Fresh Press for Aug. 8, 2011

Aug. 8, 2011

FRESHPRESS Much of the scenery in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is stunning, but the views from the Naramata Bench north of Penticton are especially amazing. This photo was taken from Kettle Valley Winery.

(Photo by 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.

A weekly publication of Wine Press Northwest • Vol. 1, No. 13 • © 2011

FRESHPRESS Aug. 8, 2011

Spotlight: Kettle Valley Winery 2988 Hayman Road, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0 250-496-5898 • http://www.kettlevalleywinery.com

You have to really want to get to Kettle Valley Winery to find it.

And once you taste the wines of Bob Ferguson and Tim Watts, you will really want to go there.

The 10,000-case winery is at the end of a dusty road on the remote Naramata Bench. It’s well off Highway 97, which bisects British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. But for lovers of great wine, there is a well-beaten path to Kettle Valley’s door.

The winery celebrates its 20th year this fall, but Ferguson and Watts have been at it longer, and theirs is the classic story of a hobby gone completely off the charts.

They met in 1980 when they began dating two sisters — they’re all in-laws now — and they began to make wine together. What was a fun hobby became a serious obsession, so much so that they began to buy land and plant vineyards near Penticton because they were dissatisfied with the quality of grapes they were able to purchase. Before launching the winery in 1992, they even made wine in the Watts’ apartment in the Lower Mainland. Imagine lugging a ton of grapes up the elevator of an apartment complex and crushing, pressing and fermenting wine there. That’s the level of seriousness these guys took their hobby.

“By 1991, we had three vineyards planted here in Naramata for our own personal use,” Ferguson said.

“Then we decided we should open up and start a winery.”

Even though they have been commercial winemakers for the past two decades, their obsession has not waned. They work with more than 20 grape varieties from their 40 acres of estate grapes (and another 35 acres they contract), producing about 30 different wines — “Far too many,” Ferguson says with a gentle laugh.

Watts, a geologist by trade, handles most of the vineyard operations, and Ferguson, an accountant, runs the business. They make the wine together.

They named the winery after the Kettle Valley Railway, which operated in the Okanagan Valley from 1915 through the 1980s. Remnants of the railroad are not far from the winery, and Watts and Ferguson make use of railroad images and history in the names of their wines and on the labels. Today, the old railway is used

by hikers and bicyclists, and many of the Kettle Valley vineyards are within view of the old railroad.

Amid collectors and restaurateurs in the Lower Mainland, Kettle Valley’s whites have been treasures, including the Crest Cabernet Sauvignon, the Old Main Red, the King Merlot and the Hayman Pinot Noir. But not to be overlooked are its white wines, which range from Riesling and Viognier to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Gris that is a bit on the pink side (the color of the grapes).

Just be careful, though: Once you experience Kettle Valley wines, you might just find yourself traveling down a dusty road to taste more.

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FRESHPRESS Aug. 8, 2011

Spotlight: Kettle Valley Winery Excellent. Kettle Valley Winery 2010 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $26. Last year, harvest for this wine ran late — Nov. 1-7 between Harvey Vineyard on the Naramata Bench and Elgert Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. Imagine grilled peaches drizzled with honey, nectarine, lemon and crushed starfruit in the aromas, backed by jicama, slate and celery. There’s delicious ripeness on the palate, featuring lemon/lime flavors, trailed by spearmint. Mouthwatering acidity and distinctive minerality make this particularly impressive.

(105 cases, 10.7% alc.)

Excellent. Kettle Valley Winery 2010 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, $24. Bob Ferguson and Tim Watts are brothers-in-law celebrating the 20th anniversary of their winery on the Naramata Bench, and one sign of their passion for winemaking is working with eight different vineyards in four regions for this expressive Pinot Gris. Aromas of blood orange and peaches include strawberry/rhubarb, rose petal and watermelon taffy. On the palate, the flavors feature blends of lemon and lime with ripe cantaloupe and tangerine.

There’s a big kiss of oak on the palate, too. (2,500 cases, 13.5% alc.)

Excellent. Kettle Valley Winery 2009 Naramata Bench Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley, $26.

