both appealing and quite varietally correct. For those looking for a quality value Merlot, look no further.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Indian Wells Merlot Columbia Valley $18 90 points
Barrel aromas are at the fore, with notes of vanilla, cocoa and milk chocolate out in front of blackberry and black cherry. The palate also mixes fruit and barrel, showing pleasing depth of flavors and intensity along with a silky texture.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Horse Heaven Hills $15 90 points
Light aromas of herb, grass, papaya and kiwi lead to tart, spritely tropical-fruit flavors heightened by grapefruit accents. There’s no mistaking the variety and it’s appealing, with a drawn-out finish. Best Buy

Columbia Crest 2015 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $15 87 points
Aromas of plum, stewed cherry, milk chocolate and vanilla are accented by notes of smoke. Fruit and barrel flavors intertwine on the palate, with fruit winning out on the finish that narrows a bit.

Columbia Crest 2016 Reserve Garnacha Blanca Yakima Valley $28 89 points
Quite pale in color, this wine offers well-defined aromas of apple, cantaloupe and pear. The palate has a textured feel and brings a pleasing sense of purity along with tart acidity. A winning offering of this seldom-seen variety, it should go particularly well at the dinner table.

Columbia Crest 2015 Reserve Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $26 90 points
Aromas of butter, vanilla, corn silk and tropical fruit lead to barrel-forward, oak-laden pineapple flavors that intertwine through the finish. For the style, it’s well done but the oak is pretty intense.

Columbia Crest 2016 Reserve Pinot Gris Yakima Valley $26 87 points
Vibrant aromas of cantaloupe, freshly cut pear and yellow apple are at the fore. While the palate is bone dry, it has a light spritz that seems out of place. It’s a shame as aromatically it delivers a lot of enjoyment.

Columbia Crest 2016 Reserve Late Harvest Muscat Canelli Columbia Valley $30 88 points
The aromas leap out of the glass, with notes of freshly peeled tangerine, white flowers, jasmine and honeysuckle. It drinks quite sweet but manages to stay in balance. It’s a delicious example of this variety. Enjoy it for dessert.

Columbia Crest 2016 Reserve Dry Riesling Yakima Valley $28 90 points
The aromas are exuberant, with notes of lime, orange zest, ripe peach and flowers. The palate, as advertised, is bone dry with stone-fruit flavors that show crystalline clarity and linger on the finish that features plenty of lime accents.

Columbia Crest 2015 H3 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills $15 88 points
Aromas of plum and blue fruit are accented by high-toned spices and milk chocolate. Flavors are soft, palate coating and poised, with blue-fruit flavors lingering on the finish. It doesn’t necessarily taste like Merlot but still brings plenty of appeal.

Desert Wind 2016 Estate Grown Chardonnay Wahluke Slope $15 86 points
The aromas bring light notes of corn husk and apple. This wine is broad in feel, with a lightly creamy texture full of roasted-corn flavors.

Desert Wind 2015 Estate Grown Ora Proprietary Red Blend Wahluke Slope $30 86 points
This is an unusual blend of principally Syrah, Malbec, Tempranillo and Souzao, along with bits of Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of cocoa, vanilla and green herb lead to tart cherry flavors that seem underripe. The finish comes up short.

Desert Wind 2015 Estate Grown Malbec Wahluke Slope $30 87 points
Green aromas are at the fore, with notes of underripe herb, mint, plum and spice. In contrast, the palate is full of spritely cherry and plum flavors. The aromas and flavors seem disconnected but it still brings intrigue.

Desert Wind 2015 Estate Grown Ruah Proprietary Red Blend Wahluke Slope $20 87 points
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah, this offers high-toned aromas, with notes of green herb, cocoa and green pepper. The palate is chalky in feel, with the tannins seeming bunched up and dry. Cocoa notes linger on the finish. The greenness on the aromas is hard to get around.

Desert Wind 2015 Estate Grown Merlot Wahluke Slope $18 87 points
Aromas seem a bit locked up, with notes of plum, herb and cedar. The raspberry flavors similarly seem bunched up, with lightly dry tannins providing support. Vanilla flavors linger on the finish. The variety gets a bit lost.

Desert Wind 2015 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $18 86 points
The aromas bring notes of vanilla, green pepper, black tea, cherry and herb, and the palate delivers much the same. This wine comes off as a bit innocuous but is quite consistent throughout. It tapers on the finish.

Drumheller 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $12 87 points
Aromas pop, with notes of starfruit, cantaloupe, apple, butter and spice. The palate is broad with a lightly creamy feel, speckled throughout with cardamom notes. Best Buy

Duck Pond 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $12 87 points
Light aromas offer notes of apple and pear. The palate of thhis wine is cleanly made, showing no obvious new-oak impact. It’s a straight-down-the-fairway interpretation of this variety. Best Buy 

Dumas Station 2013 Minnick Hills Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $60 88 points
Aromas bring notes of vanilla bean, black cherry and cassis, along with light volatility. The palate packs a big punch of fruit and barrel flavors, with vanilla notes running high throughout, causing some distraction.

Dumas Station 2014 Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley $36 87 points
The cocoa, vanilla and black fruit are followed by a chocolaty, wood-forward palate that shows a bit of volatility. There are some good things going on but the oak (30% new French and American) seems to get in the way, making the varietal a bit hard to find.

Efeste 2016 Feral Sauvignon Blanc Ancient Lakes $20 90 points
Quite light aromas of talc, lemon zest and mineral along with whiffs of tropical fruit lead to sleek, bright, focused and lemony flavors backed by zippy acidity. It should shine paired with ceviche or oysters. Editor's Choice

Gorman 2015 The Devil You Know Red Blend Columbia Valley $28 91 points
This wine is a blend of Merlot (44%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Malbec (17%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas are brooding, with notes of cocoa, bittersweet chocolate, cherry, herb and spice. The dark-fruit flavors are full bodied, rich and saturated, packing a hefty punch with a finish that sails. Editor's Choice

Gorman 2015 Old Scratch G-S-M Columbia Valley $25 88 points
This wine is 90% Syrah, with the balance Grenache (8%) and Mourvèdre. The aromas are reserved initially, with notes of blueberry pie, dark-roasted coffee and raspberry. The palate is surprisingly light for the aromas (and producer), with the finish seeming attenuated. The oak also comes off as a bit heavy.

Gorman 2015 The Devil You Don’t Know Red Blend Columbia Valley $28 92 points
Though not labeled as such, this could be a varietal Syrah (76%), with the balance Grenache (18%) and Mourvèdre. The aromas offer notes of dark-roasted coffee bean, smoke, orange peel, toast and huckleberry pie. The blue-fruit flavors are bold and full, delivering a mouthful of enjoyment that keeps you coming back for more. Editor's Choice

Gorman 2016 Old Scratch Chardonnay Columbia Valley $20 90 points
Aged six months in neutral French oak, this offers aromas of spice, pineapple and almond skin. Full bodied, the palate is redolent with tropical-fruit flavors. The mouthfeel dazzles, especially for a wine at this price. Editor's Choice

Gorman 2015 Old Scratch Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $28 88 points
This wine is aromatic, with notes of vanilla, plum, cherry and dark coffee. Flavors are big, bold and ripe, delivering hedonistic appeal that carries through the finish.

Pacific Crest 2015 McNary Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $19 86 points
Piercing green aromas are far out front, distracting from the notes of cherry and herb. The cherry flavors seem a bit attenuated.

Pacific Crest 2015 Centennial Trail Chardonnay Columbia Valley $17 88 points
Apple, pear and spice aromas lead to medium-bodied fruit flavors that manage to remain light on their feet. The finish seems a bit clipped but it still delivers enjoyment.

Pamplin 2014 Red I.Q. Columbia Valley $14 90 points
This wine comes from top sites Canoe Ridge Estate, Champoux, Seven Hills and Wallula. An intriguing blend of 43% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 17% Malbec, it offers high-toned aromas, with notes of toasty spice and herb in front of raspberry and cherry. Supple and well balanced, the fruit flavors show poise and length. Best Buy

Pendulum 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $17 88 points
Cocoa, raspberry and dark-chocolate aromas are followed by chocolaty barrel flavors that persist on the finish. There’s enjoyment to be had but the oak seems a bit out front.

Sagelands 2015 Riverbed Red Blend Columbia Valley $10 87 points
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up two-thirds of this wine, with the balance Malbec and Syrah. Vibrant aromas of plum, spice and herb are followed by plush, lightly sweet, palate-coating fruit flavors backed by grainy tannins. It finishes sweet, delivering plenty of easy-drinking appeal. Best Buy

Walla Walla Vintners 2012 Cut Bank Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $60 88 points
Coming from the winery’s estate vineyard high up in Upper Mill Creek, this wine is starting to show a bit of age, offering aromas of anise, dried cherry, green pepper and cigar ash. Equal parts dark and green, the flavors come off a bit disjointed, with bell-pepper notes on the finish.

Walla Walla Vintners 2012 Cut Bank Estate Vottavo Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $60 91 points
A blend of Sangiovese (42%), Merlot (32%), and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is one of the first wines coming off the estate vineyard located next to the winery. A full five years old, it’s starting to show a touch of age aromatically, with notes of bittersweet chocolate, dried cherry and dried herb along with sliced green pepper. The palate shows the brightness of acidity that this region of the valley is known for, heightening the fruit flavors and stretching out the finish.

Washington Hills 2015 Riesling Washington $10 86 points
Dried apricot, jasmine, flower, herb and peach aromas are followed by medium, sweet fruit flavors that can’t quite sustain their intensity but still bring appeal. Best Buy

Washington Hills 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $10 85 points
Fruit-forward aromas of blueberry, orange peel and spice lead to medium-bodied fruit flavors. It’s respectable, though it’s near impossible to peg it as Cabernet. Best Buy

Waterbrook 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $23 88 points
This 100% varietal wine hails from Blackrock, Mirage and Summit View vineyards. Barrel notes of cocoa, vanilla and coconut are at the fore, along with notes of dried cranberry and cherry. The palate is full bodied, with luscious fruit and barrel flavors that provide appeal.

Waterbrook 2015 Syrah Columbia Valley $13 88 points
Pleasing aromas of marionberry, cocoa and spice are followed by lightly styled but still palate-coating fruit flavors. A velvety texture heightens the appeal, with fruit and barrel flavors lingering on the finish. Best Buy

Waterbrook 2016 ICON Viognier Columbia Valley $25 87 points
Aromas of butterscotch, pear, peach, flowers and spice are followed by full-bodied stone-fruit flavors. It brings a fair amount of heat along with it but is certainly varietally correct.

Waterbrook 2014 Reserve Merlot Columbia Valley $23 88 points
Coming from a mixture of Mirage and Blackrock vineyards, this wine offers aromas of baking spice, vanilla and dark fruit. These are followed by full-bodied black-cherry and spice flavors along with gritty tannins. It dips a bit in the middle and the oak seems a bit heavy, but it still delivers enjoyment.

Waterbrook 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley $13 86 points
Aromas of vanilla, cocoa and woodspice are at the fore. The palate starts out broadly but then trails as it moves toward the finish. This wine doesn’t entirely come together.

Waterbrook 2014 Reserve Malbec Columbia Valley $23 88 points
Coconut, vanilla and spice aromas are at the fore, with the fruit seeming a bit dried out. The black-plum flavors show pleasing depth, with baking-spice flavors speckled throughout. The wood is primary but it’s still appealing.

Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for December 31, 2017. Wines are listed alphabetically by winery. Read additional information on how I review wines here. All of these reviews are freely available on-line at the Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide. There is also a freely available Wine Enthusiast Tasting Guide app. See previous Wine Enthusiast reviews re-published in this space here. Search Wine Enthusiast's on-line database here. Read instructions on how to find Washington wine reviews at Wine Enthusiast here.

102 reviews in the December 31 issue. Enjoy!

3 Horse Ranch Vineyards 2016 Single Vineyard Pinot Gris Eagle Foothills $18 87 points
The aromas are bright and fragrant, with notes of pear, flowers, star fruit and mandarin-orange rind. The palate is full of tropical fruit and orange flavors that provide appeal.

Andrew Rich 2014 Glacial Columbia Valley $45 88 points
This wine is a blend of 52% Syrah, 26% Mourvèdre and 22% Grenache. Aromas of black licorice, herb, barrel spice and cassis are out front. The palate is chock-full of black fruit flavors that bring a dry, lightly astringent feel.

Andrew Rich 2014 Ciel du Cheval Mourvèdre Columbia Valley $40 88 points
The aromas bring notes of herb, dark fruit and spice, seemingly a bit muddled. The palate packs a big mouthful of fruit and savory flavors that show a sense of purity, while bringing a lightly tacky feel. A lack of aromatic clarity holds it back.

Andrew Rich 2014 Roussanne Columbia Valley $23 88 points
Intriguing aromas of sweet herb and baking spice lead to drawn-out feeling biscuit flavors. It shows a bit of heat on the finish.

Andrew Rich 2014 Red Willow Vineyard Syrah Columbia Valley $40 89 points
Coming from one of the state’s premier Syrah vineyards, aromas of herb, red fruit, flower and spice are at the fore. The palate is full with red and black-fruit flavors with a lightly tacky feel.

Andrew Rich 2014 Ciel du Cheval Grenache Columbia Valley $40 88 points
Dried herb aromas are at the fore, along with notes of flowers and red fruit. The palate is full of medium-bodied fruit and savory flavors that bring a lightly tacky lip-smacking feel. It’s hard to place it as Grenache exactly but it brings enjoyment all the same.

Andrew Rich 2014 Celilo Vineyard Gewürztraminer Columbia Gorge $28 88 points
The aromas seem surprisingly subdued for the variety and style, with notes of flower, herb and spice. It drinks sweet but doesn’t quite have the acid to back it up.

Animale 2014 Maria Carmela Red Blend Washington $NA 86 points
This wine is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 9% Pinot Noir and 8% Petit Sirah. Freshly ground cranberry aromas are at the fore, along with notes of gardenia and medicine cabinet. The red-fruit flavors are tart and tacky in feel. It doesn’t all come together.

Animale 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $NA 88 points
High-toned aromas of herb, cigar box and spice are followed by tart cranberry and cherry flavors backed by lightly gritty tannins. The bright acidity keeps the interest high. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.

Apex 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $30 87 points
Aromas of cocoa, baking spice and herb are followed by cocoa and vanilla-speckled flavors. The tannins bring a slight sense of astringency but overall it offers some appeal.

Bitner 2012 Petit Verdot-Merlot Red Blend Snake River Valley (ID) $33 90 points
A 60-40 split of two varieties, this wine brings aromas of soil, citrus peel and wood spice. The palate delivers a firm handshake of tannins and fruit flavors brightened by tart acidity.

Callan 2016 Boushey Vineyard Grenache Blanc Yakima Valley $25 91 points
This is an impressive wine from a new producer. It’s aromatically expressive in notes of ripe apple, star fruit and pear, with lemon-pith accents. The melon and citrus flavors are rounded, fresh and clean, offering a great balance of acidity. Editor's Choice

Callan 2016 Picpoul Yakima Valley $25 89 points
Coming from Boushey Vineyard, this is a seldom-seen variety in the state. This offering seems a bit reduced out of the gate, showing aromas of garden hose along with lemon. The medium-bodied citrus rind and lemon flavors bring plenty of appeal along with a big blast of acidity. If the reduction blows off, it moves up a notch or two as the palate flat-out impresses.

Cavatappi 2015 Sangiovese Columbia Valley $12 87 points
The aromas are fruit forward, with notes of plum and herb. The palate is supple in feel, showing little apparent new oak influence and zippy acidity. It doesn’t seem entirely varietal aromatically but still brings appeal and should fit in well at the dinner table. Best Buy

Charles Smith 2016 Kung Fu Girl Riesling Washington $13 87 points
The aromas are a bit light for the variety, with notes of flower, herb and lime. The palate is off dry and lightly spritzy, with stone-fruit flavors. The concentration seems somewhat lacking.

Charles Smith 2015 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $20 88 points
The aromas are forward, with notes of black currant, blue fruit, herb and spice. The palate delivers a mouthful of sweet blue-fruit flavors, with the oak dialed back. Lightly dry tannins provide support. It’s hard to necessarily place it as Cabernet but it brings plenty of appeal.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Ethos Reserve Late Harvest Riesling Columbia Valley $40 92 points
The aromas pop, with notes of brown sugar, dried pear and honey. The palate is incredibly rich and intense but with high-wire acidity that keeps all of the flavors in vivid focus. The sense of balance is exquisite.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $15 87 points
Vanilla, baking spice, huckleberry, herb and blackberry aromas are at the fore. The black and blue-fruit flavors are soft and supple, bringing light savory notes that provide appeal.

Cinder 2016 Off-Dry Riesling Snake River Valley (ID) $18 90 points
There’s no mistaking the variety here, with its attention-getting aromas of flowers, mandarin orange and ripe peach, along with lime-zest accents. It drinks off dry, with a plentiful, rich, flavorful palate. There’s loads of enjoyment to be had.

Cinder 2015 Syrah Snake River Valley (ID) $29 91 points
Cinder is quietly one of the wineries carrying the banner for this nascent growing region. The aromas here are sappy and brooding, with notes of Marionberry, huckleberry, bittersweet chocolate and a spice top note. The blue-fruit flavors show an alluring sense of purity and grace that carries through the finish, which includes a savory note that heightens the interest. Delicious stuff. Editor's Choice

Cinder 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot–Malbec Snake River Valley (ID) $29 87 points
The aromas lean pretty far into the green, with notes of savory herb along cherry with wood spice, which seems a bit prominent. The fruit flavors are plump but retain a sense of elegance. Ultimately the sense of greenness proves a bit too distracting.

Cinder 2014 Tempranillo Snake River Valley (ID) $29 88 points
The aromas are light, with notes of fresh tobacco, tangerine peel, moist earth, cedar and cherry. The wood tannins come off as a little aggressive at present but there’s plenty of lovely fruit there as well.

