Saturday, February 21, 2015
Limited Time Sale
Buy 6-11 bottles, any mix of Grand Cru Chablis, and we’ll take 5% off
Buy 12+ bottles, any mix of Grand Cru Chablis , and we’ll take 10% off
Sale Ends Monday at 11:59 PM, February 23rd
Limited to Stocks on Hand
Only purchases completed prior to Monday at 11:59 PM will receive sale specials
The northernmost wine district of the Burgundy region in France, Chablis is located well north of the rest of Burgundy, closer to Champagne, and separated from the Cote D’Or by several ranges of hills. As was the case with many of France’s oldest wine regions, the Romans were likely the first to introduce viticulture to Chablis, but it took several generations for Chablis to find an identity of its own. In 1938, the AOC region for Chablis was created, officially recognizing the distinct winemaking of this area.
Chablis Grand Cru comes from vineyards in the commune along the right bank of the River Serein which waters the district. The Grand Cru Climats form a continuous band along the upper part of the valley from Bougros in the north-west to Blanchot in the south-east. The appellation Chablis Grand Cru is a single entity but divided between 7 ” Climats “, the names of which may appear on the labels:Preuses, Bougros, Vaudesir, Grenouilles, Valmur, Les Clos and Blanchot.Chablis Grand Cru wines are characterized by delicately honeyed aromas of lime, complemented by distinctive mineral flavors – a character attributed to the high limestone content in the local soils. The wines respond well to bottle ageing for between 10 and 15 years, with the finest examples improving for 20 years or more.
Buy 6-11 bottles, any mix of Grand Cru Chablis, and we’ll take 5% off
Buy 12+ bottles, any mix of Grand Cru Chablis , and we’ll take 10% off
Sale Applies Only to Grand Cru Chablis Available Now
(Preuses, Bougros, Vaudesir, and Les Clos)
Burghound 91 points “This offers markedly better complexity on the cool and pure aromas of iodine, tidal pool and white orchard fruit. There is fine intensity to the attractively mineral-driven medium-bodied flavors that are at once succulent yet precise, all wrapped in a harmonious and beautifully lingering finish.”BH
Rene et Vincent Dauvissat-Camus Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2011 750ml ($249.95) $219 sticker, $197.10 after 10% discount 5 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95 points, Stephen Tanzer 94(+?) points “(these vines were planted in 1970): Reticent aromas of citrus zest, warm stones, baked bread and white flowers. The palate offers compelling sucrosite perfectly buffered by a bright lemon flavor and an underlying crushed-rock character that stands in for the wine’s average acidity. Very young but already long on personality. Finishes with piquant saline and stone notes.” ST
William Fevre Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($99.95) $89 sticker, $80.10 after 10% discount 11 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Chablis Les Preuses is one of the most complete wines in this lineup. It possesses striking delineation of aromas and flavors, with nuance after nuance that emerge in the glass. It is another of the weightless wines here in that it is full of flavor but never heavy. Intense notes of minerality and smokiness grace the textured, sublime finish. This is a fabulous effort from Fevre and Didier Seguier. The Preuses is made from two parcels; the first an east-facing steep slope, the second a flatter parcel richer in clay with a southwest exposure. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. ” WA
Burghound 95 points “discreet touch of wood sets off fresh, cool and reserved aromas that are elegant, airy and citrusy before merging into rich, intense, pure and admirably precise medium-bodied flavors that possess really lovely balance and superb length. While there is also an almost invisible hint of wood on the backend, it should be absorbed quickly and overall, this is a spherical wine of perfect proportions and class.” BH
William Fevre Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 sticker, $89.10 after 10% discount 12 bottles available
Burghound 96 points “This is arguably the most elegant wine in the range with its ultra-pure aromas of quinine, oyster shell, mineral reduction and floral elements that are also trimmed in just enough wood to warrant commenting on it. There is a caressing, even seductive mouth feel to the beautifully well-delineated and concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess an almost delicate quality before culminating in a nearly startlingly explosive finish that just goes on and on. This bone dry effort is an exercise in harmony and grace, or otherwise expressed, a classic Preuses. In a word, brilliant.” BH
William Fevre Bougros, Chablis Grand Cru 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 sticker, $71.10 after 10% discount 1 bottle available
Burghound 92-95 points “A restrained nose of citrus, floral, mineral reduction and algae slides into impressively rich, powerful, serious and concentrated flavors that are almost painfully intense on the explosive and strikingly long finish. This is a classic Bougros with its robust and muscular big-bodied flavors.”BH
William Fevre Bougros Cote Bouguerots, Chablis Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($89.95) $79 sticker, $71.10 after 10% discount 24 bottles available
Burghound 95 points “This is a big step up in refinement, particularly aromatically with an abundance of oyster shell and tidal pool nuances that add breadth to the white flower, citrus and Chablis-style green fruit. The rich, powerful and mouth coating flavors possess real drive but also beautiful detail on the intensely mineral-driven finish that possesses outstanding length. This is really quite dry, at least within the context of the 2009 vintage. In a word, terrific.” BH
William Fevre Vaudesir, Chablis Grand Cru 2007 750ML ($89.95) $79 sticker, $71.10 after 10% discount 3 bottles available
Burghound 94 points “This is even more elegant than it usually is, which is saying something as there is a good argument to be made that the Fèvre Vaudésir is the current reference standard for the vineyard though I hasten to add that it’s by no means an open and shut case. A pure and almost delicate nose that is decidedly more austere than virtually any of the preceding wines opens with a classic and exceptionally airy green fruit aromatic profile brimming with Chablis character that is followed by rich, full, naturally sweet and equally powerful flavors of simply incredible purity and focus as they finish with outstanding intensity that is borderline painful. This is a dramatic wine yet perfectly composed with a pronounced stony quality and the backend is bone dry and almost salty.” BH
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Pale, bright yellow. Discreet, very pure aromas of lemon, crushed stone, white pepper and flowers. Highly concentrated, supple and silky, with lovely deep minerality giving this wine another dimension and contributing to its impression of personality. This very rich and tactile wine finishes with terrific cut and a distinctly saline quality that’s supported by fresh citrus fruit. A perfect example of the way a normally warmer terroir can outperform in a cool year.” ST
William Fevre Vaudesir, Chablis Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($89.95) $79 sticker, $71.10 after 10% discount 21 bottles available
Burghound 94 points “A mildly exotic and atypically reticent nose that is ripe yet airy showcases aromas of orange peel, peach and hints of roasted nut and iodine, before leading to rich, even opulent medium plus weight flavors that are delicious, round and strikingly persistent on the mouth coating and moderately austere finish. This has really come together since I last saw it and like the Bougros, this is quite a bit more refined than I’m used to seeing. An excellent example.” BH
William Fevre Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2004 750ML ($179.95) $149 sticker, $134.10 after 10% discount 20 bottles available
Burghound 95 points “Stylistically, this closely resembles the Valmur with its ultra elegant and pure aromas featuring white flowers, oyster shell and subtle spice notes that perfectly complement the round, powerful, rich and full-bodied flavors that coating the mouth and culminate in a saliva-inducing, incredibly intense finish that reminded me more than a little of a great Corton-Charlemagne. This just oozes minerality and the texture is minerally to the point of this resembling a block of stone. A great Les Clos” BH
William Fevre Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($139.95) $119 sticker, $107.10 after 10% discount 3 cases available
Burghound 96 points “There is noticeable if discreet wood on the ripe and intensely floral nose that also reflects notes of pear, mineral reduction, white peach and algae. This is an imposingly scaled wine with its broad and muscular mouth feel that exudes a seemingly endless reserve of minerality on the almost painfully intense finish that delivers flat out amazing length. This is a very powerful wine that is akin to sucking on rocks it is so mineral-inflected. This too is positively brilliant.” BH
Domaine Faiveley Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($79.95) $66 sticker, $59.40 after 10% discount 17 bottles available
Burghound 92 points “A classic Les Clos nose of oyster shell, white flowers and wet stone leads to intensely mineral-inflected and broad-shouldered flavors that display cuts-like-a-knife delineation before culminating in a clean and very dry finish. There is a note of petrol to the finish that adds to the unmistakable Chablis character.”BH
Domaine Christian Moreau Pere & Fils Clos des Hospices, Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2011 750ML ($99.95) $75 sticker, $67.50 after 10% discount 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Expressive yellow stone fruits, spices, graphite and subtle French oak flow from the 2011 Chablis Les Clos Clos des Hospices. Hints of slate, smoke and oyster shells come to life on the beautifully delineated finish. There is great energy in the glass, but this is an infant. Here, too, I have a slight preference for the 2011 over the 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2013+.”
