Fresh Press for Nov. 21, 2011 by Wine Press Northwest

Nov. 21, 2011

FRESHPRESS

Early snow covers leftover red wine grapes on Washington’s Red Mountain last weekend after a couple of inches fell in Washington wine country. (Andy Perdue/ Wine Press Northwest)

Fresh Press is a weekly publication of Wine Press Northwest magazine. In each edition, we review recently released wines from Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Idaho. Feel free to forward to your wine-loving friends and family. For more information on our tasting methods and review process, please go to the last page.

FRESHPRESS Nov. 21, 2011

Spotlight: Hamilton Cellars 1950 Keene Road, Bldg I, Richland, WA 99352 509-628-8227 • http://www.hamiltoncellars.com

After a couple of false starts, Hamilton Cellars got rolling nearly a year ago — and already is releasing some startlingly superb wines. Russ and Stacie Hamilton began thinking about opening their namesake winery a halfdecade ago and even put together grand dreams of creating a wine village in the heart of Washington wine country. They purchased land for their idea, and that's where the problems began. The city of West Richland, which is adjacent to famed Red Mountain, sold land to the Hamiltons, and they began to move forward with their concept. Unfortunately, the city didn't own the land — the state Bureau of Land Management did, and BLM wasn't interested in selling. After a few legal wranglings, the Hamiltons decided to start over and looked across town at the burgeoning Southridge area of Kennewick. However, the bank wouldn't loan any money to the Hamiltons because of pending litigation over the first piece of land. In the meantime, the city of Richland changed some zoning laws that allowed wine tasting rooms to open inside city limits, so the Hamiltons decided to use a building they already owned that wasn't far from three other wineries. So in January, Hamilton Cellars finally opened. The Hamiltons are savvy business people, with Russ serving as chief technology officer for the world's largest solar company in China and Stacie running a wealth-management firm. But it took them several months to get a handle on the wine industry. "The first year has been a real learning experience," Stacie said. "Until you're actually in it, you can't know. It's been a busy, interesting year." For example, she didn't realize how personal her wines would be.

"When people aren't kind, it's almost like they're talking about my children," she said. "Luckily, that doesn't happen often." Not based on our recent tasting of five new releases from Hamilton, four of which earned our top "Outstanding" rating. The fifth received an "Excellent" mark. Hamilton started on the right foot by hiring Charlie Hoppes as its winemaker. Hoppes is a "University of Ste. Michelle" alum who was the red winemaker for the Washington giant before moving on to launch Three Rivers Winery in 1999 and later his own Fidelitas Wines on Red Mountain. Because Fidelitas is focused heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon, the Hamiltons decided to look for a different niche, and they chose wisely with Malbec, which has quickly become one of the hottest "new" wine varieties in Washington. "We loved Malbec from the first one we tried," Stacie said. Hoppes told her he could make her some of the best in the state, and the first efforts used fruit from vaunted Champoux Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills. "It's fortuitous because Malbec has become pretty popular," she said.

FRESHPRESS Nov. 21, 2011

Spotlight: Under the Hamilton label, Hoppes makes a straight Malbec, a rosé of Malbec and a Malbec-based blend. Additionally, he crafts Cab, Merlot and a Semillon-Viognier blend for the Hamiltons. Expect Hoppes to be Hamilton's winemaker for a while. In 2010, the Hamiltons purchased a former beer distribution warehouse in Richland for $1.2 million and spent $300,000 to convert it to a wine-production facility per Hoppes' specs. Hoppes leased back the 30,000-square-foot facility and uses it to produce about 20,000 cases of wine for a half-dozen wineries. It seems to be a great relationship for all parties. Hamilton Cellars has grown to about 2,000 cases already, and Stacie sees it topping out at around 10,000 in the future — if and when Russ ever retires. He spends about six months of the year in China, which leaves Stacie in charge of the winery. "It's my baby," she said. "He was supposed to have retired by now, but we Skype and text every day to discuss major decisions about the winery." Such is life in this era of technology and global flattening. Already, another winery has opened a tasting room nearby, and the Russ and Stacie Hamilton (back) with winemaker Charlie Hoppes. Hamiltons are delighted to have Market Cellars (whose wines also are made by Hoppes) as its neighbor. Not far away hopes to produce two wines: Bull Market Red and are Bookwalter, Barnard Griffin and Tagaris Bull Market White. wineries, and the five are considering forming a "We're in a much better place to know what to marketing association to draw more visitors to the expect," she said. "Now, we can charge forward. emerging south Richland area of the Tri-Cities. It should be an interesting year." Stacie also plans to make a bit of wine on her Hamilton is just starting to distribute its wines own so she can put to work the winemaking in the Seattle market, so look for the label starting certification she earned from University of in January. Meanwhile, the tasting room is open California-Davis. The proposed name is DJ Wednesday through Sunday starting at noon and Cellars (for Dow Jones, the family dog), and she Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment.

