Foothills Magazine - November/December 2020 by The Wenatchee World

oothills WENATCHEE u LEAVENWORTH u CHELAN u AND ALL OF NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON

November-December 2020

The Wine Issue

Results from 2020 NCW Wine Awards

HELP GET OUR KIDS BACK IN SCHOOL

BE A PROTECTOR â&#x20AC;&#x201D; NOT AN INFECTOR

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EDITOR’S LETTER

One glass of stress relief, please L

ike others, my anxiety and stress levels have been running higher than normal as the COVID-19 pandemic runs its course and the election approaches. Throw in the Seahawks playing their usual brand of too-close-for-comfort football and it’s a small wonder my hair hasn’t turned completely white. Finding a way to release some of the day’s strain, for some like myself, sometimes means pouring a glass of wine. Before you get the wrong picture, I’m not self-medicating. It’s not a case where I drink my worries away. I’m not an everyday wine drinker. What wine allows me to do is slow things down for a bit — to live in the moment. First I have to think about which variety of wine suits my mood. Often the dish we’re having for dinner plays into the decision. After picking the wine and opening it, there’s the pour — not too little, not too much. And then life’s worries disappear for a few minutes as I swirl the wine a bit to release the aromas and breathe them in. Now, I’m not one of those people who can smell hibiscus, tobacco leaf, tar and half a dozen other things. I just like the intoxicating smell that good wines release in the glass. And, of course, after the smell comes the taste. I tend not to overthink my wine. I’m not the guy who’s going to get into a long debate about the merits of a wine — either I like it or I don’t. Simple as that. And I’m fairly easy to please. Rare is the wine that earns a thumbs down from me. As you read through our annual Wine Issue, keep in mind that our area wineries put in a lot of work to produce wines that please consumers with a wide range of palate sophistication — from the easy-to-please occasional wine drinker like myself to the collector with a cellar. Results from the 2020 North Central Washington Wine Awards show that judges are still high on our region as a wineproducing area. Negative descriptions were sparse during two days of judging as guest experts sampled the entries. Out of 230 entries, 215 earned a medal, which is essentially the judges’ stamp of approval. Some wines earned a higher approval than others, but not a lot separated the lowest-rated medal-winners from the top finishers. So be sure to pour a glass of stress relief and toast this year’s winning wines. Cheers!

Marco Martinez, editor foothills@wenatcheeworld.com

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Contents The Wine Section 32 Siren Song 34 Beaumont Cellars 36 Chateau Faire Le Pont 38 Errant Cellars 40 Superlative winners 42 Double Gold 46 How the judging works 47 Gold 64 Silver 70 Bronze The Browns strike gold

Winemaker Pete Beaumont is on a roll

Four questions with winemaker Doug Brazil

8 Museum pieces

Arlene Wagner is the Nutcracker Lady

16 Geared up

Methow Valley home is recreation-ready

24 Top of his game

Chef Top Rojanasthien is cooking with flare

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Megan Couture makes wine from the heart

oothills

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A BI-MONTHLY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ABOUT NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON

Publisher Sean Flaherty (509) 664-7136 flaherty@wenatcheeworld.com Advertising Sales Manager AnnMarie Morris (509) 661-6377 annmarie@wenatcheeworld.com Managing Editor Russ Hemphill (509) 665-1161 hemphill@wenatcheeworld.com Editor Marco Martinez (509) 664-7149 martinez@wenatcheeworld.com Creative Director Nancy Phillips

WASHINGTON MEDIA LLC Foothills Magazine is published bi-monthly by Washington Media LLC, 14 N. Mission St., Wenatchee, WA 98801 $4.99 Retail Price Subscriptions: $14.99 annually Send check or money order to: Foothills, Subscriptions 14 N. Mission St., Wenatchee, WA, 98801 or subscribe online at ncwfoothills.com Copyright 2020 with all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.

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Above: Arlene Wagner and her late husband George purchased this Front Street building before they opened the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in 1995. They later donated the building and all of the nutcrackers to the museum for visitors to enjoy. Right: Karl — who measures 6 feet — is the tallest of the roughly 7,000 nutcrackers displayed at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. He’s seen here with museum founder and curator Arlene Wagner.

arl serves as a fine ambassador for the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. Complete with hinged jaw and Tyrolean hat, Karl looks ready to speak. His ornate physique, carved from a single linden tree, makes the perfect photo op. At 6 feet, he’s the tallest of about 7,000 nutcrackers, and he’s one of the most beloved by Arlene Wagner, the real spokesperson, and also the founder, curator and benefactor of the museum. Wagner’s favorite title? “Nutcracker Lady.” Visitors step inside the museum and

are dazzled by the many aisles of display cases, filled floor-to-ceiling with up to seven shelves of nutcrackers, arranged by age, style, material, maker and theme. Decorative soldiers painted in vibrant hues take up many sections, while other sections are filled with unpainted but finely carved wooden lever and screw-style ones, metal ones and even a few primitive nutting stones.

The charm of

nutcrackers 8

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NCW ACTIVITIES STORY BY MARLENE FARRELL PHOTOS BY KEVIN FARRELL

and their lady

November / December 2020

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Arlene Wagner’s award-winning book, “The Art and Character of Nutcrackers,” features many of the nutcrackers in the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum’s collection. 10

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There’s a story behind each nutcracker, and Wagner, at 95, still graciously hosts and serves as a repository of all things nutcracker. The oldest nutcrackers are worthy of any historical museum, and Wagner collected them over the decades with the help of antique dealers attending auctions in Europe. There’s an exquisite example from 16th century France. In gleaming boxwood, the form is a half human-half lion hybrid, stomping on a snake, symbolizing a strong king protecting his people. Its smaller mouth fits cobnuts, ancestors of today’s hazelnuts. Nearby, the ornate head of a court jester, sticking out his tongue, seems to have the last laugh, as he’s outlasted his Italian maker and owner by more than a century. To crack a nut with this type, one would place the nut into a hole at the back of his head and screw down from the top of his hat. One must not miss the bronze nutcracker, which is almost a foot in length and decorated with gargoyle heads and little lions. It was buried for a long time and dates back to the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago. That’s how long humans have been inventing ways to literally crack the nut to get to the nutritious morsel inside. Many nutcrackers are crafted in animal shapes. There’s a whole flock of birds, packs of dogs and cats, elephants, rams, squirrels and more. A bit more rare are the female nutcrackers. “The hinged jaws are so square and masculine,” Wagner explained. When one does see a female nutcracker, the opening for a nut is in the throat rather than the mouth. Sharing the history and evolution of nutcrackers, Wagner begins by saying, “Soup to nuts,” a phrase we’ve all heard but not necessarily understood. Picture the multi-course dinners among the European upper class, ending with a dessert course featuring nuts. The time it took to crack shells gave dinner guests an opportunity for lingering conversations. The nutcrackers grew ever more elaborate and entertaining. Wagner’s passion is contagious as she floats through the aisles, dressed in a dirndl, sharing tidbits of trivia to museum visitors. It began in 1985, when Wagner and husband George opened a shop in Leavenworth specializing in German woodcrafts. Their personal

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collection of nutcrackers grew. In 1989, Wagner went from hobbyist to serious collector when she acquired a nutcracker in the likeness of Francis I, made in 1569. “We were hooked,” she said. They began hunting all over Europe and the U.S. “Probably all of our trips over the years add up to 40 or so. Although we have antiqued throughout Europe, I now spend nearly all of my travel time in Germany.” The museum opened in the upstairs area of the shop in 1995, and, in 2006, the Wagners donated the nutcrackers and the building, making the museum a nonprofit entity. Recently renovated, the museum now occupies two levels, with double the previous space. When it comes to the decorative toy soldier nutcrackers, Wagner knows every toymaking workshop of repute, and holds Feuchtner in the highest esteem. “Feuchtner is considered the father of nutcrackers,” she explained. “It was his body type that became the prototype of all modern nutcrackers.”

Top: This is part of the museum’s collection of nutcrackers from the latter part of the 19th century. Female nutcrackers are not common. Left: Arlene Wagner holds a nutcracker German artist Matthias Freund carved as a gift for her. 12

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The Feuchtner dynasty goes back seven generations. The museum also has many nutcrackers spanning the four generations of Christian Ulbricht and those made by Christian Steinbach, whose work is popular in the U.S. To meet the highest standard, these nutcracker workshops require a twoyear toymaker apprenticeship, culminating in a final masterpiece. A region of eastern Germany, near the border with Czechia, is both the birthplace and modern epicenter of nutcrackermaking. The ornamental nutcrackers all have comically enlarged heads with gaping mouths, beards of rabbit or synthetic fur and painted eyes. Some, perhaps due to their bushy eyebrows, look angry, which makes them well suited to chomping down on a recalcitrant walnut shell. The bodies are carved from linden and beech, while small decorations are often made of oak. Wagner hooks museum-goers by inviting them to solve one of many available nutcracker hunts. Preschoolers use a page of pictures to find the

One of many Feuchtner nutcracker soldiers for sale in the gift shop.

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Each of the seven dwarves, plus Snow White, share a shelf in the museum.

This nutcracker represents Rubezahl, a German mountain man and folk legend similar to Robin Hood, who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. likenesses of a lion and a pig, with tougher challenges represented by a beetle and Pinocchio. Older children and adults follow one of several written lists. One’s curiosity is raised. What does a weightlifter nutcracker look like? Or the man in the moon? Middle schoolers must find George Washington and Alexander Graham Bell, getting an impromptu history les14

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son in the midst of the fun. “We designed a special Sweetheart hunt for Valentine’s Day, and it was so popular we use it all year,” Wagner explained. For instance, the hunters must find pairs of flamingos and hedgehogs, a “very hairy” couple and even the Nutcracker Lady herself, with her husband George at her side. Those latter ones were made for Wagner’s 90th birthday by Matthias Freund of

Germany, one of many gifts bestowed upon her by her connections in the world of nutcrackers. When you think you’ve seen it all, you find out Wagner has also written and published multiple books on the subject. The most in-depth, awardwinning coffee-table tome is called, “The Art and Character of Nutcrackers.” It features nearly 1,000 museum specimens and documents the colorful history of this simple implement. She’s spoken to numerous groups locally and across the country and has been on broadcast TV multiple times. The museum even hosts an annual Nutcracker Day, when students compete with their own nutcracking inventions. Some of the past winners are displayed. Still, it’s easy to find Wagner at the museum. She’s quick to declare, “My job is fun!” She loves nutcrackers as much as ever, for their combination of function and fun, work and whimsy, connecting us to centuries past. F

This nutcracker was crafted by Zuber.

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INSIDE HOME

STORY BY DON NELSON PHOTOS BY BENJAMIN DRUMMOND

Geared for Methow living 16

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A full-size garage door rolls up to open the main-room space to the outdoors, also providing ample lighting when closed.

‘Super minimal’ house is designed for recreation and relaxation A version of this story first published in the Methow Home, a special publication by Methow Valley News.

W Totaling 700 square feet, Heidi Durham and Leslie Garrard’s compact but bright home is a perfect alternative to full-size living.

hen it came to buying land and building a place in the Methow Valley, Heidi Durham and Leslie Garrard had their parameters firmly in place. They love the Methow. They relentlessly recreate here, in all seasons, and require a ton of “gear” for their activities. They intend to retire here some day. In the meantime, the Seattle couple needed a practical and personable space to hang out in with their dog and son. But they couldn’t afford a full-size house just yet, so they decided to inhabit the valley in stages. With the help of a perceptive real estate agent, creative architect and detail-driven builder, Durham and Garrard have come up with the ideal solution: a 700-square-foot, self-

contained jewel they call the “Gear Studio,” situated in a meadow off of Highway 20 a bit east of the Mazama Junction. In the compact but bright, efficient space, the gear is the décor. Some of the house’s dimensions were actually determined by the length of their paddle boards, which are mounted on one wall. Climbing equipment, skis, bicycles and kayaks are neatly hung from the walls or stowed in every nook and cranny. “The gear is the art,” Durham said. The airy, well-lighted space also includes a small living/dining area, free-standing wood stove, work counter, full bath, sauna and outdoor shower on the first level. A full-size garage door rolls up to open the space to the outdoors. November / December 2020

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Some of the home’s dimensions were determined by the length of the family’s paddle boards and other outdoor gear. In the loft, reached via a steep “ship’s ladder” with rock-climbing handholds mounted on the wall for stability, are a bedroom, kitchenette and pantry/storage/laundry area built in under the roofline. The up-valley views from the second level are expansive. There is also detached, two-vehicle carport with a storage shed that holds more gear and home-keeping stuff. The little house was finished in May 2019.