Clearwater Canyon 2014 Estate Umiker Vineyard Syrah Lewis-Clark Valley (ID) $28 86 points
Barrel aromas and flavors of dill, vanilla, cocoa and wood spice are far out front, overwhelming any sense of fruit or variety. The wood completely steals the show.

Colter's Creek 2015 Chardonnay Idaho $15 87 points
This is an expressive wine, with aromas of flowers, apple, pear and whiffs of tropical fruit. It’s light yet creamy in feel, with abundant pineapple flavors.

Colter's Creek 2013 Arrow Rim G-S-M Idaho $30 89 points
Syrah (40%) takes the lead on this blend with the balance equally split between Grenache and Mourvèdre. Aromas of dried herb, cranberry jam, olive, white pepper, vanilla and dill lead to bold full fruit flavors that hold nothing back. Barrel notes—at times a bit predominant—are speckled throughout.

Colter's Creek 2013 Colter’s Creek Vineyard Cabernet Franc Lewis-Clark Valley (ID) $28 86 points
One of the first bottles from this newly approved appellation, this wine brings aromas of raspberry, herb, tire rubber and barrel spice. The palate is elegant and smooth with assorted red-fruit flavors.

Colter's Creek 2014 Koos Koos Kia Lewis-Clark Valley (ID) $25 88 points
This wine is 47% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aromas of dill, dried herb, cocoa and spice are followed by soft elegantly styled dark-fruit flavors that show plenty of hang time.

Colter's Creek 2014 Syrah Snake River Valley (ID) $17 89 points
Barrel aromas are up front, with notes of vanilla, dill and wood spice in front of dark fruit. The fruit flavors are plump and plush, with vanilla notes lingering on the finish. There are lots of good things going on here but the wood gets in the way—a shame as the fruit is impressive.

DiStefano 2013 Carmenère Columbia Valley $39 86 points
Blended with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, wood aromas are at the fore, with notes of baking spice followed by braised green pepper along with jalapeño pepper and blackberry. The flavors are saturated and ripe, bringing a sense of softness that provides intrigue.

DiStefano 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $39 87 points
The aromas are all high toned, with notes of baking spice, green herb, berry and wood spice. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, with appealing well-balanced flavors.

DiStefano 2013 Meritage Columbia Valley $39 88 points
This wine is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon along with 24% Petit Verdot and 12% Cabernet Franc. High-toned dried herb aromas are at the fore, with notes of green pepper and baking spice close behind. The palate brings a sense of freshness and vibrancy, with tart fruit flavors lingering on the finish. It doesn’t all quite come together, but there’s interest to be had.

DiStefano 2013 Domenica Columbia Valley $39 86 points
This wine is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of barrel spice, herb and green pepper are followed by abundant fruit and savory flavors. It leans pretty far into the green, especially for a wine that could be varietally labeled as Merlot.

Double Canyon 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $25 88 points
Light aromas of baking spice and herb are at the fore. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, bringing a sense of freshness and vibrancy.

Dunham 2016 Late Harvest Lewis Estate Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley $38 90 points
This wine is a golden color that is showing some browning despite its youth. The aromas offer notes of marmalade and diesel. The flavors are concentrated and sugary sweet. It delivers plenty of enjoyment but seems advanced for its age. Enjoy it sooner than later.

Dunham 2015 Lewis Estate Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley $20 87 points
Aromas of Nestea ice tea and slightly past-their-prime flowers are followed by medium-sweet fruit flavors that need more acid to stand them up. It doesn’t all come together.

Dunham 2015 Three Legged Red Blend Washington $19 88 points
Upfront aromas of cocoa, vanilla, sawdust and savory herb are followed by flavors of plum, cherry and barrel spice. The oak and fruit play equal roles, with the flavors a bit dialed back.

Dunham 2014 Trutina Columbia Valley $29 87 points
This wine is a blend 44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of cocoa, coconut, herb and cherry are followed by an elegantly styled palate, full of coconut flavors. There’s enjoyment to be had but the oak plays too primary of a role.

Dunham 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $35 88 points
Subdued aromas of vanilla, cocoa and smoke are followed by silky-feeling fruit and barrel flavors. It brings a sense of elegance, with the fruit and oak playing equal parts in the show.

Dunham 2014 XX Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $45 88 points
The aromas are quite smoky, with notes of burnt toast along with herb and vanilla—not a particularly appealing combination. The flavors seem light in concentration. It doesn’t all come together.

Full Pull & Friends 2007 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $23 92 points
That vintage is not a typo. This 10-year-old wine is as lively as ever. The aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of candy corn, pumpkin spices, candle wax, lemon pith and almond butter—all completely captivating. The palate is lightly creamy in feel but still sleek with zingy tart high-wire acidity and a lingering finish. It’s an accomplishment. Editor's Choice

History 2014 Upland Vineyard Muscat Yakima Valley $40 87 points
Coming from vines planted in 1935—some of the oldest vines in the state—this shows expressive but not entirely settled aromas of gardenia, orange peel and herb, followed by bone-dry broad-feeling fruit flavors. There’s intrigue but it doesn’t all come together.

History 2014 Otis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $75 90 points
This wine comes from the state’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 1957. Light in color, the aromas draw you into the glass with notes of earth, cassis, dried herb and cherry. The cranberry flavors are light and elegant, with a zing of acidity that keeps the interest high. It’s a very pretty expression of the variety, best suited for the dinner table.

History 2014 Elise Vineyard Pinot Noir Columbia Gorge $65 91 points
This wine comes from a new project from winemaker Melissa Burr (Stoller Estate), focusing on old-vine vineyards. This bottling comes from vines planted in 1968. The aromas are light, with notes of cherry, cigar box, dried leaf and earth. The flavors are cranberry tart and mouthwatering, showing an exquisite sense of balance, with a lingering finish.

History 2014 Mont Elise Vineyard Gewürztraminer Columbia Gorge $40 88 points
This wine comes from vines planted in 1968. Fragrant aromas of orange peel, flower, spice and sweet herb lead to dry-drinking fruit flavors. The concentration seems a bit lacking but there’s still interest to be had.

Indian Creek 2014 Dry White Mountain Syringa White Blend Snake River Valley (ID) $14 88 points
Though not labeled as such, this wine is all Gewürztraminer. It’s aromatic with aromas of lychee, rose petal and spice. The flavors are light and dry, almost delicate, with abundant floral accents.

Koenig Vineyards 2014 Botrytis Single Berry Select Late Harvest Riesling Snake River Valley (ID) $30 91 points
Coming in at 159g/L residual sugar, this wine is über-aromatic, with notes of dried apricot, pineapple, flowers, and honey, showing layer of complexity. Given the richness of the aromas, the palate is surprisingly deft and light on its feet, displaying a lot of grace and detail to the sugary-sweet flavors.

Laissez Faire 2016 Red Blend Snake River Valley (ID) $16 88 points
This young wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Mourvèdre. It shows some reduction out of the gate, with tire-rubber aromas out in front savory herb and plum. The red-fruit flavors display a pleasing sense of purity and acidity. If the reduction settles down, it moves up a notch.

L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $22 91 points
A blend of fruit from Schmitt, Evergreen and Oasis vineyards, this opens with appealing aromas of toast, candy corn, almond and pear. The pear and melon flavors are crisp and rounded, with a lightly creamy feel heightening the interest. Editor's Choice

L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Old Vines Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley $15 90 points
L’Ecole has been carrying the banner for Washington Chenin high since 1987. Coming from vineyards planted in 1978 and 1979, the aromas are fresh and lively, with notes of sliced pear, passion fruit, flower and apple. The palate is full in feel and redolent with fruit flavors that sail on the finish. It’s a one-wine charm offensive. Best Buy

L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Estate Grown Luminesce Seven Hills Vineyard Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc Walla Walla Valley $22 90 points
Light aromas of fig and spice lead to well-balanced fruit flavors that draw out on the finish. Some additional time in the bottle should serve it well. Give it until late 2018.

L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Semillon Columbia Valley $15 88 points
Very few producers make a varietally labeled offering of Sémillon in the state, with this one including 14% Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a shame as the variety clearly succeeds here. The aromas bring notes of fig, almond butter and spice followed by dry fruit flavors backed by lemony acidity. It needs some time to fully come together.

Longship 2015 Quinn Red Blend Columbia Valley $36 87 points
This wine is a unique blend of 61% Tempranillo, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Grenache. Aromas of coffee grounds, toast, spice and dark fruit are up front, with the oak playing a primary role. The palate mixes fruit and barrel, with the fruit concentration seeming a bit light.

Longship 2016 Luck Dragon Chardonnay Columbia Valley $24 87 points
Bright aromas of freshly sliced pear, apple and spice are followed by lightly creamy fruit flavors that paint around the edges. It’s a well-made wine but the middle seems missing.

Longship 2016 Wild Harvest Rosé Columbia Valley $20 85 points
This wine is a unique blend of 59% Syrah, 31% Malbec and 10% Grenache. Dark in color for a rosé, it brings aromas of cherry and herb. The flavors tingle the palate with just off-dry flavors that seem a bit fat.

Longship 2015 Ginger Man Syrah Walla Walla Valley $32 87 points
The barrel aromas are far out front, with notes of vanilla extract, dill and wood spice. The oak shows heavily on the palate as well, making it nearly impossible to get at the fruit and giving the wine a gritty feel.

Longship 2015 Wise Man Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $38 87 points
Strong char, toast and barrel aromas are at the fore, getting way out in front of the fruit. The fruit flavors are tart and considerably more elegant than the aromas might suggest. There seems to be a bit of disconnect between the two.

Love That Red 2015 Dead Heat Syrah Columbia Valley $32 91 points
A blend of Olsen Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and Clifton Hill on the Wahluke Slope, the aromas are generous, with notes of dark plum, smoke and baking spice. The palate is weighty and full, with palate-coating purple-fruit flavors that show pleasing depth, density and length.

Love That Red 2015 Stakes Race Syrah Columbia Valley $36 88 points
This wine, which includes 17% Grenache, is a blend of fruit from Les Collines, Discovery and Riviere Galets vineyards. Smoked meat, dried herb and baking-spice aromas are followed by red-fruit flavors that display a sense of elegance.

Luke 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $25 86 points
The volatiles are amped up here, providing some aromatic distraction. The palate brings high-octane fruit flavors, supported by lightly dry tannins. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

March 2015 Petit Verdot Walla Walla Valley $32 88 points
Offerings of this variety are rare in the state and even more so from this valley. The aromas of cocoa, herb and cherry are all high toned, showing a touch of volatility. The cherry flavors are full, bold and tightly wound with tannin.

March 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $30 87 points
The aromas are quite subdued, making you strain to get at them. The palate brings rounded full-feeling apple and melon flavors that drop off at the finish.

March 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $30 88 points
Light aromas of pear, apple and melon are followed by fresh clean fruit flavors. It’s a spot-on example of this variety.

March 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $34 87 points
The aromas are light, with notes of red apple, barrel spice, vanilla and cherry. The flavors are medium bodied, showing a mixture of fruit and barrel. There’s interest to be had but it all seems a bit subdued and the finish a bit clipped.

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Rosso Granato Red Blend Columbia Valley $36 87 points
This wine is a blend of 87% Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. The aromas of herb, graphite, barrel spice, plum and cranberry seem a bit muddled. The palate offers tart fruit flavors, with plenty of wood influence mixed in.

Maryhill 2014 Zinfandel Columbia Valley $24 87 points
Wood-spice aromas are at the fore followed by red fruit, with the wine also showing a fair amount of heat. The cranberry, raspberry and oak flavors are full bodied, seeming a bit boozy.

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Zinfandel Columbia Valley $44 87 points
Light in color, the aromas of this wine are very varietal, with scents of cranberry, raspberry and high-toned spices. The palate is quite sweet, giving the appearance of carrying some residual sugar. It comes off as a bit hot. Still, there’s enjoyment to be had.

Maryhill 2014 Sangiovese Columbia Valley $26 87 points
Light in color, aromas of barrel spice, herb and red fruit rise up from the glass. The palate packs a mouthful of red-fruit flavors, with the tannins showing a bit of astringency.

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Sangiovese Columbia Valley $36 87 points
The high-toned aromas of raspberry, barrel spice and herb bring a touch of heat along with them. The palate offers tart tangy acidity, with the tannins seeming a bit bunched up.

Maryhill 2014 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Sangiovese Rattlesnake Hills $34 87 points
Aged in 45% new French oak, aromas of cocoa, vanilla and barrel spice are at the fore followed by full-bodied but still tart raspberry and cranberry flavors. It brings a bit of heat along with it.

North by Northwest 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $40 88 points
Fruit from Seven Hills, Los Oidos, and Les Collines make up the majority of this wine. Aromas of baking spice and jammy raspberry notes are at the fore. The red-fruit flavors are full bodied and intense, trailing a bit on the finish. There are a lot of good things going on here but they don’t all entirely come together.

Original House Wine 2015 Steak House Cabernet Sauvignon America $12 86 points
The aromas are fruit forward, with notes of berry and black currant. The flavors are ripe, with the oak pulled way back. There’s plenty of easy drinking enjoyment to be had.

Original House Wine NV Chardonnay America $6 85 points
Coming in a 375ml can, this wine brings aromas of lees and lemon curd. The palate is creamy in feel and lightly sweet.

Original House Wine NV Rosé America $6 85 points
Pale salmon in color, this is an aromatic rosé with notes of peach and jasmine. It’s off dry in style and brings easy drinking enjoyment.

Original House Wine 2015 Mountain Merlot America $12 86 points
This straight forward crowd pleaser brings aromas of apple, raspberry and plum. The palate is ripe and goes down easy. It should bring plenty of fans.

Original House Wine 2016 Fish House Sauvignon Blanc America $12 86 points
The aromas are quite light, with notes of tropical fruit, white grapefruit and sweet herb. The flavors are similarly light and sleek, offering a nip of acid on the finish.

Pendulum 2014 Red Blend Columbia Valley $17 88 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The aromas are quite reserved, with notes of vanilla, berry, plum and wood spice. The palate brings plum, cranberry and raspberry flavors, backed by lightly grainy tannins.

Rich Table 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $20 88 points
The aromas are downright fruity, with notes of apricot nectar, herb, dried stem and flower. The palate brings chalky-feeling cherry and guava flavors. It’s an unusual interpretation of this variety that could use more time to settle in the bottle.

Sawtooth 2015 Chardonnay Snake River Valley (ID) $14 87 points
The aromas bring notes of vanilla, cream and baking spice, with the oak playing a prominent part but still showing appeal. The palate brings sweet cinnamon flavors that linger on the finish.

Sheridan Vineyard 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $30 89 points
Aromas of baking spice, orange peel and green herb are followed by well-balanced fruit and savory flavors. There’s no mistaking the variety or the region that it comes from. It’s a distinctive wine but not for all tastes.

Skyfall 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $14 87 points
This wine is quite blue-fruited aromatically for a Cabernet. This continues on the palate, with boysenberry flavors backed by lightly grainy tannins. It provides interest, but you’d never peg it for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ste. Chapelle 2016 Special Harvest Riesling Snake River Valley (ID) $14 87 points
The aromas are a bit subdued for the variety, with notes of apricot, jasmine and flowers. The palate drinks sweet, with abundant stone-fruit flavors that provide a lot of easy-drinking appeal.

Stemilt Creek 2014 Ascent One-half Mile Closer to the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $48 85 points
The aromas pop, with notes of sliced green pepper and jalapeño pepper, leaning very hard into the green. The palate brings more of the same, drinking more like a Carmenere than a Cabernet.

Stemilt Creek 2014 Ascent One-half Mile Closer to the Moon Syrah Columbia Valley $45 86 points
Aromas of wood spice, dill, vanilla and cherry are at the fore. The palate mixes jammy fruit with barrel flavors. The two seeming to tussle a bit. The wood wins out on the finish.

Stemilt Creek 2014 Ascent One-Half Mile Closer to the Moon Merlot Columbia Valley $42 84 points
The aromas are a bit unsettled, bringing a wilted-flower note that is off-putting. The ripe cherry, blackberry and smoky flavors seem disconnected. It doesn’t all come together, and the variety seems impossible to find.

Stemilt Creek 2016 Ascent One-Half Mile Closer to the Moon Rosé Columbia Valley $19 82 points
Pale peach in color, this wine brings aromas of green pepper and jalapeño pepper that are quite strong. The palate is dry and brings more of the same. It just doesn’t work.

Telaya 2016 Anam White Blend Yakima Valley $23 88 points
This wine is a unique blend of Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Sémillon and Marsanne. Light aromas of melon and citrus lead to dry full-feeling fruit flavors that bring a rounded feel. It’s an intriguing wine.

Telaya 2016 Grenache Blanc Yakima Valley $25 87 points
The aromas are bright, with notes of pear, melon and apple. The palate brings dry ale flavors that taper toward the finish.

Telaya 2015 Boushey Vineyard Malbec Yakima Valley $36 84 points
Aromas of marionberry jam and smoke leap out of the glass, along with orange peel and wilted flower notes that seem a bit unsettled. The flavors are plump around the edges but light in the middle, with a mesquite note that distracts.

Vital 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $28 87 points
Aromas of butterscotch, herb and barrel spice are followed by full-bodied cherry and vanilla flavors, with the tannins bringing some grit. Ultimately, the wood seems to get a bit in the way of the fruit.

Wilridge 2015 Mary Evelyn Vineyard Touriga Nacional Yakima Valley $23 88 points
This is a seldom-seen variety in the state. The aromas are brooding, with high-toned notes of dried herb, barrel spice and potpourri along with red fruit. The fruit flavors are tart and plump, soft and sumptuous, showing a pleasing sense of purity. One wants a bit more aromatically but there’s still much to enjoy.

Wilridge 2015 Conley Vineyard Malbec Columbia Valley $23 88 points
The aromas are light, with notes of berry, herb, dried flower and spice. The palate brings plenty of plump cherry flavors along with pleasing spice accents. It’s an intriguing example of this variety.