Domaine Servin Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($69.95) $49 sticker, $44.10 after 10% discount 10 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 91 points “Servin’s 2011 Chablis Les Clos shows gorgeous immediacy. Smoke, gunflint, lime and pear all take shape in the glass. This is a decidedly understated Clos with lovely purity, length and delineation. The medium-bodied structure and easygoing style make the 2011 an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years.”
Newsletter Subscribers Only
Limited Time Sale
Buy 6-11 bottles, any mix of Oregon or Washington White, Rose or Red Wines, and we’ll take 5% off
Buy 12+ bottles, any mix of Oregon or Washington White, Rose or Red Wines, and we’ll take 10% off
Sale Ends Monday at 11:59 PM, February 23rd
Limited to Stocks on Hand
Does Not Apply to Already Discounted Case Specials
Only Purchases completed prior to Monday at 11:59 PM, February 23rd will receive sale specials
In-stock and Available Here Now
You can see the full list at the end of the newsletter or on our webstore
Matello Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2012 750ML ($41.95) $36 sticker, $32.40 after 10% discount , 3 bottles available
Winery notes “From Whistling Ridge Vineyard, this wine is our version of Meursault. Very shallow soils give mineral intensity, transparent golden fruit, and citrus acidity leading to a long, dry finish.”
The next best price is $37
Winery Note “Four Winds is a special vineyard ideal for the Chardonnay that we aspire to make…fresh, acid driven and austere. Located high in the foothills of the McMinnville Coast Range, these 20 year old Wente clone vines deliver pristine Chardonnay with personality and restrained elegance.”
The next best price is $38.99
Aberrant Amplus Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 sticker, $35.10 after 10% discount , 35 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Vivid ruby-red. Flamboyant red and dark berry aromas are accented by smoky Indian spices, lavender, cola and woodsmoke. Sappy and expansive on the palate, displaying potent blackberry and cherry compote flavors underscored and lifted by zesty minerals and a hint of white pepper. Sweetens up with air and finishes with slowly mounting tannins and excellent persistence. Suave and approachable now but this pinot has the depth to age.” JR
The next best price is $48.99
“From our flagship vineyard, Angela Estate planted in 2006 on ancient marine sedimentary soils with Wadenswil, Dijon 777 & 115. This gorgeous 2012 vintage made by Ken Wright exhibits all of the beautiful floral and spice elements we typically see on this site; rose petal, plum, hibiscus, root beer / cherry cola, mouth-filling juicy red raspberry and a seamless white pepper finish.”–Winery Notes
The next best price is $37.42
Wine Spectator 92 points “A crisp and tangy red, with inviting red berry, red plum and quince flavors on a lively frame, finishing against fine tannins with intensity, persistence and harmony. Best from 2016 through 2022.” WS
The average price is $39
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Bright red. High-pitched aromas of strawberry, blood orange and white pepper, with a musky rhubarb nuance coming up with air. Lively and sharply focused, offering spicy red fruit flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. Racy and clean on the finish, which shows no obvious tannins and a zesty orange pith quality.” ST
The next best price is $35.99
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Ruby-red. Pungent aromas of dark berry, cola and vanilla show good depth, with allspice and fresh rose notes providing lift. Supple and open-knit, offering sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors that spread out on the mid-palate. Closes smooth and subtly spicy, with velvety tannins building slowly and framing the sweet dark fruit notes.” ST
The next best price is $29.99
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 750ML ($319.95) $279 sticker, $251.10 after 10% discount , 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 100 points “Another wine I’ve had multiple times recently, the 2003 (97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot) is pure perfection in a glass and yields off-the-hook aromatics of cassis, black raspberries, tobacco leaf, pepper and licorice. Deep, layered and even elegant, with a seamless texture that conceals the sheer wealth of material present, it builds through the mid-palate, possesses huge amounts of extract and masses of polished tannin on the finish. Despite the overall size, it never loses its Cabernet Sauvignon soul and has an almost Bordeaux-like savoriness and tannic frame. Still young (yet gorgeous none the less), it can be enjoyed now or cellared for another 10-15+ years. Drink now-2028. ”
The average price is $314
Wine Enthusiast 96 points –#28 Top 100 Cellar Selection 2014 “Block One is the original (1972) planting at Champoux, and it has anchored many of Washington’s finest wines over the past 20 years. Few if any better are than this, a huge wine with massive flavors of dense black fruits, from berries to cherries to cassis. It’s seen plenty of new oak, giving it a cedar-soaked scent, but the sheer power of the wine promises a long and expressive development over the coming decades. “WE
The next best price is $71.95
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92 points “(a 53/47 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc): Bright, dark red. Inviting, perfumed aromas of raspberry, currant, cocoa powder and licorice, lifted by an enticing floral element. Densely packed and broad but light on its feet, offering a fine-grained texture to its sweet berry and aromatic spice flavors. With the energy that comes from a cool year, this wine comes across as voluminous but not at all thick. And with its solid tannic clout and excellent rising length, it has the balance to evolve gracefully in bottle.” ST
The next best price is $25.99
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 91 points “(an 82/18 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon): Bright, dark red. Subdued but pure aromas of dark raspberry, dark chocolate, musky spices and earth. At once broad and juicy, offering savory currant and dark raspberry fruit flavors complicated by licorice and smoky soil nuances. Nicely concentrated wine with a restrained sweetness. Finishes with tongue-dusting, essentially supple tannins.” ST
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “(blended with 10% syrah): Ruby-red. Lovely aromatic nose and palate combine cherry and coffee elements. Juicy, ripe and intense, with clearcut varietal character and excellent tannic spine. Finishes ripe and long. “Two thousand ten was our first true European-style vintage, with the flavors coming before the sugars,” noted proprietor Greg Harrington.” ST
The next best price is $40.60
See below for a complete stock list:
Oregon White Wines
Alexeli Riesling Willamette Valley 2010 750ML ($17.95) $14 before discount, 2 bottles available
Belle Pente Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2011 750ML ($17.95) $16 before discount, 12 bottles available
Belle Pente Willamette Valley Riesling 2008 750ML ($18.95) $15.90 before discount, 17 bottles available
Matello Durant Vineyard Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2012 750ML ($27.95) $24 before discount, 1 bottles available
Love & Squalor Riesling Antsy Pants 2011 750ML ($31.95) $26 before discount, 12 bottles available
Love & Squalor Riesling, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 before discount, 7 bottles available
J. Christopher ‘Cuvee Lunatique’ Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 before discount, 12 bottles available
J. Christopher ‘Croft Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013 750ML($.95) $19 before discount, bottles available
J. Christopher Lia’s Vineyard Chardonnay, Chehalem Mountains 2011 750ML ($34.95) $29 before discount, 10 bottles available
Domaine Drouhin Arthur Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2013 750ML ($34.95) $29 before discount, 11 bottles available
Shea Wine Cellars Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($34.95) $29 before discount, 12 bottles available
Westrey Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 before discount, 11 bottles available
J. Christopher Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 before discount, 3 bottles available
Winery note “Made in the clean, fresh style of France’s Loire Valley, this wine is fermented in stainless steel and does not go through malolactic fermentation. The result is a classic, highly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc with perfect ripeness and excellent acidity.”