Wine ratings All wines reviewed here are tasted blind after being submitted by producers. They are rated Outstanding, Excellent and Recommended by a tasting panel. Outstanding: These wines have superior characteristics and should be highly sought after. Excellent: Top-notch wines with particularly high qualities.

Recommended: Delicious, well-made wines with true varietal characteristics. Best Buy: A wine that is $15 or less. Priced are suggested retail and should be used as guidelines. Prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

FRESHPRESS Nov. 21, 2011

Spotlight: Hamilton Cellars Outstanding! Hamilton Cellars 2007 Bona Vita, Columbia Valley, $28. This is Hamilton Cellars’ signature blend, and as one would expect, Malbec dominates with half the total, using grapes from highly regarded Gamache and Snipes Canyon vineyards. Winemaker Charlie Hoppes also brought in Merlot and Cab from Stillwater Creek and Cab Franc from Weinbau, both favorite vineyard sources of his. The result is a brilliant wine with aromas of juniper berries, blueberries, boysenberries and cherries. The palate explodes with flavors of cherries, blueberries and coffee, all backed with rich tannins and bold acidity. This wine is likely to age gracefully for a decade or more. But it’s so good now, there’s little reason to wait to pull that cork. (284 cases, 14.8% alc.)

Outstanding! Hamilton Cellars 2008 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $28. While Hamilton Cellars focuses on Malbec as its grape of choice, it also produces other Bordeaux varieties — and with great success. This classic Merlot is bursting with aromas of blueberries, black currants, crushed walnuts, dark cherries, mint, vanilla bean and Baker’s chocolate. On the palate, it shows off flavors of cherries, boysenberries, chocolate and sweet herbs. The tannins arrive late, providing all the backbone needed for this plush red. (148 cases, 14.8% alc.)

Outstanding! Hamilton Cellars 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $28. Winemaker Charlie Hoppes focuses on making great Cabernet Sauvignon for his own Fidelitas, and he has crafted a winner here for Hamilton Cellars. This opens with aromas of wintergreen, baked cherries, lavender, huckleberries, black tea and mint, followed by balanced flavors of dark strawberries, plums and dark chocolate. Everything is in harmony here, from the moderate oak to the refined tannins to the bright, ripe fruit. (384 cases, 14.6% alc.)

Outstanding! Hamilton Cellars 2010 Rosé of Malbec, Columbia Valley, $18. This is not your typical rosé, but it certainly is delicious. It shows off a deep, rich color, and it has an atypical thickness to it. And it sure is tasty. It opens with smoky aromas that mingle with blackberries, poached plums and figs. On the palate, it is pleasing and round on the entry, giving way to flavors of berries, licorice and even milk chocolate. While there’s little tannin to speak of, it does have just enough acidity to carry all the fruit through the lengthy finish. (150 cases, 13.5% alc.)

Excellent. Hamilton Cellars 2008 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $30. Winemaker Charlie Hoppes was on the front edge of the curve in recognizing Malbec’s ability to produce superb wine in Washington, and he has crafted a delicious wine here for Hamilton Cellars. It opens with aromas of ripe Bing cherries, blackberries, black olives and black pepper, followed by a rich palate loaded with mint, vanilla, black licorice, olives, white pepper, milk chocolate, plums and cherries. Its flavors are sprinkled with exotic spices. The tannins are a bit large and in charge at the moment, exactly what one would expect from a youthful and exuberant Malbec. (192 cases, 14.6% alc.)

FRESHPRESS Nov. 21, 2011

New releases we’ve tasted Cabernet Sauvignon Excellent. Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $28. Head winemaker Bob Bertheau refers to this as his “steakhouse red,” and there’s no argument here. It’s as big as a Texas longhorn with its barrel notes and rugged tannin. Oak influence in the nose starts with lots of chocolate, fresh toast, coffee and roasted barley, backed by red currant and blueberry aromas. Flavors of sweet blackberry jam, black cherry and loads of chocolate and coffee grounds amble across the palate. Enjoy with a blackened porterhouse. (7,000 cases, 15% alc.)