Wilridge 2015 Angiolina Vineyard Grenache Yakima Valley $23 87 points
Pale in color, the aromas are quite light, making you strain into the glass to get at them. The cranberry and herb flavors bring a sense of purity and appeal, with the oak dialed way back. One wants more aromatically but the palate delivers enjoyment. It should perform well at the dinner table.

Wilridge 2014 Mélange Noir Wilridge Vineyard Naches Heights $40 87 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (32%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Merlot (24%) and Malbec. Aromas of green pepper, herb, cherry and spice are followed by full-feeling cherry flavors. It comes off as quite green but there’s interest to be had.

Wilridge 2014 Estate Barbera Naches Heights $35 88 points
The aromas are quite muted, not revealing much about what’s inside the glass. It’s a shame because the palate is quite flavorful, ripe with cherry and spice flavors that show persistence. If the two come together it could move up a notch.

Wilridge 2014 Estate Wilridge Vineyard Sangiovese Naches Heights $35 88 points
This wine is quite light in color, with delicate aromas of cigar box, herb and spice. The cherry flavors are full and tart, with spice notes on the finish.

Wilridge 2014 Estate Wilridge Vineyard Syrah-Mourvèdre Naches Heights $35 87 points
High-toned aromas of potpourri, herb and white pepper lead to plump pleasing fruit flavors. It brings a slightly tacky feel, with the finish coming up a bit short.

Wilridge 2015 Estate Zweigelt Naches Heights $35 90 points
This variety is an extreme rarity in the state but shows plenty of promise in this nascent growing region. Aromas of cherry, herb and spice lead to broad tart full cherry flavors that show a sense of purity, finesse and length.

Wilridge 2015 Estate Wilridge Vineyard Sagrantino Naches Heights $40 87 points
This is the only bottling of this variety I am aware of in the state. The aromas are intriguing: all high toned, with notes of herb, barrel spice and ripe blackberry. The flavors are full bore, holding nothing back. The tannins bring a slight sense of astringency. There’s promise.

Wilridge 2015 Estate Wilridge Vineyard Viognier-Roussanne Naches Heights $20 83 points
Viognier makes up 61% of this wine. The aromas don’t seem entirely pleasant, with notes of ale and herb. The palate brings a lightly oily feel to the stone-fruit flavors that also show some sweetness that isn’t balanced by acidity.

Wilridge 2015 Lodmell Vineyard Merlot Walla Walla County $23 87 points
Aromas of boysenberry and barrel spice are followed by ripe pleasing purple-fruit flavors. The tannins deliver a light squeeze. It’s hard to find the variety exactly, but it still brings appeal.

Windy Canyon 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $28 88 points
Aromas of assorted green herbs mix with notes of black cherry, anise and barrel spice. The blackberry flavors are sweet and tacky in feel. There’s intrigue but it doesn’t all come together.

Windy Canyon 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $30 87 points
The aromas are lively, with notes of smoke, raw meat, white pepper and red fruit. The palate shows considerable restraint, with an elegant silky feel to the fruit and savory flavors.

Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for February 2018. Wines are listed alphabetically by winery. Read additional information on how I review wines here. All of these reviews are freely available on-line at the Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide. There is also a freely available Wine Enthusiast Tasting Guide app. See previous Wine Enthusiast reviews re-published in this space here. Search Wine Enthusiast's on-line database here. Read instructions on how to find Washington wine reviews at Wine Enthusiast here.

90 reviews in the February issue. Enjoy!

14 Hands 2016 The Reserve Late Harvest Viognier Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
This wine’s aroma brings light notes of honey, brown sugar and herb. The flavors are sweet and elegant. It’s a light, pleasing affair

14 Hands 2016 The Reserve Rosé of Malbec Horse Heaven Hills $24 85 points
Light orange in color, this wine brings sweet cherry and herb aromas. It drinks dry, with broad, fat-feeling but lightly concentrated fruit flavors

14 Hands 2016 The Reserve Pinot Gris Horse Heaven Hills $22 87 points
This wine’s cantaloupe, apple, grapenut and pear aromas pop. The palate is upfront, dropping off considerably on the back end. Yet, it still provides enjoyment

14 Hands 2016 The Reserve Dry Gewürztraminer Horse Heaven Hills $22 89 points
There’s no mistaking the variety in this wine, with its lychee and white flower aromas. The palate is dry and broad in feel, with bitter notes on the finish

14 Hands 2016 Reserve Chenin Blanc Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
This wine’s aromas are bright and focused, with honeycrisp apple, passion fruit and pear notes. The apple and stone fruit flavors are off dry, showing no obvious oak influence

14 Hands 2016 The Reserve Unoaked Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $22 88 points
Apple, cream and straw aromas are followed by straightforward stone fruit flavors in this wine. It’s a quite enjoyable example of this variety and style

14 Hands 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley $12 86 points
Wood, sweet spice and plum aromas are out front in this wine. The palate is broad, with abundant plum flavors and astringent tannins. Baking spice notes linger on the finish. It’s not obviously Merlot, but there’s enjoyment to be had

14 Hands 2015 The Reserve Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $22 87 points
Out of the gate, this wine’s oak is far out front, with vanilla and baking spice notes that obscure the fruit. The palate shows more of the same, though it settles down a bit with significant time open. It’s a style, albeit over the top

Airfield Estates 2014 Mustang Yakima Valley $25 88 points
This wine is a blend of Syrah (65%), Grenache (20%) and Mourvèdre. While the aromas are locked up on first pour, it shows light raspberry, herb and spice notes as it opens. The flavors are soft and supple, with a pleasing mouthfeel.

Airfield Estates 2015 Dauntless Yakima Valley $18 87 points
Merlot makes up over two-thirds of this blend, with the balance in Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Baking spice, vanilla and plum aromas are at the fore. The tannins seem bunched up, however, and it lacks the generous fruit associated with the warm vintage

Amavi 2016 Sémillon Walla Walla Valley $24 88 points
This wine includes 15% Sauvignon Blanc and hails from Les Collines, Goff and Seven Hills vineyards. Aged in neutral French oak, it shows gooseberry, anise, straw, fig and lees aromas, which lead to broad, creamy-feeling fruit flavors. Give it some time to open up

Andrew Rich 2014 Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $40 89 points
From one of the state’s premier vineyards, this shows high-toned dried herb, plum and spice aromas followed by palate-coating fruit flavors. It has a lovely feel and balance that carries through the finish

Animale 2014 Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley $25 88 points
This wine’s aromas are light but intriguing, with peat, cigar box, herb, flower and game notes. Its cherry and raspberry flavors are fresh and transparent, showing little apparent new oak influence. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best

Animale 2014 Reserve Petite Sirah Yakima Valley $28 88 points
This wine’s black pepper, Band Aid, flower and herb aromas are followed by full-bodied but soft and pure fruit flavors. There are good things going on here, but they don’t quite come together

Armstrong Family 2014 The Scotsman Syrah Horse Heaven Hills $36 84 points
This wine’s wood spice, Mounds bar and coconut aromas also include notes of acetone. Woody flavors dominate the palate and persist on the finish. The oak obscures the fruit

Armstrong Family 2014 Four Birds Red Blend Columbia Valley $32 85 points
Merlot makes up half of this wine, and Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot make up the balance. The aromas are unique, with high-toned black tea, green herb and vanilla notes that aren’t entirely settled. The palate brings blackberry and plum flavors that are a bit disjointed. It drops off on the finish

Bells Up 2015 Summit View Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley (OR) $36 87 points
From an up-and-coming part of the Walla Walla Valley, this has barrel spice, raspberry and dried cherry aromas followed by somewhat elegant red fruit flavors that taper toward the finish. It doesn’t all quite come together

Bergevin Lane 2013 She-Devil Syrah Columbia Valley $24 87 points
This wine’s aromas lack clarity, with wood spice and butterscotch notes at the fore. The palate is full of lip-smacking, medium-bodied dark fruit flavors. Baking spice and coffee notes linger on the finish

Bergevin Lane 2013 Wild Child Merlot Wahluke Slope $26 88 points
Barrel aromas are at the fore in this wine, with vanilla and baking spice notes in front of plum. The palate mixes fruit and barrel flavors, and drying tannins provide the frame

Bergevin Lane 2013 Moonspell Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $28 87 points
This wine’s birthday cake, baking spice, herb and licorice aromas lead to plentiful dark fruit flavors backed by slightly green tannins. It doesn’t quite seem to have fully ripened

Bergevin Lane 2014 Calico Red Blend Columbia Valley $15 87 points
This wine is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 17% Syrah and 5% Petit Verdot. The aromas are fruit-forward, with blackberry jam and other black fruit notes. The palate is more reserved than the aromas suggest, with drying tannins. It has a bit of a hole in the middle, but there’s still enjoyment to be had

Castle Rock 2016 Pinot Noir Columbia Valley $12 84 points
The aromas don’t seem entirely harmonious in this young wine, bringing herb, glue and light volatile notes. The red fruit and floral flavors are light, simple and not fully integrated

Castle Rock 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $11 85 points
This wine pops with notes of ripe strawberry, cherry, herb and melon aromas. These notes carry to the palate, yet are restrained, and the tannins bring grittiness

Castle Rock 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $10 82 points
This wine has a distinct metallic note, which distracts from its already light spice and apple aromas. The palate has an untoward gardenia note

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Impetus Red Blend Columbia Valley $125 91 points
The inaugural release of this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Syrah (34%) and Malbec. The aromas pop with plum, cherry, herb and barrel spice notes. The palate is broad and incredibly pleasing

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Indian Wells Chardonnay Columbia Valley $17 88 points
This wine’s baking spice, vanilla, white flower and peach aromas are followed by sweet, full-feeling stone fruit and spice flavors that pull up short on the finish. It’s a straightforward crowd-pleaser

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley $16 88 points
This wine’s aromas are a bit reticent, which is unusual for this variety, with slate, lime and white peach notes. The palate is more generous, with off-dry, lightly spritzy stone fruit flavors. There are some good things going on, but they don’t quite come together. Some additional time in bottle may help

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Mimi Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills $20 90 points
This wine is named after former Canoe Ridge Estate vineyard manager Mimi Nye. Its high toned, pretty pear, yellow apple and barrel spice aromas lead to crisp, focused, well-balanced fruit flavors that linger on the finish. It’s a spot on example of this variety and style

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Riesling Columbia Valley $9 89 points
This wine bursts with ripe peach, honeysuckle and jasmine aromas. It drinks off-dry, the palate redolent of juicy stone fruit and mouthwatering acidity. The balance is exquisite. More, please!

Claar 2013 Winemaker’s Bloc White Bluffs Bordeaux-style Red Blend Columbia Valley $40 86 points
This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The barrel influence is way up front, recalling vanilla, wood spice, baking spice and green herbs. The palate comes off as quite woody as well, with blocky tannins and a vanilla-filled finish

Columbia Crest 2016 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley $NA 89 points
This wine was fermented in concrete and neutral barrels and aged on lees for 20 months. Its light herb and citrus aromas lead to a medium-bodied palate that’s tart, bracing and white grapefruit-like. With acidity like this, it absolutely needs food. Oysters would make an excellent pairing

Columbia Crest 2014 H3 Les Chevaux Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills $15 87 points
Brooding aromas of dark plum, vanilla and spice lead to easy-drinking blue and black fruit flavors in this blend of 63% Syrah, 33% Merlot and 4% Viognier. It’s a bit generic but delivers enjoyment all the same

Gamache 2012 Nicolas Vineyard Select Red Blend Columbia Valley $40 87 points
This wine is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), with equal parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. Despite the even growing season, it doesn’t seem to have fully ripened, with jalapeño pepper, baking spice and plum aromas. The flavors are light to medium bodied and drop off on the finish

Gamache 2014 188° SW Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Blend Red Mountain $50 88 points
This wine is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, and all of the fruit comes from the famed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Vanilla, coconut, ripe plum, clove, cinnamon, barrel spice and herb aromas lead to even-keeled red and black fruit flavors that are surprisingly elegant for the appellation and vintage

Goose Ridge 2015 g3 Estate Bottled Merlot Columbia Valley $15 86 points
Plum, baking spice and licorice aromas lead to lightly styled fruit flavors in this wine. The wood influence seems quite intense, distracting from the fruit

Goose Ridge 2014 Cellar Select Artist Series Estate Bottled Red Blend Columbia Valley $NA 88 points
This wine is 73% Mourvèdre, 11% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel notes are upfront, with vanilla, dill and baking spice aromas accenting cherry and white pepper scents. The palate mixes fruit and barrel characteristics but comes up a bit short on the finish

Goose Ridge 2015 g3 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $15 84 points
This wine shows prominent volatile acidity, which overpowers its red apple, cherry and baking spice aromas. The palate has lightly styled, smooth-feeling plum flavors backed by astringent tannins

Goose Ridge 2013 Estate Bottled Merlot Columbia Valley $34 88 points
Despite being a full four years old, this wine’s aromas aren’t yet fully revealing their charms, with high-toned vanilla, spice, cedar and cherry notes. The flavors are tightly wound as well, with a light gamy streak throughout. It’s not clear if it will open with additional time or if what you see is what you get

Goose Ridge 2014 Reserve Estate Bottled Malbec Columbia Valley $55 87 points
This wine was aged in half French and half American oak, 60% new. Wood spice, vanilla, plum and herb aromas lead to a broad palate that mixes fruit and barrel in equal parts, the two persisting on the finish

Goose Ridge 2015 Cellar Select Artist Series Estate Bottled Reserve Chardonnay Columbia Valley $38 88 points
This wine’s aroma brings notes of vanilla, woodspice and baking spice in addition to its bright tangerine scents. The palate is elegant yet creamy in feel, with stone fruit and barrel flavors throughout. It pulls up a bit short on the finish but is otherwise a lovely wine.

Goose Ridge 2015 GRV White Blend Columbia Valley $25 88 points
This wine is a blend of 55% Viognier, 23% Grenache Blanc and 22% Roussanne. Its light apple, vanilla, citrus and spice aromas are followed by creamy, thick-feeling fruit flavors that persist on the spice-filled finish. It comes off quite heavy

Goose Ridge 2016 Estate Bottled Ice Wine Riesling Columbia Valley $50 89 points
This ice wine—a rarity in the state—has dried pineapple, mango and honey aromas that haven’t entirely melded. The palate, however, brings plenty of sugar-rich, honeyed papaya flavors backed by pleasant acidity. It may integrate with more time in bottle

Hard Row To Hoe 2016 Chardonnay Lake Chelan $25 84 points
The color of this wine—an almost golden yellow—seems to suggest some oxygen exposure given its youth. The aromas bring corn on the cob and spice notes, leading to a lightly creamy palate that falls flat on the finish.

Hard Row To Hoe 2014 Pinot Noir Lake Chelan $40 88 points
This wine was sourced from Clos CheValle Vineyard. It shows primary fruit aromas that bring a lightly candied quality and herbal accents. The palate is a bit clunky, losing some of the variety’s delicacy but still delivering enjoyment

Hard Row To Hoe 2014 Tempranillo Lake Chelan $45 88 points
Blended with 20% Syrah, this brooding wine shows butterscotch, red fruit and spice aromas and tart, high-acid fruit flavors. It’s a mix of fruit and barrel characteristics, even though the oak used was neutral. The tannins bring a lightly chalky feel

Hard Row To Hoe 2014 S&M Red Blend Lake Chelan $38 88 points
This wine is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Malbec. The aromas seem a bit unsettled, with herb, dill and wood spice notes that don’t come together. The palate packs a mouthful of smooth cherry and plum flavors—they’re downright delicious but seem a bit disconnected to the aromas

Helioterra 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $28 87 points
This wine all comes from Oasis Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Its red fruit, baking spice and medicine cabinet aromas are a bit difficult to tease out. The flavors, meanwhile, are at once lightly styled and jammy, finishing short with cranberry notes

Helioterra 2014 Mourvèdre Columbia Valley $30 87 points
From Heart of the Hill Vineyard on Red Mountain, this leads with vanilla, clove and baking spice aromas and follows with tart, tangy fruit and barrel flavors. Cranberry notes linger on the finish, along with interesting acidity

J. Scott Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $40 87 points
Cocoa, woodspice, licorice and cherry aromas are out in front in this wine, accenting light-bodied dark fruit flavors. The tannins seem a bit gritty, but it otherwise provides appeal

J. Scott Cellars 2015 Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley (OR) $35 88 points
This wine’s aromas are upfront, with green pepper, jalapeño and herb notes. The palate is full of dark cherry and herb flavors that show pleasing balance. It’s not for all tastes but is sure to please those who enjoy this variety’s greener side

Kiona 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $25 88 points
Kiona Estate, Emory, Vista and Heart of the Hill vineyard grapes make up this wine. Its dried herb, cigar, burnt coffee, jammy black fruit, tar, vanilla and spice aromas lead to fresh black fruit flavors. It’s supported by grainy, slightly dry tannins

Kiona 2013 Estate Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $75 90 points
Fruit for this wine comes from the oldest vines in this appellation, planted in 1975. The aromas are reserved, recalling baking and barrel spices, along with herbal and medicinal notes. The black fruit flavors are deep and rich, seeming ever so slightly dried out. Tightly wound tannins provide support. Give it a couple years in bottle

L'Ecole No. 41 2015 Frenchtown Red Blend Columbia Valley $23 88 points
Principally Merlot (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Syrah (19%), along with other red varieties, this brings apple, cherry and barrel spice aromas. The flavors are full bodied and liquorous, providing some appeal

Liberty Lake 2012 Legacy Reserve Red Blend Red Mountain $35 86 points
This wine is an unusual blend of 30% Petit Verdot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Tempranillo, 17% Syrah and 12% Merlot. Aged in 50% new American oak for 40 months, it offers baking spice, garden herb and red cherry aromas, followed by a somewhat green and gritty palate. A tart, bitter note distracts on the finish

Long 2014 Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley $28 87 points
This wine’s aromas aren’t entirely settled, with dried cherry, spice, herb and game notes. Its cherry flavors are ripe, full and dry but dip in the middle. It has pleasing components, but they don’t all come together

