We take a deep dive into the study of terroir with reviews of 21 unique vineyard designates, most often called single-vineyard wines. … [Read more...] about Reviews: Single-Vineyard Designates
Guide to Wine Scores
Our wine reviews are based on evaluative tastings by Tasting Room Magazine’s editors. Overall score ratings are based on aroma; flavor; typicity of character; structure and balance. Quality-to-price ratio (QPR) can play a factor, meaning that an $80 wine with a score of 90 pts. falls in a much higher league than that of a $15 wine given the same score.
95-100 pts. – Extraordinary: a truly great wine of its variety
91-94 pts. – Outstanding: exceptional quality, character and complexity
88-90 pts. – Excellent: very well made and highly recommended
85-87 pts. – Recommended: a solid wine, may offer superior value if the price is right
Tsillan Cellars Continues Tradition of Excellence with the 2021 Bellissima Rossa
Winery founder and owner Bob Jankelson, along with head winemaker Garrett Grubbs, have garnered much attention lately for their praise-worthy red and white estate wines grown near the shores of Lake Chelan. A combination of a unique growing site, coupled with the “lake effect” make wines from the Lake Chelan AVA highly noteworthy. Tsillan Cellars is one of the appellation’s … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars Continues Tradition of Excellence with the 2021 Bellissima Rossa
Reviews: New World Red Bordeaux-Style Wines
In the Fall 2023 print edition we featured 28 Bordeaux-style red wines shown below from Washington State producers. … [Read more...] about Reviews: New World Red Bordeaux-Style Wines
Mercer Wines Shine With Terroir of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA
Armed with world-class grapes from their family vineyards farmed in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, proprietors Rob and Brenda Mercer have branched out over time with several Mercer Wine brands. The brands range from premium Mercer Reserves to Small Lot selections to Mercer Bros, and Subsoil value-buys. The Mercer family planted the first wine grapes in the Horse Heaven Hills in … [Read more...] about Mercer Wines Shine With Terroir of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA
Muret-Gaston Winery Brings Premium Wines and Mediterranean Bites To Kennewick
Kyle and Amy Johnson are the power-couple behind the success of Muret-Gaston Winery and sister wineries, Purple Star and Native Sun. The husband-and-wife winemaking team established their Benton City production facility in 2012. Most recently, in mid-2022 they opened a sleek modern tasting room and wine bar in historic downtown Kennewick that offers patio seating overlooking … [Read more...] about Muret-Gaston Winery Brings Premium Wines and Mediterranean Bites To Kennewick
Damsel Cellars Opens 2nd Tasting Room in Woodinville
Mari (pronounced Mary) Womack has been earning respect and praise for crafting singular wines of distinction since her inaugural 2012 and 2013 releases of Cabernet and Syrah [eaerning her “winemaker to watch” in Washington Tasting Room Magazine’s Summer 2016 issue]. Mari’s killer winemaking instincts and trusted palate honed from her earlier restaurant background are … [Read more...] about Damsel Cellars Opens 2nd Tasting Room in Woodinville
4 Reds from Prohibition Cellars
Sandor and Sabrina Faludi continue to build upon a following that has been attracted to this Woodinville warehouse winery ever since they opened in 2019. The husband and wife team turn out small-lot reds and whites served at this gem of a tasting room with hospitable flair. Hungarian-born Sandor says he fosters Old World philosophy, much inspired by his grandfather, who was a … [Read more...] about 4 Reds from Prohibition Cellars
Hollywood Actor Kyle MacLachlan Brings Theatrical Flair to Walla Walla
Yakima-native and screen star Kyle MacLachlan is best known for his film and television roles in cult classics such as Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks. He is also well known in wine circles around the state for his Pursued by Bear wines, which he established 18 years ago. Celebrity status aside, the wines here are on a par far above the norm. “I grew up in Eastern Washington, not … [Read more...] about Hollywood Actor Kyle MacLachlan Brings Theatrical Flair to Walla Walla
New Ownership Takes Dancing Fish Vineyards to the Next Generation
FIVE-STAR HOSPITALITY and a host of festive events combine with first-rate wines in an elegant country setting at this Whidbey Island winery in the town of Freeland WA. Founders Brad and Nancy Thompson have retired and passed the torch to new owners Ross and Erin Egge. Ross spent much of his youth at a family home on Whidbey Island before embarking on a career that … [Read more...] about New Ownership Takes Dancing Fish Vineyards to the Next Generation
Reviews: Around the World With Washington Wine
Reviews of seven distinctive categories from select Washington wineries: Sparkling Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Rosé, Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc … [Read more...] about Reviews: Around the World With Washington Wine