Pinot Noir Excellent. Elk Cove Vineyards 2009 Clay Court Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $48. This estate site, formerly known as Eastburn Vineyard, sits on the eastern slopes of Parrett Mountain in the Chehalem Mountains and is still in its first decade of life. It creates a fruit-forward nose of blueberry, Montmorency cherry and boysenberry, backed by strawberry leaf, minerality and just a whiff of teriyaki. The drink brings in pleasing juiciness and gobs of fruit flavors that include more blueberry and boysenberry, then finishes with Bing cherry and cranberry. (200 cases, 14.5% alc.) Outstanding! Elk Cove Vineyards 2009 La Bohème Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $48. Two previous vintages of this vineyard-designate wine have been served at the White House, and this current release would seem to match those. Second-generation winemaker Adam Campbell continues to produce stellar wines from the 17-acre Pommard block his family began planting in 1985. It’s a deeply colored Pinot Noir with aromas of mature oak, dark strawberry, boysenberry, cherry, violet and allspice. The drink carries through, opening with black cherry and boysenberry before transitioning to Rainier cherry and finishing with fresh cranberry. Tannins seem to merely add texture. Serve it at your house with salmon, veal or beef. (530 cases, 14.5% alc.) Excellent. Elk Cove Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $27. Next spring, the Campbell family will celebrate 35 years of making wine in Oregon, and this is its deliciously large production Pinot Noir. Aromas of cranberry, smoked cherry, saddle leather and rubbing spices conjure up a game plan for dinner with alder-planked salmon. The medium body of the structure would go along with that idea, bringing flavors of tasty dried cranberry and cassis. There’s a leanness to the acidity, and it finishes with huckleberries. (14,000 cases, 14.2% alc.)

Excellent. Elk Cove Vineyards 2009 Roosevelt Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $75. Vines in their 17th year cropped to 2.1 tons per acre produced a plummy, spicy and bold profile. Long flavors of President plums, pie cherry, allspice and saddle leather, held up by masculine tannins, make this one to savor with duck breast or rabbit. (300 cases, 14.9% alc.)

Syrah Outstanding! Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2009 Three Vineyards Syrah, Columbia Valley, $18. Here’s another head-turning red from Spokane winemaker Kristina Mielke-van Löben Sels, and her melange from Bacchus, Conner Lee and Stillwater Creek vineyards makes for a blackberry monster nearly from beginning to end. Aromas also hint at Marionberry, blueberry tea and shoe leather. Open the mouth and imagine a spoonful of blackberry pie filling, followed by boysenberry, black cherry, bittersweet chocolate and black olive. The balance of acidity with cranberry skin tannin prevents it from offering too much of these good things. Suggested pairings include huckleberryinfluenced ribs and duck breast. (715 cases, 13.8% alc.) Excellent. Best Buy! Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $13. Here’s another remarkable example — and bargain — from Bob Bertheau’s team in Eastern Washington, with 75 percent of the fruit coming off the Wahluke Slope. Cofermentation with Viognier (5%) allows the wine to carry aromas of red currant, boysenberry, cherry juice and uncooked bacon. The real payoff is the presentation on the palate where there’s lovely sweetness of huckleberry and boysenberry, backed by cola, black tea and black olive. Its structure is lighter than most Syrahs, and there’s a fascinating farewell with Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters and lilac. (10,139 cases, 13.5% alc.) Recommended. Westport Winery 2010 Swimmer's Last Syrah, Washington, $27. Coastal winemaker Dana Roberts uses a current of bright acidity to carry the structure of this lighter-styled Syrah. Fresh boysenberry, blueberry taffy, black olive, pink peppercorn and cured meat accents are finished by a pop of loganberry. (204 cases, 12% alc.)

Zinfandel Recommended. Angel Vine 2009 Les Collines Zinfandel, Walla Walla Valley, $22. Fruit from one of the Walla Walla Valley’s most productive vineyards provides fun aromas of dark strawberry, cotton candy, milk chocolate and cassis, following with a nice drink of strawberry, dried currant, light chocolate and green

FRESHPRESS Nov. 21, 2011

New releases we’ve tasted olive. The serving of pie cherry filling in the finish lifts this to an acid level not often found in Zins. (300 cases, 14.3% alc.)

cola, chocolate, horehound and lots of minerality, giving it a solid place at the table with hearty soups and beef casseroles. (250 cases, 12.5% alc.)