Harper Voit Surlie Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 before discount, 10 bottles available
Winery note “The 2013 Harper Voit Surlie Pinot Blanc, sourced from Amity Vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills and Meredith Mitchell Vineyard in McMinnville, is barrel fermented in used French oak and aged on lees. The fruit quality of the wine is bright, accompanied by laser-like acidity, a savory, complex palate and a lengthy, saline finish.”
J. Christopher ‘Cristo Misto’ White Wine, Oregon 2013 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 before discount, 1 bottle available
Winery note “This dry, stainless-steel-fermented quaffer is a special blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and just a touch of Riesling.”
Haden Fig Juliette Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($34.95) $27 before discount, 4 bottles available
Winery note “Three and a half barrel (15% new) blend that was fermented spontaneously in barrel. Aged for 18 month in barrel on the lees. Astonishingly complex with mineral, citrus, lemon curd, a creamy yet crisp texture with tremendous length. 80 cases produced.”
Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2012 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 before discount, 11 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “Fresh and vibrant, polished in texture and juicy, with star fruit, grapefruit and peach flavors that zip against lively acidity through a spicy, complete and harmonious finish. Shows impressive presence and length. Drink now through 2020. 1,400 cases made.” WS
Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16 before discount, 9 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “This full-bodied, lightly spiced wine seduces with fresh fruit flavors of pear, apple, kiwi and melon. Polished and bracing, it finishes with a lick of wet stone.” WE
Trisaetum Coast Range Vineyard Riesling, Yamhill-Carlton District 2013 750ML ($29.95) $24 before discount, 3 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This is the medium-dry (about 23 g/L residual sugar) Riesling from one of Trisaetum’s estate vineyards. Full-bodied, forward and bearing an acid-driven mix of pear, white peach, apricot and papaya fruit flavors, this wine delivers gobs of pleasure immediately, yet continues to add depth and detail when left to breathe overnight.” WE
Vincent Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 before discount, 5 bottles available
Winery note “The newest wine in my portfolio, a bright, lively and lemony white wine. The grapes here came from 20 year old vineyard near McMinnville, harvested in October but still at low sugar and strong acidity as this grape tends to give. I pressed the grapes, settled the juice and put it in old oak barrels for natural fermentation, just like I do with Chardonnay. No lees stirring, no new oak or buttery qualities, just bracing and lively white wine that is best younger but might age and develop a sense of honeycomb and waxy notes in a few years. If you can hold it that long. Just two barrels.”
Oregon Rose Wines
Omero Cellars Ribbon Ridge Rose of Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 before discount, 5 bottles available
Cameron Saignee of Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($29.95) $24 before discount, 22 bottles available
Winery note “Hints of orange rind, strawberry parfait, cream, tarragon, Chinese 5 spice, frumetto (you are going to have to look that one up), and yes, Funyuns. Just plain delicious. And it’s pink.”
Oregon Red Wines
Bow & Arrow Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 before discount, 4 bottles available
Marty Red Blend 2011 750ML ($17.95) $14 before discount, 14 bottles available
60% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Cameron Nebbiolo, Clos Electrique Vineyard 2009 750ML ($89.95) $79 before discount, 2 bottles available
Winery note “Called Chiavennasca in Valtellina and Spanna in Gattinara, Nebbiolo is arguably Italy’s most revered wine grape. After 20 years of planting, tweeking, grafting, talking to winemakers from Barbaresco/Barolo and gleaning everything possible about this crazy variety, we present our fourth release. This is perhaps finally the wine that shows what is possible in Oregon and the New World. With classic aromas of dried cherries, anise and tar and signature “sand on the teeth” that only Nebbiolo exhibits, this wine will remind you of the real deal.”
Aberrant Cellars ‘Carpe Noctem’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 11 bottles available
Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Reserve Series Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 before discount, 5 bottles available
Belle Pente Belle Pente Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2012 750ML ($39.95) $36 before discount, 20 bottles available
Belle Pente Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2011 1.5L ($99.95) $89 before discount, 10 magnums available
Belle Pente Murto Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2011 750ML ($34.95) $29 before discount, 12 bottles available
Belle Pente Murto Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2012 750ML ($39.95) $36 before discount, 19 bottles available
Crowley Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2012 750ML ($47.95) $38 before discount, 1 bottle available
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 2 bottles available
Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2013 750ML ($44.95) $36 before discount, 9 bottles available
Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($79.95) $69 before discount, 9 bottles available
Evesham Wood Illahe Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($31.95) $27 before discount, 9 bottles available
Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 750ML ($37.95) $33 before discount, 8 bottles available
Harper Voit Antiquum Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 10 bottles available
Harper Voit Huntington Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 16 bottles available
Harper Voit ‘Strandline’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 before discount, 8 bottles available
J. Christopher Nuages Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 7 bottles available
Love & Squalor ‘Antsy Pants’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 10 bottles available
Love & Squalor Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 before discount, 12 bottles available
Omero Cellars Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir, Washington 2011 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 1 bottle available
Shea Wine Cellars Block 5 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($79.95) $66 before discount, 7 bottles available
Shea Wine Cellars Block 7 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($79.95) $66 before discount, 8 bottles available
Shea Wine Cellars Homer Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($99.95) $89 before discount, 3 bottles available
Shea Wine Cellars West Hill Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($79.95) $66 before discount, 6 bottles available
Shea Wine Cellars Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($49.95) $40.90 before discount, 2 bottles available
Sineann Wyeast Vineyard Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 1 bottle available
Trisaetum Trisae Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($37.95) $28 before discount, 12 bottles available
Vista Hills Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16 before discount, 11 bottles available
Westrey Oracle Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2011 750ML ($29.95) $26 before discount, 6 bottles available
Aberrant Cellars ‘Carpe Noctem’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 5 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Bright red. Deeply pitched dark berry, cherry pit, anise and woodsmoke scents show very good clarity and pick up Indian spice and floral pastille qualities with air. Juicy, penetrating and precise, with vibrant black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors lifted and sharpened by tangy acidity. Shows excellent depth and power for the vintage, finishing sweet, smoky and very long. This sexy wine got 50% new oak but it doesn’t show in an overt fashion.” ST
Aberrant Cellars ‘Virtus ex’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 before discount, 35 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Bright ruby-red. Sexy, spice-laced red and dark berry scents are complicated by notes of cola, mocha, potpourri and smoky minerals. Fleshy, focused and lively, offering appealingly sweet black raspberry and cherry pit flavors that tighten up and gain spiciness with air. Packs a serious punch of fruit but comes off as lithe, finishing with excellent thrust and silky, even tannins that add structure.” JR
Antica Terra ‘Ceras’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($89.95) $75 before discount, 5 bottles available
Winery’s note: “Ceras is Botanica’s counterpoint. Its color is more purple than red. It is more about minerals and herbs than fruit and flowers. It is a focused and elegant distillation of rock rather than an opulent cascade of fruit. It is an expression of the geology that lays beneath our land, the tart blue fruits of the coast range and the tender herbs that one finds amongst the trees and mushrooms of the Northwest forest. 600 cases produced.”
Ayres Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2013 750ML ($34.95) $29 before discount, 14 bottles available
Winery note “Comprised of each and every producing clone on our estate vineyard: 667, 777, 115, 113, 114, and Pommard. If our vineyard could talk this bottle is what it would say. This wine is truly a symphony of sophistication! Think of our Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir as the belle of the ball and her date is the rebellious Pioneer Pinot Noir.”
Ayres Perspective Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 before discount, 1 bottle available
Winery note “Ayres Estate fruit and neighboring Ribbon Ridge vines from Armstrong Vineyard, Saikkonen Vineyard, & Lichtenwalter Vineyard team up for an unparalleled Pinot Noir experience. This is the only Ribbon Ridge cuvee on the market.”