Long 2015 Scooteney Flats Vineyard Petit Verdot Red Mountain $28 87 points
From an up-and-coming vineyard, this exudes light green herb, macerated cherry, violet, citrus and barrel spice aromas. On the palate, full, slightly green dark fruit flavors are backed by tart acidity. The tannins are a touch dry, but there’s promise here

Long 2014 Walla Faces Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $28 88 points
This wine’s aromas are quite reticent, making one strain to perceive what’s in the glass. The palate provides a stark contrast, with bold, lush dark fruit flavors backed by firm tannins. It’s a full-bore interpretation of the variety that could move up a notch if the aromas open up

Longship 2015 Invader Tempranillo Horse Heaven Hills $30 88 points
This wine’s vanilla and herb aromas are high toned. The palate brings abundant fruit and barrel flavors, with lively acidity providing the frame. The tannins seem a little coarse at present. Give them some time to settle

Love That Red 2015 Fillies & Mares Riviere Galets Vineyard Grenache The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater $50 87 points
The aromas in this wine aren’t entirely harmonious, with high-toned herb, spice and mineral notes. The palate, however, brings plenty of intrigue, with velvety-soft, mouth-coating red fruit flavors and savory herbal hints that linger on the finish. Unfortunately, the two don’t sync up

Marshall Davis 2015 Syrah Columbia Valley $29 88 points
This shows exuberant boysenberry, violet, herb, smoked meat and peppery spice aromas, along with a slightly distracting tire rubber note. The palate is packed tightly with rich flavors that carry through the fruit-filled finish. If the tire rubber aromas resolve, it will greatly improve

Maryhill 2014 Art de Hoed Vineyard Petite Sirah Yakima Valley $32 90 points
Dark purple in color, this has brooding vanilla, barrel spice, flower and purple fruit aromas. The flavors are light, tart and focused, with tightly coiled tannins providing support. The acid shines through, calling for food to show at its best

Maryhill 2016 Viognier Columbia Valley $16 84 points
This wine’s peach Jolly Rancher and white flower aromas lead to lightly sprizty, off-dry stone fruit flavors. It shows a good bit of heat on the finish, throwing the balance out of whack

Maryhill 2014 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc Rattlesnake Hills $36 86 points
This wine’s lightly volatile black fruit and baking spice aromas lead to dark fruit flavors backed by firm, grippy tannins. It doesn’t all come together, and the variety seems lost

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Syrah Columbia Valley $38 87 points
With fruit from Les Collines, McKinley Springs and Elephant Mountain vineyards, this offers coconut, vanilla and baking spice aromas and full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors. The oak influence is pretty intense

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Grenache Columbia Valley $36 87 points
Sourced from Art Den Hoed and Gunkel vineyards, this wine has high-toned red apple and barrel spice aromas and ripe, sweet red raspberry flavors. It’s interesting, albeit cloying

Maryhill 2014 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Mourvèdre Rattlesnake Hills $38 88 points
This 100% varietal wine shows high-toned baking spice and red fruit aromas that lead to ripe but well-proportioned cherry and meat flavors. Fruit and barrel notes interweave on the finish

Mercer 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $20 88 points
This wine’s plum, red apple, vanilla and spice aromas lead to a plump, fruit-forward palate. The tannins bring a lightly gritty feel, but there’s still much to enjoy

Owen Roe 2015 The Parting Glass Outlook Vineyard Cordon Cut Viognier Yakima Valley $24 88 points
Brown sugar, flower, pineapple and sugared peach aromas lead to sweet, elegant fruit flavors in this wine. There’s some intrigue, but it doesn’t all come together

Owen Roe 2014 Red Blend Yakima Valley $28 90 points
Merlot makes up just over half this wine, with the balance in Cabernet Franc (34%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). The aromas are high toned out of the gate, leading with cigar box, cedar and herb notes. They’re followed by plum and piercingly pure cherry scents that becomes more prominent over time. The palate has elegantly styled fruit flavors surrounded by tightly coiled tannins. It needs a couple years in bottle to come into its own but is a very pretty wine

Owen Roe 2015 Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley $28 90 points
This wine’s soil, black cherry, herb and spice aromas are followed by elegantly styled fruit flavors that show pretty balance. Despite the warmth of the vintage, this one is all about elegance

Owen Roe 2014 Union Gap Syrah Yakima Valley $55 88 points
This wine’s red fruit and herb aromas are light and overly subtle. Fresh raspberry and dark berry flavors show on the palate but come up a bit short on the finish. It doesn’t all come together

Owen Roe 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $42 88 points
This wine’s brooding aromas are not entirely settled, with fresh herb, dark cherry and anise notes. The cranberry-like fruit flavors are at once broad and tart, with lightly grainy tannins providing support. Herb notes linger on the finish

Owen Roe 2015 DuBrul Vineyard Chardonnay Yakima Valley $48 88 points
From one of the state’s top sites, this shows lees, biscuit and apple aromas at the fore. The palate brings light, lemony flavors, with a red apple-filled finish. There are some interesting things going on here, but they don’t quite all come together, though the acidity is notable considering the warm vintage.

Owen Roe 2015 DuBrul Vineyard Merlot Yakima Valley $55 90 points
Red fruit aromas are at the fore in this wine, with pleasing raspberry and Red Vines notes, along with spice accents. The palate shows remarkable restraint, refinement and balance considering the warmth of the vintage, and its firm tannic core should allow it to evolve nicely for a few years in the cellar

Owen Roe 2015 The Parting Glass Late Harvest Riesling Yakima Valley $24 88 points
Petrol, brown sugar, dried orange peel and light oxidative aromas lead to elegant but sweet stone and tropical fruit flavors in this wine. It’s enjoyable on the palate, but the aromas don’t come together

Owen Roe 2015 The Parting Glass Outlook Vineyard Cordon Cut Gewürztraminer Yakima Valley $24 87 points
This wine’s aromas are a bit disjointed, its rose petal and spice notes seeming dried out. The palate is quite sweet, without the acidity to back it up

Pepper Bridge 2014 Trine Walla Walla Valley $65 90 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (37%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Merlot (15%), Malbec (9%) and Petit Verdot. Its aromas are still locked up, including its cinnamon, cedar and nutmeg notes and its brooding dark fruit. The palate packs a mouthful of black fruit flavors that show the ripeness of the vintage yet retain a sense of balance

Plumb Cellars 2013 Estate JK Vineyard IV Syrah Walla Walla Valley $28 89 points
Co-fermented with Viognier, this shows high-toned raspberry, cherry and spice aromas and full-bodied red fruit flavors, with meaty notes on the finish. It has a pleasant balance

Plumb Cellars 2013 Damn Straight Red Blend Columbia Valley $39 89 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Cabernet Franc (20%), Merlot (12%) and Syrah. Black cherry, raspberry, cedar, vanilla and barrel spice aromas lead to full-bodied dark fruit flavors that coat the palate from end to end, with barrel notes that linger on the finish. Firm tannins provide support

Seven Falls 2016 GPS Jones Vineyard Roussanne-Marsanne-Viognier White Blend Wahluke Slope $30 88 points
Roussanne makes up half of this wine, the balance in Marsanne and just 10% Viognier. Its light peach, straw, almond butter and lees aromas are followed by bone-dry flavors. It has pleasing acidity and balance and is a unique interpretation of these three varieties

Seven Falls 2016 GPS Shaw Vineyard Chardonnay Wahluke Slope $30 88 points
It’s rare to see a vineyard-designated Chardonnay come out of this appellation. This one brings light baking spice and apple aromas that lead to creamy-feeling stone fruit flavors. It’s equal parts intrigue and delivery

Seven Falls 2015 Chardonnay Wahluke Slope $18 88 points
This blend of grapes from Shaw and Jones vineyards has vanilla, papaya, banana and baking spice aromas that lead to broad fruit flavors with a lightly creamy feel. With caramel notes on the finish, it’s a delightful interpretation of the variety

Seven Falls 2015 Rapids Red Blend Wahluke Slope $18 87 points
This wine is principally Merlot and Syrah, along with a dash of Cinsault. The aromas are high toned out of the gate, with red fruit, vanilla, plum and spice notes. The palate is soft and elegant in style, with a spice-filled finish. It’s a straightforward, easy drinker

Snoqualmie 2015 Syrah Yakima Valley $10 86 points
This wine’s bright blueberry syrup, boysenberry and vanilla aromas lead to soft, plump, easy-drinking blue fruit flavors that persist on the finish.

Ste Michelle Vineyards 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $11 88 points
This wine has a throwback label celebrating Chateau Ste Michelle’s 50th anniversary. Upfront aromas of clarified butter, peach and spice are followed by medium-bodied stone fruit flavors. It’s a varietal crowd-pleaser.

Tall Sage 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $13 85 points
This wine’s aromas are light, with herb and spice notes. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, with lemony fruit flavors and no apparent new oak influence

Vital 2015 The Given Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $25 88 points
Vibrant candied cherry, herb and baking spice aromas are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors in this wine. The tannins bring a bit of grit to an otherwise enjoyable palate.

I put up a series of posts today catching up on Wine Enthusiast reviews from the last several months. Here are some highlights, starting from the most recent reviews and working backwards.

From February, the Kiona Vineyards 2013 Estate Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain ($75, 90 points) comes from the oldest vines on Red Mountain and allows you to taste a piece of the state’s history. The Owen Roe 2014 Red Blend Yakima Valley ($28, 90 points) provides a lot of quality and value. In terms of value wines, look no further than the Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Riesling Columbia Valley ($9, 89 points).

From December 31, 2017, new winery Callan Cellars has two strong white wines, both of which are now unfortunately sold out (Callan 2016 Boushey Vineyard Grenache Blanc Yakima Valley $25, 91 points; Callan 2016 Picpoul Yakima Valley $25, 89 points). Keep an eye out for future releases.

Idaho’s Cinder Wines impresses with its 2015 Syrah Snake River Valley ($29, 91 points).

From Full Pull Wines, the Full Pull & Friends 2007 Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($23, 92 points) is a complete showstopper. Yes, that vintage is correct. This wine is a full ten years old and it’s absolutely singing right now with a long life still ahead of it. I can’t recommend this wine more highly if you’re interested in seeing the ageability of Washington whites in the right hands and in the right vintages. It’s one of the best white wines I had all of last year and one of the best Washington whites I've had period.

The History project from the folks at Stoller Family Estate is an incredibly intriguing one. Here winemaker Melissa Burr uses fruit from some of Washington’s oldest vines, including 1935 Muscat, 1957 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1968 Pinot Noir plantings. The most successful of these wines are the History 2014 Otis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley ($75, 90 points) and History 2014 Elise Vineyard Pinot Noir Columbia Gorge ($65, 91 points).

L’Ecole No. 41 makes a series of strong white wines from the 2016 vintage, including the L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Estate Grown Luminesce Seven Hills Vineyard Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc Walla Walla Valley ($22, 90 points) and L'Ecole No. 41 2016 Old Vines Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley ($15, 90 points).

From December 1, 2017, the Ashan 2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($25, 91 points) brings outstanding quality and value. Winemaker Chris Gorman also hits a home run with the Gorman 2015 The Devil You Know Red Blend Columbia Valley ($28, 91 points).

Meanwhile the Pamplin Family Winery 2014 Red I.Q. Columbia Valley ($14, 90 points) brings a lot of quality and value.

From November 2017, winemaker Brennon Leighton continues to impress with his B. Leighton 2014 Gratitude Olsen Brothers Vineyard Yakima Valley ($45, 92 points).

Baer Winery also has a strong set of releases (Baer 2014 Malbec Columbia Valley $29, 91 points; Baer 2014 Callisto Red Blend Columbia Valley $39 91 points; Baer 2014 Arctos Stillwater Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $43, 90 points).

All of the Cadence Winery 2014 (and one 2015) wines are impressive, including the Cadence 2014 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain $45, 93 points; Cadence 2015 Coda Red Mountain $28, 92 points; Cadence 2014 Bel Canto Cara Mia Vineyard Red Mountain $60, 92 points. If you’re not already familiar with Ben Smith’s wines, seek them out.

Delmas Wines continues to quietly make some stunning wines (Delmas 2015 SJR Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $NA, 93 points).

Chris Dowsett at Dowsett Wines shows continued mastery of Gewürztraminer (Dowsett Family 2015 Celilo Vineyard Gewürztraminer Columbia Gorge $22 91 points). This is perhaps the best example of this variety made in the U.S. Give it a look.

Januik Winery and Novelty Hill make too many high quality wines from the 2014 vintage for me to reasonably list here. Check out the reviews!

Lobo Hills has two very impressive whites, including Lobo Hills 2015 Roth Rock Farm Chenin Blanc Yakima Valley ($22, 90 points) and Lobo Hills 2016 Inland Desert Auxerrois Yakima Valley ($22, 90 points). The latter is the only example of this variety in the state that I am aware of (leave a comment below if you are aware of others).

Maison Bleue produces a series of top quality reds (Maison Bleue 2014 Voyageur Yellow Jacket Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $50, 94 points; Maison Bleue 2014 Bourgeois Grenache Walla Walla Valley $45, 93 points; Maison Bleue 2014 Coureur des Bois Red Blend Columbia Valley $40, 93 points; Maison Bleue 2014 Frontiére Waliser Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $65, 93 points).

Syncline Winery also has a strong set of releases as does Walla Walla Vintners.

Finally, the October 2017 reviews are largely devoted to the wines of Christophe Baron (Cayuse Vineyards, Horsepower Vineyards, No Girls). There are numerous extremely high quality wines here, as always. Of note, these wines include the first release from Baron’s new Hors Categorie Vineyard near the North Fork of the Walla Walla River. This wine (Hors Categorie 2014 Syrah Walla Walla Valley $240, 96 points) was the wine of the vintage and one of the best wines I’ve tasted in my time at Wine Enthusiast.

That’s it! I will try to be more timely getting these scores posted. However, scores are always freely available in the manners in which I’ve described at the top of each of these posts. Additionally, don't wait for me! See here for instructions about how to search the Wine Enthusiast database for monthly scores (as well as specific varieties etc). Direct links to all of the reviews I posted today are below.

February 2018 Wine Enthusiast Reviews
December 31, 2017 Wine Enthusiast Reviews
December 1, 2017 Wine Enthusiast Reviews
November 2017 Wine Enthusiast Reviews
October 2017 Wine Enthusiast Reviews

Grape production in Washington was down 16% in 2017, with 227,000 tons produced. This is compared to a record 270,000 tons in 2016.

Cabernet Sauvignon led the way at 62,000 tons, representing 27% of total tonnage. While Cabernet tonnage was down from 2016’s outrageous number of 71,100 - which represented a 50% (!) increase from the previous year - the 2017 numbers were still well above the 47,400 tons produced in 2015. This indicates that the apparent surge in Cabernet Sauvignon production in Washington is real. That is to say, 2016 was not a complete outlier for production of this variety, unless of course 2017 is too.

Most of the 2017 red grape numbers were well aligned with the numbers from 2013-2015. One exception was Syrah, where production in 2017 was closer to the record harvest of 2016. Does this represent growth in production of Syrah? Time will tell. To the extent this is occurring, it might be due to the popularity of the red blend category more than an increase in demand for Washington Syrah itself.

Putting 2016 numbers aside, Grenache and Mourvèdre showed modest growth from 2015, though overall tonnage numbers were exceedingly low. Malbec, meanwhile, has shown continuous growth since 2010. This is the only variety where this has been the case, though, again, production numbers were extremely small.

Chardonnay was the state’s second most produced variety at 39,300 tons followed by Riesling (33,000) and Merlot (32,700). Syrah (20,800) rounded out the top five.

Notably, white grape production was down significantly in 2017, at 96,500 tons. In contrast, production has been in excess of 103,000 tons ever since 2013 and has been as high as 119,300 tons in recent years (2014).

Riesling production showed the largest drop-off. Notably, this marked the third straight year Riesling production has decreased. Chardonnay also showed a significant dip from recent numbers. Some of the decrease in white grape production is likely the result of significant powdery mildew issues – unusual for the state – which occurred due to the cool, wet spring in 2017.

Should there be concern about the overall decrease in production in 2017? No. While we are used to seeing continuous growth in the Washington wine industry, the drop off from 2016 to 2017 doesn’t come as a surprise. Cluster sizes and cluster weights were well above average in 2016, leading to the historic harvest (read a harvest report here). 2017 was going to be a smaller harvest before a single bud broke. Quite simply, 2016 was an outlier in terms of production whereas 2017 was more aligned with recent vintages.

What is interesting to see, however, is the overall trend. With the exception of Cabernet Sauvignon, and to a much lesser extent Syrah, production for most other varieties has been fairly static in recent years (again, throwing out 2016 numbers). Is the state currently at a plateau for non-Cabernet varieties?

Additionally, 2017s overall production numbers (227,000 tons) were closely aligned with recent reports from 2015 (222,000 tons) and 2014 (227,000 tons). This again might seem to indicate a slowing or perhaps even a stoppage of overall growth. However, if white grape tonnage hadn’t shown such a significant decrease in 2017 and that tonnage were more aligned with recent averages, the state would have shown modest growth. Still, most of the growth is unquestionably coming from Cabernet Sauvignon. As I’ve written on a number of occasions previously, Washington is increasingly becoming Cabernet country.

This month’s Pic of the Vine by resident photographer Richard Duval is of Celilo Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge. Celilo is not only one of Washington’s most picturesque vineyards, it also produces some of the state’s best white wines.

With plantings dating back to 1973, Celilo is one of the few Washington vineyards that is dry farmed (that is, it does not use irrigation). It’s soil and climate are also completely unique from other areas of eastern Washington, resulting in truly distinctive wines.

If you’re in the Seattle area and are interested in learning more about this vineyard, I invite you to join me on Saturday March 24^th where I’ll be moderating a Taste Washington seminar titled, Spotlight: Celilo Vineyard. Panelists include Luke Bradford (Cor Cellars), James Mantone (Syncline Winery), Kevin Pogue, PhD (Whitman College), Madeline Puckette (Wine Folly), and Andrew Trio (Tranche Cellars). We’ll be pouring wines from Ashan, Cor, Dowsett, Ross Andrew, Savage Grace, Syncline, Tranche, and Woodward Canyon. More details here. Hope you can join us!

Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for March 2018. Wines are listed alphabetically by winery. Read additional information on how I review wines here. All of these reviews are freely available on-line at the Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide. There is also a freely available Wine Enthusiast Tasting Guide app. See previous Wine Enthusiast reviews re-published in this space here. Search Wine Enthusiast's on-line database here. Read instructions on how to find Washington wine reviews at Wine Enthusiast here.

103 reviews in the March issue. Wines include two knockout Syrahs from Avennia (Avennia 2015 Le Corbeau Discovery Vineyard Syrah Horse Heaven Hills $50, 93 points; Avennia 2015 Arnaut Boushey Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $50 93 points). This is Avennia’s first vineyard-designated Syrah from Discovery. As an aside, doing a tasting across Discovery Vineyard Syrahs from Avennia, Two Vintners, and W.T. Vintners would make for a fun party theme. Also from Avennia, their Les Trouvés 2015 Red Blend Columbia Valley ($25, 92 points) is one of the best quality-to-price ratio wines so far this year.

Many winemakers I speak with talk about how special Washington Petit Verdot can be. However, most of these sample people don’t make it as a varietal wine given that it is not well known, can be a challenge to fully ripen, and can have extremely high acidity and tannin. However, winemaker Brennon Leighton gives a great example of why so many winemakers are excited with this variety here with his B. Leighton 2014 Olsen Brothers Petit Verdot Yakima Valley ($55, 93 points).

Sticking with Leighton-made wines, the Casa Smith label under the Charles Smith Wines of Substance umbrella way over-deliver for their price (Casa Smith 2015 Porcospino Northridge Vineyard Primitivo Wahluke Slope $20, 91 points; Casa Smith 2015 Cervo Northridge Vineyard Barbera Wahluke Slope $20, 91 points). Give them a look.

Smith’s other 2014 releases include some stunners (Charles Smith 2014 King Coal Stoneridge Vineyard Red Blend Columbia Valley $100, 94 points; K Vintners 2014 Royal City Stoneridge Vineyard Syrah Washington $140, 95 points; K Vintners 2014 Powerline Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $45, 94 points; K Vintners 2014 Ovide Jack’s Vineyard Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $55, 94 points). Meanwhile, the Sixto Chardonnays continue to be some of the best examples of this variety in the state.

On the value side, a number of quality wines from Pacific Rim listed below. Also check out the 2015 ViNo Pinot Grigio.

* * *

Airfield Estates 2015 Spitfire Red Blend Yakima Valley $30 88 points
Sangiovese (61%) takes the lead on this blend, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (29%) and Merlot. The aromas are light, with notes of smoke, herb, plum and cigar box. The palate shows more generosity, with plentiful red fruit and herb flavors backed by firm tannins. The finish comes up a bit short.

Airfield Estates 2015 Bombshell Red Vineyard Salute Red Blend Yakima Valley $18 86 points
Merlot and Syrah both make up 39% of this blend, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon (13%), Cabernet Franc (7%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas of vanilla, coconut, herb, cedar and cherry lead to lighter-styled fruit flavors, with blueberry notes on the finish. The tannins bright a slight grittiness, and the oak seems a little intense.

Airfield Estates 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley $18 88 points
Aromas of cocoa, coffee, herb and cherry are followed by somewhat lightly styled plum and dark-fruit flavors. It pulls up a bit short on the finish and the tannins are a touch dry.

Airfield Estates 2015 Malbec Yakima Valley $35 87 points
Aromas of sweet herb, cherry and barrel spice are followed by pitch-black-fruit flavors that work around the edges, with a tart citrus filled finish that falls a bit short. The tannins bring a bit of grit.

Avennia 2015 Le Corbeau Discovery Vineyard Syrah Horse Heaven Hills $50 93 points
Aged in neutral French oak, this wine puts a premium on purity of expression. The aromas are distinctive in intriguing notes of crushed flower, blackberry and sage, along with whiffs of mountain berry and meat. The flavors show depth and intensity, with a swoon-worthy feel and a finish that sails. Editor's Choice

Avennia 2015 Arnaut Boushey Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $50 93 points
Coming from one of the state’s premier Syrah vineyards, brooding aromas of dried herb, iron, earth and boysenberry lead to a densely saturated palate. There’s no doubt it comes from a warm vintage but it still shows pleasing complexities that reveal themselves over time.

B. Leighton 2014 Olsen Brothers Petit Verdot Yakima Valley $55 93 points
This variety is making waves in Washington and this wine demonstrates why. The aromas are effusive, with notes of dark cherry, dried herb and barrel spice. The palate is filled to the brim with rich fruit flavors that show focus and depth, while the tannins are combed to a fine sheen. It’s high on the hedonist scale—a standout offering. Editor's Choice

Barons 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $45 88 points
The aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of fresh and dried herb, cedar box, cranberry, Red Vines, smoke and dark fruit. The palate reveals tightly wound, slightly dried-out seeming red and black-fruit flavors that carry through the finish.

Barons 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $45 88 points
The aromas are intriguing but not yet ready to reveal their charms, with notes of cherry, red apple, ground herb and spice. The cranberry and cherry flavors seem a bit bunched up but still bring a sense of elegance. It doesn’t all seem to come together at present.

Barons 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $65 91 points
All coming from Hedges Estate Vineyard and aged in 100% new French oak, this wine has had a full five years to develop and it’s made the best of it. Aromas of spice box, dark fruit, vanilla and high-toned herb are followed by luscious black-fruit flavors that stretch out on the finish. It’s unabashed in its appeal with a lot of life in front of it.

Barons 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $65 91 points
The fruit for this wine all comes from Hedges Estate Vineyard. Brooding aromas of soil, dark fruit, cigar, herb and spice box lead to palate-coating dark-fruit flavors—well balanced fruit flavors. Firm, lightly chalky tannins provide support. Give it some time in the cellar to develop. Best after 2020.

Boudreaux Cellars 2011 Merlot Washington $60 88 points
Coming from one of the state’s coolest vintages, this comes in at an alcohol level rarely seen in modern day reds in the state. The aromas are a bit unusual for this variety, with notes of herb, blue fruit and wood, along with a light floral note. The palate brings sleekly styled fruit flavors backed by tart acidity, tapering toward the finish. Light medicinal notes linger.

Boudreaux Cellars 2015 Gamache Vineyard Riesling Washington $25 88 points
The aromas bring generous notes of white peach, lime and quinine. It drinks dry, with plentiful stone fruit and citrus flavors, finishing with floral notes and a touch of bitterness.

Boudreaux Cellars 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $125 91 points
Hailing from one of the coolest vintages the state has ever seen, the aromas bring brooding notes of cherry cola, raspberry, dried leaf, wood and cigar box. The flavors are light, tart and focused, maintaining a sense of freshness. It’s a lovely offering from this challenging year.

Boudreaux Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $75 90 points
This wine comes from a number of top sites, including Bacchus, Champoux, Loess and Seven Hills. Pleasing aromas of graphite, spice, fresh herb, whole green pepper and earth lead to light fresh-feeling fruit and savory flavors. It shows a lovely sense of balance. This was a cool, particularly challenging vintage for the state but this wine succeeds on many levels.

Boudreaux Cellars 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $60 91 points
The aromas bring notes of cigar box, mortared herbs and cherry. The palate is tart, fresh and acid driven, with well-balanced fruit flavors that stretch out on the finish. It should still have a good life in front of it.

Boudreaux Cellars 2010 Reserve Champoux and Loess Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $115 91 points
This wine hails from two top vineyards. A full eight-years-old and coming from a cool vintage, the aromas are light, with notes of cedar, cherry and herb, dotted with wood spice. The palate brings quite tart fruit flavors, accented by racy acidity and supported by firm, tightly wound tannins. With acid like this, it absolutely requires some food alongside it to be properly enjoyed. Steak should do.

Casa Smith 2015 Porcospino Northridge Vineyard Primitivo Wahluke Slope $20 91 points
Coming from a vineyard that is increasingly establishing its prominence, fruit-forward aromas of plum, boysenberry, dried herb, spice and moist earth are followed by saturated sumptuous blue and red-fruit flavors. It’s undeniable in its appeal at a price that can’t be beat. Editor's Choice

Casa Smith 2015 Cervo Northridge Vineyard Barbera Wahluke Slope $20 91 points
The aromas leap up out of the glass, with exquisite notes of plum, spice and cherry cream. On the palate, it’s rich with soft fruit flavors, showing ripeness but still maintaining its balance, with the neutral oak aging bringing an aching sense of purity. Candied-cherry notes linger on the finish. It’s a whole lot of wine for the money, with a big yum factor. Editor's Choice

Catman 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $32 85 points
Aromas of plum and high-toned dried herb lead to cherry and berry flavors. The tannins bring a lightly gritty feel. The tartness of the acidity adds to the enjoyment, but you’d never peg it for Cabernet.

Catman 2015 Barbera Columbia Valley $32 83 points
The cranberry and raspberry aromas show volatility that distracts. The flavors are lightly sweet with a tart finish.

Charles Smith 2014 Lawrence Vineyard Viognier Yakima Valley $40 91 points
The aromas are subdued for the variety but intriguing, with notes of pear, ginger, wet rock and peach, along with cinnamon and light barrel spices. The palate is considerably more forward, with abundant stone-fruit flavors that show concentration and richness along with a sense of restraint.

Charles Smith 2014 Broncho Stoneridge Vineyard Malbec Washington $70 91 points
The aromas erupt from the glass, with notes of potpourri, orange peel, moist earth, stem and garden herb. The palate shows a pleasing mix of earth and savory flavors that deliver a lot of elegance and intertwine effortlessly through the finish. The variety seems a bit hard to find but the expression is quite intriguing.

Charles Smith 2014 King Coal Stoneridge Vineyard Red Blend Columbia Valley $100 94 points
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah, the aromas draw you into the glass, with light notes of savory herb, cassis, pipe tobacco, spice and crushed rock. It brings a flat-out gorgeous sense of texture, covering the palate from end to end with cherry flavors that glide on the finish. The feel is knee-buckling. Best after 2021. Cellar Selection

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Indian Wells Red Blend Columbia Valley $18 86 points
Syrah and Merlot make up the majority of this blend, which is topped off with pinches of other Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. The aromas are inviting, with notes of blueberry pie, herb and smoke. The fruit flavors don’t entirely deliver on this promise, with quite-light plum notes that paint around the edges. Vanilla notes linger on the finish.

Domaine Ste. Michelle NV Brut Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Blend Columbia Valley $13 88 points
The aromas are bright and focused, with notes of lemon pith, candle wax and spice. The palate brings a mixture of peach and orange flavors. It provides a lot of appeal, especially at this price. Best Buy

Domaine Ste. Michelle NV Brut Rosé Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Blend Columbia Valley $13 88 points
Aromas of strawberry, apple and citrus provide appeal. The palate is lively and elegant, with a sweet citrus-filled finish. Best Buy

Domaine Ste. Michelle NV Extra Dry Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Blend Columbia Valley $13 87 points
The aromas bring notes of lemon, baked bread and freshly peeled orange. The palate is noticeably sweet but with enough acidity to keep it all moving along.

Eleven 2015 Mourvèdre Yakima Valley $44 86 points
The aromas bring unusual notes of grape cough syrup, smoke, herb and cherry Jolly Rancher. The palate falls flat, painting around the edges.

Estrin 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $25 88 points
Fruit for this wine comes from a mixture of Riverbend, Conner Lee and Red Mountain vineyards. Aromas of vanilla, wood spice, herb, cranberry, apple and red and black cherry are followed by plentiful dark-fruit flavors. Vanilla and cranberry notes intertwine on the finish, with the fruit seeming slightly grapey.

Estrin 2014 Merlot Wahluke Slope $25 90 points
Fruit for this wine all comes from Riverbend Vineyard and saw just 10% new French oak. Blended with 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, a medley of fresh herbs pop on the aromas, which also show notes of cigar box and whiffs of pencil lead. The palate brings cranberry-tart fruit flavors that offer pleasing depth and stretch out on the finish. It provides a lot of quality and value. Editor's Choice

Estrin 2013 Merlot Columbia Valley $25 89 points
Blended with 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from Riverbend, this wine principally comes from Red Mountain Vineyard. The aromas are all high toned at present, with notes of vanilla, herb and exotic spice, not quite ready to reveal their charms. The red-fruit flavors are plump in feel, lingering on the finish.

Estrin 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $25 88 points
This wine, which includes 17% Merlot and 8% Syrah, all comes from Riverbend Vineyard. The aromas show pleasing complexities, with notes of graphite, herb, raspberry, barrel spice, dark cherry and vanilla. The flavors show depth, with a backbone of firm tannins providing support.

Gamache 2013 Estate Grown Malbec Columbia Valley $30 87 points
Aromas of blackberry, dark plum, barrel spice and plum lead to super-soft-feeling fruit and barrel flavors that show a pretty styling. It comes up a bit short on the finish.

Gamache 2013 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $30 87 points
The aromas bring a touch of oxidation that distracts from the notes of cherry, cocoa, vanilla and spice. There are a lot of good things happening on the palate but they can’t quite make up the difference.

Gamache 2013 Merlot Columbia Valley $25 87 points
The aromas seem unsettled, with notes of vanilla, baking spice and dark fruit that don’t seem entirely in harmony. The palate is chock-full of raspberry and barrel-spice flavors, with loads of coconut on the finish. The aromas and flavors seem out of sync.

Gård 2014 Lawrence Vineyards Merlot Columbia Valley $35 91 points
The aromas show nuance, with notes of toast, assorted dried herb, cherry and plum. The fruit flavors are seamless in feel, showing concentration and depth. It’s thoroughly enchanting.

Gård 2014 Lawrence Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $35 91 points
Blended with 14% Merlot, aromas of char, smoke, ground green herb, spice box, graphite and dark cherry lead to plentiful, saturated dark fruit and barrel flavors with a pleasing mouthfeel. It hits a lot of high notes.

K Vintners 2014 Royal City Stoneridge Vineyard Syrah Washington $140 95 points
Coming from the Royal Slope, which no doubt will deservedly have its own appellation before long, enchanting aromas of ground rock, green olive, green stem, crushed flower and dark fruit lead to a panoply of fruit and savory flavors that shake the senses to the core, with smoked meat notes persisting on the long finish. It’s an intense experience but maintains a sense of balance that is heart stopping. Drink from 2020-2027. Cellar Selection

K Vintners 2014 Cattle King Upland Vineyard Syrah Snipes Mountain $70 94 points
Consistently one of the winery’s top bottlings, aromas of blackberry, black plum, dried herb, anise and spice are followed by supremely rich, tightly wound black fruit and crème de cassis flavors that show a firm grainy handshake of tannins and a warm crazy-long finish. It’s all about intensity of expression but what intensity it brings.

K Vintners 2014 Powerline Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $45 94 points
This new exciting vineyard is located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains and is filled with cobblestone soils. The aromas explode with notes of raspberry, green and black olive brine, green stem, smoked meat, mineral and earth. The palate is rich and focused, with intense earth, fruit and savory flavors that lead to an extended finish. Abundant floral notes are speckled throughout. It’s a stunner.

K Vintners 2014 Charlotte Walla Walla Valley $55 92 points
A blend of 43% Grenache, 24% Mourvédre, 20% Syrah, and 13% Roussanne, the aromas show a lot of subtlety, with notes of raspberry, garrigue, stem, pepper and moist earth. The palate brings a compelling sense of texture that is absolutely swoon-worthy, running just a touch warm.

K Vintners 2014 Phil Lane Syrah Walla Walla Valley $70 92 points
On first pour, this wine is not ready to reveal its charms, with locked-up notes of plum, herb, coffee, licorice, smoke, flower and spice. The fruit flavors are rich yet sophisticated, gliding across the palate to a lingering finish.

K Vintners 2014 The Creator Powerline Estate Vineyard Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $55 93 points
Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) takes the lead on this wine, which includes 20% Syrah. The aromas announce themselves, with appealing notes of green olive, herb, moist earth, stem, smoked meat and mineral. The mix of fruit and savory flavors delights the senses, showing intensity but also deftness. Editor's Choice

K Vintners 2014 El Jefe Stoneridge Vineyard Tempranillo Washington $70 93 points
The aromas are sweet and sappy, with notes of raspberry, herb, pipe tobacco and musk. The palate shows more restraint than the aromas might suggest, bringing a suave sense that carries through a finish that just won’t quit. It’s equal parts intrigue and delivery, bringing a lot of richness.

K Vintners 2014 Rock Garden Syrah Walla Walla Valley $55 93 points
Coming from The Rocks District, the aromas pop, with notes of flower, raspberry, moist earth, wet gravel, green stem, smoked meat, peat and musk. The palate shimmers with intensity but still shows a lot of restraint, displaying an assortment of fruit and savory flavors that persist on the finish.

K Vintners 2014 Klein Syrah Walla Walla Valley $70 93 points
This wine was grown at a mere 1.2 tons per acre and spent 20 months in the barrel aging on lees in 60% new puncheons. The aromas are brooding on first pour, with notes of blackberry, mineral, fresh herb, potpourri and barrel spice. The palate is incredibly dense and rich, with a lick of tannins on the warm finish. It’s a big wine, made in a muscular powerful style.

K Vintners 2014 Roma River Rock Vineyard Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $55 93 points
Coming from the Rocks District, this wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah. The aromas are brooding on first pour, opening up over time, with notes of blackberry, kirsch, high-toned barrel spice, herb and scorched earth. The flavors are concentrated and rich but still bring a sense of deftness, lingering on the finish. It has a long life in front of it. Editor's Choice

K Vintners 2014 Ovide Jack’s Vineyard Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $55 94 points
Coming from a vineyard in the Rocks District, aromas of kirsch, black currant, tobacco, spice and mineral are followed by saturated, rich black fruit and smoked meat flavors. It packs a powerful delicious punch.

