For the week of March 12, 2023: I’ll be taking the week off as I prepare to move from Bellingham to Walla Walla, Washington, where I’ll be continuing my role as President of the Whatcom Beer & Wine Foundation and moderator of our 8th Annual Judged Competition. Our “rebranded” event will become the Pacific Northwest […]

For the week of December 18, 2022: Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2019 Heritage Reserve – Winemaker Mark Lathrop is absolutely crushing it right now, sourcing grapes for many of his award-winning wines from the Red Mountain AVA, including this outstanding red blend. Comprised of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah from the region’s Red Heaven […]

For the week of September 18, 2022: Mount Si Winery 2016 Merlot – A 2016 vintage Merlot still available on a winery’s list of current releases? Yes, and this selection from Snoqualmie Valley winemaker Jim Larsen is holding up beautifully. Complex aromas of green herbs, tea leaves, and sweet tobacco are followed by gobs of […]

For the week of June 19, 2022: Malaga Springs Winery 2016 Malbec – This fine effort from winemaker/owner Al Mathews – a mature Malbec that still has plenty of cellaring potential – deserves your attention. Cedar and toasted walnut aromas fill the glass, with upfront flavors of black currant and Marionberry that transition into brighter […]

For the week of March 13, 2022: Hedges Family Estate 2017 La Haute Cuvee – Sarah Goedhart does an outstanding job with this Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, which displays the concentrated fruit flavors you’d expect from a Red Mountain Cab, framed with delicate touches that may just surprise you. Complex, perfume-like aromatics of violets and […]