Ayres Pioneer Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 9 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Vivid ruby-red. Musky cherry, blackberry and candied rose on the nose, plus notes of musky earth and star anise. Sappy, smoky and deeply concentrated, offering sweet red fruit and licorice pastille flavors and showing an exotic Indian spice nuance. Opens up nicely with air, picking up a hint of cola. Finishes on a youthfully tannic note, with firm grip, lingering spiciness and excellent persistence.” ST
Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($24.95) $19 before discount, 9 bottles available
Winery note “Impeccably grown Pinot Noir fruit from Yamhill-Carlton blends beautifully with our estate fruit. Dollar for dollar, this is simply the richest Willamette Valley Pinot Noir for your palate!”
Belle Pente Belle Pente Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2010 375ML ($21.95) $17.70 before discount, 4 half-bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Vivid red. High-pitched aromas of black raspberry, Asian spices and fresh rose. Juicy, penetrating and pure, offering vibrant red berry and bitter cherry flavors that gain flesh and weight with aeration. Darker fruit notes come up on the clinging finish, with its lingering floral and spicecake qualities. Very suave pinot, with the balance to age but plenty of upfront appeal as well.” ST
Belle Pente Belle Pente Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2011 750ML ($34.95) $29 before discount, 10 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Bright, hazy red. Assertive smoke- and spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry pit, sassafras and incense. Supple, tangy and sharply focused on entry, then broader in the middle, offering smoky cherry, blood orange and dark berry flavors and a hint of bitter herbs. Shows a refreshingly tangy quality on the finish, which clings with outstanding tenacity and no obvious tannins. Distinctly elegant in style, showing the best attributes of this cool vintage.” ST
Belle Pente Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2010 750ML ($44.95) $39 before discount, 24 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Bright ruby-red. A highly complex bouquet displays sexy red berry preserve, incense and candied rose scents, along with suggestions of cola, mocha and allspice. Sappy, deeply concentrated cherry and raspberry flavors are lifted and braced by juicy acidity and show excellent clarity and thrust. Closes with palate-staining intensity and sweetness, leaving suave floral and Asian spice notes behind. Impressively balanced and fine-grained, with serious cellaring potential.” ST
Bergstrom Wines ‘Cumberland’ Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2013 1.5L ($99.95) $89 before discount, 8 bottles available
Winery note “Dark red cherry in color and showcases an explosive and heady aromatic profile of fresh black cherries, red raspberries a slight kirsch note and ripe blueberries. The fruit character is bright and pure and only slightly lifted and framed by great Oregon spice and loamy earth character which adds depth and dimension to this very promising wine. In the mouth the wine is a fantastic expression of pure Oregon Pinot Noir with great verve and lift and vibrancy showing off rich, ripe berry flavors and a suave velvet-like structure which caresses the palate with its succulence but also promises a great future with its minerality and sweet tannins. Drink now-2019+”
Bergstrom Wines Gregory Ranch Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 before discount, 2 bottles available
Winery note “Vibrant ruby red color and possesses a very floral bouquet of roses and sweet purple violets as well as notes of ripe fruits on the nose like cherries, ripe strawberries and even red candies. A dark earthy note of mushrooms, oak spice, cola and sandalwood as well as citrus oils make this wine extremely intriguing now and promise great things as it develops with age. In the mouth it is bright and medium bodied with a tight tannic grip which opens up and melts away with aeration or decantation but still exudes lovely sweet fruit. This wine has succulent acidity and a long finish but remains tight now and will age well but is a very pleasant and easy drinking wine representative of the warm vintage. Needs 1-2 years to open up and develop then should drink well for 5-10 years.”
Bergstrom Wines Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2013 750ML ($69.95) $57 before discount, 3 bottles available
Winery note “Harvested from 5 different clonal blocks from the East Hill of the Shea Vineyard (Dijon clones 115 and 777 and the pioneering Pommard and Wadenswil clones). We have chosen to showcase this site’s gorgeous fruit and mineral profile by backing off the extraction and oak influence to let the true terroir shine through. The 2013 is a gorgeous expression of the vineyard in this vintage: a potpourri of dark fruits, blue fruits and loamy earth with a lifted floral perfume reminiscent of roses that adds delicacy and grace. The wine is medium bodied with full ripe fruit flavors that coat the palate with dense silky waves of texture, sweetness and a long mineral and floral finish. Drink now to 2019+”
Boedecker Cellars Athena Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($34.95) $29 before discount, 8 bottles available
Winery note “Smooth, spicy, currant and plum flavors.”
Boedecker Cellars Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 before discount, 5 bottles available
Wine Spectator 94 points “Taut, focused, light, lively and inviting, with pepper and clove accents around a vivid core of cherry and raspberry fruit, dancing easily through the long and expressive finish. Drink now through 2022. 175 cases made.” WS
Boedecker Cellars Stewart Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($34.95) $29 before discount, 5 bottles available
Winery note “Silky and elegant with flavors of raspberry and cherry.”
Brick House Vineyards ‘Evelyn’s’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 before discount, 3+ cases available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Focused, juicy, precise and expressive, this offers a gorgeously balanced mouthful of plum, currant, red berry and floral flavors that come together harmoniously and persist into the long finish. Has depth and distinction. Best from 2016 through 2022.”
Brick House Vineyards ‘Cuvee du Tonnelier’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2012 750ML ($59.95) $47 before discount, 1 bottle available
Winery’s notes: “From our oldest vines, a wine whose name means ‘the Cooper’s Cuvee.’ It honors the winemaker’s father. “Dad’s wine” is a tribute to a man as soft-spoken and generous as the Pinot Noir that honors him.”
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($81.95) $71.90 before discount, 19 bottles available
Winery note “The effusive aromas of 2012 Abbey Ridge Pinot noir mingle juniper berry, fennel, straw and tamarind, accompanied by high notes of blackberries and blueberries. The palate is resplendent with flavors of cherry cola, stewed plums and licorice. Soft tannins, bright acid and a nice long finish is typical of Abbey Ridge. This wine is a blinding success!”
Cameron Winery ‘Arley’s Leap’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 before discount, 14 bottles available
All Abbey Ridge Vineyard fruit
Chehalem Wines Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2010 750ML ($79.95) $69 before discount, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “Supple, velvety and gloriously expressive, layering blueberry, currant, white pepper and white chocolate flavors on a supple, medium-weight frame, playing out the flavors on a long, harmonious finish. Best from 2015 through 2020.” WS
Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 5 bottles available
Winery notes: “100% Pommard clone. Barrel aged for 19 months, no new oak. LaColina has quietly become a cornerstone vineyard for the Crowley brand as it continues to deliver the highest quality fruit year in and year out. Farmed and managed by George Hillberry.”
De Lancellotti Onelia Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 before discount, 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Bright ruby. Asian spice- and rose-accented scents of raspberry and cherry-cola, with a hint of smokiness in the background. Silky and seamless on the palate, offering sappy red berry and cherry compote flavors and a hint of licorice. Clings very nicely on the finish, which features silky tannins, repeating smokiness and an exotic floral pastille note. Balances power with vivacity smoothly and drinks very nicely right now with a bit of aeration.” ST
Domaine Drouhin Laurene Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2011 750ML ($69.95) $59 before discount, 11 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Brilliant red. Vibrant red berry and spicecake aromas are deepened by notes of cola, sassafras and mocha. Silky, penetrating and lively, with excellent clarity to its raspberry and cherry flavors. Becomes more floral with air and finishes sweet, smoky and very long, with lingering spiciness and a suave floral pastille quality.” ST
Domaine Serene ‘Yamhill Cuvee’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 before discount, 10 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “The Yamhill Cuvée is bright and polished, showing a tangy mix of cranberry and strawberry fruit. It’s built with precision, accenting the crisp fruit with streaks of lemon, orange and grapefruit.” WE
Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($29.95) $26 before discount, 9 bottles available
Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 375ML ($17.95) $14 before discount, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 90 points “Fresh and vibrant, showing polish to its currant and blackberry flavors. Finishes with density and finesse. Drink now through 2020.” WS
Evesham Wood Cuvee J Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 before discount, 3+ cases available
Winery note “Named in honor of Henri Jayer, the legendary Burgundian winemaker that Russ modeled much of his winemaking after we intend it to be our top cuvée worthy of the longest cellaring and capturing the vintage. Again this year’s blend is 6 barrels selected from Le Puits Sec. Certainly the most closed of our 2012 special cuvées, it’s easy to see the layers and complexity that are packed in the glass. This will easily age for a decade plus. 150 cases produced. Certified organically grown.”
