TOP WASHINGTON WINES
OF 2006
WINE PRESS NORTHWEST
- "Best of the Best in the Great Northwest"
Double Platinums
Zerba Cellars 2003 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley; $40
This classy Syrah is a prime example of Old World meets New World. It opens with the leathery, bacon fat aromas of a Côte-Rôtie, then glides into aromas and flavors of blackberries, black raspberries, vanilla and ripe plums. This wine has it all, from rich, dark, focused flavors to beautiful acidity to moderate tannins and just the barest kiss of oak. Amazingly, this wine won a Platinum last year, then was eligible for this year’s competition on the strength of a gold medal at the Northwest Wine Summit. This Syrah is available from the Milton-Freewater, Ore., winery’s library selection. Gold (NWS). — 418 cases
 Saint Laurent Winery 2005 Rose', Wahluke Slope; $12
Who thought a pink wine could be not only good but also great? Saint Laurent is a fast-rising star near Wenatchee, Wash., whose estate vineyard is on the Wahluke Slope appellation. This blend of Syrah (65%), Chardonnay (23%) and Riesling (12%) provides bright, fruit-laden and inviting aromas of cherries, cranberries and raspberries, followed by bone-dry flavors of bright red fruits. Said one judge: “You cannot find a more beautiful color on Earth.” Pair this with almost any food, including salmon, sashimi, seared venison tenderloin or steak tartar. Double Gold (Wash). — 205 cases
Zerba Cellars 2004 Merlot, Columbia Valley; $28
Cecil Zerba doesn’t have a winemaking background. He learned on the job when the consultant for his 4- year-old winery left him high and dry, and he’s gotten plenty of help from fellow winemakers around the Walla Walla Valley. After the results of this judging, we aren’t sure he needs too much more assistance. This marvelous Merlot jumps out of the glass with aromas of juniper berries, black cherries, leather and mocha, followed by bing cherries, black licorice, vanilla and milk chocolate. This is a classy wine that will pair with grilled or roasted meats. Gold (Seattle). — 374 cases
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2004 Syrah, Columbia Valley; $38
In our big Syrah judging in the Fall issue, this red pleasantly surprised our judges, as it came from a Hood River, Ore., winery that was known more for its Alsatian-style whites than its luscious reds. Its performance amid the Northwest’s best solidi- fies its place among the great wines coming out of our region in 2006. It opens with aromas of black raspberries, strawberry jam and violets, followed by flavors of juicy dark fruit, black pepper and chocolate. Outstanding (WPNW). —
174 cases
Download the results of the 2006 Wine Press
NW Platinum Judging, "the best of the
best in the Great Northwest." CLICK
HERE TO DOWNLOAD
<back
to top>
WINE
SPECTATOR - "The Top 100 of 2006 "
#2 – Quilceda Creek 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon; Washington (95 points - $85)
Richly layered with gorgeous, focused currant, plum and blackberry fruit, shaded with touches of dusky spice and smoky notes from oak, but it's almost subliminal to the harmonious, seamless fruit character. The wine glides over the palate, submerging its tannins to let the flavors soar. Best from 2008 through 2020. 3,400 cases made.
#25 – Spring Valley 2003 Uriah; Walla Walla Valley (94 points - $40)
Supple, generous and beautifully structured to show off its currant, plum and blackberry flavors, gently supported by ultrarefined tannins to let the finish go on and on. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2013. 2,055 cases made.
 #62 – Chateau Ste. Michelle 2004 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay; Columbia Valley (92 points - $20)
A fruit-centered wine, this sings with pear, grapefruit and peach aromas and flavors, perched enticingly on a lithe frame, with subdued oak notes lingering around the periphery. It's the texture, though, that makes it so attractive, polished and refined. Drink now through 2010. 9,000 cases made.
#84 – Novelty Hill 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon; Columbia Valley (91 points - $22)
Supple and generous, its plush, spicy cherry and currant flavors wrapped in refined tannins that let the finish persist impressively. Approachable now, but it can use some time in the cellar. Best after 2007. 2,150 cases made.
CLICK
HERE TO DOWNLOAD the results of Wine Spectator's "The Top 100 Wines of 2006".
WINE
SPECTATOR - Great Values of 2006 (Outstanding wines for $15 or less)
Columbia Crest 2003 Grand Estates Merlot; Columbia Valley (90 points - $11)
Supple, ripe and seductive, a plush wine with gorgeous plum, blackberry, currant and hints of exotic spice swirling through the round, generous finish. Drink now through 2010. 150,000 cases made.
Gordon Brothers 2003 Merlot; Columbia Valley (90 points - $15)
Rich and spicy, with a glowing core of ripe raspberry, strawberry and red cherry, balanced with juicy acidity and a lavish blanket of creamy oak. It all mingles well, and the finish sails on and on. Drink now through 2010. 2,000 cases made.
Hogue 2002 Genesis Merlot; Columbia Valley (90 points - $15)
Firm, with a supple core of currant and blueberry fruit that lingers attractively on the fine-grained finish that lasts beautifully. Needs time to soften. Best from 2007 through 2012. 10,280 cases made.
