Category Archives: New Northwest Wine Recommendations
Riesling
OS Winery 2005 (about $21): From red wine gurus Owen Sullivan comes this tasty white wine from Champoux Vineyards in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills. Lots of lush pear and citrus flavors with a lengthy, creamy finish. With only about 3% residual sugar on finish, this wine is unlike many other overpoweringly syrupy-sweet Rieslings. At 9% […]
Zinfandel
Maryhill Vineyards 2003 Proprietor’s Reserve (about $36): A big, plump, fruit bomb if there ever was one. Loaded with dark currant and berry flavors, the wine may be too fat for some tastes. It’s over 15% alcohol and balanced by 1.4% sugar, which makes the wine almost borderline port-like, so take note. Another thing that […]
Sparkling Wine
Argyle Winery 2000 Brut (about $19): From Oregon’s Willamette Valley, this sparkling wine features citrus aromas with layers of pear, baked apple and vanilla flavors that melt into a long, yet crisp finish. Widely distributed and available locally at several wine shops and grocers.
Cabernet/Merlot
March, 2006 Update: Bad news! I received word from Michael Burnett that the ’03 vintage has sold out (although you might find a stray bottle here and there)! But look for the ’04 vintage to be released sometime during spring, 2006. Chuckanut Ridge 2003 Bad Bunny (about $18): Winemakers John Powers and Michael Burnett smash […]
Claret
Basel Cellars 2002 (about $24): This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc absolutely rocked my world. Gobs of big, lush, jammy berry fruit flavors and a touch of spice on the finish make it one of the best wines I tasted in calendar year 2005. This is the type of red wine from […]