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 12 bottles available
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2012 1.5L ($89.95) $79 before discount, 11 magnums available
Winery note “2012 produced a darker bottling, both in color and flavors. Dark cherry with hints of blackberry, typical Le Puits Sec plum flavors with a silky, creamy texture. Very forward and showing great now, I expect it to improve handsomely for the next 7-10 years. 500 cases produced. Certified organically grown.”
Evesham Wood Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 before discount, 4 bottles available
Winery note “Very reminiscent of the 2010, lively and fresh with bright red cherry, cranberry, cinnamon and slight chewiness on the finish. 3,200 cases produced.”
Haden Fig Juliette Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 4 bottles available
Winery note “Red cherry, violet, dusty rose, silky texture with great length.”
Harper Voit Bieze Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 1 bottle available
Winery note “The 2012 Bieze Vineyard Pinot Noir is composed of two-thirds Calera clone, contributing color intensity and round tannins, while the remaining one-third is the classic Pommard clone, giving lift and freshness to the wine. The wine was fermented dry, racked off lees, and barreled clean to French oak.”
Hazel Hill Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 before discount, 8 bottles available
From Ayres Winery
J. Christopher Lia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 before discount, 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points “Lia’s Vineyard lies just up the hill from Olenik on Chehalem Mountain, but has a completely different style. It has a full, juicy mid-palate, but remains seductively elegant, with a complex interplay of fruit and minerality. The finish is long and tinged with spices. A gorgeous wine!”
J. Christopher Lia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 before discount, 2 bottles available
Winery note “Lia’s Vineyard lies just up the hill from Olenik on Chehalem Mountain, but has a completely different style. It has a full, juicy mid-palate, but remains seductively elegant, with a complex interplay of fruit and minerality. The finish is long and tinged with spices. A gorgeous wine!”
J. Christopher Olenik Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 before discount, 4 bottles available
Winery note “This powerful wine is from a very warm site not far from us on Chehalem Mountain. It is dark and deep, with an enormous, explosive blast of fruit and minerals on the palate, followed by firm, but supple tannin. It’s a monster, but with a charming side!”
J. Christopher ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 before discount, 4 bottles available
Winery note “If Oregon had a vineyard classification, Abbey Ridge would unquestionably top the list of “Grand Cru” sites. The 2012 Abbey Ridge has the über-elegant, exceedingly distinctive mineral/floral character that is so typical of this great vineyard. It is somehow both delicate and full-bodied at the same time, with a lively salty/sweet interplay and a long, juicy finish?.”
J. Christopher ‘Dundee Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 14 bottles available
Winery notes: “This cuvée is a blend of selected barrels from several excellent vineyard sites in the red Jory clay of the Dundee Hills AVA. It shows the depth and power that are typical of this area, with classic savory and sanguine notes and a seamless acid structure. The 2012 vintage includes barrels from Bella Vida, La Colina, Meyer, and Charlie’s vineyards.”
J. Christopher Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($29.95) $26 before discount, 4 bottles available
Winery notes: ” The 2012 is blended from excellent vineyards in four of the Willamette Valley’s AVAs: Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill-Carlton and Eola-Amity Hills. Made with native fermentations and up to 18 months of barrel time, this is classic Oregon Pinot Noir.”
J. Christopher ‘Sandra Adele’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 before discount, 6 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “Sleek and polished, this is generous, with cherry, mocha, mint and floral flavors on a supple frame, lingering easily against deftly woven acidity and texture. Best from 2016 through 2022.” WS
Le Cadeau Vineyard Diversite Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 5 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Powerful, mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry-cola and lavender, with exotic clove and star anise nuances. Smooth and velvety in the mouth, offering sappy flavors of red and dark berries, cherry compote, candied flowers and blood orange. Closes sappy and very long, with resonating spiciness and smooth, late-arriving tannins.” ST
Le Cadeau Vineyard ‘Merci’ Reserve Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2011 750ML ($74.95) $61.90 before discount, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 94 points ” Nutmeg, ginger, and fennel pollen alluringly accent concentrated red berry fruit, while a level of carnal, umami and saliva-inducingly saline savor emerges that I haven’t witnessed in previous Le Cadeau bottlings. There is also a striking sense of vibrancy to the finish here that perfectly complements this Pinot’s satiny texture and sense of lift. Exciting though it is today, I have high hopes that this will gain further complexity and refinement over the next dozen or more years in bottle. (“The 2012 is frightening,” reports Sanders. That sounds to me like a recommendation.) ”
Le Cadeau Vineyard Rocheux Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The [wine] is spirited and bright, with an invigorating tang of berry skin to its tart cherry and a seedy crunch to its red raspberry. Sappy and mouth-filling though lean in texture, it finishes with a mouthwatering influx of salinity as well as notes of juniper berry, sage, black pepper, resin, crushed stone and tar that solidify its sense of stimulating impingement and sheer grip. This ought to perform well through at least 2025.” WA
Maison l’Envoye The Attache Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($41.95) $37 before discount, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Bright ruby. Deeper and darker in character than the Two Messengers, with intense cherry and black raspberry aromas and notes of cola, violet and woodsmoke. Broad and fleshy on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering intense dark berry flavors lifted by juicy acidity. Shows very good energy and lift on the finish, leaving smoke and floral pastille notes behind.”ST
Omero Cellars Pinot Noir, Eola Amity 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Vivid ruby-red. Fresh raspberry and floral pastille aromas are complicated by orange zest and white pepper. On the palate, vibrant red berry and bitter cherry flavors firm up with air and show solid energy. Finishes with good cut and spicy persistence.” ST
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 before discount, 7 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Intense raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by white pepper, allspice and smoky minerals. On the palate, juicy, sharply focused red fruit flavors stretch out and gain weight with air. Finishes on a lively spicy note, with very good length and sneaky tannins. Distinctly elegant for the vintage and very enjoyable now.” ST
Purple Hands Oregon Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 before discount, 17 bottles available
Winery note “Black cherry, currents, mulberry, red licorice, cassis, forest floor, salted chocolate, tobacco, leather. Hand Harvested. Native fermentations. Small open top fermenters hand plunged and macerated. 12 months in barrel. 90% neutral oak, 10% new oak.”
Roco Clawson Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2011 750ML ($49.95) $40.90 before discount, 4 bottles available
Wine Spectator 90 points “Light and vibrant, with fine tannins encircling a lean core of earthy cherry fruit, persisting gently on the delicate finish. Drink now through 2018. 250 cases made.”
Roco Knudsen Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2012 750ML (49$.95) $41.90 before discount, 7 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Black raspberry, cola, rose pastille and a hint of woodsmoke on the perfumed nose. On the palate, gently sweet dark berry flavors are lifted and firmed by juicy acidity and a touch of allspice. The spicy quality gains strength with air and carried through a long, seamless finish, which shows just a hint of dusty tannins. Very approachable now, but has the depth to suggest that a few years of cellaring would be rewarded.” ST
Roco Marsh Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 before discount, 5 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Vivid ruby-red. Sexy spice-laced black raspberry and cherry-cola aromas are complemented by deeper notes of mocha and licorice. At once lush and lively, offering broad dark berry flavors and a bracing kick of peppery spices. Silky tannins shape the finish, which clings with excellent clarity and persistent smoke and spice notes.” ST
Roco Marsh Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2011 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Sexy, high pitched red berry and floral aromas are complicated by notes of spice cake and vanilla. Closes with very good focus and energy, leaving a spicy note behind.”