K Vintners 2015 Powerline Vineyard Viognier Walla Walla Valley $45 91 points
The aromas explode with notes of honeysuckle, ripe peach, apricot and creamsicle. The flavors are supremely rich but also show a beautiful sense of delicacy along with a pronounced finish. It’s full bore but delicious.

Kiona 2016 Riesling Columbia Valley $12 87 points
Aromas of flower, peach and jasmine lead to spritzy, off-dry stone fruit flavors. Floral notes are threaded throughout the palate, with light ale notes on the finish that cause some distraction. Best Buy 

Les Trouvés 2015 Red Blend Columbia Valley $25 92 points
Mourvèdre and Syrah each make up 40% of this blend, with the balance Grenache. The aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of garrigue, black pepper and blackberry. The palate is dense and ripe, pulling no punches but delivering a whole lot of hedonistic appeal. The value can’t be beat. Editor's Choice

Liberty Lake 2013 Tahija Heart of the Hill Vineyard Petite Sirah Red Mountain $24 86 points
Aromas of plum, baking spice and Band-Aid lead to a medium-bodied palate with a lightly tacky feel. The tannins bring a sense of astringency and it finishes bitter.

Maryhill 2014 Syrah Columbia Valley $26 85 points
The aromas display an uncomfortable mix of vanilla, dill and smoke, with the barrel influence taking over the show. The wood rides high on the palate as well, making it near impossible to get at the fruit.

Maryhill 2014 Serendipity Proprietor’s Reserve Columbia Gorge $36 87 points
This wine is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. The aromas display notes of baking spice, dark fruit and herb. The palate brings a chalky, lightly astringent feel, along with a tart finish.

Maryhill 2014 Marvell G-S-M Rattlesnake Hills $44 88 points
This wine is 42% Syrah, 32% Grenache and 26% Mourvèdre. Aromas of sagebrush, toasty barrel spice and jammy cherry are at the fore, with a medicinal note that causes some distraction. Despite the high alcohol, the flavors show an elegant styling, tapering toward the finish.

Maryhill 2014 Vineyard Series McKinley Springs Vineyard Mourvèdre Horse Heaven Hills $34 87 points
This wine is 100% varietal and was aged for 20 months in a mixture of American and European oak (40% new). The aromas are bright, with notes of assorted barrel spice, pickling spice, raspberry and dried herb. The palate is medium bodied with a bit of a hole in the middle. Bitters linger on the finish.

Maryhill 2014 Proprietor’s Reserve Gunkel Vineyards Barbera Columbia Valley $32 88 points
Bright aromas of raspberry, macerated cranberry, nougat, vanilla and pencil shavings lead to tart puckering fruit flavors that show intensity and length. There is much to enjoy.

Maryhill 2014 Klipsun Vineyard Merlot Red Mountain $42 86 points
Coming from one of the state’s top vineyards and 100% varietal, this has aromas of cherry, cranberry, vanilla and freshly chopped wood which lead to tart cherry flavors that display a bitter note that distracts. Barrel aged for 20 months in 60% new French oak, the wood influence seems heavy, getting in the way of the finish.

Mercer 2015 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills $20 87 points
The aromas are high toned, with notes of wood spice, dried herb and tire rubber, not seeming very varietal. The palate is ripe with plum and barrel flavors that paint around the edges. Mocha notes linger on the finish.

Mercer 2015 Malbec Horse Heaven Hills $20 87 points
Aromas of vanilla, baking spice and plum are followed by ripe but quite light cherry flavors. The tannins bring a slight sense of astringency that seems at odds with the variety.

Mustard Seed 2013 Moving Mountains Winesap VIneyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $45 88 points
This 100% varietal Cab has reserved aromas of blackberry Fruit Roll-Ups and barrel spice that lead to medium-bodied fruit flavors. It shows a fair amount of acidity considering the warmth of this vintage.

Mustard Seed 2014 Moving Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $40 87 points
The aromas are a bit unusual, with notes of red apple, overripe plum, spice and herb. The palate is lightly styled, with bunched-up cherry flavors that finish short.

Mustard Seed 2014 Cockburn Vineyard Malbec Walla Walla Valley $38 88 points
Single-vineyard Malbec is a rarity from this appellation. This one, which is 100% varietal, offers aromas of fresh and dried green herb along with clove, as the fruit lurks in the background. The palate brings ripe but in-balance purple-fruit flavors that show a sense of elegance. It’s a pretty interpretation of this variety.

Nodland 2014 Malbec Walla Walla Valley $35 89 points
Aromas of baking spice, vanilla, coconut and cherry are followed by well-proportioned fruit and barrel flavors. Cocoa notes linger on the finish. It hits a lot of high marks, though the variety seems a bit hard to find.

North by Northwest 2015 Red Blend Columbia Valley $15 88 points
This wine is a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromas pop, with notes of raspberry, plum, herb and spice. The palate brings a mixture of fruit and savory flavors, with the tannins bringing a lightly tacky feel. There’s much to enjoy.

Pacific Rim 2016 Dry Riesling Columbia Valley $10 87 points
Whole lime and white peach aromas are at the fore. As promised, it drinks dry with tart Granny Smith apple flavors that provide plenty of intrigue. Enjoy it with food to see it at its best. Best Buy

Pacific Rim 2016 Old Vines Hahn Hill Vineyard Chenin Blanc Yakima Valley $15 87 points
Coming from the oldest Chenin plantings in the state, the aromas are light, with notes of sliced apple, flower and white peach. It drinks off dry, with sleek well-balanced honeyed-fruit flavors throughout. It’s equal parts intrigue and delivery.

Pacific Rim 2016 Vin de Glacieire Riesling Columbia Valley $14 89 points
The aromas pop, with appealing notes of marmalade, sugared pineapple and honey. It’s sweet and luscious, with abundant apricot and tropical flavors that, despite their sugar, still maintain a sense of elegance and balance.

Pacific Rim 2016 Spring Creek Vineyard Grüner Veltliner Yakima Valley $15 88 points
Aromas of sliced ripe red apple and pear are followed by a quite sleek linear bone-dry palate that shows a pleasing sense of balance. It’s an intriguing wine, best suited for the dinner table.

Pacific Rim 2016 Ramos Vineyard Gewürztraminer Snipes Mountain $15 88 points
There’s no mistaking the variety, with its perfumed aromas of rose petal, lychee and spice. It drinks a hair off dry and is broad in feel, gliding on the finish.

Pacific Rim 2016 J Riesling Columbia Valley $10 88 points
The aromas are a bit light for the variety, with notes of lime leaf and white peach. The palate is broad in feel, full of off-dry mandarin orange and peach flavors that bring a lot of appeal. It keeps you coming back for more. Best Buy

Passing Time 2014 Red Blend Columbia Valley $50 92 points
Though not labeled as such, this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), Merlot (18%) and Cabernet Franc (8%). Coming from top sites Discovery, Quintessence, Seven Hills, The Benches, Figgins, Klipsun and Champoux, there’s a lot of sophistication in the aromas, with notes of dried herb, leaf, graphite, anise, spice and cherry providing appeal. The flavors are intense and full, showing an exquisite sense of balance and intensity. It keeps you coming back for more. Editor's Choice

Plumb Cellars 2013 Estate JK Vineyard Sangiovese Walla Walla Valley $24 87 points
The aromas are a bit unusual, with notes of wood spice and raspberry fruit leather, not seeming entirely harmonious. The palate is quite light in style, painting around the edges. It’s interesting but it doesn’t all come together—not standing on its own.

Plumb Cellars 2013 Plumb Crazy Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $18 86 points
This wine is a blend of near equal parts Syrah and Sangiovese. Barrel notes are at the fore, with aromas of baking spice and vanilla far out front of the fruit. The palate brings easygoing plum flavors that are concentrated in the middle and light around the edges.

Plumb Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $42 89 points
Aromas of herb, vanilla, pencil lead, barrel spice and coffee are followed by sleek but well-proportioned fruit flavors. It shows a lovely sense of balance, though the barrel influence plays a large part in the show.

Ram 2015 Alder Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $25 86 points
Aromas of green herb, baking spice, nori, licorice and black cherry are followed by tart dark-fruit flavors that seem bunched up. It falls off on the finish, displaying a light medicinal note.

Rio Vista 2016 Estate Grown and Bottled Riesling Columbia Valley $27 85 points
The aromas bring bright notes of mandarin orange peel, honeysuckle and lime zest. It drinks off dry, with a lightly spritzy palate packed full of ripe peach flavors.

Rio Vista 2014 River View Grand Reserve Columbia Valley $38 84 points
Lightly volatile aromas of baking spice, black licorice, cherry and vanilla lead to sweet, pruney fruit and barrel flavors, with the barrel notes riding high on the finish. It seems quite evolved for its age.

Rio Vista 2015 Pinot Noir Columbia Valley $42 85 points
This wine is a blend of fruit from Antoine Creek and Gingko Forest vineyards. Quite light in color, the aromas show a light volatility, along with notes of raspberry, strawberry and maraschino cherry. The fruit flavors are light, simple and sweet, finishing with peppermint notes.

Rio Vista 2015 Malbec Columbia Valley $36 86 points
Hailing from Antoine Creek Vineyard, the aromas of herb, cherry and spice seem to show some oxidation. Meanwhile, the medium-bodied cherry and raspberry flavors are straight down the fairway, providing enjoyment if not a lot of complexity.

Rio Vista 2015 Estate Grown and Bottled Merlot Columbia Valley $32 88 points
The aromas are fruit forward, with notes of cherry, plum, herb, raspberry and wood spice. The flavors are rich, sappy and full, backed by soft tannins. Barrel notes linger on the finish.

Rio Vista 2015 Tempranillo Wahluke Slope $34 86 points
Coming from Rosebud Vineyard, the aromas show a bit of oxidation along with a touch of volatility. It’s a shame as the palate is full of luscious rich fruit flavors that provide a lot of enjoyment. Vanilla notes linger on the finish.

Sixto 2014 Moxee Chardonnay Washington $55 93 points
Coming from a vineyard planted in 1973 at an elevation of 1,450 feet, the aromas draw you into the glass, with intoxicating notes of cream, ginger, pumpkin spice and chamomile. The palate possesses a creamy texture but also a sense of weightlessness that provides a lot of appeal. The balance is exquisite. Editor's Choice

Sixto 2014 Roza Hills Chardonnay Washington $55 92 points
This wine comes from old vines planted at high elevation. A light-gold color, aromas of toast, peach, pumpkin spice and wet rock are followed by plentiful stone and tropical-fruit flavors speckled with barrel spices, showing superb length on the flavorful finish. It has an absolutely swoon-worthy feel. More please! Best from 2019–2024. Cellar Selection

Sixto 2014 Frenchman Hills Chardonnay Washington $55 93 points
Of the vineyard designated wines, this one comes from the youngest vines, planted in 1998. The aromas of peach, pear, mineral, pineapple upside down cake and spice are subtle and refined. The palate is sleek yet silky and extremely flavorful, full of stone-fruit flavors that lead to a finish that won’t quit. It’s all about delicacy and restraint, hitting a lot of high notes. Editor's Choice

Sixto 2014 Uncovered Chardonnay Washington $35 93 points
This wine is a blend of fruit from Frenchman Hills (33%), Moxee (28%), Roza Hills (27%) and Evergreen vineyards. The aromas show a lot of subtlety, with notes of candied ginger, lemon curd, spice, peach, cream, toast, wet stone and pineapple, revealing more on each swirl. The palate is rich but refined, showing precision and detail along with a real sense of freshness. The finish impresses. Beautiful stuff.

Substance 2014 Bx Vineyard Collection Klein Vineyard Walla Walla Valley $70 88 points
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Cabernet Franc (30%) and Merlot. Baking spice, licorice, vanilla and dried fruit aromas are followed by full-bodied fruit and spice flavors. It brings appeal, but the fruit seems a bit desiccated. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

Substance 2014 Me Vineyard Collection Northridge Vineyard Merlot Wahluke Slope $45 88 points
The aromas of licorice, black fruit and dried herb bring a slightly baked quality. The flavors are full and up front, showing pleasing concentration while retaining elegance. There are a lot of good things going on here but I can’t see them evolving much. Drink it in the near term.

Substance 2014 Cs Vineyard Collection Stoneridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $45 90 points
Listed at a low alcohol level for a hot vintage and vineyard, this is still and 100% varietal. Its black licorice, sugared plum and exotic spice aromas show a penetrating purity. The palate is all about delicacy and elegance, which it brings in abundance. It’s a very pretty expression of this variety, maybe too much so for some tastes, without the variety’s typical tannic heft. But for those looking for a sophisticated style of Cabernet, look no further.

Substance 2014 Me Vineyard Collection Stoneridge Vineyard Merlot Columbia Valley $45 89 points
The aromas are light on first pour, opening up over time with notes of herb, cherry, wood spice and black licorice. The ripe currant flavors are a bit linear in style, but show polish and appeal, seeming ever so slightly dried out.

Substance 2014 Cs Vineyard Collection Jack’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $45 90 points
Coming from a site in the Rocks District, this wine is lighter in color and brings initially subdued aromas of cassis, herb, medicine cabinet, plum, cherry and spice. The palate is soft in feel, putting a premium on elegance of expression, with the tannins quite supple. It’s a very pretty expression of the variety.

Substance 2014 Cs Vineyard Collection Powerline Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $45 90 points
This is 100% varietal, coming from the winery’s young estate vineyard. The aromas are bright, with notes of dried herb, cherry liqueur, anise, black tea and whole bell pepper, seeming ever so slightly dried out. The flavors are plump but still light on their feet, supported by surprisingly soft tannins for the variety.

Tamarack Cellars 2013 Sagemoor Vineyard Columbia Valley $50 91 points
Coming from one of the state’s top vineyards, this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), Cabernet Franc (10%), 7% Petit Verdot and Merlot. The aromas are tightly wound on first pour, with pleasing notes of red and black fruit, along with plum, mocha, herb, flower and spice. The flavors are pitch black, soft and silky in feel with highly structured, ever so slightly dry tannins that smooth out with some time open. This one needs additional time. Best after 2021.

Tamarack Cellars 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Reserve Red Mountain $50 89 points
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up half of this blend, with the balance Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. The aromas bring wound-up notes of red apple, cherry, herb, graphite, flower and barrel spice. The flavors are smooth and silky in feel, showing a pleasing depth.

Tamarack Cellars 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley $28 88 points
The aromas are high toned, with notes of char, plum, butterscotch, vanilla and spice, needing some coaxing to get at them initially. The palate mixes cherry and cranberry flavors that show intensity and length. There are good things going on but they don’t all seem to come together at present.

The Leader 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $18 86 points
High-toned aromas of pencil lead, game, dark plum, fruit leather and green herb lead to plentiful dark-fruit flavors. The fruit seems a bit dried out.

Vino 2015 Pinot Grigio Washington $12 90 points
This wine is two-thirds Evergreen and one-third RAF vineyards, both in the Ancient Lakes appellation and all fermented and aged in stainless steel. It’s spot on for the variety, with notes of whole Granny Smith apple and green melon. The palate redolent with sleek fresh apple and pear flavors that power through the finish. It’s a standout at this price. Best Buy

Vino 2016 Rosé Sangiovese Washington $12 88 points
A very pretty pale peach color, the aromas display intriguing notes of tangerine peel, herb, flint, strawberry, flower and mineral. It drinks dry and is elegant in style, with plentiful tangerine flavors on the finish. It’s shows some sneaky complexity. Best Buy

Wind Rose 2014 Bravo Rosso Red Blend Yakima Valley $25 88 points
Barbera (61%) takes the lead on this blend, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (18%), Primitivo (16%), Dolcetto (4%) and Sangiovese. The aromas offer notes of herb, freshly hewn wood, cherry and vanilla. The cranberry tart and juicy fruit flavors bring appeal. Pair it with pizza or pasta.

Wind Rose 2014 Omaggio Barbera Red Mountain $33 87 points
The aromas are light, with notes of mocha, herb, plum and pie cherry along with whiffs of tire rubber. Despite the high alcohol level, the palate shows a fairly elegant sense of styling, tapering toward the finish.

Wind Rose 2015 Lonesome Springs Ranch Malbec Yakima Valley $25 88 points
Blended with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, the aromas bring pleasing notes of plum, green herb and baking spice. The flavors show a sense of elegance, painting around the edges, with the middle a bit lacking. It finishes with a tart kick.

Wind Rose 2014 Dolcetto Yakima Valley $20 89 points
This wine was aged in stainless steel—a rarity for a red in Washington. Aromas of herb, pepper, plum and dark fruit are followed by plump fruit flavors that paint a bit around the edges. There’s much to enjoy here, though the middle seems somewhat missing. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.

Below are my Wine Enthusiast reviews for April 2018. Wines are listed alphabetically by winery. Read additional information on how I review wines here. All of these reviews are freely available on-line at the Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide. There is also a freely available Wine Enthusiast Tasting Guide app. See previous Wine Enthusiast reviews re-published in this space here. Search Wine Enthusiast's on-line database here. Read instructions on how to find Washington wine reviews at Wine Enthusiast here.

79 wines reviewed in the April issue. Avennia continues to lead the way with Sauvignon Blanc in the state with a stellar 2016 offering (Avennia 2016 Oliane Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley $28, 92 points).

Winemaker Mari Womack of Damsel Cellars delivers a knock out with the Damsel 2015 The Fates Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley ($36, 93 points).

New Woodinville winery Descendant Cellars has a fascinating set of releases (Descendant 2014 Les Collines Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $33, 91 points; Descendant 2013 Belle G-S-M Columbia Valley $33, 91 points; Descendant 2013 Grenache Columbia Valley $30, 90 points). The wines saw no new oak and bring a lot of freshness.

EFESTE’s first designated wine from its Taylor Mag Vineyard on Red Mountain delivers a lot of value (Efeste 2014 Taylor Mag Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $28 91 points). There are many high quality wines to be had across the lineup of new and upcoming releases.