Don’t go looking for this just yet because it hasn’t been released, but the production of Weingardt Vineyard is one of the more expressive and delicious Sauv Blancs you’ll taste. Imagine a squeeze of lime and pinch of gooseberry, backed by lemongrass, petrol, minerality and a whiff of tomcat. The structure shows a bit of creaminess on the entry — a sign of the 5% barrel fermentation — then comes a rush of Limeade, river rock and rosemary. While a bit off-dry, it’s delicious as a cocktail or well-served with crusted scallops or roasted eggplant. (560 cases, 13.5% alc.)

Excellent. Kettle Valley Winery 2010 Naramata Bench Viognier, Okanagan Valley, $26. There’s no lack of expression with this fruit-forward Viognier, starting with nose-tickling hints of orange creme soda, spearmint gum, lemon/lime, pomelo and green papaya. On the palate, the theme turns toward Mandarin orange and some grassiness with delicious acidity, flecks of flint and a dab of lemon cream. Serve with poached halibut accented by cilantro. (300 cases, 13.6% alc.)

New releases we’ve tasted Syrah Recommended. Dakota Creek Winery 2009 Syrah, Rattlesnake Hills, $24. Amazing blueberry accents gather up hints of blackberry pie, orange Creamsicle, vanilla bourbon and powdered sugar. It offers a great fruit core, and the youthful structure of pleasing acidity and burly tannins make this a candidate for the cellar or the decanter. Pair this with robust cheeses or duck confit. (115 cases, 15.4% alc.)

Outstanding! Dusted Valley Vintners 2008 Tall Tales Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $53. Years ago, we discovered Dusted Valley when we conducted a blind judging of about 150 Northwest Syrahs. The wines crafted by Corey Braunel and Chad Johnson stood out as among the best, and their dedication to this delicious — and, lately, derided — variety has not withered. In fact, the guys at DVV make no fewer than a half-dozen wines that focus on Syrah, and this stands

out as one of the best. It opens with aromas of blueberry, chocolate and a whisper of smoke, followed by plush flavors that reveal blueberry, leather, cinnamon and that intriguing Côte-Rotie-like gaminess.

This is a pretty muscular wine throughout, with gripping tannins that will stand up to the likes of ribeye or lamb.

(175 cases, 14.7% alc.)

Recommended. Glen Fiona Winery 2007 Puncheon Select Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $22. Glen Fiona is one of the Walla Walla Valley’s oldest wineries, launched in the mid-’90s by Rusty Figgins, brother to Leonetti’s founder. His early focus was on Rhône varieties, particularly Syrah. Today, the winery is owned

by Silver Lake, and winemaker Bill Ammons crafts Syrahs and Cabs under the Glen Fiona label. This Syrah shows off aromas of milk chocolate, red currant and hint of mint. On the palate, the flavors focus on

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.

For more details about our judging system, see the last page of this document.

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FRESHPRESS Aug. 8, 2011

New releases we’ve tasted blueberries. Nice acidity helps prop up all the flavor components. (482 cases, 13.4% alc.)

Recommended. Silver Lake Winery 2007 Roza Hills Syrah, Rattlesnake Hills, $22. A year from now, Silver Lake Winery will celebrate its silver anniversary.

Launched in 1987, the winery is one of the oldest in Woodinville (now one of the most densely populated wine regions in Washington). This tasty red from its vineyard near Zillah opens with endearing aromas of root beer, black licorice, pomegranate and red currant.

On the palate, it unveils flavors of blueberry, cinnamon bark, blackberry, anise and bittersweet chocolate, all backed with fine-grained tannins. Pair this with barbecued ribs or roast beef. (428 cases, 13.7% alc.)

Sangiovese Outstanding! Kitzke Cellars 2008 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $18. The Kitzke family is no stranger to agriculture, having been in farming for four decades.

But it is just getting into the winemaking game, and this is the winery’s best effort to date, as the Tri-Cities’ newest producer is starting to hit its stride. This expressive red wine opens with aromas of red plums, poached cherries, leather, cherry liqueur and a hint of cigar smoke. The palate shows off flavors of black cherries and Dr Pepper, all backed with bright acidity and an absence of tannin. It’s easy to imagine this with ossobucco. (13.9% alc.)