Roco Wits’ End Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 before discount, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Sexy, spice-tinged red and dark berry aromas pick up subtle smoke and floral pastille qualities with air. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering intense black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a jolt of allspice. Silky tannins build on the finish, which lingers with excellent focus and length and insistent berry fruit character.” ST
Seven of Hearts Special Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($49.95) $44 before discount, 20 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Intense dark berry and floral pastille aromas are complicated by suggestions of cola, anise and smoky minerals. At once fleshy and lithe, showing excellent clarity and lift to its black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors. Brighter red fruits emerge with air and carry through a strikingly long, seamless finish, which features youthfully chewy tannins and a hint of spicecake. Bet on this concentrated, lively pinot to reward at least another six-plus years of aging.” ST
St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($41.95) $37 before discount, 4 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(28% new oak): Limpid ruby-red. Tightly focused cherry and black raspberry scents open up with air and are complicated by notes of cola, allspice and dried rose. Sappy, mineral-tinged bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors show very good focus and pick up a hint of smokiness with air. Fleshes out slowly on the persistent floral finish, which features youthfully chewy tannins. Based on this pinot’s power and structure I’d bet on it rewarding at least a decade of patience.” ST
Trisaetum Estates Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($79.95) $66 before discount, 10 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Vivid ruby-red. Deeply pitched dark berry preserve, cola and incense aromas show very good energy, with a smoky quality emerging as the wine opens in the glass. On the palate, juicy blackberry and cherry compote flavors are lifted and sharpened by a zesty mineral nuance and a hint of fresh flowers. Sweet vanilla and berry liqueur notes build on the finish, which is firmed by youthful, deftly integrated tannins. “ST
Trisaetum Estates Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 before discount, 5 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Vivid ruby-red. Deeply pitched dark berry preserve, cola and incense aromas show very good energy, with a smoky quality emerging as the wine opens in the glass. On the palate, juicy blackberry and cherry compote flavors are lifted and sharpened by a zesty mineral nuance and a hint of fresh flowers. Sweet vanilla and berry liqueur notes build on the finish, which is firmed by youthful, deftly integrated tannins.” JR
Trisaetum Ribbon Ridge Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 11 750ML ($49.95) $39 before discount, 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Bright ruby-red. Pungent smoke- and spice-accented aromas of dark berries and cherry, with a hint of candied flowers in the background. Shows very good clarity and lift to its bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors and picks up a bitter orange pith nuance with air. Finishes sweet, gripping and persistent.”
Trisaetum Trisae Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($34.95) $27 before discount, 11 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Full ruby. Smoky cherry and dark berries on the pungent, spice-accented nose and palate. Juicy and precise, with building sweetness and a refreshing bite of tangy minerality on the back half. Bright, nervy and sharply focused on the persistent finish, showing silky tannins and lingering spiciness.” ST
Vincent Armstrong Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 8 bottles available
Winery note “This year’s Armstrong Vineyard bottling is a blend of three barrels from this Ribbon Ridge AVA location. Two of the barrels come from the lower section, all 115 clone of Pinot Noir, producing a richer, darker wine. The third barrel is all 667 clone, from higher in the vineyard, always more ethereal and red fruited at this vineyard. The blend makes the darkest wine of my 2013s, a transparent ruby color, full of spicy black cherry and briny olive notes, with cherry, cinnamon and black tea flavors and a juicy, lingering finish.”
Vincent Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge 2013 750ML ($27.95) $24 before discount, 9 bottles available
Winery note “This blend is all Armstrong vineyard wine, but softer, broader in focus, lacking only the detail and amplitude of my top wine from this site. As usual, the Ribbon Ridge gives spicy black cherry flavors with a distinctive olive note that reminds me of the 2010 Ribbon Ridge. Tasters repeatedly told me that wine was ‘classic Oregon Pinot.’”
Westrey Pinot Noir “Cuvee 20th Anniversary,” Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 15 bottles available
Winery note “2012 marks Westrey’s 20th vintage, Amy’s 23 harvest in Oregon and David’s 25th harvest. The four barrels consist of 3 barrels of 35 year-old non-irrigated Pommard from Oracle and one barrel of 35 year-old Coury clone from our wonderful neighbors at Abbey Ridge. In the heat of 2012, our old own rooted vines produced fruit that was close to perfect. We harvested fruit with beautiful ripe Pinot flavors, without too much sugar, and fantastic acidity. Great richness in this wine is balanced by excellent length and elegance. The wine spent 19 months in wood with about 40% new. It was racked once, barrel to barrel, in the spring of 2013. It was blended at bottling in the spring of 2014. Please come celebrate 20+ years with us!!”
Westrey Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 before discount, 26 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “Bright violet color. Smoky cherry and dark berries on the nose, with hints of licorice and dried flowers building in the glass. Sappy and focused, offering bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors and a touch of succulent herbs. Finishes spicy and tight, with an echo of smokiness and strong tangy bite. Quite lively for a 2012: this shows the nerviness that I associate with better 2011s.” JR
White Rose Estate Guillen Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 before discount, 9 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Brilliant ruby. Sexy, assertively perfumed aromas of red and dark berries, Asian spices and cola, with a powerful floral jolt. Fleshy, sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering vibrant blackberry and cherry compote flavors that are lifted and braced by juicy acidity. Fine-grained tannins build slowly on the strikingly long finish, which leaves smoke and floral pastille notes behind.” ST
White Rose Estate ‘White Rose Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2012 750ML ($129.95) $99 before discount, 2 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Vivid ruby-red. Potent mineral- and spice-accented scents of candied red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, with a deeper licorice nuance in the background. Vibrant red and dark berry flavors show liqueur-like power without any excess weight. Spicy, incisive pinot with serious finishing thrust, silky tannins and a suave floral pastille quality that clings on the finish.” ST
WildAire Cellars Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2012 750ML ($49.95) $40.90 before discount, 1 bottle available
Winery note “Aromas of dark cherries, plums, and violets, leap from the glass. The soft entry leads to flavors of cherry, blackberry, and caramel, with sweet, abundant tannins and an incredibly long finish. Enjoy this wine with an herb encrusted rack of lamb with a port demi glace.”
WildAire Cellars Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2012 750ML ($49.95) $40.90 before discount, 6 bottles available
Winery note “Lovely aromatics of cherries, cloves, and bramble, integrate with toasty oak and rose petals. The soft entry evolves into flavors of cherry, plum, vanilla, with ample fine grained tannins that coast into a long finish. Try this wine with roasted pork loin and a pinot – Dijon mustard demi glace. ”
Wildstock Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($29.95) $24 before discount, 3 bottles available
(Scott Paul Wines) Winery note “This wine is the perfect entry level Oregon Pinot Noir made with the same overriding philosophy of non-manipulated winemaking as the Scott Paul Pinot Noirs. We let the natural character of the Willamette Valley shine through in each bottle.”
Washington White Wines
Reynvaan Queen’s Road Marsanne – Viognier, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($64.95) $51.90 before discount, 5 bottles available
Analemma Atavus Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Columbia Gorge 2013 750ML ($31.95) $28 before discount, 1 bottle available
Winery note “A serious wine with notes of fresh pear, musk melon, lime and nutmeg. Subtleties will continue to unfold in your glass. This wine offers brisk acidity from its high elevation origins and a lasting, dry finish. Alcohol 13.2%. Proudly featuring Columbia Gorge AVA fruit. Organically grown by our team from nearly 50 year old vines. This wine was gently whole cluster pressed. A small portion was set aside for later addition as Suss Reserve. Barrel fermented and briefly aged on lees in neutral oak.”