Special spot Garrard and Durham, who have been together for about 10 years, have spent much of that time in the valley, which they call their “favorite place on the planet.” “It’s our special spot for winter and summer play,” Garrard said. “It’s absolutely captivating. As Seattle residents, we decided, ‘we’ve got to get land here. We’ve got to retire here.’” That aspiration started with a property search, aided by Ina Clark of Mountain to River Realty in Winthrop. “Ina is very knowledgeable and helped us assess various areas,” Garrard said.

The ladder to the loft is steep, with rock-climbing handholds mounted on the wall for stability. 18

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No space is wasted in the brightly lit desk nook, with ample storage for ski gear. November / December 2020

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The sleeping loft is airy, with large windows providing expansive up-valley views.

The two-vehicle carport includes additional storage space for outdoor gear and home-keeping items. 20

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“We wanted lots of sun, proximity to the [Mazama] store, and to be able to ski and bike from our front door,” Durham said. “We get spiritual joy from being outside. We like the quiet and repose, we love simple things like reading and drinking coffee,” Garrard added. “When we saw this site, we loved it … it was perfect,” Garrard said. They purchased the 5-acre site in 2017, and started looking for an architect. The couple adopted the “less is more” mantra in thinking about their Methow retreat, Durham said. “Our approach was, what can we do now?” “We were just looking for people we were impressed with,” Durham continued. That included Johnston Architects, which has designed many Methow Valley homes.

No stress After engaging the Johnston firm, Durham and Garrard showed principal Ray Johnston some images along the lines of what they were hoping for. They wanted it to be “super minimal and open,” with lots of light. The couple even provided a list of the gear they wanted to be able to store. Johnston took it from there. “We loved working with Ray [Johnston],” Garrard said. “His first concept was ‘it’ … beyond our wildest dreams.” Johnston said that his firm actually designed three buildings, including a future full-size house. The Gear Studio, he said, was conceived as “compact and affordable … a place to sleep, store your gear and participate in the valley.” The Gear Studio was contemplated early on as possibly a garage, Johnston said. The garage door remained part of the plan because loading and unloading kayaks and such is easier through a large opening. And, Johnston said, “the need for a carport became apparent.” Durham and Garrard also had a great relationship with builder Chris Charters, who they describe as an excellent craftsman, communicator and good friend. He took special care with finishes and materials, such as painstakingly matching separate “A grade” solid-core plywood wall panels to look like there were contiguous. “He understood exactly what we wanted to do,” Garrard said of Charters. “Everything was done with thought. It was not a stressful process. It was collaborative in all the decisions, even the small ones.” “Chris did a great job,” Johnston agreed, especially with letting the owners know what the final finishes would look like and creating “a tailored finish on the inside.” Durham is a nonprofit executive director in Seattle. Garrard is part of a corporate leadership team, specializing in business growth. Their 12-year-old son, Finn, spends time at the cabin, as does their rescued greyhound, Eldo. At some point, the couple intend to build a larger home. “We have to plan our building process,” Durham said. For now, the Gear Loft is a perfect alternative to full-size living. F

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Chef Top Rojanasthien and wife Jenny opened Atlas Fare in downtown Wenatchee on Jan. 1. They also own The Thai Restaurant. 24

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KITCHEN CREATIONS STORY AND PHOTOS BY LUKE HOLLISTER

Chef Top Rojanasthien’s Seared Scallops with White Bean & Kale Sauté. This is a good, not-too-complicated fall recipe with savory flavors, he said.

A modern take Chef Top Rojanasthien’s Atlas Fare offers upscale menu

or Top Rojanasthien, cooking is about people. It’s a way to come together, both inside and outside of the kitchen. His philosophy: “Happy food” equals “happy people.” Rojanasthien is a Wenatchee-based chef and owner of two local restaurants, Atlas Fare and The Thai Restaurant. His beginnings in the world of food started with family. Growing up, food was what brought the family together, he said. Dinner was shared every night. Rojanasthien drew from flavors he

liked in his childhood when making Atlas Fare’s menu. Then, he took those flavors and gave them what he described as an “upscale, modern take.” Being a chef “is kind of a non-stop job, because either you’re thinking about it or you’re doing it,” he said. Rojanasthien tries to shop locally for food as much as he can. This includes buying produce from the Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market or other local stops such as Mike’s Meats and Seafood.

Creating meals that other people enjoy and brightening their day is part of what inspires Rojanasthien’s culinary creativity. He said there is an instant gratification watching people enjoy what they are eating after their first couple of bites. People “kind of inspire everything I do,” he said. When it comes to creating new recipes, he said, there are not really completely original ideas, just borrowing and combining ingredients in different ways. November / December 2020

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Top Rojanasthien works in the Atlas Fare kitchen before doors open for dinner. 26

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Rojanasthien salts white beans and bacon before throwing in kale at Atlas Fare restaurant in downtown Wenatchee.

Rojanasthien said when he shares new flavors with people, he tries to do it in an approachable manner, with a “modern take.” On Jan. 1, Rojanasthien opened his newest restaurant, Atlas Fare, in downtown Wenatchee. The restaurant features New American cuisine, reflecting Rojanasthien’s wide array of flavor appreciation. Atlas Fare’s summer menu included garlic truffle wontons, crab chowder, torchon of foie grass, chicken risotto, clay pot prawns, and shrimp and grits. Cooking, he said, is “a tough job but [at] least I’m doing something I like to do.” The restaurant’s short-term goal, according to Rojanasthien, is to get through the year and be ready when life returns to normal. Opening was fun, and “then the whole COVID thing hit,” he said. The November / December 2020

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Restaurant staff make last-minute preparations before customers arrive. silver lining is that a slow start has allowed time to fine-tune and hone skills at the new restaurant. “I grew up here and I’ve seen the town change in so many ways,” he said. There’s a good energy in town, he said, with quite a few young people opening businesses in town, he said. Rojanasthien said he wants to share his love for travel and food with people. “I’m not the most social guy … but I get to meet people through the food,” he said. Cooking has opened up a lot of opportunities, he said. Last June, he had the chance to compete in the Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games” cooking competition. As a cook, “I’ll never stop trying to learn,” he said. F

Atlas Fare is in the Metropolitan Building on Wenatchee Avenue, near three local wineries. 28

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Top Rojanasthien says being a chef “is kind of a non-stop job, because either you’re thinking about it or you’re doing it.”

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AWARDS The Siren Song villa is a popular Chelan destination for wine lovers.

Provided photo

Siren Song Best of Show, Best White Double Gold 2019 Spanish Dancer Albariño Gold 2016 Beijo Siren’s Reserve red blend 2019 Belle Tavel Rosé 2016 Raving Beauty Cabernet Sauvignon 5 Silver Medals

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November / December 2020

wines nod to romance

evin Brown turned back the clock to his memories of living in Spain as a 19-year-old when he crafted Siren Song Vineyard and Estate Winery’s 2019 Spanish Dancer Albariño. “I had traveled to Galicia, where Albariño is the principle grape,” he said on learning that his Spanish Dancer Albariño had been awarded Best of Show, Best White Wine and a Double Gold medal at the 2020 North Central Washington Wine Awards competition. Judges also awarded Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Winery three

Gold Medals for its 2016 Beijo red blend, 2019 Belle Tavel Rosé and its 2016 Raving Beauty Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery also won five Silver Medals. Kevin and his wife, Holly Brown, opened their lavish estate winery overlooking Lake Chelan in 2015. Kevin started making wine in 2007, was bonded in 2009 and the began selling wine from the couple’s home in Seattle in 2011, when he also gave up his technology jobs and co-purchased two vineyards in Walla Walla’s famed growing area. The couple owns two

more vineyards in Chelan, at the estate, and new plantings close to the Chelan tunnel. Brown said about 85 percent of the grapes used for Siren Song wines now come from his own vineyards. Most of the wine is sold at the winery. The 2019 Albariño is a blend from grapes he purchased from a Prosser vineyard and those grown on Siren Song’s Chelan vineyards. “I’ve been making it for about four years, but this last vintage knocked my socks off,” he said. “I picked the grapes a little later and everything just lined up.” Judges for this year’s competition agreed. Judge’s notes included “lemon lime, orange, tropical fruits, pineapple and green apple. Floral notes on aromas carried through on the palate. Bright juicy acidity and the finish is so clean.” The Browns name their wines after romantic experiences they’ve found on many trips around the world. Gold Medal-winner Beijo, for example, translates to “kiss” in Portuguese and conjures up memories of samba dancing in Brazil, Kevin said. It’s a velvety blend of estate grown Syrah and Merlot. The 2019 Belle Tavel Rosé, made from 100 percent Grenache grapes, is a nod to the easy drinking pink wines of Provence, France. The Raving Beauty Cabernet Sauvignon is their tribute to the full-bodied Cabs of France’s Pauillac and Margaux regions. Holly Brown said 2020 has been the most challenging year to sell their wines. Coronavirus concerns have meant the winery only serves wine and food outside. They’ve added takeout wine and food delivery to keep nearly all of the staff working. They’ve had to cancel all music and other entertainment events, but they’ve expanded outside service and have plans for a pumpkin festival that will continue through the fall on the new vineyard property a few miles south of the winery. In September came the smoke from wildfires near and far that brought more challenges. “It’s been a challenging time, but challenging times call for innovation,” she said. “It’s been our best summer ever. We’re trying to navigate the changes and do the best we can. People have responded. People feel safe here. And they love our wine.” F

Don Seabrook photo

Siren Song wines garnered some serious hardware in the 2020 North Central Wine Awards competition, including Best of Show for its 2019 Spanish Dancer Albariño.

Siren Song owners Kevin and Holly Brown have a lot to smile about, including their 2019 Spanish Dancer Albariño earning Best of Show honors in the 2020 North Central Wine Awards competition. November / December 2020

Provided photo

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STORY BY RICK STEIGMEYER

AWARDS

Don Seabrook photo

A quartet of Beaumont Cellars wines earned either Double Gold or Gold honors in the 2020 North Central Washington Wine Awards competition.

Best Red, Double Gold 2018 Carménère Gold 2018 Syrah – Best of Class 2017 Old Vine Cab 2017 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 5 Silver Medals

Beaumont Cellars

brings on the big

ete Beaumont started auspiciously as a new winemaker a dozen years ago. He entered three of his 2009 vintage wines at the first North Central Washington Wine Awards held in 2011. Two of the wines won Gold medals, the other Silver. One of the Gold medal winners was judged Best of Show. The other was the runner up.