Issaquah-based Estrin Estates brings a whole lot of quality and value with a number of its wines, including Estrin 2012 Cabernet Franc Wahluke Slope ($20, 90 points); Estrin 2014 Tre Aris Red Blend Columbia Valley ($25, 90 points); and Estrin 2013 Cabernet Franc Wahluke Slope ($20, 90 points).

Gård Vintners’ Lawrence Vineyards (a collection of sites) is showing itself to be a special location for Syrah and Rhone-style blends (Gård 2015 Reverence Columbia Valley $50, 92 points). I’m honestly surprised more winemakers aren’t exploring Royal Slope Syrah. Between the Charles Smith Royal City and the Gård offerings among others, it’s very clear there is something special there.

Speaking of Rhône-blends, Kerloo Cellars brings it with their Kerloo 2015 Majestic Columbia Valley ($36, 92 points). The winery also has a dreamy Syrah from Upland Vineyard (Kerloo 2015 Limited Release Upland Vineyard Syrah Snipes Mountain $40, 93 points).

In the Rocks District, Proper Wines continues to make standouts priced below many of their peers (Proper 2015 Estate Syrah Walla Walla Valley $48, 93 points).

Don’t miss the Two Vintners 2015 Make Haste Cinsault Yakima Valley ($21, 92 points). It’s rare to be able to taste a 100% varietal Cinsault from Washington let alone one this high quality at that price. The Two Vintners 2015 Claire Boushey Vineyard Grenache Yakima Valley ($40, 93 points) is also a stunner.

On the value side, check out the Charles & Charles Riesling and Chardonnay.

* * *

51 Weeks 2016 Lonesome Springs Cuvée White Blend Columbia Valley $19 88 points
This wine is 60% Marsanne and 40% Viognier. Aromas are light, with notes of lime leaf, marzipan and white flower. It drinks dry, with stone fruit flavors throughout, and finishes a bit short.

Avennia 2016 Oliane Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley $28 92 points
This 100% varietal wine is a blend of top sites: Boushey (55%) and Red Willow, with just a kiss (5%) of new French oak. The aromas are intriguing, with notes of white grapefruit, nectarine, lemon pith, straw, mineral and herb. Flavors are sleek and puckering, with a steely spine of acidity that keeps the interest high. It only gets better with time open and should sing at the dinner table. Editor's Choice

Barons 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley $18 90 points
Though not labeled as such, all of this fruit comes from Rosebud Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. Blended with 16% Sémillon, which shows itself, the aromas are light, with notes of citrus, fig, pineapple, lees and herb. The flavors are broad and textured with an extended finish. It’s as much about feel as flavor.

Barons 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $35 90 points
Fruit for this wine comes from Block Two of Gamache Vineyard. Aged in a mixture of stainless steel and French oak (30% new), the aromas offer notes of hay, corn silk, lees and cut yellow apple along with peach. Flavors are broad and leesy, gliding on the finish.

Betz Family 2015 La Côte Rousse Syrah Red Mountain $60 91 points
Intriguing aromas of boysenberry syrup, plum, sweet herb and barrel spice lead to exquisitely balanced, somewhat elegantly styled fruit and savory flavors. It’s a very understated, very pretty expression of this warm vintage and growing region.

Betz Family 2015 La Serenne Boushey Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $60 92 points
Coming from one of the state’s top Syrah vineyards, this offers high-toned aromas of potpourri, red and blue fruit, sage, bacon fat, iron and spice. These lead to supple, restrained smoked meat and red-fruit flavors, stretching out on the finish. It brings a sense of elegance, taking some time to get going before strutting its stuff. Editor's Choice

Bledsoe 2015 Flying B Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $48 89 points
Coming from a hot vintage, the aromas bring notes of blackberry jam, coffee, fruit rollup, flower and herb. The tannins are quite firm, showing a bit of astringency out of the gate but settling down with some time open. Despite the warmth of the vintage, it brings a pleasing sense of acidity.

Bledsoe 2016 Elizabeth Chardonnay Walla Walla Valley $34 88 points
This is the winery’s first release of Chardonnay, an extreme rarity in this appellation. It comes from the upper Mill Creek area. Delicate, intriguing aromas of cut pear, yellow apple, straw, melon, candle wax and flower lead to full-feeling, lightly creamy banana and pineapple flavors.

Boomtown 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $19 87 points
Aromas of creamed corn, spice and baked apple lead to light, pleasant fruit flavors in this straightforward wine.

Boomtown 2015 Syrah Columbia Valley $19 87 points
Aromas of dark fruit, smoked meat and herb lead to plentiful plum flavors that miss a bit in the middle. It comes up short on the finish but otherwise provides appeal.

Boomtown 2015 Merlot Columbia Valley $19 86 points
Aromas of red currant are bright and fresh, with little apparent new-oak influence. Raspberry and currant flavors bring more of the same. It’s a straightforward, easy drinker.

Boomtown 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $19 87 points
Fruit-forward aromas of black currant and plum lead to plump, easy-drinking fruit flavors. It’s straightforward, though it seems to lack concentration, especially in the middle.

Boomtown 2016 Pinot Gris Columbia Valley $19 87 points
Pleasing aromas of almond butter, lemon zest and kiwi lead to papaya, pineapple and other tropical-fruit flavors. It delivers immediate appeal.

Buty 2014 Rediviva of the Stones Rockgarden Estate Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $60 91 points
This wine is a unique blend of 77% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Mourvèdre. Hailing from the Rocks District, it offers generous aromas of black olive, plum, wet gravel, crushed flower, green olive, smoked meat, parsley and dried herb. These lead to pure, ample fruit and savory flavors. A taste of smoked meat lingers on the finish.

Buty 2015 Conner Lee Vineyard Merlot-Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $45 90 points
This wine leans into the savory, with aromas of sliced green pepper along with assorted fresh herbs, flowers and macerated cherry. The palate is soft in style, filled with sleek, minerally cherry flavors. It brings a sense of freshness, purity and elegance.

Buty 2014 Columbia Rediviva Phinny Hill Vineyard Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills $50 91 points
Coming from an up-and-coming vineyard, this wine is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah. It’s aromatically expressive, with notes of ripe black cherry, plum, licorice and high-toned dried herbs. The palate is dense and layered, showing breadth and richness while staying in balance. Drink in the near term.

Canoe Ridge 2016 The Expedition Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills $16 87 points
This wine is mostly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Aromas of blueberry pie and huckleberry pop, showing grace notes of barrel spice and herb. The flavors are lighter in style, losing concentration in the middle and seeming watery, and never come back together.

Charles & Charles 2016 Riesling Washington $15 89 points
Generous aromas of lime leaf, white peach, flower and slate lead to off-dry green-apple flavors backed by zippy acidity. The lovely sense of balance keeps you coming back for more.

Charles & Charles 2016 Chardonnay Washington $15 87 points
This wine’s aromas include notes of yellow apple, melon and lees. The palate brings a rounded feel, showing little apparent new-oak influence. It’s a straightforward, varietally correct wine.

Damsel 2015 The Fates Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley $36 93 points
This wine is equal parts Grenache and Mourvèdre (co-fermented), finished off with Syrah and aged in neutral French-oak puncheons. The aromas are fascinating, with notes of fresh savory herbs, capers, sea salt, white pepper, bacon fat and mixed fruit. The flavors are plump and appealing, mixing fruity and savory tones that lead to a pepper and olive finish. It’s a standout interpretation of this vineyard. Editor's Choice

Descendant 2014 Syrah Red Mountain $33 88 points
Aged in older French oak, with a third whole-cluster, this offers aromas of peeled apple skin, black raspberry and black licorice that lead to palate-coating black-fruit flavors that drop off on the finish. There’s no mistaking the warm vintage and warm region it comes from.

Descendant 2014 Les Collines Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $33 91 points
From one of the state’s top Syrah vineyards, this offers aromas of dried and fresh herb, violet and black cherry that lead to full-bodied, extremely pure dark-fruit flavors. Aged in three- to five-year old-oak, it has a purity and mouthfeel that add to the appeal. It should show well on the dinner table. Editor's Choice

Descendant 2013 Belle G-S-M Columbia Valley $33 91 points
This wine is 58% Grenache, 26% Syrah and 16% Mourvèdre. Aromas are a little funky out of the gate but open to reveal notes of savory herb, brown stem, smoked meat, black licorice, raspberry and blackberry. The cherry-gummy flavors are pure and fresh, with a lovely mouthfeel. Black-raspberry flavors linger on the finish. All about purity, it impresses. Editor's Choice

Descendant 2013 Mourvèdre Red Mountain $33 89 points
The aromas intrigue, with notes of dark raspberry, red and black licorice, herb and cherry gummy. Aged in neutral oak, it has a palate that emphasizes purity of expression. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best. Drink now.

Descendant 2013 Grenache Columbia Valley $30 90 points
An extremely pale, orange-tinged color belies an aromatically expressive wine, with appealing notes of white pepper, wild raspberry and herb. The palate is sumptuous yet light in feel, with achingly pure fruit flavors. This wine is all about elegance—perhaps too much for some tastes. But for those seeking the variety’s delicate side, look no further. Drink now.

Drink Washington State 2015 Welcome to Columbia Valley Chardonnay Columbia Valley $19 87 points
Bright, pleasant aromas of yellow apple, pear and papaya lead to a palate chock full of tropical-fruit flavors. It finishes a little tangy.

Dusted Valley 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $42 90 points
Aromas are pitch black, with notes of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla and anise, showing the warmth of the vintage. The palate is rich and ripe, packing a big punch of dark-fruit flavors.

Efeste 2014 Taylor Mag Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain $28 91 points
This is the winery’s first release off its Taylor Mag Vineyard. Aromas don’t reveal their charms on first pour, with notes of café au lait, cherry, raspberry, woodspice and herb. The palate brings firm, brawny tannins along with plentiful cherry flavors. Cocoa notes linger on the finish. It’s everything you expect from a Cabernet, at a price below many wines from this appellation. Editor's Choice

Efeste 2014 Oldfield Estate Syrah Yakima Valley $65 91 points
This is the winery’s first red release from this site, located next to famed Boushey Vineyard. Aromas of iron, bacon fat, brown spice and herb rise up from the glass. The palate bursts with red-fruit flavors that show a pleasing sense of intensity, depth and length. It’s a promising start for this site.

Efeste 2015 Jolie Bouche Boushey Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $44 92 points
Coming from one of the state’s premier Syrah vineyards, the aromas pop, with notes of boysenberry, bacon fat, orange peel, herb and spice. The palate is dense and rich, packed with ultraripe blue- and black-fruit flavors. It delivers a lot of hedonistic appeal. For those looking for a big, bold, warm vintage Syrah, this one’s for you. Editor's Choice

Efeste 2014 Final-Final Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah Columbia Valley $30 91 points
Aromas of baking spice, blackberry and cherry draw you into the glass. The palate is chock full of cherry and dark-chocolate flavors, with the tannins giving a light squeeze. Editor's Choice

Efeste 2015 Eléni Red Willow Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $59 91 points
Fruit for this wine comes from the state’s original Syrah vineyard. Expressive aromas of dried herb, dark raspberry, huckleberry, spice and licorice lead to ripe, full fruit flavors that glide on the finish. It’s not shy, bringing a lot of richness and appeal.

Efeste 2015 Lola Evergreen Vineyard Chardonnay Ancient Lakes $35 91 points
The aromas pop, with notes of clarified butter, pineapple, candlewax, corn silk, apricot and mango. The palate is full of stone and tropical fruit flavors that bring a big yum factor. Aromas and flavors are ripe, like the vintage this wine comes from. Editor's Choice

Efeste 2014 Big Papa Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $NA 92 points
This wine is a blend of fruit from Klipsun, Kiona, Bacchus, Red Willow and Sagemoor vineyards. Aged in half-new French oak, it offers aromas of dried leaf, cocoa, cigar box and barrel spice that lead to focused, slightly compact cherry flavors. Firm, tightly wound tannins provide support. It needs time in the cellar to stretch its legs, and will be best after 2021.

Efeste 2014 Nana Willow Vineyard Yakima Valley $44 92 points
This wine is a blend of Merlot (61%) and Cabernet Franc. High-toned aromas of black raspberry, plum, black licorice, herb and barrel spice lead to plush, plentiful red- and black-fruit flavors. It brings a very pretty sense of styling along with a lengthy finish. Give it some time to open up.

Efeste 2014 Upright Klipsun Vineyards Merlot Red Mountain $39 90 points
Aromas of dried herb, dark cherry, black raspberry and barrel spice are at the fore on this 100% varietal wine. They lead to sleek cherry and cranberry flavors that provide intrigue.

Efeste 2015 Emmy Stone Tree Vineyard Mourvèdre Wahluke Slope $54 92 points
Aged in neutral French oak, this has aromas that start out brooding but intriguing, with notes of raw meat, mineral, dried herb, crushed flower and huckleberry. The palate is earth-shaking in its richness and intensity, coating the palate with waves of fruit flavors. It hits the gong hard but maintains a lovely sense of balance.

Eleven 2016 Sugarloaf Vineyard Pinot Grigio Yakima Valley $15 85 points
Aromas of soda water, peach and melon lead to broad, dry, slightly viscous fruit flavors. It’s an unusual interpretation of this variety.

Estrin 2012 Cabernet Franc Wahluke Slope $20 90 points
This is mostly Riverbend Vineyard fruit topped off with Red Mountain Vineyard Merlot (7%). Herb, cranberry and cherry aromas are followed by rich, full-bodied black-fruit flavors. It brings richness and intensity but stays in balance.

Estrin 2014 Tre Aris Red Blend Columbia Valley $25 90 points
Syrah (53%) takes the lead on this blend, followed by Merlot (27%) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of toast, anise, vanillin and cherry lead to rich, full-bodied cherry and cranberry flavors that coat the palate.

Estrin 2013 Cabernet Franc Wahluke Slope $20 90 points
Coming mostly from esteemed Riverbend Vineyard, this wine saw just 10% new French oak, putting the focus on the fruit. High-toned aromas of dried flower, herb, cherry, vanilla and dried cranberry lead to a full, flavorful palate packed to the brim with dark fruit. Cranberry flavors linger on the finish.

Estrin 2014 Big Tree Columbia Valley $15 89 points
Cabernet Sauvignon (59%) and Syrah (33%) make up the majority of this wine, which is finished off with Merlot. Aromas of woodspice, herb, licorice and cherry lead to full-bodied cherry and cranberry flavors. It shows focus and intensity.

Eternal 2015 Eternal Gratitude Gamache Vineyard Merlot Columbia Valley $50 88 points
Aromas seem unsettled, with notes of dust, herb and cherry. The flavors are plush and ripe, delivering plenty of enjoyment.

Eternal 2016 Eternal Sunshine Morrison Lane Vineyard Viognier Walla Walla Valley $35 87 points
Unusual aromas of watermelon Jolly Rancher, lime zest and white flower are followed by light flower and peach flavors that finish tart. It doesn’t all come together.

Gård 2014 Ice Wine Riesling Columbia Valley $60 92 points
This wine erupts from the glass, with aromas of brown sugar, candied pineapple, dried orange rind and flower. Flavors are viscous, intense and rich, with a mango-filled finish that sails. It’s the perfect end to any evening.

Gård 2015 Reverence Columbia Valley $50 92 points
This wine is a blend of 49% Syrah, 38% Grenache and a whopping 13% Viognier, with the latter expressing itself on both the aromas and palate. The wine pops, with notes of freshly peeled orange, stargazer lilly, gravel, olive, smoked meat, blueberry and boysenberry. Soft and sumptuous, the palate shows a lot of elegance and expression along with an extended finish. Editor's Choice

J & J NV 4 Boys 4th Release Red Blend Walla Walla Valley $19 86 points
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this has aromas that bring notes of black licorice and cherry, along with light oxidative notes. It’s a shame, as good things are happening on the palate.

J & J 2014 Middleton Petty Vineyard Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $40 87 points
Aromas of cherry cough syrup and herb bring a light volatility. The black-cherry and licorice flavors are light and appealing but can’t make up the difference.

J & J 2015 Summit View Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $30 87 points
This vineyard sits high on the ridge crest of the SeVein project in the southern end of the valley. Aromas of herb, green tea and purple fruit are followed by tart, plump fruit flavors backed by tacky-feeling tannins.

J & J 2015 Summit View/Les Collines Vineyard Malbec Walla Walla Valley $29 88 points
Aromas lean into the green, with notes of savory garden herb along with dark raspberry and plum. The plum flavors are plump with a lightly scratchy feel to the tannins. There’s intrigue but it seems a bit underripe and leafy.

Kerloo 2015 Majestic Columbia Valley $36 92 points
Grenache (69%) takes the lead on this wine, followed by Mourvèdre (26%) and a pinch of Syrah. Aged in neutral French oak, it offers aromas that aren’t yet ready to reveal their charms on first pour. Notes of spice, herb and black pepper evolve into smoked meat and raspberry accents over time. The palate is swoon-worthy, with soft, supple fruit and savory flavors that lead to a persistent finish. The sense of purity dazzles. Editor's Choice

Kerloo 2015 Calling Club Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $48 91 points
This 100% varietal wine is a blend of fruit from top sites Klipsun (60%) and Dioynsus. Baking spice, herb, cocoa, tobacco, espresso and cherry aromas lead to suave, silky cherry and cocoa flavors. Like the vintage it came from, it holds nothing back. The oak (65% new French) is a bit up front at present but should integrate with additional time in bottle. Best after 2020.

Kerloo 2016 Limited Release Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay Columbia Gorge $48 88 points
Aged in neutral French oak, this offers intriguing, slightly funky aromas of lemon verbena, green-apple skin and mineral that lead to sleek green- and red-apple flavors backed by racy acidity.