Recommended. Angel Vine 2009 Zinfandel, Columbia Valley, $21. Those who gravitate toward the strawberry candy California Zin need not look here. Instead, it drinks akin to a dry and lightly structured Syrah. It hits on tones of blueberry, red currant and deep black cherries with hints of tomato vine and black olive. (400 cases, 14.8% alc.)

Chardonnay

Red blends Excellent. Angel Vine 2009 The Hellion, Columbia Valley, $22. Carlton, Ore., winemaker Ed Fus not only names his Pinot Noir after daughter Morgan, but said he also had her in mind when he produced this rather strong-willed blend of Primitivo (44%), Petite Sirah (31%) and Zinfandel. There’s a dark-fruit nose of boysenberry, blueberry and blackberry, accented by oregano and hints of minerality. As one should expect, it’s a tasty but tannic mouthful of plums, blackberries, Van cherries and black olive with lively acidity and black tea tannin. (200 cases, 15.5% alc.) Outstanding! DiStefano Winery 2007 Domenica, Columbia Valley, $20. The Merlot-based blend makes a big impression on many levels, starting with oaky aromas of dark chocolate and charcoal that run alongside hints of black cherry and blackberry. Inside, there’s a high tide of those darkly opulent tones — black cherry, blackberry, chocolate — as well as tobacco leaf, black olive, black pepper, mint and tea. And it falls into the camp of deliciously rich and drink now. (420 cases, 15% alc.) Excellent. 1/2 Ass 2007 Limited Release #1 Red, Columbia Valley, $28. One of the busiest winemakers is Washington is Robert O. Smasne, and this label of a kicking donkey is among the handful to be found at his new tasting room in Kennewick. He bucks the trend of blending Bordeaux varieties by leading with Petit Verdot (38%), then going with Cabernet Sauvignon (31%), Malbec (23%) and Carménère. It creates big and sweet aromas of black cherry, black plums and blackberry, backed by shoe leather, cedar and black pepper. Sweet plum, lush blackberry and lively blueberry acidity stomp across the palate that finishes with black olive and a touch of heat. A sizzling steak will take care of that nicely. (230 cases, 13.9% alc.) Recommended. Wood River Cellars 2008 Estate Cabernet-Malbec, Snake River Valley, $25. There’s a greeting of black cherry and black olive, followed by herbaceous aromas of mint and plug tobacco that hint at the presence of Cabernet Franc in this blend. On the medium-bodied palate comes more fruit, leading with Van cherry and cassis. It’s backed by flavors of

Outstanding! Best Buy! Airfield Estates 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $12. Prosser, Wash., winemaker Marcus Miller and his father/ grower Mike have teamed up to develop one of the top wineries in the Northwest, and here’s just another example. And the fact that this Chardonnay is made without any expensive oak makes this easy for people to enjoy. A crack of the screwtop brings aromas of fresh pear, Jonagold apple, mango and pineapple. The drink is damn delicious with its fresh-cut pineapple, pear and apple flavors. Grapefruit peel adds just the right amount of bitterness, and sweetened lime acidity creates a lingering finish. (2,390 cases, 13.7% alc.) Excellent. Cathedral Ridge Winery 2009 Reserve Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $44. The arrival of Sonoma-based winemaker Michael Sebastini several years ago elevated this Columbia Gorge destination, and he’s brought a touch of California to this Chardonnay — one of the Northwest’s priciest. There’s some toastiness in the nose, though not as much as might be expected. Instead, there’s huge spearmint in the front, followed by hints of lemongrass, candy corn and some butterscotch. The palate offers much more in the way of fruit, hinting at Mandarin orange and dried pineapple, backed by starfruit and a late slice of quince for a nice spark of acidity. Pair with seared scallops. (141 cases, 13.6% alc.) Recommended. Best Buy! StoneCap Wines 2010 Estate Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $8. Spellbinding aromas of pineapple, apple, angel food cake, saffron and lemon pepper evolve into flavors of Braeburn apple, more pineapple, light toast and grapefruit. (9,020 cases, 13.8% alc.)

Riesling Recommended. Cathedral Ridge Winery 2010 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $18. Its style could be mistaken as a late harvest, starting with aromas of apricot marmalade, spicy apple sauce and pear. There’s more of that profile between the lips, including white peach, and yet it’s got balance in the finish with citrusy flavors such as Mandarin orange and tangerine. (270 cases, 11.9% alc.)