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reds

It may have been a hard act to follow, but Beaumont Cellars has managed just fine, garnering top awards in the competition year after year. This year was no exception. Judges awarded Beaumont Cellars four Gold and five Silver Medals at the 2020 competition. Honors included a Double Gold Medal and Best Red

Rick Steigmeyer photo

Pete Beaumont is seen here at Beaumont Cellars’ tasting room near Quincy. Wine Award for Beaumont’s 2018 Carménère and a Best of Class Award for the winery’s 2018 Syrah. Other Gold Medals were awarded to Beaumont’s 2017 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon and 2017 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. After growing apples, pears and cherries on Quincy’s Babcock Ridge for more than 30 years, Pete and his wife Katie were looking for something new and engaging when they opened their tiny winery and tasting room at the ranch. Socializing with tasting room visitors and wine club members has brought a direct connection with customers and a convivial aspect to farming that other crops don’t offer. And the challenge of turning the fruit of the vine into great wine is something that Pete particularly looks forward to and enjoys. Beaumont’s wine selection has increased from three wines those first couple years to 17 wines today as Pete tries his hand at new varietals and styles. Take those two Gold Medal-winning

Cabernet Sauvignons for example. “I wanted to make two different styles of Cab,” he said. It was a learning process. For the 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, he used lush grapes from the Dick Shaw Vineyard in the famed Red Mountain growing area. The resulting wine is big, bold and with fruit forward flavors of black cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry. Fermenting grapes were punched down once a day and time on the skins was kept short to produce a smoothdrinking, fruit forward wine with softer tannins that pairs well with fatty, umami-rich food like charred burgers and braised short ribs. Grapes for the 2016 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon were sourced from Rosebud Vineyard in Mattawa. It was the first vineyard in the Wahluke Slope area, planted in 1982. Pete said he handled those grapes differently, with a lengthy cold soak, multiple daily push downs and an extended maceration time before pressing to produce an even bigger, bolder Cabernet with

beefy tannins that produce a long, velvety finish. The 2018 Carménère was made from Benton City grapes grown in a vineyard near Red Mountain. The wine was cellared for 18 months, using 30 percent new French and 70 percent neutral oak barrels. Judges unanimously gave it Gold and then voted it best among all the reds in the competition. Judges’ notes after tasting the wine included: “spiced with sweet herbs, a little pepper and blackberry fruit.” “Blackberry and blueberry on the palate, juicy acidity and a nice long finish with a scrape of chocolate and the light taste of jalapeño without the heat. A really pretty wine.” Beaumont’s Gold medal 2018 Syrah was named Best of Class. Pete said he’s been sourcing his Syrah from the Greg Jones Vineyard in Mattawa for years. “It’s a really good spot for growing that grape,” he said. It seems like Beaumont Cellars wines have found their sweet spot. F November / December 2020

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Chateau Faire Le Pont AWARDS

is making

world-class wines

Best Dessert, Gold 2015 Commander’s Reserve Dessert Wine Gold 2016 Tre Amori 2016 Provence – Best of Class 2016 Merlot – Best of Class 2016 Malbec 2 Silver Medals

Julie Aynn Photography photo

Chateau Faire Le Pont co-owners Doug and Debé Brazil 36

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From left, Chateau Faire Le Pont’s 2016 Provence, 2016 Tre Amori, 2016 Malbec, 2016 Merlot and 2015 Dessert Wine. Don Seabrook photo

here’s never been a year since the North Central Washington Wine Awards started in 2011 that Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery hasn’t won multiple Gold Medals. This year, judges awarded the Wenatchee winery five of them, including three Best of Class awards. Clearly, winemaker and co-owner Doug Brazil is doing something right. Doug, a retired U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, and his wife Debé, have overseen Chateau Faire Le Pont’s winery, restaurant and event center since its opening in 2004. The winery won Gold and Best of Class for Red Wine Blends with its 2016 Provence, a sumptuous, a reserve Rhône Valley-style red. The winery’s 2016 Merlot was also a Best of Class Gold medal winner, as was the 2015 Commander’s Reserve Dessert Wine, made from Primitivo grapes and brandy distilled from Cabernet Franc grapes. Also winning Gold was the 2016 Malbec and the 2016 Tre Amori, an Italian Super Tuscan blend of

Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. Winemaker Doug Brazil answered a few questions by email that give insight to what’s behind his delicious wines. What’s your secret for making outstanding wines year after year? It’s all about the balance. I try to ensure that the acids, tannins, alcohol and fruit don’t overwhelm each other and no one component stands out or gets lost. How do you determine the best vineyard to source grapes for your specific wines? I look at the heat units and the lay of the vineyard. I also look at the history of the region, the vineyard and the grower. I only deal with growers that consider themselves wine growers instead of just grape growers, and you can really taste the difference.

Do you have a specific goal in mind when you make a wine? I try to stay true to the varietal and style. All my wines taste different as I try to achieve what most people consider a true example of the particular varietal or blend. For example, I fell in love with Bordeaux-style blends, super Tuscan blends and Rhône-style blends during my travels in the Navy. I pay homage to these blends and try to get as close to the original style with “Confluence,” our Bordeaux blend, “Provence,” our Rhône Blend, and “Tre Amori,” our super Tuscan blend. Do different wines require different processes? The process is very similar with all our wines. Where you notice the difference is in the variables — yeast selection, percentage of the different varietals in the blend, amount and toast levels of new and used oak. These, plus a few trade secrets that I keep to myself make my wines interesting to the customers. F November / December 2020

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A version of this story first published at discoverwashingtonwine.com.

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STORY BY SEBASTIAN MORAGA

AWARDS

Don Seabrook photo

Errant Cellars wines earned two Double Gold and two Gold medals in the 2020 North Central Washington Wine Awards judging.

Double Gold 2019 Patio White – Best of Class (white blend)

Errant Cellars’ Megan Couture

2015 Cabernet Sauvignon – Best of Class Gold 2017 Merlot 2015 Cabernet Franc – Best of Class 6 Silver Meals

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sets the bar high

fter years of wandering through life, Megan Couture found herself working for a winery in Quincy, and dreaming of owning a winery. She has spent 10 years making that dream come true. Her winery, Errant Cellars in Quincy, salutes those peripatetic early years.

“Errant means to wander without cause or reason,” Couture said “When I was trying to decide on a name for the winery, I came across that word and it seemed really fitting.” It’s been a decade, and Couture does not see herself going anywhere. The winery recently added storage space and a commercial kitchen, both longtime goals of Couture’s.

sult with anyone beforehand. Still, she visits tasting rooms near and far, in order to avoid getting tunnel vision. A winemaker friend recommended those trips, so she takes at least one summer weekend off a month and checks out wineries. “That was good advice,” she says. Errant has become known for its blends, including Patio White and Henry’s Red. Henry was Couture’s grandfather, who died in November. “He would come down every year when we bottled it and watch it be bottled,” she said. They bottled the latest Henry’s Red in late May, and one could feel Henry’s absence, she said. “It was kind of a tough one,” Couture said of that day. “He loved to tell people that his granddaughter was a winemaker and that there was a wine named after him.” Provided photo Megan Couture runs a one-woman show at Errant Cellars. She’s seen here at her Patio White is Quincy production facility/tasting room with husband Rob and Daisy, a chocolate lab. one of Errant’s top sellers, but since it’s sweet, it’s one of Couture’s least favorites. “I still At least five wineries sit near Erhave formed a loose alliance and recknow how I want it to taste, and it’s rant, and Couture relishes the closeommend one another. Couture herself not like I think it’s disgusting,” she ness, which goes beyond geography got her start working at nearby Beausaid, laughing. “It’s helpful that all the wineries in mont Cellars. Errant makes seven varietals and the Quincy area work so well togeth It’s still a struggle to get people to six other blends. But for Couture, er,” she said, describing their relationknow about Errant, she says, so that winemaking is more than a job. ship as highly team-oriented. camaraderie helps. “I put so much of myself into mak Couture’s winery is a one-woman Conversely, flying solo has its ing this wine, and to be able to share show. If it were a tough environment, pluses. that with people, it’s incredible,” she she added, it would not be as fun to When she first tried to make dessert said. F go to work. Instead, area wineries wines, she just did it, no need to conNovember / December 2020

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Superlative Winners AWARDS

Best of Show – Best White (Double Gold Medal)

Best Red (Double Gold Medal)

Best Rosé (Double Gold Medal)

Judges’ Comments: This Spanish grape might prove to be the flashiest white variety of the decade in the Pacific Northwest, and Lake Chelan winemaker Kevin Brown has crafted a charming example that earned a double gold medal earlier this spring at the Seattle Wine Awards. He pulled from Crawford Vineyard near Prosser, a site favored by other regional winemakers for Albariño, and it’s brimming with aromas of lemon/lime and pineapple that make their way to the palate. The refreshing finish picks up Granny Smith apple and orange zest. Suggested pairings include steamed clams or grilled fish. Better yet, enjoy it at Holly Brown’s restaurant along South Lakeshore Road with Gambas et Moulles al Ajillo.

Judges’ Comments: Pete Beaumont presents each of the five classic red Bordeaux varieties as a standalone bottling, so it makes perfect sense for him to add the sixth - Carménère. There’s a fascinating history behind his grape, which was thought to be extinct since the phylloxera outbreak in France not long after our Civil War, but in 1994, plantings were found in Chile where for more than a century it was believed to be Merlot. For us in the Northwest, that seems unimaginable because Carménère presents itself as Cabernet Franc on steroids. Beaumont’s work offers Carm’s telltale profile of sweet herbs, sliced jalapeño and dense structure with blackberry, blueberry juice and a scrape of chocolate. Some winemakers need years to sort out the intense herbal qualities of this grape, but Beaumont shows himself to be a quick study with this rather pretty red wine.

Judges’ Comments: The Morin family straddles the Cascades with its wine business, operating tasting rooms in Woodinville and the Lake Chelan town of Manson. Jason Morin began making wine with his grandparents in their basement. His wife, Erin, also grew up with a grandmother who enjoyed wine, particularly rosé, so Ancestry names this spring pink for her. This offers cherry blossom, orchard fruit and nutty aromas, which lead to a palate full of white peach, melon and orange flavors. A bright and juicy structure finishes with a remarkably long and clean finish with citrus zest.

Siren Song 2019 Spanish Dancer Albariño, Yakima Valley, $30 (102 Cases)

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 635 S. Lakeshore Road, Chelan • (509) 888-4657 sirensongwines.com

Beaumont Cellars 2018 Carménère, Columbia Valley, $34 (135 Cases)

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 8634 Road U NW, Quincy • (509) 717-8885 19151 144th Ave. NE, Unit E, Woodinville • (425) 482-6349 beaumontcellars.com

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Ancestry Cellars 2019 Grandma Lila’s Rosé, Columbia Valley, $22 (121 Cases)

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 50 Wapato Way, Suite B, Manson (509) 741-9006 19510 144th Ave. NE, Suite C-1, Woodinville (206) 607-9115 ancestrycellars.com

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NEWEST AWARD WINNING WINERY

(509)888-0947 | virginiathomaswinery.com | 527 Piere St. Unit C, Wenatchee

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Best Dessert (Gold Medal)

Our nurses and therapists are trained and certified to perform a variety of medical procedures and therapies in the privacy of your own home. Our staff works with you to help reach your optimal level of recovery.

Medicare will pay 100% of home health visits.

Château Faire Le Pont Winery 2015 Commander’s Reserve Dessert Wine, Washington State $34.99 Judges’ Comments: A year ago, Doug Brazil earned one of the Pacific Northwest wine industry’s highest awards when his 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain’s Shaw 32 Vineyard topped Wine Press Northwest’s 20th annual Platinum Judging. Brazil comes back with another red wine from the 2015 vintage to post a sweepstakes victory as the Best Sweet Wine of the 2020 NCW Wine Awards competition. He spent two decades in the Navy as a helicopter pilot, so his Port-style wine helps serve as a delicious tribute to his service to our country. It’s beautifully structured and loaded with sweet black and blue fruit, along with chocolate and vanilla secondary notes. He does a marvelous job of managing the alcohol and the tannins, which allow for full enjoyment of the Craisin finish. Enjoy it at his Wenatchee winery’s restaurant with a slab of the Chocolate Sky High Cake and a post-meal cigar. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 1 Vineyard Way, Wenatchee • (509) 667-9463 636 Front St., Leavenworth • (509) 888-2108 fairelepont.com

At Your Service... Home Health

• Chronic disease management • Skilled nursing care • Medical social workers • Certified home health aides • Rehabilitation services (PT, OT, ST) • Surgical recovery • Wound and skin care • Pain management • Stroke recovery

Call 509-663-9585 for more information Serving Chelan and Douglas Counties

285 Technology Center Way #107, Wenatchee November / December 2020

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Double Gold AWARDS

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chardonnay

Chenin Blanc

Errant Cellars 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $24 (68 cases)

Benson Vineyards 2019 Chardonnay, Lake Chelan, $21 (370 cases)

Ancestry Cellars 2019 Le Cortège Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $22 (121 cases)

Judges’ comments: Any time someone earns a best-ofclass award with Cabernet Sauvignon, the most important variety in Washington, it commands attention. Megan Couture deserves that for her work with this Cab off the Wahluke Slope that received a unanimous vote for gold among the judging panel. The nose of blackberry and blackcurrant includes pinches of violet and white pepper. Pleasing herbs and spices come through on the palate behind those blackberries and mocha. It’s well-balanced, delicious and complex.