Kerloo 2015 Limited Release Upland Vineyard Syrah Snipes Mountain $40 93 points
Vineyard-designated wines from this appellation are rare, and this wine shows the promise of this site. There’s no mistaking the variety, with its enchanting aromas of fragrant flower, smoked meat, chopped parsley, green olive and purple fruit. Flavors are supremely fresh and bright, showing a mixture of fruit and savory, with assorted herb notes intertwined throughout. An extended finish, filled with notes of olive, caps it off. It’s beautiful on its own but should sing at the dinner table. Give it time to open up. Editor's Choice

Kitzke 2015 Barrel Select Field Blend Candy Ridge Vineyard Bordeaux-style Red Blend Columbia Valley $65 88 points
This wine blends Cabernet Sauvignon (41%), Cabernet Franc, (28%), Malbec (28%) and Petit Verdot. Smoke, woodspice and cedar aromas are in front of fresh-chopped herb, green pepper and black raspberry, with green-olive notes lurking in the background. The palate is light but juicy, with coffee and cherry flavors that bring a slight sense of astringency. Citric acidity lingers on the finish.

Maryhill 2016 Chardonnay Columbia Valley $16 86 points
Light aromas of white flower, lemon curd and spice are followed by sleek, light fruit flavors. It’s a straightforward, varietally correct wine.

Maryhill 2014 Merlot Columbia Valley $20 87 points
Aromas of mint, woodspice, raspberry and coffee are followed by ripe red-currant flavors. Soft, lightly grainy tannins provide support. It has good things going on and is varietally correct but seems a bit woody.

Maryhill 2016 Riesling Columbia Valley $14 87 points
Sweet herb, lime twist and peach aromas are followed by sleek, narrow citrus and stone-fruit flavors that drink off dry.

Maryhill 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $26 86 points
This wine comes off as a bit green out of the gate, with aromas of mortared fresh herb along with blueberry, woodspice and vanilla. Flavors are soft and light, concentrated in the middle but missing at the edges. The tannins bring a lightly gritty feel.

Oak Knoll NV Toasted Cow Vintners Blend 6th Edition Red Blend Columbia Valley $20 85 points
This wine is half Syrah with the rest equal parts Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. Aromas are locked up on first pour, only revealing high-toned notes of barrel spice. Over time, notes of candied raspberry, black licorice and dried cherry start to emerge. The palate brings plump red- and black-fruit flavors. Cranberry notes linger on the finish.

Proper 2015 Estate Syrah Walla Walla Valley $48 93 points
Coming from the Rocks District, this offers expressive aromas of potpourri, fresh chopped parsley, orange peel, green olive, smoked meat, fresh flower and wet stone. These lead to plush, palate-coating fruit and savory flavors. Olive and charcuterie notes linger on the finish. Editor's Choice

Three of Cups 2014 Le Jugement Lonesomes Springs Vineyard Yakima Valley $29 88 points
Syrah makes up half of this wine, with the rest equal parts Grenache and Mourvèdre. Aromas of marionberry, herb, smoked meat and spice lead to a well-balanced palate that glides on the baking-spice-filled finish. The oak plays a bit prominently at times but overall it works.

Three of Cups 2016 White Blend Columbia Valley $16 85 points
This wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (61%), Sémillon (23%), Riesling (12%) and Albariño. The aromas are a bit faint, with notes of herb, fig, pear and soda water that don’t seem entirely in sync. The palate brings broad, dry flavors that come up short.

Three of Cups 2015 L’Astre Les Collines Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $30 88 points
Vibrant aromas of blue fruit, dried herb and potpourri lead to light, soft, tart fruit and barrel flavors. Blue-fruit flavors linger on the finish. It seems compact right now but good things are going on.

Twin Cedars 2014 Syrah Red Mountain $30 86 points
Aromas are light and dominated by barrel notes, including vanilla and coconut. The black-fruit flavors are sweet and rich, showing quite a bit of warmth. It doesn’t all add up.

Twin Cedars 2014 Merlot Rattlesnake Hills $27 88 points
Inviting aromas of cherry cordial, dried herb and chalk lead to generous, well-fashioned fruit flavors. Light tannins provide support.

Twin Cedars 2014 Bronze Star Yakima Valley $30 86 points
This wine is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon along with 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Malbec. Slightly elevated volatiles are followed by aromas of cherry, cinnamon, green herb, licorice and baking spice. Flavors are light and elegant in style.

Two Vintners 2015 Claire Boushey Vineyard Grenache Yakima Valley $40 93 points
Light in color, this wine offers beguiling aromas with notes of fire pit, flower, stem, potpourri, black raspberry and smoked meat. Ethereally light and enchanting, it’s texturally rich and flavorful, with a warm finish—a delicious example of this site and variety. Editor's Choice

Two Vintners 2015 Make Haste Cinsault Yakima Valley $21 92 points
This wine is all Cinsault from Olsen Vineyard. Aged in neutral French oak, it’s resplendent with aromas of raspberry jam, potpourri, plum, flower and garrigue. The palate is transparent in style with elegant but rich red-fruit and plum flavors that lead to a lengthy, warm finish. Editor's Choice

Upsidedown 2016 The Gold Drop Collection Grenache Columbia Valley $40 88 points
Light in color, this offers faint aromas that give up almost nothing on first pour, except notes of spice. Still young, the palate is more revealing, showing elegant flavors of raspberry and plum. If the aromas open up it could move up a notch.

Watermill 2014 Anna Marie Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $50 88 points
The barrel influence is primarily aromatical with notes of nougat, vanilla and sweet spices out in front of cherry and red apple. The fruit vies with the oak for attention on the palate as well, although the latter shows a pleasing supple feel as well as excellent concentration. There’s impressive fruit here, but the oak unfortunately gets in the way of it.

Watermill 2014 Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley $36 87 points
Barrel aromas are at the fore, with notes of vanilla, dill, toast and baking spice, along with a light meaty note. The flavors show a luscious, velvety feel, with the oak influence running quite high.

Watermill 2014 Estate Vineyard Tempranillo The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater $36 85 points
The aromas are oak dominated, with notes of vanilla extract, coconut, dill, spearmint and freshly hewn wood, with the fruit struggling to get to the surface. There’s a soft, pleasing feel to the palate but the wood again gets in the way. The fruit is hard to find.

Watermill 2014 Dugger Creek Vineyard Nebbiolo Walla Walla Valley (OR) $24 87 points
This variety is unheard of in the appellation. Quite pale in color with an orange tinge, the aromas bring notes of macerated cranberry and cherry, along with a vanilla note that gives the impression of confection. The palate brings lighter-styled fruit flavors, with the oak taking over on the back half. The tannins are quite light for the variety. It’s intriguing but doesn’t seem varietal.

Watermill 2015 Viognier Columbia Valley $18 86 points
Aromas of watermelon Jolly Rancher, peach and flower are followed by broad honeysuckle and stone-fruit flavors. It doesn’t all come together.

Watermill 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley $32 87 points
The oak is far out front, with aromas of vanilla, shaved coconut, toast and freshly chopped wood, making it hard to get at the notes of dark fruit and herb. The flavors show fruit mixed with a heavy barrel influence, with the latter winning out on the finish.

William Marie 2016 Syrah Columbia Valley $25 86 points
Fruit for this wine comes from Block 66 of Double Canyon Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. The aromas aren’t entirely harmonious, with notes of dark, slightly overripe-seeming fruit along with black pepper and licorice, showing some volatility. The black-raspberry flavors are light and compact. It doesn’t come together.

Wind Rose 2016 The Keeper Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley $20 86 points
Light aromas of melon, pear and herb lead to similarly faint fruit flavors. It’s cleanly made but everything seems very dialed back.

Wind Rose 2016 Bravo Bianco White Table Wine Chardonnay Yakima Valley $22 88 points
This wine is all Chardonnay. Bright aromas of candied apple, crayon and melon lead to broad, dry fruit flavors that show a touch of bitterness on the finish. It’s a pleasing, very cleanly made offering of this variety.

2017 was another warm vintage in Washington, though it certainly didn’t start out that way. Winter into early spring was cool and wet, with well above average snowfall in eastern Washington.

“Snow was on the ground for nearly two months,” said grower Dick Boushey of Boushey Vineyards in Yakima Valley. Boushey also manages properties on Red Mountain. “Everyone was behind from the beginning because you couldn’t get into the field.”

To some, it looked like perhaps a cool vintage was on the way. “In April and even early May, we thought we might have another 2011 on our hands,” said Bob Betz, who consults for Betz Family Winery and Col Solare.

The cool weather delayed early markers of the growing season. “We ended up having a very late bud break,” said grower Mike Sauer of Red Willow Vineyard in Yakima Valley. Sauer noted it occurred around April 25^th, ten days to two weeks later than historical averages.

“Bud break and bloom were really pushed back,” agreed grower Will Beightol of Double Canyon Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills.

Growing Degree Days (GDD), a measure of heat accumulation, from May 12^th at Red Willow Vineyard show what this cool start looked like (and just how outrageously warm 2016 started).

Table 1: May 12^th GDDs Red Willow Vineyard

Year                 GDD
2017               130
2016                392
2015                207
2014                200
2011                50
2010                107

Increased canopy management and powdery mildew pressure

The additional winter moisture led to increased canopy management efforts. “We went into the spring with full moisture capacity,” said Boushey. “That stimulated a lot of growth and vigor. People were doing a lot of shoot thinning and suckering.”

The moisture also contributed to significant powdery mildew pressure, the most the state has experienced since the cool 2011 vintage. “There was a lot of winter moisture so the canopy was pretty big,” said Sauer. “It was an ideal scenario to develop mildew.”

In some sites, it became a serious problem. “There were some places where it got out of control,” said Marty Clubb, co-owner and managing winemaker at L’Ecole No. 41, which sources fruit from Walla Walla Valley and throughout the Columbia Valley. However, Clubb noted there was no impact on the final wines. “We were able to work hard enough to drop, bypass, or avoid picking in certain areas such that mildew for us was an absolute non-issue at the end of the day.”

However, it was an issue at some larger sites, where economic factors came into play. “If you’re a production vineyard and you get a big dose of mildew, what you need to do is send a hand crew through to drop that,” Boushey explained. “Some people said, ‘I can’t afford to do that or I can’t find people to do it.’ So you just kind of walk away from it.”

“You heard of entire vineyards not being harvested because of mildew in clusters,” said Beightol.

“It cost everyone one way or another,” said Kent Waliser of Sagemoor Vineyards in the Columbia Valley.

Winter cold weather events affect certain areas, varieties

Three low temperature episodes in December and January also affected certain areas, such as the Rocks District, as well as sensitive varieties, particularly Merlot. “There was some trunk damage in a lot of places,” Boushey said. “You didn’t have quite the clusters per bud. The whole crop was quite a bit less.”

The Rocks District in Walla Walla Valley was particularly affected by winter damage. “We got hit pretty hard even with the fans moving around,” said Chad Johnson of Dusted Valley, which is part owner of Stoney Vine Vineyard. “For a good percentage of the Syrah down there, we got about half a ton per acre. We’d normally do about three and a half tons.”

Together the winter events and powdery mildew issues contributed to lower grape tonnage in 2017. “Across the board, crop sizes were down,” said Beightol. “Whereas 2016 was 120% of what we thought we were going to see, on the Cabernet side in particular, [in 2017] we were 85-90% of what we thought we would be seeing in the vineyard.”

However, due to the bumper 2017 crop, few were concerned. “Wineries weren’t complaining about getting less fruit,” said Waliser. “They were happy to be 5-10% under.”

Summer temperatures return to normal then warm up

Whereas spring was cool, early summer temperatures aligned with historical averages and then mid to late summer temperatures were above average. This allowed heat accumulation to catch up from the slow start and move ahead of long term averages. This is reflected in the GDD numbers below from Red Willow Vineyard on July 1^st as well as the vineyard’s final GDD numbers, which reflect a warm season.

Table 2: July 1^st Growing Degree Days at Red Willow Vineyard

Year                 GDDs
2017                1751
2016                1933
2015                2103
2014                1854
2013                1871
2012                1603
2011                1134
2010                1371

Table 3: End of season GDDs at Red Willow

Year                 GDDs
2017                3165
2016                3203
2012                3075
LT Average      2928

“This was a very, very cool year to start with and we never fully caught up, even though the heat units would say this was actually a pretty warm year after all,” noted Sauer. “The timing of the heat has a lot to do with it.”

Veraison began in the third week of July. Harvest started the third week of August for rosés and sparkling wines and began at the end of the first week of September for red varieties. Betz noted that for Betz Family Winery, which only works with red grapes, harvest began on September 12^th, compared to August 24^th the year before. The winery finished picking on October 24^th, though some growers continued picking well into the first week of November.   

Summer smoke and September cooldown defining events

There were two significant smoke events in eastern Washington in 2017. The first was in August from Canadian forest fires. The second was in early September, during the beginning of harvest, from Cascade and Columbia Gorge fires. Smoke from these generally distant fires hung in the air for a series of days each time before clearing. While it brought concerns of potential smoke taint, in the end most felt the smoke, counterintuitively, had a positive effect on the vintage, in part by lowering above average forecast temperatures.

“Even though you’d look at the weather and it would say it was going to be 98, it was 88,” said Trey Busch, winemaker and co-owner at Sleight of Hand Cellars.

“The smoke did two things,” said Clubb. “First, it significantly moderated the heat, which was a good thing. Two, you might think of it as a gigantic sun filter. It really slowed photosynthesis in the fruit.”

Once the smoked cleared, temperatures cooled down markedly for the remainder of the month, which significantly slowed development. "If you tracked your sugar, acid, pH, we saw very little progress,” said Clubb. “There was a two or three-week period where the fruit was not moving that much.”

“Everything just stalled,” agreed Johnson. “We had 10 days where we didn’t bring any red fruit in. We just stopped.” This allowed growers and winemakers to harvest at a more leisurely pace. “We never really felt hurried like we have in the past three or four vintages,” Busch said.

The cooler temperatures also slowed sugar accumulation. Acids held. “If you’re in 95-degree weather, you expect a brick a day possibly,” said Clubb. “We were seeing a brick a week, maybe not even that. That essentially gave you much longer hang time, which usually means bigger color development and better wines.”

“It allowed for some amazing hang time,” Waliser said of the September cool down. “I think it will really show on some of the whites that will come out with better balance than some years that we’ve had.”

In a switch from recent warm vintages, winemakers had to wait for acids to drop before picking instead of harvesting because of spiking sugars. The end result was higher acidity than recent years. “We had higher natural acidity across the board,” said Clubb.

While most felt the smoke ironically had a positive effect on the vintage, it was certainly a cautionary tale. “It’s not something you want to have every year,” Boushey said. “We were on the ragged edge of potentially having a lot of smoke taint issues. If it hadn’t have cleared out when it did, I think it might have had a big effect.”

“I’m not sure I want to throw those dice every year,” agreed Betz. Thus far, there have been few reported incidences of smoke taint, with most coming from vineyards in immediate proximity to the fires.

High quality wines to come

While many said between the cool start, powdery mildew issues, and smoke it was a somewhat stressful year (when isn’t it in agriculture?), overall growers and winemakers were extremely pleased with the end results.

“Ultimately, I think we picked some of the best fruit we have in a long time in terms of balance,” said Boushey.

“Everything we have in the cellar is either really good or really, really good,” Clubb said. “Whites in particular are amazing. It’s a blockbuster white year.”

“The whites are beautiful,” agreed Busch, who also noted that the higher acidities give the wines a sense of freshness. “We haven’t seen acid numbers like that since 2010. I think we’ll have lower alcohol levels than we have in the past few years but not lacking depth or structure or weight.”

“Everything is very fresh with natural acidity,” said Johnson. “I love the tannin profile, even silkier than last year. I wish I could put my finger on it and repeat it.”

“The wines I’ve gone through from 2017 have a nice fleshiness to them,” Betz said. “Coming off the ‘16s, I think we’re seeing a little more flesh, a little more muscle on the shoulder for the 2017s, and that’s a good thing.”

The first whites and rosés from the 2017 vintage are just being released, so you can decide for yourself!

NB: Interviews for this article were conducted in December 2017.
All pictures by Richard Duval.

If we go back to the beginning of Washington’s modern day wine industry, the state was believed to be too cool to successfully grow many red grape varieties. Indeed, it is for this reason, that cooler climate offerings like Riesling became so prominent in the state. However, with Washington now producing an abundance of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and numerous other red varieties, it’s clear the state is very much capable of growing top quality red wine grapes.

While over time, red grape production has grown larger and larger, white varieties, led by Riesling and Chardonnay, still continued to pace production. Then in 2012, red production for the first time pulled ahead of white production, by a scant 1,000 tons out of 188,000 tons harvested. That gap widened to 34,000 tons in 2017, with red varieties now making up 57.5% of production. Though there’s the caveat that white production was down in 2017, Washington’s grape production, led by Cabernet Sauvignon, is becoming more and more red.

The numbers are even more tilted looking at wines I sampled in 2017. A full 75.25% of those wines were red wines (21.54% were whites; 3.21% were rosés out of 1,588 wines sampled). What this indicates to me, which squares with my experience, is that, while the state produces an abundance of white wines, the bulk of those wines in terms of production come from larger producers. That is to say, there are fewer individual offerings of white wines, but some of them are made in higher volume.

What does all this mean? It means that Washington has squarely become red wine country. Don’t get me wrong, white varieties can very much succeed here, and I taste numerous high quality white wines from Washington each year. But red wine is increasingly where the action is. And the state is only going to get redder in the years to come.

The 2018 growing season has officially begun, with Tertulia Cellars vineyard manager Ryan Driver reporting bud break in Syrah at Elevation Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley.

Consistently the larger Columbia Valley's earliest site in recent years, bud break took place at Elevation on April 12th last year and April 1st in 2016.

Here's to a great 2018 growing season!

With spring comes an increase in vineyard work, as vines are being shaped for the growing season. Such activity sends contributing photographer Richard Duval on the road to capture the hard work that goes into each bottle.

On a recent trip to Walla Walla Valley, Duval found Tim Armstrong of Armstrong Family Winery pruning their newly acquired vineyard. “Re-vitalizing this vineyard is part of their long-term plan to expand the property and build their winery,” noted Duval. "But for now, the vineyard calls.”