2012 Columbia Crest Walter Clore Private Reserve, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wine Review

This is an excellent value in red wine. It is a blend of 80% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Deep ruby in color. The nose has black cherries, black raspberries, dark chocolate and a hint of spice. Medium bodied. On the palate, this has nice black cherry fruit with some depth. Light tannins. Underlying earthiness. Good acidity. Nice finish. This drinks well on its own and should be great with poultry dishes or even a burger. It should be consumed over the next five to seven years. While wine prices vary at the time of this writing, this wine can be found anywhere from $20 to $70 per bottle, so shop around.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2012

Current Price:

$20.00USD

Merlot vs Syrah: Which Varietal Blooms Brightest in Washington?

Say “Oregon” and Pinot Noir comes to mind. Argentina? Malbec. And who can say “Shiraz” without thinking of Australia? But what grape will Washington wine country claim as it’s own as it expands in production and popularity? There are so many red treasures in this state, sometimes it is hard to say. But after my luscious Saturday tasting, I’m thinking Syrah and Merlot may duke it out for the prize.

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Chateau Ste. Michelle Winemaker Bob Bertheau Talks Washington Wine

Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the largest and most revered wineries in America. Located in Washington's Columbia Valley, Chateau Ste. Michelle is often -and mistakenly- overlooked by oenophiles searching for fine American wine. It isn't often that one gets to "talk shop" with the winemaker from a winery of the caliber of Chateau Ste. Michelle -they tend to be awfully busy people after all- but IntoWine.com had the good fortune of being able to do just that. What follows is our chat with Chateau Ste. Michelle Winemaker Bob Bertheau.

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Cabernet Sauvignon – Old Vines in Washington State

Zillah, Washington State, 1994. I was completely disoriented. It was hot. I was standing in a dry, semi – desert terrain, but looking west, I saw glacier capped Mt. Rainier. The roads weren’t paved, the wineries badly marked. Tasting rooms consisted of folding tables in the corners of barrel rooms, or in the family rec room with 1970’s shag carpeting. Often, I had to ring an outdoor bell to bring someone in from the fields to pour tastes.

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2016 Harry & David Vineyards Royal Crest Red, USA, Oregon, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$20.00USD

This is from the Food and Gift purveyor Harry & David and made with Oregon fruit. It is a "Bordeaux Styled" wine though the exact blend is unclear. These wines sell as part of gift packages that one can order online or at a store. It is quite good and was a real crowd pleaser. Purple in color with ruby swirls. The nose is dusty with black cherries and a nice earthiness to it. On the palate, this has a nice acidity. Tart cherry fruit over a forest floor base. Silky tannins. Nice finish. This is food friendly and should go well with medium and heavier foods but especially meat a

2020 Luke Wines The Companion Red Blend, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wine Review

Vintage:

2020

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$25.00USD

This is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 14% Syrah, 3% Petite Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec from Washington State. Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is nice; dusty with black raspberries, plums, spice, slight black cherries and a hint of vanilla. Soft texture with medium tannins. On the palate, black raspberries, cassis with underlying spice and slight char. Long finish. This is an easy drinking red that has some backbone and depth. Drink over the next five to seven years. Very nice on its own, this will work great with a brisket out

2012 Columbia Crest Walter Clore Private Reserve, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wine Review

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Merlot vs Syrah: Which Varietal Blooms Brightest in Washington?

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winemaker Bob Bertheau Talks Washington Wine

Cabernet Sauvignon – Old Vines in Washington State

2016 Harry & David Vineyards Royal Crest Red, USA, Oregon, Wine Review

2020 Luke Wines The Companion Red Blend, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wine Review