Judges’ comments: One of the state’s most picturesque vineyards is home to one of the region’s top expressions of America’s most popular grape variety. There’s amazing freshness to the nose of fruit cocktail with orange, pineapple, pear and lime, and the light approach of oak and low profile of alcohol lifts the beautiful flavors of nectarine, Bosc pear and pineapple, making for a stellar example of Northwest Chardonnay.

Judges’ comments: Early on, this grape native to the Loire Valley in France played a significant role in the Washington wine industry. Thanks to efforts such as this one by Manson winemaker Jason Morin, Chenin is making a comeback. A change in sourcing to Riverview Vineyard near Desert Aire has been integral, allowing him to capture charming accents of white peach, jasmine and white pepper. Perfect acidity and a fascinating sense of minerality lead to a bright finish of Asian pear.

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 15 B St. SE, Quincy (509) 794-2030 errantcellars.com

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For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 754 Winesap Ave., Manson (509) 687-0313, Ext. 106 bensonvineyards.com

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 50 Wapato Way, Suite B, Manson (509) 741-9006 19510 144th Ave. NE, Suite C-1, Woodinville (206) 607-9115 ancestrycellars.com

Other Reds

Martin-Scott Winery 2017 Grace’s Graciano, Horse Heaven Hills, $36 (75 cases)

Martin-Scott Winery 2017 Montepulciano, Columbia Valley, $31 (70 cases)

Judges’ comments: Spanish grapes continue to make inroads across the Washington wine industry, and this Rioja variety traditionally blended with Tempranillo is one of the few that owner/grower/winemaker Mike Scott doesn’t source from his own scenic vineyard in East Wenatchee, but he names this for his granddaughter Grace. The 2015 vintage of this wine came back from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition wearing a double gold medal, so its brilliance here was no surprise. Deep blackcurrant, blackberry and thyme aromas are carried across the silky palate with a trail of chocolate syrup and a balancing injection of pomegranate. Enjoy with stuffed peppers and hearty stews.

Judges’ comments: In many instances throughout Italy, Montepulciano is blended with Sangiovese. Mike Scott doesn’t do that with his, which he grows next to Tempranillo on his Needlerock Vineyard overlooking the Columbia River, just upstream from Rock Island Dam. Charming notes of cherries and plum include violets and rosewood. It turns to black and blue fruit on the palate where its delicious structure comes with a long finish of blood orange, making it a remarkable interpretation of the variety. Suggested pairings range from poultry, lasagna, couscous with beef, veggie pizza and gyros. Cheeses that the Scott family enjoys Montepulciano with include Crottin, Edam, Havarti, Manchego and Pecorino. At Visconti’s restaurant, they pair it with a ribeye, linguine in a pomodoro sauce and roasted potatoes.

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 3400 10th St. SE, East Wenatchee (509) 885-5485 martinscottwinery.com

Red Blend

Crayelle Cellars 2018 Gabriel’s Horn, Columbia Valley, $31 (165 cases) Judges’ comments: Ivy League product Craig Mitrakul, a Cornell grad, shines again with his proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (59%) and Syrah (41%) that ranks among the most delicious of its kind currently on the market in Washington. There’s a never-ending explosion of blackberry, huckleberry and blueberry, backed by tannins akin to Baker’s chocolate and stitched together with a boysenberry finish that’s stupendous. One judge gave it a “gold plus,” meaning it ranked among the best wines they’d ever tasted. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 15 N. Second St., Suite 103, Wenatchee (509) 393-1996 crayellecellars.com

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 3400 10th St. SE, East Wenatchee (509) 885-5485 martinscottwinery.com November / December 2020

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Double Gold AWARDS

Riesling

Stemilt Creek Winery 2019 Sweet Adelaide Riesling, Columbia Valley, $15 (293 cases) Judges’ comments: Last year, the Mathison family brought on Seth Cohen from Appalachian State University to oversee their winemaking operation, and this shows that he’s hit the ground running in Washington state where the standards for Riesling are world-class. This example is akin to walking through a Wenatchee Valley orchard as gorgeous peach and Bosc pear aromas are joined by orange blossom and pineapple. Those are carried through onto the palate where the brilliant brightness of Mandarin orange acidity balances the sugar of this off-dry example. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 110 N. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee (509) 665-3485 stemiltcreek.com

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Sauvignon Blanc

Tempranillo

Malaga Springs 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $20 (100 cases)

Sigillo Cellars 2018 Tempranillo, Wahluke Slope, $38 (195 cases)

Judges’ comments: He’s spent much of his life as a commercial fisherman in Alaska’s Bristol Bay, but after sampling this Sauvignon Blanc, one might wonder if Al Mathews has been taking trips to New Zealand, too. It brings an array of descriptors, ranging from anise and gooseberry to apricot and pineapple amid an elegant structure that’s balanced and lovely. He’s earned multiple gold medals in this judging previously, so this is not a lucky cast into a cloudy bay.

Judges’ comments: This two-generation winery down the road from Snoqualmie Falls recently opened a satellite tasting room on the other side of the Cascades near the south shore of Lake Chelan. The Seals source their spicy Tempranillo from historic Rosebud Vineyard, one of the oldest sites on the Wahluke Slope and first planted in 1979. Classic aromas of leather, blueberry, ground savory and chocolate become a drink of medium body featuring blackberry, Earl Grey tea and lingonberry that’s finished with a dash of pepper.

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 3450 Cathedral Rock Road, Malaga (509) 679-0152 malagaspringswinery.com

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 2037 W. Woodin Ave., Chelan (509) 888-5713 8086 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie (425) 292-0754 sigillocellars.com

Meet the Judges JUDGING MANAGER

JUDGES

Eric Degerman is a wine author and journalist. He was managing editor of Wine Press Northwest for 15 years before launching Great Northwest Wine, a news and information company.

Ken Robertson is a retired newspaper editor with more than 35 years of wine-writing experience. He is a professional wine judge and longtime wine columnist for Wine Press Northwest.

Sean Flaherty is publisher of The Wenatchee World and Foothills Magazine. He previously worked at the Tri-City Herald.

Gordy Venneri is one of Walla Walla’s pioneering winemakers. He co-founded Walla Walla Vintners in 1995, retiring in 2017. He is a member of the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

Marco Martinez is editor of Foothills Magazine. He enjoys learning about the regional wine industry through his work for Foothills.

Gregg McConnell is the editor of Wine Press Northwest magazine. He has judged a number of region al wine competitions.

MODERATORS

White Blend Errant Cellars 2019 Patio White, Columbia Valley, $18 (110 cases)

Mike Rader is a financial consultant and longtime wine enthusiast. He judges wine throughout the Pacific Northwest and is a member of the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel. Richard Larsen is the research winemaker for Washington State University. He runs winemaking operations at the St. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center in Richland. He’s a member of the Great Northwest tasting panel. Kent FitzGerald makes his home in Walla Walla. He’s devoted a lifetime to the wine business. He has sat on all sides of the table as a small retailer, corporate retailer, importer, wholesale distributor, wine producer and now winery consultant.

Proudly keeping the Wenatchee Valley in Good Hands

Judges’ comments: She will admit that this off-white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc is not a personal favorite, yet Quincy winemaker Megan Couture still turned this into a unanimous selection for gold by judges. Its exotic and tropical aromatics don’t disappoint as flavors, which also pick up ripe Redhaven peach and a bit of honeycomb, but a squirt of Meyer lemon provides just enough acidity to balance the lingering sweetness (1.2% residual sugar). In the past, Patio White has been a blend of Riesling and Sèmillon. This formula is truly golden. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 15 B St. SE, Quincy (509) 794-2030 errantcellars.com

November / December 2020

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How the judging works

STORY BY MARCO MARTINEZ

Reilly Kneedler photo

A flight of red wines is poured during judging for the 2019 North Central Washington Wine Awards competition.

Hunter Brawley photo

Richard Larsen scores a flight of red wines during the 2017 North Central Washington Wine Awards judging.

udging for the 2020 North Central Washington Wine Awards competition was delayed by roughly three months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Other changes were also necessary due to related circumstances. For the first time in the competition’s 10-year history, the judging did not take place in 46

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Wenatchee. The decision was made to move judging to the Tri-Cities to eliminate travel for the majority of the judges and main organizer Eric Degerman of Great Northwest Wine. Judging took place over two days instead of the normal one day; two panels comprised of three judges each did the tasting. Judging took place Sept. 10 and 11 in the Kennewick home of Jerry and LouAnn Hug. Jerry is general manager of Wine Press Northwest magazine and the Tri-City Herald newspaper. Thirty-five wineries submitted a total of 230 entries this year, compared to 236 entries a year ago. When the judging was complete, the totals added up to 12 Double Gold, 49 Gold, 120 Silver and 34 Bronze medals. Fifteen wines did not earn a medal. Generally, a Bronze rating from judges equates to “good” a wine with a Silver rating is “outstanding,” and a Gold wine is considered “exceptional” by judges. To earn Double Gold status, all three judges on the panel must rate the wine as Gold. Degerman and the Hugses worked the backroom of the blind judging, opening wines, decanting and pouring

flights of wine for judges, who typically look for true-to-type wines that offer a satisfying, sometimes exceptional drinking experience. Judges taste the wines according to type, inspecting each wine’s color and clarity. They swirl the wine to blend in oxygen and expose the aromas. They sip the wine and wash it over their taste buds in different parts of the mouth before spitting it into a cup. Drinking the wine is a judging no-no since there is a lot of wine to taste. Judges take notes on each wine. Often, judges will revisit a wine two or three times to see if it opens up after a bit. They score each wine and pass those scores to the panel moderator once all judging is complete on that flight. Scores are recorded in an electronic spreadsheet. If all three judges on the panel agree on a medal score — say, Silver — that is how the overall grade is recorded. Often, there is discussion to reach a consensus whether a wine should be rated Silver or Gold. All judges taste the highest-rated wines to determine the Best Red, Best White and Best of Show winners. F

Gold Cabernet Franc Errant Cellars

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2015 Cabernet Franc, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $24 (65 cases)

AWARDS

Judges’ comments: Before she launched her brand, Megan Couture worked three harvests at Beaumont Cellars, known for crafting some of the best examples of Cabernet Franc in the state. With that time on her winemaking résumé, this B-O-C bottling gives Francophiles another reason to visit Quincy. In terms of its vintage, it’s a bit older, yet it’s still remarkably youthful. Chalk that up to it being grown in a slightly cooler region during a historically hot vintage. There’s a wonderful spice box quality behind the clean and savory red fruit profile that leaves space for a hint of herbs, in this case sage, that fans of Franc look for. Enjoy with a loaf of Bacon Jalapeño Cheddar bread from This & That Catering next door to Errant. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 15 B St. SE, Quincy • (509) 794-2030 errantcellars.com

Cabernet Franc Cave B Estate Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Franc, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $33 (150 cases) Judges’ comments: This Bordeaux grape is one of 17 varieties planted across the Bryan-Arredondo family’s 103 acres overlooking the Columbia River near Vantage, and this bottling is now available at three locations across the state. Earlier this year, Cave B joined the exciting Columbia Gardens Urban Wine & Artisan Village riverfront complex in the Tri-Cities. Here’s a tasty and well-balanced Cab Franc that brings a nice nose with strawberry, plum and a rub of rose petal. Strawberry, cranberry and President plum help describe the flavors that are tied to a long and graceful finish of raspberry herbal tea. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 348 Silica Road, Quincy • (509) 785-3500 14356 Woodinville-Redmond Road NE, Redmond (425) 949-7152 caveb.com

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc Jones of Washington 2016 Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $14.99 (672 cases) Judges’ comments: Rarely do we find a Northwest Cab Franc offered at this price, and Victor Palencia’s bottling of it for the Jones family continues to bring back gold medals. There’s ripeness to the cherry, plum and cola as well as savory entry points with cured meat, dried herbs and cigar box. The solid structure includes a lasting hint of dried strawberry. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. Pybus Public Market 7 N. Worthen St., Wenatchee (509) 888-0809 Quincy Public Market 1004 F St. SW, Quincy (509) 787-8108 jonesofwashington.com

Cabernet Franc

Succession Wines

Icicle Ridge Winery

2018 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $46 (247 cases)

