Washington Wine of the Week – Selections for Winter, 2017

For the week of March 12, 2017: DeLille Cellars 2014 D2 Red Wine – This combination of primarily Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has a surprisingly bright base of red fruits including raspberry, cherry, and even cranberry. Underneath this lies a subtle, darker layer of chocolate and black olive with a touch of sweet cedar on the extreme finish. This wine could easily spend a little time in the cellar, but you can just as well pop the cork on it now and enjoy it after a bit of aeration.

For the week of March 5, 2017: Nine Hats Wines 2015 Red Wine – Walla Walla’s Gilles Nicault heads up a team of winemakers to produce this newly released, four-varietal blend made primarily of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Red cherry and red currant aromas and flavors start you off, with a note of toasted oak and warm vanilla on the finish. There are some fairly heady tannins to deal with as well, which makes this wine a prime candidate to pair with anything beef…from burgers to ribs to steak.

For the week of February 26, 2017: Gamache Vintners 2011 Merlot – This ever-evolving, complex Merlot may be approaching six years from harvest, but it’s drinking absolutely beautifully now and shows no signs of letting up. A core of dark berry flavors frames subtle notes of savory herbs, black olive and clovy spice. There’s also a nice splash of acidity on the finish that will allow it to hold up to a variety of foods from duck to pork tenderloin to beef bourguignon. Outstanding!

For the week of February 19, 2017: Portteus Vineyard & Winery 2014 Rouge 66 – Paul Portteus is one of Washington’s pioneer winemakers, having established his Zillah winery in the ancient year (by State standards) of 1981. Red wines are something he’s always done well, and this five-varietal, Bordeaux blend is no exception. Beautiful dark color, dark fruit flavors, good structure and excellent food-pairing potential – all at $15 a bottle – make this wine an affordable, solid choice.

For the week of February 12, 2017: Columbia Crest 2014 H3 Chardonnay – This crowd-pleasing Chardonnay from the Horse Heaven Hills Appellation carries a fair amount of weight with it’s tropical fruit and Golden Delicious apple flavors followed by a slightly creamy finish with a touch of toasted vanilla. Normally priced at around $15, it’s not unusual to see this well distributed wine on sale for a few dollars off. Stock up and enjoy.

For the week of February 5, 2017: Gilbert Cellars Non-Vintage Tempranillo Dessert Wine Fortified with 169-proof brandy, this port-style red wine is not for the faint of heart. Ultra-black cherry and black currant flavors melt into a lengthy finish along with just a whisper of chocolate. Despite the 19% alcohol content, the wine doesn’t come off as hot because of it’s perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Practically perfect with anything chocolate!

For the week of January 29, 2017: Gilbert Cellars 2014 Left Bank Red Wine – This excellent current release from the Yakima winery is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Dark fruit and brambly berry flavors are capped by a slightly savory finish with good acidity and chewy tannins. In short, this is a perfectly balanced, well-crafted wine from winemaker Justin Neufeld, who is clearly at the top of his game and easily one of the brightest stars on today’s Washington wine scene.

For the week of January 15, 2017: Tall Sage Wines – This second label for Goose Ridge Winery provides budget-priced wines (about $10 to $12 each) that still deliver true-to-the-varietal characteristics and make great, everyday choices. The 2015 Chardonnay carries gentle notes of tropical fruit, along with apple and pear flavors and a slightly crisp finish; and the 2015 Red Blend, a Cab Sauv/Syrah combination offers jammy, red berry fruits, a velvety soft finish, and a whisper of vanilla bean.

For the week of January 8, 2017: San Juan Vineyards 2015 Siegerrebe and Robert Ramsay Cellars 2013 Cinsault – For 2017, resolve to try some new and different wines…even the ones you can’t pronounce! Here are two great examples: The SJV Siegerrebe is filled with spicy aromatics and zingy key lime and citrus flavors; while the RRC Cinsault displays tasty strawberry and raspberry flavors along with touch of cinnamon-spice on the finish. Both wines are indicative of the increasingly broad range of varietals you’ll find being grown in Washington State. Expect more of these in the years ahead.

For the week of January 1, 2017: Merry Cellars 2012 Carmenere – Pullman winemaker Patrick Merry gives us an excellent interpretation of this Bordeaux red varietal that’s often used for blending purposes…but stands on its own here. Black pepper aromatics start you off and also provide a nice finishing note while in-between you’ll find plenty of black currant and blueberry fruit. A natural choice to serve with burgers, steak or roast beef. Sourced from the Walla Walla Valley’s Seven Hills Vineyard.

For the Week of December 25, 2016: Treveri Cellars Non-Vintage Sparkling Rose – From winemaker Juergen Grieb and Washington’s only true sparkling wine house comes yet another delicious, affordable sparkling wine. A blend of Syrah and Chardonnay, it offers flavorful strawberry and red cherry fruit along with a splash of tangy citrus on the finish. A visual and sensory delight, this wine should be served not only during the holidays, but also as a year-round, top-of-the-list Washington sparkler. Outstanding!