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

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 of the smoker.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2020

Current Price:

$25.00USD

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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2019 United Ink Red Blend, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wine Review

Vintage:

2019

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$18.00USD

At a recent tasting of United Ink Wines, this was the runaway crowd favorite. It is a blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington state. Garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is nice with black cherries, chocolate and slight black raspberry. Mice mouthfeel. Light to medium tannins. On the palate, nice black raspberry and black cherries fruit with some chocolate. Firm tannins on the finish. This is delicious. It drinks (easy). Great on its own, this would be great with a burger or other foods off the grill. Drink over the next five year

NV J. Bookwalter Notebook 13NV Red Blend, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

Score:

Grade:

B+

This is a multi-vintage, multi grape cuvee. It is released on a regular basis, this being the 13th iteration. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 12% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Mourvedre. This is really quite good and an excellent value. Deep ruby in color. The nose is dusty and warm with nice black cherry fruit. On the palate, the black cherries come thru along with some sour cherries. Medium tannins. Moderate finish. This rinks quite easily and would be a nice choice for parties. It will go with all but the lightest of foods. Drink over the next couple of y

2017 Lobo Hills Right Bank Blend, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wine Review

Vintage:

2017

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$20.00USD

This is mostly Merlot with 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc. This is a very accessible and easy to drink wine that has nice ripeness to it. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has cherries, chocolate and a slight char. Medium bodied. On the palate, this is delicious. Easy to drink. Moderate depth. Nice texture. Cassis and black cherries. Nice finish. This drinks great on its own and would work well with foods with a tangy/sweet BBQ sauce. Drink over the next few years.

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

Vintage:

2012

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$20.00USD

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 wi

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

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