2018 Reserve Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $95 (56 cases)

Judges’ comments: It’s rather rare for Cabernet Franc to rank among a winery’s most expensive bottlings, but that reflects its importance to this family-owned program near Lake Chelan. This is not a wine that shouts. Rather, it offers nuances of cassis, blueberry, raspberry leaf and menthol with a structure that presents itself as balanced, cellar-worthy and sophisticated. Their 2015 vintage earned a Platinum from Wine Press Northwest in 2017, so there is a history of success with Cab Franc. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 78 Swartout Road, Manson (509) 888-7611 successionwines.com

Judges’ comments: The Wagoner family used Cabernet Franc to help establish their vineyard in 2000, and the judging’s most expensive wine also became a candidate for the superlative round by earning a gold medal within its class. The level of extraction by winemaker Jens Holsten is remarkable, making it the darkest entry in the category with intense levels of black and red fruit not normally presented in Cab Franc. Huckleberry and cigar box already emerge in this youthful, brooding wine that will drive conversation. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 8977 North Road, Peshastin (509) 548-7019 920 Front St., Suite B2, Leavenworth (509) 470-8738 821 Front St., Suite B, Leavenworth (509) 548-6156 icicleridgewinery.com November / December 2020

Foothills

Gold Cabernet Sauvignon Siren Song Wines

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2016 Raving Beauty Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $36 (229 cases)

AWARDS

Cabernet Sauvignon Beaumont Cellars 2017 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $42 (150 cases) Judges’ comments: Pete Beaumont’s work with Cabernet Sauvignon merited a pair of gold medals, an achievement that was unmatched in this judging, and he managed it with entries from the state’s two warmest growing areas. This example from the Wahluke Slope shows a level of finesse as red currants and blueberry come with classic Cab notes of menthol and cigar box. Again, this is not a big wine, but it carries impeccable balance. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 8634 Road U NW, Quincy (509) 717-8885 19151 144th Ave. NE, Unit E, Woodinville (425) 482-6349 beaumontcellars.com

Foothills

November / December 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon Chris Daniel 2016 Ten23 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $35 (34 cases)

Judges’ comments: Lake Chelan winemaker Kevin Brown has been on a remarkable roll in recent wine competitions, and this example of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon could help you win a bet from someone who would dare to guess what vintage this is from. Despite its four years beyond crush, there’s still a youthfulness, which bodes well for the future. Black raspberry, blackcurrant, black tea and cola in the nose are rejoined on the jammy mouth feel and soft tannins. Suggested pairings include a loaf of crusty bread and a wedge of Beaufort cheese, Duck Confit and spicy Brussel sprouts.

Judges’ comments: A graduate of Washington State University’s winemaking program, Chris Daniel Stewart uses Cab to earn another gold medal for his family’s winery in Quincy. Since college, he’s spent much of his young career working in the Napa Valley wine industry, but there’s no sign that he’s lost touch with this Cab loaded with blackberry, black cherry, barrel toast and pipe tobacco. Chocolaty-smooth tannins are a lasting reward. This bottling is from a tiny lot tailored to the Stewart family’s wine club, so the availability of this wine is extremely limited.

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 635 S. Lakeshore Road, Chelan (509) 888-4657 sirensongwines.com

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 2743 Highway 283 North, Quincy (509) 398-1417 chrisdaniel.wine

Cabernet Sauvignon

Beaumont Cellars

Stemilt Creek Winery

2017 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $42 (74 cases)

2017 A Day’s Work Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $28 (239 cases)

Judges’ comments: Some of the best examples of Washington Cab are coming from Shaw Vineyards Block 32, and Pete Beaumont has been a buyer of this fruit grown by Dick and Wendy Shaw, 2018 inductees into the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame. The range of complexity and jammy structure helped this Cab stand out as barrel notes of caramel and vanilla don’t crowd out subtle nuances of raspberry leaf and orange oil. This is a wine for the cellar, but Beaumont also suggests enjoying it with umami foods high in fat. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 8634 Road U NW, Quincy (509) 717-8885 19151 144th Ave. NE, Unit E, Woodinville (425) 482-6349 beaumontcellars.com

Judges’ comments: The Mathisons, the historic fruit-growing family behind Stemilt Creek Winery, have shined with their estate vineyard, among the highest elevation plantings in the state. There’s plum, Graham cracker and toast in the nose, which leads to a long thread of blackberry and blueberry flavors that finish long with touches of cherry, chocolate and sage. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 110 N. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee (509) 665-3485 stemiltcreek.com

Chardonnay

Chardonnay Tipsy Canyon Winery

Milbrandt Vineyards 2018 Estate Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $24 (1,000 cases) Judges’ comments: A product of Kendall Mix’s second vintage with the Milbrandt family, this is a stellar example of how Evergreen Vineyard allows winemakers to chase a style of Chardonnay that’s a bit reminiscent of Chablis. There were no new French barrels involved for the nine months of fermentation, only second- and thirdfill casks, which makes for a lingerie approach to oak. Lees stirring each month builds a slightly rounded body that allows for complex notes of orchard blossom, Gala apple, pineapple and apricot with a delicious finish of Asian pear. Enjoy with empanadas and tacos. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 707 Highway 2, Unit D, Leavenworth • (509) 888-4636 508 Cabernet Court, Prosser • (509) 788-0030 14450 Redmond-Woodinville Road NE, No. 101A, Woodinville (509) 425-949-7660 milbrandtvineyards.com

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2019 Chardonnay, Lake Chelan, $24 (77 cases) Judges’ comments: This stainlesssteel expression with Chardonnay by the Garvin family above Manson comes from across the lake at Rocky Pond’s Clos CheValle Vineyard. Charming aromas redolent of stone fruit are realized on the palate, where it is a juicy bite of ripe nectarine followed by a nibble of white peach skin. It’s a beautifully crafted Chardonnay and provides a nice contrast to their oak-influenced reserve Chardonnay. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 270 Upper Joe Creek Road, Manson (509) 279-5540 tipsycanyon.com

Gewürztraminer Ginkgo Forest Winery 2018 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Wahluke Slope, $35 (83 cases) Judges’ comments: Grower/winemaker Mike Thiede has done well with his tasting room in Tacoma, but his fruit is grown and wine is made near the Columbia River on the Wahluke Slope west of the community of Mattawa. This remarkably spicy German grape — Gewürz translates to “spice” in German — makes for some of the Northwest’s most delectable dessert wines. Cinnamon, honey and lemon meringue aromas funnel into flavors of poached pear and lemon bar, the latter sensation provides the profile to balance the residual sugar of 18%. A bowl of fresh fruit or a slice of cheesecake are great ideas for pairing because the wine must be sweeter than the food you are serving it with. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 22361 Road T.7 SW, Mattawa •(509) 932-0082 2221 N. 30th St., Tacoma (253) 301-4372

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November / December 2020

Foothills

Gold Malbec

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Malbec

AWARDS

Jones of Washington

Chateau Faire Le Pont

2014 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $29.99 (225 cases)

2016 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $42.99 (138 cases)

Judges’ comments: It’s not often when wunderkind winemaker Victor Palencia blends across the two appellations that Jones family has plantings, but he did so in delicious fashion with Malbec off the Big River block on the warm Wahluke Slope and Trinidad Vineyard in the fascinating Ancient Lakes. He’s turned this into a remarkably easy-drinking Malbec that captures much of the variety’s best qualities with black and dark blue fruit, a pinch of dried herbs, violet and cedar. Enjoy with a ribeye, brisket or chicken thighs. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. Pybus Public Market 7 N. Worthen St., Wenatchee (509) 888-0809

Judges’ comments: Argentina’s wine industry is famous for its work with this blue and juicy Bordeaux grape, but Washington winemakers continue to make certain that it has a place in their cellars, too. A gold medal was awarded to Doug Brazil for his 2015 vintage of Malbec, so going back-to-back merely affirms his award-winning approach. There’s an inkiness to its blue fruit that’s backed up by plum and Marionberry. Nice toastiness from the barrel provides a lick of caramel, yet it doesn’t mask the nuances of hibiscus and pencil lead found in the rewarding finish. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 1 Vineyard Way, Wenatchee (509) 667-9463

Quincy Public Market 1004 F St. SW, Quincy (509) 787-8108 jonesofwashington.com

Malbec

Malbec Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2017 Malbec, Lake Chelan, $45 (197 cases)

Judges’ comments: Considering their well-earned national reputation for Cabernet Franc, it makes sense for winemaker Judy Phelps and her viticulturist husband Don to excel with Malbec at their Salmon-Safe planting at Glacial Graves Vineyard on the north slope of Lake Chelan. There’s a beautiful finesse that enrobes this expression as raspberry and cassis are joined by rose petal, sassafras, cedar and dried lavender. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 300 Ivan Morse Road, Manson (509) 687-3000 837 Front St., Suite A, Leavenworth (509) 888-8266 hardrow.com

Foothills

November / December 2020

636 Front St., Leavenworth (509) 888-2108 fairelepont.com

Malbec Cave B Estate Winery 2017 Malbec, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $35 (155 cases)

Judges’ comments: A graduate of Walla Walla Community College’s famed winemaking school, Freddy Arredondo backs up his Platinum award from Wine Press Northwest magazine for his Malbec from the 2016 vintage with this lovely, consumer-friendly example. Sweet herbs, blue fruit and spice box include a hint of leather. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 348 Silica Road, Quincy (509) 785-3500 14356 Woodinville-Redmond Road NE, Redmond (425) 949-7152 caveb.com

Silvara Cellars 2018 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, $42 (200 cases) Judges’ comments: Malbec ranked among the most competitive categories in this year’s judging, and Leavenworth vintner Gary Seidler’s entry emerged as the best. His traditional source for Malbec has been Summit View in the highly regarded SeVein project, and he didn’t skimp on the influence of barrel in the wine. That oak spice contributes a sense of luxury to the notes of blueberry, lavender and orange peel, a package wrapped up with a long ribbon of raspberry juice. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 77 Stage Road, Leavenworth (509) 548-1000 silvarawine.com

Merlot

Merlot Chateau Faire Le Pont 2016 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $34.99 (118 cases)

Errant Cellars

Horan Estates Winery 2016 Mike Horan Merlot, Columbia Valley, $28 (93 cases)

Judges’ comments: It’s a shame that this grape has gotten a bad rap ever since Sideways made a splash on the big screen in 2004, but Doug Brazil is doing his best to bring back the buzz that Washington Merlot deserves. This is loaded with Chelan cherries, cassis and nutmeg, backed by an enjoyable tannin structure and pomegranate juiciness that creates a full palate and an age-worthy example. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 1 Vineyard Way, Wenatchee (509) 667-9463 636 Front St., Leavenworth (509) 888-2108 fairelepont.com

Merlot

Judges’ comments: Before World War I, Mike Horan made headlines for the Wenatchee Valley when he was named “Apple King” at the National Apple Show. He spent the $2,000 prize on the 1910 Buick that’s depicted on the label of this award-winning Merlot. Dennis and Beth Dobbs continue pay homage to the farming tradition of Beth’s great-grandfather with this wine. It’s chock-full of black and blue fruit, barrel spice and secondary notes of sage and lavender. They are matched on the rather tasty and complex palate, where chocolate comes into play for a long and juicy finish. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 15 Second St., Suite 101, Wenatchee (509) 679-0554 horanestateswinery.com

2017 Merlot, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $24 (74 cases) Judges’ comments: Megan Couture grew up in the Columbia Basin, graduated from college in Montana and did a year of volunteer work on the East Coast before returning home and becoming a part of the Basin’s potato industry. Now, her focus is on her growing winery in Quincy, and she’s developed a nice touch with Bordeaux varieties, doing so with a food-friendly approach. Cassis, Bing cherry and raspberry are presented as bright acidity and gentle tannins set the table for a long finish of chokecherry and spice. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 15 B St. SE, Quincy (509) 794-2030 errantcellars.com

Genuine Wines Rooted In Family Traditions

50 Wapato Way, Suite B. Manson, WA 98831 Daily Hours: 1-7pm

(509) 741-9006

ancestrycellars.com

2019 Le Cortége Chenin Blanc

2019 Grandma Lila’s Rose

Order one of these award winning wines via our website or give us a call today! Curbside pickup available. November / December 2020

Foothills

Gold Merlot

Petit Verdot Tipsy Canyon

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2017 Merlot, Lake Chelan, $32 (192 cases)

AWARDS

Plain Cellars 2016 Petit Verdot, Wahluke Slope, $35 (50 cases)

Judges’ comments: The Garvins are big fans of Merlot, recently extending their reach for it into Red Mountain’s rising star Quintessence Vineyard. Meanwhile, their work with local Lake Chelan fruit already is golden, pulling from manicured Amos Rome Vineyard, a site established in 1998. Aromas of black cherry, blueberry and tomato leaf lure you in to find a wealth of ripe red fruit in a medium body. Super-soft chocolaty tannins and baking spice make for a long and juicy finish.