Viognier Outstanding! Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery 2009 Viognier, Okanagan Valley, $20. Michael Ferreira, a 27-year-old winemaker, did a skillful job with the

FRESHPRESS Nov. 21, 2011

New releases we’ve tasted family fruit off their Black Sage Bench vineyard. Two of his keys were the judicious use of oak, just six months in 2-year-old barrels, and preservation of mouthwatering acidity. Tantalizing aromas of Circus Peanut candy, pineapple upside-down cake and candied ginger may lead you to believe it’s an ice wine. Instead, it’s is a dry, yet delicious, delivery of Mandarin orange flavors with pink grapefruit and a slice of that cake that’s slightly crunchy at the bottom. The winery recently sold through this vintage, so check with provincial wine shops or see if the 2010 follows this same profile. (400 cases, 14.6% alc.)

Another question is where does “late harvest” begin and end? Winemaker Marcus Miller moves the talk to a lip-smacking level because his botrysized style of Riesling checks in at 13.2% residual sugar. The aromas and flavors of baked apple and peach cobbler also carry a whiff of diesel, and there’s enough acidity for the drinker to want to conduct more research. (502 cases, 11.6% alc.)

Gewürztraminer Outstanding! Best Buy! Covey Run Winery 2010 Gewürztraminer, Columbia Valley, $9. Kate Michaud previously worked at Canoe Ridge Vineyard in Walla Walla — one of Washington’s historically best producers of Gewürz — and she showcases that knowledge with this large lot. Classic aromas of yellow grapefruit, lychee, cinnamon and clove come with gooseberry, spearmint and slate. The spicy notes ply onto the palate along with the big dose of orange, grapefruit and lychee. The finish brings a note of an Arnold Palmer along with a nice little acid bite to balance the residual sugar (2.5%). This would be a perfect pairing with dark meat from that Thanksgiving bird. (9,777 cases, 12.5% alc.)

Dessert wine Excellent. Best Buy! Airfield Estates 2010 Late Harvest Riesling, Yakima Valley, $13. One of the biggest debates in the wine industry is how to categorize Rieslings by their level of sweetness.

FRESHPRESS Nov. 21, 2011

Northwest wine regions Multi-state appellations Columbia Valley: This multi-state appellation is 11 million acres in size and takes up a third of Washington. Established in 1984. Columbia Gorge: This multi-state appellation begins around the town of Lyle and heads west to Husum on the Washington side of the Columbia River. It was established in 2004. Walla Walla Valley: Walla Walla Valley: This multi-state appellation is in the southeast corner of Washington and around Milton-Freewater, Ore. Established in 1984. Snake River Valley: This is in southwestern Idaho and southeastern Oregon. It covers 8,263 square miles and was established in 2007.

Washington Yakima Valley: The Northwest’s oldest appellation (established in 1983) stretches past Wapato in the west to Benton City in the east and includes Red Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills and Snipes Mountain. Red Mountain: Washington’s smallest appellation is a ridge in the eastern Yakima Valley. It is 4,040 acres in size. Established in 2001. Horse Heaven Hills: This large appellation — 570,000 acres — is south of the Yakima Valley and stretches to the Oregon border. It was established in 2005. Wahluke Slope: Approved in early 2006, this huge landform north of the Yakima Valley is an 81,000-acre gravel bar created by the Ice Age Floods. It is one of the warmest regions in the entire Pacific Northwest. Established in 2006. Rattlesnake Hills: This appellation is in the western Yakima Valley north of the towns of Zillah, Granger and Outlook. The appellation is 68,500 acres in size with about 1,300 acres of vineyards. It was established in 2006. Puget Sound: This sprawling appellation is in Western Washington. It stretches from the Olympia area to the Canadian border north of Bellingham. It also sweeps through the San Juan Islands and to Port Angeles. Established in 1995. Snipes Mountain: This is one of Washington’s oldest wine-growing regions. At 4,145 acres in size, it is the state’s second-smallest AVA. Grapes have been grown on Snipes Mountain and at the adjacent Harrison Hill (also part of the AVA) since 1914. This AVA is within the Yakima Valley appellation and was approved in 2009. Lake Chelan: This area in north-central Washington is almost entirely within the Columbia Valley. It is a young area, with the oldest vines dating to 1998. About 250 acres are planted here. It was approved in 2009.