Charles Smith ‘Sixto’ Moxee Chardonnay, Washington State 2012 750ML ($79.95) $54.50 before discount, 35 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Coming from a warmer site and old vines (37-year-old) that are located northeast of Yakima city, the 2012 (aged in 20% new French oak puncheons) gives up perfumed spice, lemon curd, toast and chamomile-like nuances to go with a medium-bodied, rounded, supple and yet fantastically pure and layered profile on the palate. I love the mid-palate here, and this is a rich, textured effort that’s geared for consuming over the coming 3 to 4 years.” WA
Charles Smith ‘Sixto’ Roza Hills Chardonnay, Washington State 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 before discount, 34 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2012 comes from limestone soils that lie at an elevation of 1,300 feet outside the town of Zillah. Aged in 30% new French oak, it gives up impressive lemon and stone fruits, white flowers, warm spice and ample chalky minerality in its medium-bodied, layered, fabulously pure and rich profile. As with the other whites from this estate, it’s more than a little impressive.” WA
Charles Smith ‘Sixto’ Uncovered Chardonnay, Washington State 2012 750ML ($49.95) $29 before discount, 17 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2012 sees no new oak and is a blend from the three vineyards (Frenchman Hills, Moxee and Roza Hills). Loaded with lychee, citrus blossom, lemon and crushed rock-like minerality, this medium-bodied, beautifully pure and elegant effort has superb mid-palate richness and picks up additional nuttiness on the finishIt, too, should evolve gracefully over the coming 3-4 years, if not longer.” WA
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($11.95) $9.90 before discount, 3+ cases available
Wine Spectator 90 points “Silky and seductive, with pear and spicy grapefruit flavors on a taut, polished frame, lingering with intensity and brightness on the glowing finish. Impressive for the price. Drink now.” WS
Long Shadows Poet’s Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($21.95) $19 before discount, 12 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90 points “Also rock-solid, the 2013 Riesling Poet’s Leap is a delicious, lively and crisp white that offers plenty of mint, green citrus and flint- like minerality to go with a medium-bodied profile on the palate that delivers a kiss of sweetness. Perfectly balanced, it will drink well for 5-7 years (although I-d drink it over the coming couple of years).” WA
Washington Rose Wine
Cayuse Vineyards Edith Armada Vineyard Grenache Rose, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points “Looking like a white wine, with barely any pink color, the 2012 Grenache Rose Edith is nevertheless a gorgeous effort that will be hard to beat on a hot summer day. Juicy and lively, with tangerine, grapefruit and citrus aromas and flavors, this medium-bodied drinker has fabulous purity, refreshing acidity and a clean finish. I’d enjoy it over the coming summer months. ” WA
Washington Red Wine
Analemma Atavus Vineyard Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 2 bottles available
Long Shadows Chester Kidder Red, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 10 bottles available
L’Ecole No. 41 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 750ML ($31.95) $28 before discount, 12 bottles available
Angel Vine Stonetree Vineyard Petite Sirah, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 before discount, 1 bottle available
Betz Family Winery Clos de Betz, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 before discount, 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(67% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon and 5% petit verdot; aged in 65% new oak): Good bright, deep red. Redcurrant, cocoa powder and musky tobacco on the nose. Gentle and creamy in the mouth for 2011, with harmonious ripe acidity framing the sweet red berry, cherry and cocoa powder flavors. This floral merlot-based wine is supported by firm acids and tannins but comes across as quite feminine in style. Betz notes that 2011 was a very good year for merlot.”
Long Shadows Chester Kidder Red, Columbia Valley 2007 1.5L ($149.95) $119 before discount, 4 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93+ points “Medium red. Lovely Old World earthiness on the nose, along with brown spices and red rose. Then fresh, suave and layered in the mouth, with enticing floral lift to the dark berry, licorice, mocha and mineral flavors. This really spreads out to saturate the palate, but with perfume rather than weight. Finishes very long, with broad tannins, harmonious acidity and hints of mocha and pepper. A beauty. Chester-Kidder is the project of resident Long Shadows winemaker Gilles Nicault.”ST
Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 before discount, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Tasted out of barrel, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon should be a significant step up over the 2011. Full-bodied, beautifully textured, concentrated and rich, with high, yet sweet tannin, it offers up notions of cassis, cedar, cherry blossom and lead pencil shavings in its pure, sexy personality. Given the texture and concentration, it should drink reasonably well on release, yet evolve for two decades. Chris Figgins and Drew Bledsoe continue to release a blockbuster Cabernet under their Doubleback label.” WA
Figgins Estate Red, Walla Walla Valley 2011 750ML ($119.95) $89 before discount, 7 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 94+ points “( roughly 45% each cabernet sauvignon and merlot and the rest petit verdot): Good bright ruby. Cassis, black cherry and licorice aromas are lifted by a floral topnote. A juicy, intense wine of outstanding clarity and penetration, with superb harmonious acidity giving it an element of inner-mouth tension rare in Washington red wine. Really builds and echoes on the slowly mounting finish, where the noble tannins are hidden by fruit. This beauty should enjoy a slow and spectacular evolution in the bottle.” ST
Quilceda Creek ‘CVR’ Red Wine, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($79.95) $59 before discount, 13 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2011 offers the classic creme de cassis, graphite, toasted spice and hints of licorice that seems to be present in all of the estate’s Cabernets. Medium to full-bodied, supple and already approachable, it nevertheless has the back-end stuffing to evolve gracefully for upwards of a decade.” WA
Quilceda Creek ‘CVR’ Red Wine, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 before discount, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2012 is a declassified blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with splashes of Merlot and Malbec. It offers up plenty of classic Quilceda character with notions of blackberry liqueur, toasted spice, graphite and licorice as well as full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Already supple and approachable, yet with notable tannin structure, it will deliver the goods on release, and over the following decade or more.” WA
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 750ML ($249.95) $219 before discount, 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 97 points “A smidge more evolved than the 2002, the 2001 is made from 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, mostly from the famed Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. It offers a rock star bouquet of blackberry liqueur, cassis, dried licorice, spice and roasted meats to go with a full-bodied, concentrated, yet incredibly polished and elegantly textured mouthfeel. Blockbuster stuff that has everything, it is still youthful and vibrant and has another decade or more of longevity, although I see no reason to delay gratification. Drink now-2023.”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 750ML ($299.95) $259 before discount, 6 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “Almost as good as the 2003, the 2002 is a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc that spent 22 months in 100% new French oak. Its youthful purple/ruby color is followed by gorgeously complex and intense aromas of wild herbs, exotic spices, caramelized beef, licorice and layers of sweet black fruits and creamy black cherry-like nuances. Full-bodied, rich and incredibly youthful, it opens up beautifully in the glass and is a total thrill ride of a Washington State Cabernet. I’d enjoy bottles over the coming decade, but it will hold longer. Drink now-2027. ”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 750ML ($299.95) $249 before discount, 5 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “Also offering off-the-charts richness, with a flamboyant, hedonistic profile, the 2004 (96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc) possesses spice-laced aromas and flavors of cassis, smoke tobacco, roasted meats, dried licorice and wild herbs that are to die for. Full-bodied, incredibly layered, rich and textured it has no hard edges, masses of tannin and a finish that won’t quit. I’ve been lucky enough to taste this cuvee three times (rated 96 and 97) in the past handful of weeks and this was the best showing yet. From a cool vintage, it is still youthful and vibrant, and will continue to shine for another 15+ years. Drink now-2028. ”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 750ML ($319.95) $279 before discount, 1 bottles available