Nebbiolo Excellent. Kitzke Cellars 2008 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Nebbiolo, Horse Heaven Hills, $29. Of all the wine grape varieties in the world, Nebbiolo is one of the most noble. It is best known in Italy’s Piedmont region, where it creates such delights as Barolo and

Barbaresco. In the New World, Nebbiolo has never translated so well, but Washington’s climate seems to hold promise. Young Kitzke Cellars near Richland has embarked on a Quixotic quest with Nebbiolo, and this early effort is favorable. It reveals aromas of plums, blueberries and Raisinettes, followed by flavors of silky blackberry and anise. Its tannins are classic for the variety: gigantic and untamed, offering the hope for a lengthy and fascinating life. (52 cases, 13.9% alc.)

Baco Noir Excellent. Melrose Vineyards 2008 Estate Baco Noir, Umpqua Valley, $22. According to some accounts, this French hybrid arrived in North America back in 1951, and Oregon’s Umpqua Valley has a delicious history with the grape, starting with Girardet.

The Parker family has followed suit at Melrose, crafting a hugely complex and youthful wine leading with fresh fruit aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, mulberry and pie cherry, joined by dark plum, smoked meat, earthiness and saddle leather notes. It’s brimming with vibrant flavors of pomegranate, blueberry, plum and pie cherry with lots of acidity and virtually no tannin. Serve slightly chilled with smoked ribs. (919 cases, 13.5% alc.)

Red blends Outstanding! H/H Estates 2005 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Reserve Robert Andrews Red, Horse Heaven Hills, $28. Mike Andrews oversees one of the Horse Heaven Hills’ top vineyards and runs Coyote Canyon Winery and this reserve label, which has its tasting room in the town of Prosser. This wine honors Mike’s father and is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Viognier. As we’ve come to expect from Coyote Canyon, it is superb, opening with aromas of blueberry,

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FRESHPRESS Aug. 8, 2011

New releases we’ve tasted red currant jam and a whisper of something that reminded us of chalkboard dust. It’s a delicious wine, with flavors of Marionberry, black cherry, cola and blueberry. It’s a rich and vibrant wine with terrific acidity and plenty of backbone to pair with grilled flank steak.

(130 cases, 14.3% alc.)

Recommended. Best Buy! Snoqualmie Vineyards 2008 Whistle Stop Red, Columbia Valley, $10. One of the Northwest’s most recognized and widely embraced everyday wines, this is ideal for serving with a thick hamburgers or chicken grilled on the back deck.

The nose is loaded with plums, dark cherry and green peppercorns, backed by fudge brownie, minerality and cedar. Plums and pie cherry flavors bring lots of foodfriendly acidity from the midpalate on back. Sturdy tannins and dense chocolate make this attractive.

(25,000 cases, 14% alc.)

Chardonnay Recommended. Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2009 Estate Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, $24. The D’Andreas are celebrating their 10th anniversary of owning this vineyard near Okanagan Falls, B.C., and it’s a showy, well-made Chardonnay with enjoyable nutty oak tones and tropical fruit accents. The creamy approach to the palate fills the mouth with hints of lemon pudding, lots of butterscotch and some citrus pith in the farewell. (735 cases, 14.1% alc.)

Excellent. Seven of Hearts 2009 Crawford Beck Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, $24. Here’s one of the more delicious and hedonistic reserve-style Chardonnays you’ll find. Behind its theme of tropical fruit aromas are hints of banana, apple, dried pear, bubblegum powder and toasted almonds. More tropical flavors lead the palate, blending in acidity among the slight creaminess of crushed banana, lemon yogurt and vanilla bean. Enjoy this as a cocktail or with a steamed artichoke. (224 cases, 15.7% alc.)

Recommended. Vin du Lac of Chelan 2009 Barrel Select Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $20. The Lake Chelan estate Michaela’s Vineyard is becoming a larger part of this program, with Upland Vineyard on Snipes Mountain (45%) adding support. Dusty citrus fruit aromas include quince and lemon, but there is also a hint of brioche from the subtle oak and some lychee.