Judges’ comments: In Washington state, this bold red Bordeaux variety has commanded the highest average price per ton since 2017, and acclaimed efforts by vintners such as Bob Sage at Plain Cellars have played into that. His knowledge of Wahluke Slope fruit has been bolstered by his relationship with Tedd Wildman of StoneTree Vineyard, and the tannin management exemplified here serves as a template. Blueberry and blackberry are joined by black pepper, and the tannins akin to elderberry skins glide nicely into a finish of chocolate.

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 270 Upper Joe Creek Road, Manson (509) 279-5540 tipsycanyon.com

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 18749 Alpine Acres Road, Plain (425) 931-7500 703 Highway 2 (entrance on Front St.), Leavenworth (509) 548-5412 plaincellars.com

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris Milbrandt Vineyards 2019 Pinot Grigio, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $15 (2,000 cases) Judges’ comments: The Milbrandts create Pinot Gris within their “Family” tier, and they recently rebranded it using the Italian term for this popular white grape. The style here is a delectable blend of both tropical and stone fruit, gathering up hints of guava, papaya and honeysuckle that lead to a charming structure and deliciously dry finish of white peach. When it comes to food pairings, think “Pinot Gris and things from the sea.” For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 707 Highway 2, Unit D, Leavenworth (509) 888-4636 508 Cabernet Court, Prosser (509) 788-0030 14450 Redmond-Woodinville Road NE, No. 101A, Woodinville (509) 425-949-7660 milbrandtvineyards.com 52

Foothills

November / December 2020

Red Blend

Benson Vineyards Estate 2019 Pinot Gris, Lake Chelan, $21 (365 cases) Judges’ comments: The Benson family began planting its vineyards above the north shore of Lake Chelan in 1999, so this judging exemplified their remarkable work with varieties native to Burgundy — Chardonnay and this Pinot Gris, both off their 30-acre estate. Their latest Pinot Gris is crafted in a more Washington style, a ripe and tropical approach, loaded with Bartlett pear, pineapple and a lick of honey. For those who prefer a slightly off-dry PG, this is a quaffer yet still nicely balanced and providing a long finish. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 754 Winesap Ave., Manson (509) 687-0313, Ext. 106 bensonvineyards.com

Hard Hat Winery 2016 Triton’s Red, Columbia Valley, $28 (252 cases) Judges’ comments: Retired divers Jim Davenport and Vern Armstrong, both from the U.S. Navy, have joined forces with Army veteran Greg Lone to create Hard Hat Winery, which is based in the Bremerton bedroom community of Poulsbo but also operates a tasting room near Wenatchee’s waterfront. Their eye-catching artwork of a winsome mermaid kissing a diver is rather cute, but this red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah is a real beauty. Breathe in the hints of sweet herbs and baking spices that are joined by black cherry and blackberry. There’s blackcurrant and plum on the palate, which closes with a deep dive of tannin, Baker’s chocolate and blueberry juice. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 1 Fifth St., Suite 160, Wenatchee (509) 470-5682 27055 Highway 3 NW, Poulsbo (360) 362-5830 hardhatwinery.com

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November / December 2020

Foothills

Gold Red Blend Siren Song Wines

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2016 Beijo – Siren’s Reserve, Lake Chelan, $42 (210 cases)

AWARDS

Judges’ comments: The Brown family’s Siren of the Lake Vineyard along South Lakeshore Road produced the nine barrels of juice for this straightforward blend of Merlot (50%) and Syrah (50%) that proffers remarkable complexity. Bing cherry, cassis and blueberry pie notes come with mint leaf, lavender and chocolate amid a mouthwatering mouthfeel. Suggested pairings include grilled raspberry and balsamic-glazed lamb chops. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 635 S. Lakeshore Road, Chelan (509) 888-4657 sirensongwines.com

Red Blend Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards 2016 Vireo Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $42 (444 cases) Judges’ comments: A decade ago, the 2006 vintage of this wine made Wine Spectator’s Top 100 for 2010. Back then, the blend by Charlie Hoppes was Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, and Andrew Wilson used the same three varieties for his third example of Vireo since he arrived as winemaker in 2014. His use of Merlot in particular adds cellar-worthy structure to the melange of black cherry and blackcurrant, which are alongside sweet herbs, hints of spice rack and lingering blueberry juiciness. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 920 Front St., Unit B3, Leavenworth (509) 470-8676 16304 N. Dallas Road, Richland (509) 628-3880 gooseridge.com

Red Blend

Red Blend Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards 2017 Cellar Select Artist Series “Red-Tailed Hawk” Reserve Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $50 (759 cases) Judges’ comments: Cabernet Sauvignon leads this blend by Andrew Wilson, who has 2,200 acres of Monson family vineyards to choose from. Black cherry, cassis and plum pick up secondary notes of violets, menthol and saddle leather. It reveals layers of complexity as it sits in the glass. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 920 Front St., Unit B3, Leavenworth (509) 470-8676 16304 N. Dallas Road, Richland (509) 628-3880 gooseridge.com

Foothills

November / December 2020

Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery 2016 Tre Amori, Columbia Valley, $42.99 (230 cases)

Red Blend Silvara Cellars 2016 Woodland Goddess Reserve Red, Columbia Valley, $42 (300 cases)

Judges’ comments: The Brazils earned five gold medals for red wine during this judging, and Tre Amori represents their take on age-worthy, Super Tuscaninspired wines by blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese. It’s complex, yet approachable and balanced from front to end, engaging the nose with blackberry, plum and sage. Those same black and blue fruit flavors are loaded onto the palate, along with a dusting of cocoa powder and the long juicy finish that Sangio supplies. Enjoy with osso buco or flatbreads.

Judges’ comments: Gary Seidler works with Horse Heaven Hills fruit for a Meritage style that leads with Cabernet Sauvignon (45%) and is framed by Merlot (31%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Malbec (9%) and Petit Verdot. It exudes understated elegance from the first whiff, mixing in bell pepper with fruit components of black cherry and cassis and a puff of graphite powder. The farewell of sweet herbs and chocolate makes for a very impressive wine.

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 1 Vineyard Way, Wenatchee (509) 667-9463

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 77 Stage Road, Leavenworth (509) 548-1000 silvarawine.com

636 Front St., Leavenworth (509) 888-2108 fairelepont.com

Red Blend

Brender Canyon Vineyards

Bianchi Vineyards 2018 Miscela Rossa Red Blend, Columbia Valley, $28 (100 cases)

Chateau Faire Le Pont 2016 Provence, Columbia Valley, $42.99 (242 cases)

2016 Sunny Syrah, Washington State, $26 (106 cases)

Judges’ comments: This young familyoperated winery in East Wenatchee uses an Italian phrase for “red blend” on this melange that’s built upon the spicy French variety Mourvèdre. It is loaded with dark blue fruit, clove, white pepper and toast. A deft touch with the tannin management allows for an enjoyable finish of strawberry-rhubarb preserves. Enjoy with elk. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 4210 10th St. SE, East Wenatchee (360) 815-6167 bianchivineyards.com

Judges’ comments: Doug Brazil has earned a Platinum for his standalone work with Mourvèdre, so it’s no surprise to see him shine with this Rhône-inspired blend that leads with Syrah. Ironically, there’s a complex, savory and food-friendly aspect of Herbes de Provence throughout, supported by a wealth of plumminess, baking spices, orange pekoe and a long finish that includes strawberry-rhubarb jam. His 2015 version of Provence received a gold medal in this judging, making for a golden tradition. Enjoy this at the on-premise restaurant with a portobello mushroom burger or a bowl of their French Quarter Onion Soup.

Judges’ comments: The Szmanias not only operate one of the Northwest’s most remarkable B&Bs at Warm Springs Inn & Winery, but they are also farm-to-table with their estate wine program via their own Brender Canyon Vineyard. They work with Woodinville winemaking talent John Patterson, and he’s crafted a Syrah worthy of its namesake - the Szmanias’ late golden retriever, who is depicted on the label. Patterson blends in some additional estate fruit — Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Sangiovese (10%) — to build the elegant platform for the offering and delivery of blackberry, plum, crushed violets and leather. The brightness of the Sangio shows in the finish of cranberry juice.

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 1 Vineyard Way, Wenatchee • (509) 667-9463

For current tasting room hours, call Warm Springs Inn & Winery or visit its website. 1611 Love Lane, Wenatchee • (509) 662-5683 warmspringsinn.com

636 Front St., Leavenworth • (509) 888-2108 fairelepont.com

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November / December 2020

Foothills

Gold Rosé

Riesling Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards

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2018 Dry Riesling, Lake Chelan, $19 (83 cases)

AWARDS

Judges’ comments: The Phelps’s planting of Glacial Gravels Vineyard has been a delicious fit for their Riesling program, which is organically farmed. Judy Phelps relies on acadia — not oak — to build the desired structure without barreling over the fruitiness of Granny Smith apple and Asian pear or the classic secondary notes of petrol and minerality. Suggested pairings focus on spicy foods, especially Middle Eastern or North African cuisine that features harissa. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 300 Ivan Morse Road, Manson (509) 687-3000 837 Front St., Suite A, Leavenworth (509) 888-8266 hardrow.com

Rosé Siren Song Wines

Tipsy Canyon

2019 Belle Tavel Rosé, Lake Chelan, $30 (138 cases)

2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley, $24 (273 cases) Judges’ comments: For several years, Antoine Creek Vineyards south of Pateros has ranked among the state’s top sites for Viognier, and this fascinating site near the Columbia River upstream from Wells Dam again shows itself as a source for award-winning cool-climate viticulture. Wonderful aromas of cotton candy, peaches with cream and raspberry turn into a brisk approach with Rainier cherry, more raspberry and Craisin, making for a fresh, fruity and balanced rosé that finishes clean.

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 635 S. Lakeshore Road, Chelan (509) 888-4657 sirensongwines.com

270 Upper Joe Creek Road, Manson (509) 279-5540 tipsycanyon.com

Foothills

November / December 2020

2019 Syrah Rosé, Columbia Valley, $22 (75 cases) Judges’ comments: Over the years, Al and Kathy Mathews have won gold medals with different styles of rosé, including one with Sangiovese and as well as their fan-favorite AlyKat blend. Using red Rhône varieties to create a rosé is increasingly popular in the Northwest, so it’s no surprise to see Malaga Springs bring home some gold using Syrah. The theme revolves around strawberry cobbler and Rainier cherry as lemon zest and a scrape of orange peel combine for a juicy drink with a downright delicious finish that’s delightfully long. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 3450 Cathedral Rock Road, Malaga (509) 679-0152 malagaspringswinery.com

Sauvignon Blanc

Rosé

Judges’ comments: A part of Siren’s reserve tier by Kevin Brown, his inspiration for this rosé of Grenache came while touring the Provence region of France with his chef/wife Holly, where they dined on escargot and grilled fish. He produces his own take on the wines of Tavel — the region of Rhône dedicated to the rosé — with fruit from across the lake at Amos Rome Vineyards. It is brilliantly crisp and salivating with hints of tropical fruit, pink strawberry, tangerine zest and white peach. Suggested pairings include a summer salad with fresh strawberries and balsamic-glazed pecans.

Malaga Springs Winery

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website.

Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $18 (500 cases) Judges’ comments: Soon, Goose Ridge will be set within Goose Gap — its own American Viticultural Area when the federal government approves the petition for establishment west of Richland. Sauvignon Blanc has found a home in the Monson family plantings, and this is a ripe, charming and fruit-forward example. Apricot, lemongrass and honeysuckle aromas come through with long flavors of gooseberry, nectarine and apricot. Enjoy with grilled chicken, pork, summertime salads or as a cocktail. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 920 Front St., Unit B3, Leavenworth (509) 470-8676 16304 N. Dallas Road, Richland (509) 628-3880 gooseridge.com

Benson Vineyards

100% Estate Wines from Lake Chelan

Sauvignon Blanc

Now Open - The Cafe Myth Thursdays through Sundays

Martin-Scott Winery 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Horse Heaven Hills, $20 (65 cases)

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 3400 10th St. SE, East Wenatchee (509) 885-5485 martinscottwinery.com

509 687 0313 bensonvineyards.com OPEN DAILY

M O S S A DA M S .C OM / W I N E

Judges’ comments: This Wenatchee Valley producer takes a long trip downstream along the Columbia River to the Horse Heaven Hills for these white grapes, which allow Mike Scott to present an off-dry expression with Bartlett pear, gooseberry pie and petrol with a hint of grassiness that adds to the complexity and helps tighten up the finish. Serve well-chilled with a bowl of spicy pho or hot wings.

754 Winesap Ave, Manson

RESILIENCE RISES IN THE WEST

WENATCHEE, WA

7:22 AM PDT

Semillon Succession Wines 2019 Semillon, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $28 (82 cases) Judges’ comments: There’s not enough of this lesser-known white Bordeaux grape featured by Washington state producers, so Brock Lindsay’s success here is rather exciting, but not surprising considering how remarkable other cool-climate varieties such as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc fare in that cooler section of the Columbia Basin. Bosc pear, honeydew melon, honeysuckle and orange blossom aromas transcend into radiant flavors of Mandarin orange, nectarines and Asian pear. Skillful winemaking builds a full-bodied drink that’s juicy and balanced. Serve with scallops, prawns or lobster. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 78 Swartout Road, Manson (509) 888-7611 successionwines.com

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November / December 2020

Foothills

Gold Sparkling

Syrah Silvara Cellars

Malaga Springs Winery

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NV Blanc de Noirs, American Sparkling Wine, $38 (300 cases)

AWARDS

Syrah Beaumont Cellars 2018 Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $36 (185 cases) Judges’ comments: Northridge Vineyard on the western edge of the Wahluke Slope is owned by Jerry Milbrandt, whose residence in the Ancient Lakes is just down the road from Beaumont Cellars. Some of the state’s highest-scoring Syrahs have their provenance from Northridge, so predicting the greatness of this wine didn’t require a soothsayer. It’s filled with gobs of black fruit reminiscent of blackberry and blackcurrant, followed by layers of leather and cinnamon. Robust tannins are capped by chocolate. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 8634 Road U NW, Quincy (509) 717-8885 19151 144th Ave. NE, Unit E, Woodinville (425) 482-6349 beaumontcellars.com 58

Foothills

November / December 2020

2016 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $30 (100 cases)

Judges’ comments: This methode Champenoise blend of Pinot Noir (75%), Chardonnay (22%) and Pinot Meunier is a collaboration between Leavenworth vintner Gary Seidler and acclaimed New Mexico sparkling wine house Gruet that’s part of Precept Wine in Seattle. It’s a classic example with nice notes of fresh-baked bread and yeast with stone fruit. The mousse is beautifully developed and delicate, bringing lovely acidity and minerality notes.

Judges’ comments: Next year marks the 20th anniversary of Al and Kathy Mathews finding and falling in love with their estate, which at 1,765 feet elevation overlooks the Columbia River and became home to nine varieties planted across 6 acres. He puts his microbiology degree from Oregon State University to work in award-winning fashion with this Syrah that’s spicy and enticing with notes of blackberry and black cherry, a hint of cigar box and mix of firm tannins and mouthwatering acidity.

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 77 Stage Road, Leavenworth (509) 548-1000 silvarawine.com

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 3450 Cathedral Rock Road, Malaga (509) 679-0152 malagaspringswinery.com

Syrah

Viognier Succession Wines 2018 Syrah, Yakima Valley, $42 (219 cases) Judges’ comments: Brock Lindsay is a bridge builder by trade, and he doesn’t wield a heavy hand in the cellar when it comes to working with Syrah. Classic aromas of blackberry and cracked black pepper wave in violets and leather, and those are mirrored on the tongue, where mouthwatering acidity and plush tannins play nicely with a blackberry jam finish.

For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 78 Swartout Road, Manson (509) 888-7611 successionwines.com

Cave B Estate Winery 2019 Viognier, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $27 (111 cases) Judges’ comments: Back in 1980, the Bryan family established the vines that would supply their first winery — Champs de Brionne — French for Bryan’s Fields. Their son-in-law, Freddy Arredondo, continues to flash his versatility as a winemaker, crafting a stellar example of Viognier, a rather fickle and often flabby white Rhône variety. There’s a basket full of stone fruit and under-ripe pineapple, creating a drink that’s quite stylish. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 348 Silica Road, Quincy (509) 785-3500 14356 Woodinville-Redmond Road NE, Redmond (425) 949-7152 caveb.com

Pedal Assist AND Throttle!

White Blend Silvara Cellars Vintner’s 2019 Reserve White, Columbia Valley, $24 (488 cases) Judges’ comments: Pinot Gris leads this blend with Riesling that is bottled in an off-dry style that still offers much of the tropicality often associated with Pinot Gris grown in Washington. Honeysuckle, vanilla, guava and passionfruit get a dusting from facial powder and jasmine. Enjoy with pad Thai. For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 77 Stage Road, Leavenworth (509) 548-1000 silvarawine.com

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Thank you to all the wineries who participated in this year’s NCW Wine Awards. Please support local wineries this holiday season with tastings and purchases. We look forward to returning to hosting the Wenatchee Wine & Food Festival in 2021.

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November / December 2020

Foothills

GIVE THE GIFT OF

Local Support SHOP, EAT AND USE LOCAL SERVICES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

For information on businesses that are open for in person, delivery, curbside or online orders, please see wenatcheeworld.com Click on “NOW OPEN” WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER

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Foothills

November / December 2020

Foothills Magazine presents its 9th Annual

PHOTO CONTEST

Enter your photos for the chance to win cash prizes and see your photos published in the magazine. Photos will be judged in three categories â&#x20AC;&#x201D; landscapes/nature, posed photographs and candid photographs. To be eligible, photos must have been shot in North Central Washington during the 2020 calendar year. Get all the details at photos.ncwfoothills.com. Entries must be submitted by Jan. 6, 2021.

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TRIBUTE Rosé of Sangiovese

Martin Scott Winery released the 2019 TRIBUTE Rosé of Sangiovese this past summer to celebrate and honor Judi Scott. All of the net proceeds from the sale of the 325 case bottles will go to Confluence Health to support selected Foundation projects. Visit our tasting room which offers stunning views of the Columbia River Valley and try our award winning wines.

Double Gold Winners in the Washington State Wine Awards:

2017 Grace’s Grasiano 2014 Counoise - 2014 Malbec

Curbside service available. Open Fri.-Sun. Call for hours. WWW.MARTINSCOTTWINERY.COM • (509) 885-5485 3400 10TH ST. SE EAST WENATCHEE, WA

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Silver AWARDS

Barbera Ginkgo Forest Winery 2014 Barbera, Wahluke Slope, $25 (118 cases) ginkgowinery.com

Cabernet Franc Benson Vineyards Estate Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc, Lake Chelan, $36 (123 cases) bensonsonvineyards.com Plain Cellars 2017 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $35 (100 cases) plaincellars.com 64

Foothills

Siren Song Wines 2016 Cabernet Franc – Grand Cru Collection Ancient Stone Vineyard, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, $54 (175 cases) sirensongwines.com Skagit Cellars 2017 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $36 (74 cases) skagitcellars.com Stemilt Creek Winery 2017 Transforming Traditions Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $30 (238 cases) stemiltcreek.com Virginia Thomas Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $24 (50 cases) virginiathomaswinery.com

November / December 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon

Eagle Creek Winery 2014 Un dei Cinque, Columbia Valley, $72 (144 cases) eaglecreekwinery.com

Horan Estates Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $28 (146 cases) horanestateswinery.com

Plain Cellars 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $38 (120 cases) plaincellars.com

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $28 (551 cases) ginkgowinery.com

Martin-Scott Winery 2015 Ryder’s Red Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $30 (44 cases) martinscottwinery.com

Ryan Patrick Wines 2017 Rock Island Red Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $22 (800 cases) ryanpatrickwines.com

Chateau Faire Le Pont 2016 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $34.99 (147 cases) fairelepont.com

Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $40 (546 cases) gooseridge.com

Milbrandt Vineyards 2017 Single Vineyard Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $42 (300 cases) milbrandtvineyards.com

Chris Daniel 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $35 (124 cases) chrisdaniel.wine

Hard Hat Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $35 (48 cases) hardhatwinery.com

Milbrandt Vineyards 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $27 (2,000 cases) milbrandtvineyards.com

Siren Song Wines 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon – Grand Cru Collection Ancient Stone Vineyard, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, $54 (310 cases) sirensongwines.com

Cave B Estate Winery 2017 XXXII Cabernet Sauvignon, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $48 (114 cases) caveb.com

Skagit Cellars 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $42 (72 cases) skagitcellars.com

Succession Wines 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $44 (346 cases) successionwines.com Tipsy Canyon Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $38 (110 cases) tipsycanyon.com Virginia Thomas Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $26 (75 cases)

Succession Wines 2019 Chenin Blanc, Wahluke Slope, $30 (52 cases) successionwines.com

Dessert

Errant Cellars 2016 Carménère, Wahluke Slope, $32 (44 cases) errantcellars.com

Benson Vineyards Estate Winery NV Ruby Port, Lake Chelan, $29 (400 cases) bensonvineyards.com

Chardonnay Ancestry Cellars 2017 Reunion Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $27 (69 cases) ancestrycellars.com Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards 2018 Cellar Select Artist Series “Snow Goose” Reserve Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $38 (218 cases) gooseridge.com Jones of Washington 2019 Chardonnay, Wahluke Slope, $14.99 (894 cases) jonesofwashington.com Plain Cellars 2018 Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $30 (100 cases) plaincellars.com

Come See Us or Shop Online.

Chenin Blanc

Carménère

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2014 Carménère, Wahluke Slope, $30 (236 cases) ginkgowinery.com

We’re Open!

Ryan Patrick Wines 2018 Rock Island Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $20 (1,000 cases) ryanpatrickwines.com

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2013 Sun in a Bottle, Wahluke Slope, $40 (280 cases) ginkgowinery.com

Malbec Errant Cellars 2015 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $24 (54 cases) errantcellars.com

Delivery & Curbside Pickup Options Available! successionwines.com 509-888-7611 78 Swartout Road, Manson, WA 98831

It’s a Collins Christmas with

Errant Cellars 2016 Reserve Malbec, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $35 (66 cases) errantcellars.com Horan Estates Winery 2017 Musicians Malbec, Columbia Valley, $28 (176 cases) horanestateswinery.com Malaga Springs Winery 2016 Estate Reserve Malbec, Columbia Valley, $28 (75 cases) malagaspringswinery.com

Complimentary Gift Wrapping

2 S Wenatchee Ave | 509 665-7600

November / December 2020

Foothills

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Silver AWARDS

Tipsy Canyon Winery 2017 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $36 (192 cases) tipsycanyon.com Tunnel Hill Winery 2018 Estate Malbec, Lake Chelan, $33 (257 cases) tunnelhillwinery.com

Nebbiolo Beaumont Cellars 2018 Nebbiolo, Wahluke Slope, $36 (125 cases) beaumontcellars.com

Merlot Benson Vineyards Estate Winery 2017 Merlot, Lake Chelan, $29 (186 cases) bensonvineyards.com Cave B Estate Winery 2017 XXXII Merlot, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $43 (135 cases) caveb.com Jones of Washington 2015 Merlot, Wahluke Slope, $14.99 (1,288 cases) jonesofwashington.com Succession Wines 2018 Oscar, Columbia Valley, $42 (151 cases) successionwines.com

Muscat Eagle Creek Winery 2016 Cask Aged Muscat, Columbia Valley, $35 (110 cases) eaglecreekwinery.com 66

Foothills

Eagle Creek Winery 2018 Muscat Canelli, Columbia Valley, $32 (110 cases) eaglecreekwinery.com