Ribbon Ridge: This is the Northwest’s smallest appellation at 3,350 acres. It is best known for its Pinot Noir and is within the Chehalem Mountains AVA. It was established in 2005. Yamhill-Carlton: This is a horseshoe-shaped appellation that surrounds the towns of Yamhill and Carlton. It was established in 2005. The “District” was dropped in 2011. Chehalem Mountains: This is the largest within the Willamette Valley. This 62,100-acre appellation is northeast of the Dundee Hills. It was established in 2006. Dundee Hills: Many of Oregon’s pioneer wineries are in the Dundee Hills within Oregon’s Yamhill County. The appellation is 6,490 acres in size. It was established in 2005. Eola-Amity Hills: This important region stretches from the town of Amity in the north to the capital city of Salem in the southeast. It is 37,900 acres in size. It was established in 2006. McMinnville: The hills south and west of the Yamhill County city of McMinnville are more than 40,000 acres in size. It was established in 2005. Umpqua Valley: This Southern Oregon appellation surrounds the city of Roseburg north of the Rogue Valley. It can produce Pinot Noir as well as warm-climate grapes. It was established in 1984. Rogue Valley: The Northwest’s southern-most appellation surrounds the cities of Medford and Ashland, just north of the California border. It is known for its warm growing conditions. Established in 2001. Applegate Valley: This small valley within the Rogue Valley is known for a multitude of microclimates that can result in wines of distinction and complexity. Established in 2004. Southern Oregon: This AVA encompasses the Umpqua, Rogue and Applegate valleys and Red Hill Douglas County. It was established in 2005. Red Hill Douglas County: This tiny appellation — just 5,500 acres — is within the Umpqua Valley. Fewer than 200 acres of wine grapes, primarily Pinot Noir, are grown here. Established in 2005.

British Columbia

Okanagan Valley: In the province’s interior, this 100mile valley stretches from the border in Osoyoos to Salmon Arm in the north. Most wineries are near Oliver, Penticton and Kelowna. It was established in 1990. Similkameen Valley: This warm valley is west of the southern Okanagan Valley. It was established in 1990. Vancouver Island: This marine-influenced appellation is in the southwest part of the province. Established in 1990. Fraser Valley: This farming area is in the Lower Mainland, south of Vancouver. Established in 1990. Oregon Gulf Islands: This appellation includes approximately Willamette Valley: Oregon’s largest appellation stretches 100 islands spread out between Vancouver Island and the roughly from Portland to Eugene. Established in 1984. southern mainland. Established in 2005.

FRESHPRESS Nov. 21, 2011

About us Wine Press Northwest is a quarterly consumer magazine that focuses on the wine regions of Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Idaho. Annual subscriptions are $20. Click to subscribe. Editor-in-chief: Andy Perdue editor@winepressnw.com Managing editor: Eric Degerman edegerman@winepressnw.com Advertising inquiries: Parker Hodge phodge@tricityherald.com © 2011

Tasting methods Recent Releases are evaluated under strict conditions to ensure objectivity. Northwest wineries submit wines to Wine Press Northwest for evaluation by Wine Press Northwest’s tasting panel. After wines are received, they are stored for at least two weeks and a third party serves them “blind,” meaning the tasting panelists do not know the producer. In addition, the panelists are served glasses of wine and are not able to view the bottles or their shapes prior to tasting. Wines are stored in temperature-controlled conditions, allowing them to be served at perfect cellar temperatures. Price is not a consideration in these evaluations, nor is a winery’s advertising activity with Wine Press Northwest, as the magazine’s editorial/wine evaluation activities and advertising/ marketing efforts are kept strictly separate. The panel has a combination of technical and consumer palates. If at least three of the four panelists consider a wine technically sound and commercially acceptable, it is included here as “Recommended.” The panel may also vote the wine as “Excellent” or “Outstanding,” our top rating. Wines considered

unacceptable by the panel are rejected and not included. Reviews are grouped by variety or style and listed alphabetically by winery. Prices listed are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. To ensure we maintain an international perspective, our tasting panelists judge thousands of wines annually at various competitions, including: Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition, Riverside International Wine Competition, Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, Indy International Wine Competition, Virginia Governor’s Cup, Sonoma County Harvest Fair, Grand Harvest Awards, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru, Washington State Wine Competition, Seattle Wine Awards, Northwest Wine Summit, British Columbia Wine Awards, New York Wine and Grape Foundation Competition, Tri-Cities Wine Festival, Capital Food & Wine Fest, North Central Washington Wine Awards and Idaho Wine Competition.