Half of the lot underwent malolactic fermentation, and that shows in added mouthfeel of creamy banana, but that’s just a minor part. Lemons, cantaloupe, peach and apricot make this is a brisk and refreshing drink, a style that Larry Lembecker refers to as “north country.” (460 cases, 14.1% alc.)

Riesling Excellent. Anam Cara Cellars 2009 Nicholas Estates Riesling, Chehalem Mountains, $19. Riesling is a

small part of the Oregon wine industry, accounting for just 2,000 tons per year (compared with more than 33,000 tons in Washington). But Riesling from the Willamette Valley can be wonderful, thanks to the region’s famous cool-climate viticulture. Here’s a superb example from the Chehalem Mountains that opens with aromas of Red Delicious apples, dried apricots and a bit of minerality. On the palate, this reveals flavors of Jonagold apples, pear and rosewater, all backed with bright acidity and a bit of residual sweetness. This is one of the first Oregon wineries to use the International Riesling Foundation taste profile, and it slots this wine as “Dry.” (390 cases, 13.8% alc.)

Outstanding! Best Buy! San Juan Vineyard 2010 Les Vignes De Marcoux Riesling, Yakima Valley, $15. This winery in Friday Harbor, Wash., is now into its second decade of production, and it has really hit its stride the past few vintages. While about 30% of its production now comes from estate grapes on San Juan Island, the winery still reaches over the Cascade Mountains for most of its grapes. This superb Riesling uses Yakima Valley fruit, offering aromas of 7UP, passion fruit, apple and Mandarin orange. On the palate, the flavors remind us of passion fruit, orange bitters and sweet apples, all backed with mouthwatering acidity. It’s a bright, beautiful wine with a lingering finish that will pair perfectly with curries, shellfish or Mexican. (217 cases, 12.4% alc.)

Excellent. Best Buy! Snoqualmie Vineyards 2009 Winemaker's Select Riesling, Columbia Valley, $10.

Longtime Prosser, Wash., winemaker Joy Andersen continues to show her skill with her largest responsibility. Harvest date for this vintage came Oct. 22, and she added some Viognier (3%). The nose shows pear butter and apple sauce aromas, joined by lemon, nectarine and pleasing diesel. It’s a definite crowd pleaser with its residual sugar (6%) on the palate as the combination of sweet lemons and Honeycrisp apple makes it rather tasty. A bit of grip in the finish tightens things up. (50,000 cases, 10.5% alc.)

Pinot Gris Excellent. Best Buy! Boomtown 2010 Pinot Gris, Washington, $13. The fun starts with the aromatics of bubble gum, pear juice, muscat, honeysuckle, jasmine and vanilla ice cream. Mouthwatering acidity lifts the fruit profile of pear, pineapple and nectarine, finished with mint and lemon flavors. Enjoy this delightful sipper with a plate of hard cheeses such as pecorino or Manchego. (1,800 cases, 13.5% alc.)

Recommended. Holmes Harbor Cellars 2008 Pinot Gris, Yakima Valley, $20. Oregon has helped make Pinot Gris famous in the United States, but Washington has quickly caught up with its neighbor across the

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FRESHPRESS Aug. 8, 2011

New releases we’ve tasted Columbia River. In the past half-decade, Washington’s Pinot Gris production has tripled to more than 6,000 tons, equal to Oregon. The husband-wife team of Greg and Theresa Martinez used Yakima Valley fruit at their Whidbey Island winery. This wine opens with aromas of apples and vanilla, followed by flavors of starfruit and orange cream soda. (110 cases, 14.2% alc.)

as aromas of fresh-cut lemon, slate and juniper berry bring flavors of lemon bitters and yellow grapefruit without the sugar. A bit of spritzy acidity adds some spark, and suggested fare includes chicken served with polenta. (600 cases, 13.5% alc.)

Excellent. Kalala Organic Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, $18. This wine has scored well at international competitions in 2011, and it’s clear to see why. Amazing tropical aromas of pineapple, orange and rosewater are joined by fresh peach, pear, honeycomb and apricot jam. That wide range of fruits carries over to the palate, backed by textures of lemon custard, a touch of tannin and then yellow grapefruit.

It’s just a touch of off-dry and should pair nicely with light pasta with mushrooms, chicken breast and smoked salmon. (292 cases, 13.4% alc.)