Snoqualmie 2004 Rosebud Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon; Columbia Valley (90 points - $15)
Polished and elegant. A mouthful of gorgeous currant and blackberry fruit is balanced with lively acidity and a light veil of sweet, spicy oak. All of it mingles beautifully on the refined finish. Drink now through 2012. 3,000 cases made.
CLICK
HERE TO DOWNLOAD the results of Wine Spectator's "Top Scoring Value Releases".
<back
to top>
WINE
ENTHUSIAST'S - "Top 100 Wines of 2006 "
#8 – Chateau Ste. Michelle 2003 Ethos Syrah (94 points - $29)
This very limited (600 cases) companion to the winery's Ethos Chardonnay marks a turnaround for Ste. Michelle's red wine program, as Bob Bertheau came on board just before the 2003 crush. The style is seductive, sharp and spicy; the tart fruits tumble out in a pile of mixed berry and cherry. Chocolate and baking spices add more flavors; the wine is seamless, smooth and long; the oak beautifully integrated.
#22 – J. Bookwalter 2005 Riesling (93 points - $16)
Continuing its string of outstanding Rieslings, J. Bookwalter once again has produced an exceptionally fragrant wine absolutely brimming with scents of sweet blossom, citrus, peach, mango and pear. The mix of fruits is marvelous; equally impressive is the racy acidity that keeps the wine poised, balanced and right on the fence between dry and sweet.
#45 – Soos Creek 2003 Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (94 points - $30)
You'll find this underrated producer offers wines with wonderful density and concentration, ripely balanced, plummy, mixed red fruits, and elegantly astringent tannins. There is real winemaking craft on display here, every detail beautifully rendered, substantial but not out of whack in any way. The fragrant, evocative results showcase the fruit but also buttress it with properly managed acids, tannins and new oak.
#54 – Quilceda Creek 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (97 points - $95)
Lovely color and aromatics, this supremely powerful yet graceful wine sends up a mix of plum, berry, dust, mint and menthol. It's spicy and young, and surprisingly light on its feet. The concentration here is different from a top-tier Napa Cabernet; the fruit has a pleasing elegance. The acids are firm but unobtrusive, the tannins are ripe, smooth but substantial, giving the wine some weight and power. As good as anything this superb producer has ever done.
 #68 – Cadence 2003 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine (94 points - $38)
Gorgeous, elegant and refined, this opens into wonderfully aromatic scents of dusty coffee, cocoa and mocha. There are streaks of chalk, limestone, gravel and pencil lead, mixed fruits and hints of expressive spice all beautifully layered throughout. Cellar this for at least five years to pull everything together.
#78 – Cayuse 2003 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah (95 points - $55)
Incredible fruit intensity. Cranberry, pomegranate and cherry meet rock, gravel and pepper. Lovely focus and purity; it's concentrated and tight, with a minerality that is compelling and distinctive. The best yet from Cailloux. Syrah is co-fermented with 4 or 5% Viognier. It's a world-class effort, still quite young and tight, but built for beautiful aging.
#90 – Andrew Will 2003 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard (95 points - $45)
Spectacular, with opening young wine characteristics displaying naturally tart, spicy mixed red fruits. New barrel flavors of chocolate, smoke and toast are out in front, but right behind is glorious fruit...fully ripe, sweet and succulent, concentrated and rich. It finishes gracefully with nuances of iron filings and fresh herb.
#92 – Betz Family 2003 Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (95 points - $45)
Firm, chewy, young, tight and yet quite supple and fulfilling, this stunning Cabernet is packed with a rainbow of fruit flavors...blueberry, black currant and black cherry...that open into a seamless, beautifully proportioned wine. The scents and flavors run the gamut from citrus peel to clove to oy to chocolate, espresso and beyond.
WINE ENTHUSIAST
- "Top 100 Best Buys of 2006"
#1 – Columbia Crest 2002 Grand Estates Shiraz (90 points - $11)
Very fruity, youthful and packed with brambly berry flavors. Tart, tangy and loaded with berries and cherries, this racy, snappy effort shows surprising depth and weight for its modest price point. There's a nice lick of vanilla in the soft, lush finish.
#9 – Sagelands 2003 Merlot (91 points - $13)
The fleshy, fruity nose suggests very ripe, mixed berry and cherry fruits, and there is a liberal amount of oak. A good, open, broadly fruity mouthfeel knits the wine together nicely. In fact, its flavors seem woven throughout, mixing the fruit with notes of oak, bacon, smoke and ham. Surprisingly long.
#13 – Pine & Post 2004 Chardonnay (87 points - $5)
Solid and clean, this well-made Chardonnay includes a generous (20%) proportion of Sémillon, which fleshes it out. The dominant flavors are tangerine and citrus, and the wine sets up crisply in the mouth without feeling stripped or sour in any way.
#21 – Covey Run 2004 Pinot Grigio (88 points - $7)
This blows away everything in its price range. Plump flavors of pear, peach, citrus and green apple show persistence, grip and mouth-cleaning tartness.