Robert Parker 100 points “From a hot vintage and incredible any way you look at it, the 2005 has that laser-like focus of a cooler year, yet the voluptuousness and richness of a warmer year. Smoked black fruits, coffee, truffle and pen ink-like aromas and flavors all emerge from this massive, incredibly full-bodied effort and on the palate, it carries itself perfectly with a weightless, yet decadent texture, masses of polished tannin and blockbuster length. More classic and textbook than the 2007, it is every bit as good. Enjoy it over the coming two decades or more. Drink now-2033. ”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 750ML ($249.95) $219 before discount, 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 96 points “The most evolved of the lineup, with complex spice box, wild herbs, dried flowers, currants and scorched earth aromas all emerging from the glass, the 2006 is beautifully textured, full-bodied and seamless on the palate. Up-front and approachable, it nevertheless has the back-end richness, depth and structure to continue to evolve for another decade or more. Drink now-2023. ”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 750ML ($319.95) $279 before discount, 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 100 points “A monumental wine in the making, the 2007 is one of those wines that presents such an over the top array of aromas and flavors that it’s hard to figure out what you think about it with just a quick glance. It’s only with the second or third sip that you really start to see how special this effort truly is. Offering up perfumed, intense aromas of plum, violets, ink, licorice and black currants, it flows onto the palate with a massive, incredibly full-bodied texture that builds through the mid-palate and carries layers of polished tannins, awesome purity of fruit and blockbuster length. Most likely not for everyone given the sheer size, it is an incredible wine in my opinion. Still tasting like a barrel sample, it will have 30+ total years of longevity. Drink 2017-2037. ”
Quilceda Creek Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2011 750ML ($199.95) $179 before discount, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2011 comes all from the Golitzin’s Red Mountain vineyard and is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the richest and most concentrated wines in the vintage, it offer fabulous creme de cassis, black raspberry, graphite, toast and licorice aromas and flavors to go with a full-bodied, seamless and beautifully balanced profile on the palate. As expected, it doesn’t have the sheer wealth of material that’s present in the prior vintages, yet everything is perfectly proportioned, it has excellent mid-palate depth and notable, sweet tannin. It benefits from a decant and will have upwards of two decades of longevity.”WA
Quilceda Creek Palengat Vineyard Red, Horse Heaven Hills 2011 750ML ($179.95) $149 before discount, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 points “A blend of 61% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot, the 2011 has a great bouquet of sweet plum liqueur, blackberry, graphite, lead pencil shavings and toast. This is followed by a full-bodied effort that has beautiful concentration (especially in the vintage), loads of texture and ripe underlying tannic structure. Reasonably approachable now, it will nevertheless evolve gracefully on its overall balance. Enjoy bottles over the coming 10-15 years.” WA
Soos Creek Wine Cellars Soleil Red, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 before discount, 3+ cases available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90+ points “(55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 10% Syrah): Bright, saturated ruby-red. Brooding aromas of dark berries, licorice and violet, accented by black pepper and herbs. Densely packed and classically dry, with a fine-grained texture to the flavors of blackberry, cassis, violet, black pepper and minerals. Finishes with a firm spine of dusty, fine tannins and very good length.” ST
Soos Creek Wine Cellars Sundance Red, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($24.95) $18 before discount, 9 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 88 points “(38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 15% Syrah and 13% Cabernet Franc): Dark red. Aromas of dark cherry, brown spices and celery seed, plus a lively suggestion of rose petal. A juicy, slightly peppery midweight with a cool-vintage character to its red fruit and spice flavors. On the lean side but nicely aromatic in the mouth, although the nose seemed to shut down in the glass. I’d enjoy this over the next three or four years.” ST
Tamarack Cellars Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 before discount, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points “A fantastic effort that also represents a smoking value, the 2012 boast thrilling notes of violets, wild flowers, black raspberry and mulberry styled fruits to go with a medium to full-bodied, voluptuously textured style on the palate. Showing the purity and focus of the vintage, this beauty will have over a decade of prime drinking.” WA
Betz Family Winery Besoleil, Columbia Valley 2012 1.5L ($119.95) $99 before discount, 1 magnum available
Wine Advocate 94 points “A Rhone-styled blend, the 2012 Besoleil is made from 50% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre that’s aged all in neutral oak. Gorgeous on all accounts, it has fantastic density and depth, with medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful freshness and classic Grenache-driven aromas and flavors of raspberry, black raspberry, pepper, herbs de Provence and flowers. Already hard to resist, it should evolve gracefully for over a decade.” WA
Charles Smith K Vintners ‘El Jefe en Chamberlin’, Stoneridge Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 before discount, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Aged in 80% new French oak, the 2012 gives up classic Christmas spice, cedar and graphite to go with a core of both red and black styled fruit. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and with the tannic grip of the variety, this solid effort will benefit from short-term cellaring and evolve gracefully for over a decade.” WA
Sineann Winery Champoux Vineyard Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 before discount, 6 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “From the acclaimed Champoux vineyard, this puts the purple fruit in a wrap of pretty baking spices. Barrel aging adds cocoa and coffee, while the acidity is sufficient to keep the wine from feeling too tannic. Another couple of years of bottle age-or brisk decanting-should put it at its peak.” WE
Betz Family Winery La Cote Rousse Syrah, Red Mountain 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 before discount, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 points “More mineral-driven, with savory spices, dried earth and floral notes balanced by a rocking core of fruit, the 2012 is more backwards and reticent than the La Serenne, and will need short-term cellaring to unwind. Possessing full-bodied richness, beautiful concentration, high, yet sweet tannin, and a terrific finish, this awesome Syrah will be at its best from 2017-2027.” WA
Grand Reve Vintners – Force Majeure Vineyards Syrah, Red Mountain 2010 750ML ($149.95) $119 before discount, 9 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “By Mike MacMorran. 100% Syrah from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. The 2010 is incredible. Aged 20 months in 33% new Burgundy barrels prior to bottling, it gives up totally gorgeous notes of ripe black fruits, smoked earth, crushed rock and bacon fat. Hitting the palate with a full-bodied, elegant and seamless profile, it continues to build in the glass, showing sweet tannin, incredible purity and blockbuster length. It’s the most masculine and mineral-driven in style of the three vintages of the cuvee reviewed here.” WA
Reynvaan Foothills in the Sun Reserve Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($99.95) $89 before discount, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 96 points “Certainly one of the wines of the vintage, the 2012 offers additional pepper, earthy minerality, olive tapenade and cured meats in its masculine, full-bodied and layered personality. Blossoming in the glass, it’s unfortunate that there’s a scant 200 cases of this beauty to go around. Nevertheless, it has awesome purity, excellent mid-palate depth and beautiful focus and precision on the finish. Give it 1 to 2 years in the cellar and drink bottles through 2027.” WA
Reynvaan In The Hills Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($99.95) $89 before discount, 23 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95+ points “Starting first with the wines already in bottle, the new 2012 is another northern Rhone styled effort that’s co-fermented with 10% Viognier and 15-30% whole cluster. Coming from the Foothills in the Sun vineyard located around the estate, it gives up a fantastic, Cote-Rotie like bouquet of bacon fat, violets, pepper and olives to go with a core of sweet black raspberry styled fruit. Medium to full-bodied, layered, seamless and beautifully concentrated, with fine tannin, it’s a knockout effort to enjoy over the coming 12 to 15 years.” WA
Reynvaan In The Rocks Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($99.95) $89 before discount, 13 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Including just a smidge (2%) of Viognier in 2012, the 2012 gives up lovely aromas and flavors of violets, wild flowers, smoke and assorted purple-styled fruits to go with a chewy, rich and beautifully textured profile on the palate. Staying remarkably fresh and elegant, it should be enjoyable on release and shine over the following decade or so.” WA
Reynvaan The Contender Syrah – Marsanne, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 before discount, 9 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96-98 points “The 2012 is just another incredible effort from this estate. A big, full-bodied, layered, decadent and exotic Syrah, it gives up loads of blackberry, plum, earth, cracked pepper and assorted bacon/meaty qualities that continue to change and evolve in the glass. Incorporating 3% Marsanne, it has the texture and balance to shine on release, yet will have no problems over the following decade either.” WA
Reynvaan The Unnamed Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($99.95) $89 before discount, 16 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “From the Rocks Region of Walla Walla, all of which were still in barrel at the time of this tasting, the 2012 checks in as a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache Blanc that sees roughly 25% new French oak. Giving up rocking red and black fruits, black pepper, ground herbs and smoked meats, it’s a rich, full-bodied, fabulously textured effort to drink over the coming 10 to 12 years.” WA