Benson Vineyards Estate Winery 2018 Nebbiolo, Lake Chelan, $48 (72 cases) bensonvineyards.com

Pinot Gris Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards 2019 Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, $20 (501 cases) gooseridge.com Jones of Washington 2018 Pinot Gris, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $13.99 (1,008 cases) jonesofwashington.com

Pinot Noir

Petite Sirah

Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2017 Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan, $40 (269 cases) hardrow.com

Plain Cellars 2017 Petite Sirah, Yakima Valley, $35 (75 cases) plaincellars.com

Tunnel Hill Winery 2018 Estate Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan, $30 (181 cases) tunnelhillwinery.com

Petit Verdot

Primitivo

Beaumont Cellars 2017 Reserve Petit Verdot, Wahluke Slope, $39 (145 cases) Beaumontcellars.com Chris Daniel 2016 Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley, $30 (48 cases) chrisdaniel.wine

November / December 2020

Red Blend Benson Vineyards Estate Winery 2017 Rhythm, Lake Chelan, $28 (380 cases) bensonvineyards.com Errant Cellars NV Quatre Ans, Wahluke Slope, $36 (46 cases) errantcellars.com Errant Cellars 2017 Roslyn Red, Columbia Valley, $25 (76 cases) errantcellars.com Ginkgo Forest Winery 2014 Wildfire Red, Wahluke Slope, $30 (210 cases) ginkgowinery.com Ginkgo Forest Winery 2014 Black Forest Red, Wahluke Slope, $20 (224 cases) ginkgowinery.com Hard Hat Winery 2016 Neptune’s Red, Columbia Valley, $28 (252 cases) hardhatwinery.com Horan Estates Winery 2016 HVH Red Blend, Columbia Valley, $28 (247 cases) horanestateswinery.com

Ryan Patrick Wines 2017 Rock Island Red, Columbia Valley, $22 (2,000 cases) ryanpatrickwines.com Sigillo Cellars 2018 GSM, Columbia Valley, $36 (245 cases) sigillocellars.com Sigillo Cellars 2018 Relativity, Columbia Valley, $30 (475 cases) sigillocellars.com Sigillo Cellars 2017 Rowan Tree Red Wine, Wahluke Slope, $22 (100 cases) sigillocellars.com Stemilt Creek Winery NV Earthen Red, Columbia Valley, $15 (56 cases) stemiltcreek.com Succession Wines 2018 Bridge Builders Blend, Columbia Valley, $39 (450 cases) successionwines.com Tipsy Canyon Winery 2017 Melange, Washington State, $29 (240 cases) tipsycanyon.com

Riesling

Ancestry Cellars 2017 “Line 22” Primitivo, Walla Walla Valley, $30 (121 cases) ancestrycellars.com

Leony’s Cellars 2019 Scarlett Red GSM, Rattlesnake Hills, $28 (70 cases) leonyscellars.com

Hard Hat Winery 2017 Davy Jones Riesling, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $20 (135 cases) hardhatwinery.com

Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2017 Primitivo, Wahluke Slope, $32 (105 cases) hardrow.com

Plain Cellars 2017 Eclipse, Columbia Valley, $35 (120 cases) plaincellars.com

Sigillo Cellars 2019 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $20 (128 cases) sigillocellars.com

Rosé Benson Vineyards Estate Winery 2019 Rosé, Lake Chelan, $22 (380 cases) bensonvineyards.com Bianchi Vineyards 2018 Rosé, Yakima Valley, $28 (50 cases) bianchivineyards.com Cave B Estate Winery 2019 Dry Rosé, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $19 (589 cases) caveb.com Ginkgo Forest Winery 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Wahluke Slope, $18 (290 cases) ginkgowinery.com Martin-Scott Winery 2019 Tribute Rosé of Sangiovese, Wahluke Slope, $25 (300 cases) martinscottwinery.com

Sangiovese Ancestry Cellars 2017 di Donato Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $27 (83 cases) ancestrycellars.com Beaumont Cellars 2018 Sangiovese, Wahluke Slope, $36 (130 cases) beaumontcellars.com Benson Vineyards Estate Winery 2017 Sangiovese, Lake Chelan, $29 (356 cases) bensonvineyards.com

Tempranillo

White Blend

Beaumont Cellars 2018 Tempranillo, Wahluke Slope, $36 (145 cases) beaumontcellars.com

Cave B Estate Winery 2019 Cuvée Blanc, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $25 (293 cases) caveb.com

Chateau Faire Le Pont 2016 Sangiovese, Wahluke Slope, $39.99 (95 cases) fairelepont.com

Chris Daniel 2016 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $30 (76 cases) chrisdaniel.wine

Errant Cellars 2015 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $24 (65 cases) errantcellars.com

Eagle Creek Winery 2018 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $32 (74 cases) eaglecreekwinery.com

Bianchi Vineyards 2018 Tempranillo, Wahluke Slope, $28 (100 cases) bianchivineyards.com

Horan Estates Winery 2017 CWM Syrah, Columbia Valley, $28 (207 cases) horanestateswinery.com

Cave B Estate Winery 2017 Tempranillo, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $33 (262 cases) caveb.com

Ryan Patrick Wines 2017 Reserve Syrah, Red Mountain, $40 (300 cases) ryanpatrickwines.com

Viognier

Malaga Springs Winery 2018 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $30 (100 cases) malagaspringswinery.com

Sauvignon Blanc Hard Hat Winery 2016 MK 5 Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $24 (135 cases) hardhatwinery.com Skagit Cellars 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake Chelan, $23 (45 cases) skagitcellars.com

Semillon Icicle Ridge Winery 2018 Semillon, Yakima Valley, $38 (120 cases) icicleridgewinery.com

Sparkling Wine Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2019 Au Naturel Sparkling Wine, Lake Chelan, $38 (45 cases) hardrow.com

Sigillo Cellars 2018 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $36 (195 cases) sigillocellars.com Siren Song Wines 2016 La Contessa Francesca Siren’s Reserve Syrah, Lake Chelan, $42 (200 cases) sirensongwines.com Siren Song Wines 2016 Syrah – Grand Cru Collection Ancient Stone Vineyard, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, $54 (293 cases) sirensongwines.com

Syrah

Skagit Cellars 2017 Syrah, Lake Chelan, $38 (75 cases) skagitcellars.com

Benson Vineyards Estate Winery 2017 Syrah, Lake Chelan, $28 (387 cases) bensonvineyards.com

Stemilt Creek Winery NV Boss Lady Syrah, Columbia Valley, $28 (203 cases) stemiltcreek.com

Eagle Creek Winery 2018 Adler Weiss, Columbia Valley, $28 (162 cases) eaglecreekwinery.com Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2019 SMS, Lake Chelan, $30 (120 cases) hardrow.com

Benson Vineyards Estate Winery 2019 Viognier, Lake Chelan, $22 (385 cases) bensonvineyards.com

Sigillo Cellars 2019 White Caps, Lake Chelan, $22 (182 cases) sigillocellars.com

Horan Estates Winery 2019 Viognier, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $24 (200 cases) horanestateswinery.com

Succession Wines 2019 Our Evolution, Columbia Valley, $26 (327 cases) successionwines.com

Malaga Springs Winery 2019 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $20 (75 cases) malagaspringswinery.com

Tipsy Canyon Winery 2019 Melange Blanc White Blend, Washington State, $22 (75 cases) tipsycanyon.com

Plain Cellars 2019 Viognier, Yakima Valley, $26 (75 cases) plaincellars.com

Zinfandel

Succession Wines 2019 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $28 (325 cases) successionwines.com Tipsy Canyon Winery 2019 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $22 (164 cases) tipsycanyon.com Tunnel Hill Winery 2019 Estate Viognier, Lake Chelan, $20 (111 cases) tunnelhillwinery.com

Beaumont Cellars 2017 Zinfandel, Wahluke Slope, $36 (175 cases) beaumontcellars.com Malaga Springs Winery 2017 Zinfandel, Columbia Valley, $30 (75 cases) malagaspringswinery.com Siren Song Wines 2016 Zelda, Wahluke Slope, $36 (150 cases) sirensongwines.com

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Foothills

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Bronze AWARDS

Albariño

Jones of Washington 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $14.99 jonesofwashington.com

Crayelle Cellars 2019 Albariño, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $24 (165 cases) crayellecellars.com

Malaga Springs Winery 2016 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $30 (75 cases) malagaspringwinery.com

Cabernet Franc Hard Hat Winery 2016 Riva Ridge Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $35 (48 cases) hardhatwinery.com

Chardonnay

Snowgrass Winery 2019 La Ferme Ta Gueule, Columbia Valley, $22 (24 cases) snowgrasswines.com Viento Ridge 2015 Estate Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $18 (50 cases) vientoridge.com

Cabernet Sauvignon Ancestry Cellars 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $49 (164 cases) ancestrycellars.com 70

Foothills

Hard Hat Winery 2016 Decompression Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $22 (135 cases) hardhatwinery.com

Chenin Blanc Cave B Estate Winery 2019 Chenin Blanc, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $22 (316 cases) caveb.com

Malbec Chris Daniel 2016 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $30 (104 cases) chrisdaniel.wine November / December 2020

Merlot

Stemilt Creek Winery NV Caring Passion Merlot, Columbia Valley, $20 (237 cases) stemiltcreek.com Viento Ridge 2015 Estate Winery, Columbia Valley, $17 (25 cases) vientoridge.com Virginia Thomas Winery 2016 Reserve Merlot, Columbia Valley, $28 (25 cases) virginiathomaswinery.com Virginia Thomas Winery 2016 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $22 (75 cases) virginiathomaswinery.com

Red Blend Brender Canyon Vineyard 2014 Clusterphobia, Washington State, $36 (96 cases) warmspringsinn.com Eagle Creek Winery 2016 Montage, Columbia Valley, $28 (210 cases) eaglecreekwinery.com Eagle Creek Winery 2015 Ed’s Red, Columbia Valley, $52 (140 cases) eaglecreekwinery.com

Virginia Thomas Winery 2016 Meritage, Columbia Valley, $28 (25 cases)

Rosé Brender Canyon Vineyard 2019 Rosé, Columbia Valley, $24 (25 cases) warmspringsinn.com Horan Estates Winery 2019 Duet Rosé, Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley, $24 (200 cases) horanestateswinery.com

Sauvignon Blanc

Syrah Jones of Washington 2015 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $14.99 (1,317 cases) jonesofwashington.com Tunnel Hill Winery 2018 Estate Syrah, Lake Chelan, $40 (182 cases) tunnelhillwinery.com Virginia Thomas Winery 2016 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $25 (25 cases) virginiathomaswinery.com

Tempranillo

Petit Verdot

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2014 Ginkgo Red, Wahluke Slope, $25 (475 cases) ginkgowinery.com

Eagle Creek Winery 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $32 (74 cases) eaglecreekwinery.com

Primitivo

Stemilt Creek Winery NV Kyle’s Fair Market Red, Columbia Valley, $15 (174 cases) stemiltcreek.com

Jones of Washington 2014 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $14.99 (698 cases) jonesofwashington.com

Eagle Creek Winery 2019 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $32 (82 cases) eaglecreekwinery.com

Tunnel Hill Winery 2018 Setenta, Columbia Valley, $40 (214 cases) tunnelhillwinery.com

Leony’s Cellars 2018 Savage Red Sangiovese, Washington State, $28 (50 cases) leonyscellars.com

Skagit Cellars 2019 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $24 (125 cases) skagitcellars.com

Chateau Faire Le Pont 2016 Petit Verdot, Yakima Valley, $34.99 (120 cases) fairelepont.com Leony’s Cellars 2019 Deep Down Bliss Primitivo, Yakima Valley, $28 (27 cases) leonyscellars.com

Sangiovese

Horan Estates Winery 2017 Twinkle Tempranillo, Columbia Valley, $28 (142 cases) horanestateswinery.com

Viognier

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Foothills

November / December 2020

WalkersMattress.com

Foothills Magazine - November/December 2020

Articles inside

How the judging works

Four questions with winemaker Doug Brazil

Bronze

Megan Couture makes wine from the heart

Double Gold

Winemaker Pete Beaumont is on a roll

The Browns strike gold

Top of his game

Siren Song