#28 – Latah Creek 2004 Johannisberg Riesling (90 points - $7)
Very classy, and classic, WA Riesling, with just enough residual sugar to offset the zippy acids. Bright, fresh, crisp and clean, with a wash of honeyed sweetness underlying the ripe peaches and apple-flavored juice. Just a delightful bottle of Riesling.
#39 – Snoqualmie 2004 Sauvignon Blanc (87 points - $7)
Smooth and creamy, this pure-blooded Sauvignon Blanc is as light and clean as a spring breeze. Nicely ripened to flavors of fig and grapefruit, it adds accent notes of lemon rind and fresh herb.
#50 – Arbor Crest 2003 Merlot (90 points - $15)
This rich, ripe wine, sourced from top vineyards such as Klipsun, Stillwater Creek and Conner Lee, really knocks your socks off. The substantial blackberry and black cherry fruit carries unusual weight, and the tannins and barrel time give the wine layers of toast and smoke.
#86 – Castle Rock 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (88 points - $11)
Though Castle Rock is a California winery, this is a Columbia Valley wine; they purchase the juice in Washington and bottle in California. Despite the generic feel to the package, this is the real deal: Smooth and appealing plum and pie cherry fruit is distinctly marked with cinnamon and light cocoa. Substantive and seamless, it carries well into a lingering finish of fine-grained tannins.
#94 – Hedges 2004 CMS Red (88 points - $11)
Classic, rich and supple; this tastes like a far more expensive wine. It has a European polish, mixing plum, berry and cherry fruit with darker streaks of tar, coffee and smoke. The 13.5% alcohol is perfectly ripe and stylish, and the wine has good length, precision and complexity.
<back
to top>
WINE & SPIRITS - "American Wineries of the Year "
Chateau Ste. Michelle - Multisource Winery
90 points - ’05 Columbia Valley Eroica Riesling; $20
89 points - ’04 Columbia Valley Ethos Chardonnay; $30
88 points - ’03 Ethos Merlot; $36
L’Ecole No. 41 - Regional Winery
93 points - ’03 Walla Walla Valley Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee
92 points - ’04 Walla Walla Valley Seven Hills Vineyard Syrah
91 points - ’03 Walla Walla Valley Seven Hills Vineyard Perigee
Leonetti - Estate Winery
94 points - ’03 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points - ’04 Walla Walla Valley Merlot
90 points - ’03 Walla Walla Valley Reserve Red
Pepper Bridge - Estate Winery
94 points - ’03 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points - ’02 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points - ’03 Walla Walla Valley Merlot
Andrew Will - Artisan Winery
93 points - ’03 Red Mountain Klipsun Vineyard
93 points - ’02 Red Mountain Ciel du Cheval Vineyard
91 points - ’03 Yakima Valley Sheridan Vineyard
Reininger - Artisan Winery
93 points - ’03 Walla Walla Valley Syrah
91 points - ’02 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points - ’03 Walla Walla Valley Cima
Whitman - Artisan Winery
94 points - ’02 Walla Walla Valley Narcissa
92 points - ’02 Walla Walla Valley Merlot
92 points - ’03 Walla Walla Valley Syrah
Woodward Canyon - Artisan Winery
92 points - ’02 Columbia Valley Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points - ’03 Walla Walla Valley
91 points - ’03 Columbia Valley Artist Series #12 Cabernet Sauvignon
WINE & SPIRITS - "100 Best Wines of 2006"
Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Leonetti 2003 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (94 points - $70)
— 2,198 cases
Pepper Bridge 2003 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (94 points - $50)
— 3,142 cases
Best Cabernet Blends
Whitman 2002 Walla Walla Valley Narcissa (94 points - $24)
— 2,500 cases
Best Merlot
Leonetti 2004 Walla Walla Valley Merlot (93 points - $60)
— 2,900 cases
WINE & SPIRITS - "100 Best Values of 2006"
Sparkling
Domaine Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Extra Dry Sparkling Wine (86 points - $11)
Grapey and clean with a lively mousse, Ste. Michelle's Extra Dry is a simple, straightforward sparkler with apple and dried pineapple flavors that walk a line between tart and sweet. Chill for tapas.
White
L'Ecole No. 41 2004 Columbia Valley Barrel Fermented Semillon (88 points - $15)
With its amber hue, nougatlike aroma and broad, waxy texture supporting mild quince and pear flavors, this semillon is ample and versatile, well matched with turkey breast or pork loin. — 4,065 cases
Red
Columbia Crest 2002 Columbia Valley Two Vines Merlot (Exceptional Value - $8)
More savory than fruity, this is an easy quaffer for roast chicken and potatoes.
Pavin & Riley 2004 Columbia Valley Merlot (87 points - $10)
Bright and tight, with a light fragrance of red plums and austere fruit flavors, this is taut and balanced; for grilled sausages.
Sagelands 2002 Columbia Valley Four Corners Cabernet Sauvignon (Good Value - $12)
Rich and meaty, deep and chewy, with black cherry and plum flavors edged in burnt caremel and earth, this has plenty of grip for a hearty lamb stew.
<back
to top> |