Recommended. Best Buy! Kyra Wines 2010 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $12. Kyra Baerlocher brought in grapes from both Harold Pleasant Vineyard in Prosser on Nov. 5 — a week later than normal. She dialed down the residual sugar (1.8%) from previous years, too, making it a very nice cocktail with notes of an Arnold Palmer brewed with mint and lemongrass.

(402 cases, 11.5% alc.)

Recommended. Seven of Hearts 2010 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $16. Much of Byron Dooley’s production comes off his Luminous Hill Vineyard in the Willamette Valley, but he went up the Columbia River to Arlington, Ore., for this production off Rattlesnake Road Vineyard.

Ripe pineapple, cotton candy, jasmine and lemon curd tones show off a bit of tannin. The harvest date of Oct. 26, combined with the dryness of the wine, helps account for the lofty level of alcohol. (126 cases, 15.8% alc.)

Sauvignon Blanc

Chenin Blanc

White blend Excellent. Montinore Estate 2010 Borealis The Northern Whites, Willamette Valley, $16. Rudy Marchesi has created one of the Northwest’s largest biodynamic vineyards, and he’s long been one of Oregon’s big supporters of Müller-Thurgau and Riesling. This combines equal parts of both (34%) with Pinot Gris (17%) and Gewürztraminer (15%) for refreshing companion on a warm summer’s day.

Lychee, honeysuckle, orange spice and diesel aromas funnel into rewarding presentation of sweetness, acidity and complexity on the palate. Think of peaches and Rainier cherries, backed by some slate and a finish of lemon and lime. (7,493 cases, 11.5% alc.)

Recommended. Melrose Vineyards 2010 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Umpqua Valley, $18. A combination of vineyard practices and the vintage itself account for the resulting ripeness level at harvest on Oct. 17 of 21.7 brix, which explains the crisp angle toward this steely production. Notes of lemongrass, gooseberry, fresh-squeezed lime juice, starfruit, quinine and a lick of of Lemonhead candy give lots of appeal.

(210 cases, 13.4% alc.)

Recommended. Seven of Hearts 2009 Chatte d'Avignon Viognier & Roussanne, Columbia Valley, $18. This young winery in downtown Carlton, Ore., shows passion for not only Pinot Noir, but also Rhône varieties and blending. Appealing aromas of lemon, apples, cinnamon toast and vanilla ice cream lead into a drink of richness with fig and baked apples. It’s all backed by lots of lemony acidity. Enjoy with baked macaroni and cheese. (238 cases, 14.5% alc.)

Recommended. Snoqualmie Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $10. Harvest for these grapes came before Labor Day 2009 — Aug. 31 at 24.8 brix — and the results show apple and dusty pear tones with a hint of brown sugar melted and drizzled over pineapple. Lemony acidity in the finish will lend this to seared scallops, smoked salmon and grilled sandwiches (5,000 cases, 13.5% alc.)

Rosé

Gewürztraminer Recommended. Rustico Farm & Cellars 2008 Golden Mile Bench Farmer's Daughter Dry Gewürztraminer, Okanagan Valley, $18. While the farmer’s daughter might have been a sweet girl, there’s nothing cloying in this drink. It comes without disguise

Excellent. Best Buy! Vin du Lac of Chelan 2009 Red Cafe Rosé, Columbia Valley, $15. Larry Lehmbecker creates some of the most food-friendly wines in the Northwest, and that’s one reason we named Vin du Lac our 2010 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year. This blend of Cabernet Franc (60%) and Sangiovese from the Claar family’s White Bluffs Vineyard near Pasco, Wash., is brimming with strawberry notes throughout.

In the nose, the berries are joined by hints of watermelon, orange peel, hibiscus, MoonPie and a fleck of minerality. Flavors of strawberry and marshmallow spill out as the acidity takes off in the midpalate, finishing brightly with pink grapefruit flavors.

The residual sugar sits at 0.5%. (185 cases, 14% alc.)

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FRESHPRESS Aug. 8, 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.

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FRESHPRESS Aug. 8, 2011

About us Wine Press Northwest is a quarterly consumer magazine that focuses on the wine regions of Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Idaho.

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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 and Idaho Wine Competition.

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