Guide to Wine Scores

A Woodinville fixture since 2005, Darren and Melissa Des Voigne’s eponymous winery relocated about a half-mile south of the Warehouse District to the area known as Artisan Hill. Darren’s introduction to winemaking came from his father, a hobby winemaker. After deciding to take the plunge to go pro in 2004, Darren fine-tuned his knowledge with classes at UC Davis. The husband … [Read more...] about Des Voigne Cellars Becomes Woodinville’s First Full Production Winery & Brewery

Retired teachers Marc Roland and his wife Nancy name some of their wines after excerpts from La Chanson de Roland (“The Song of Roland”), an epic poem based on a famous battle during the reign of Charlemagne that is the oldest surviving major work of French literature. “The poem inspires courage, loyalty, and endurance. Believe me, that’s what it takes to survive in the wine … [Read more...] about 4 Reds From Roland Wines Echo Sentiments of Historic Poem

The 120-year-old orchard on Jim and Trudy Davis’ homestead supplied them with enough heirloom apples back in the mid-90s to coax Trudy into trying her hand at hard cider. Her obsession with fermentation soon led her to wine grapes. “I can’t say no to fruit,” she says with a laugh. She found work as assistant winemaker at Hoodsport Winery, where she handled all the chemistry … [Read more...] about Eaglemount Wines & Ciders

“I certainly never thought one could wake up one day and decide to be a winemaker,” admits Kyle Welch with candor.  He bounced around for the better part of a decade "following his bliss," when his life’s journey ultimately put him on a path to WSU’s wine program, followed by internships at Chateau Cantenac in Bordeaux and Snoqualmie Winery in Prosser. He graduated in 2011 with … [Read more...] about Longship Cellars 2013 Ginger Man Syrah & 2013 Invader Tempranillo

“We are known for big red wines that are approachable and elegant,” says the engaging wine entrepreneur Doug Long.  In the late 70s, Doug and his two brothers planted their first vineyard high above Napa Valley on land their father had acquired years earlier without any idea the property was perfect for grapes.  By 1980, their reputation for growing premium grapes spread and in … [Read more...] about 5 Bold Reds From Obelisco Estates

The city’s first craft distillery is a partnership between the dynamic restaurateur team of chef John Howie and sommelier Erik Liedholm, who received a certified distiller degree from the London-based Institute of Brewing and Distilling. Liedholm approaches distilling with a sommelier’s palate and a scientist’s pragmatism, sourcing nearly all of the ingredients for the … [Read more...] about Wildwood Spirits Wild Kur Gin & Stark Vatten Vodka

The Mercer family farming tradition spans five generations. They've been actively managing the same property in Washington since 1886, first raising row crops and livestock, and today overseeing 2,400 acres of vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area). The family has historical roots in the wine industry dating back to 1972 when Don and Linda Mercer … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates 2014 Malbec and 2013 Sharp Sisters

Chile in South America is the world's leading producer of Carmenere, considering it to be their signature grape. Once a rarity in the states, Washington growers have discovered this full-bodied varietal thrives in the hot climate of eastern Washington. Vintner Bob Delf is one of a handful to release a single varietal bottling of this deep purple grape with beguiling flavors of … [Read more...] about Northwest Cellars 2012 Carmenere, $48

Chandler Reach Vineyards' founder Len Parris aged grapes grown on Block 5 of his estate vineyards for up to two years in mostly neutral French and American oak barrels to achieve this smith and richly textured red wine.  Nose: Black and red fruit, mint, vanilla bean and dusty cedar notes. Taste: Dense and concentrated with smooth round tannins and generous flavors of … [Read more...] about Parris 2012 Estate Reserve Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc, $41

Jody Elsom founded her eponymous label in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, relocated the winery to her hometown of Woodinville in early 2010, and after a five-year run has now returned.  The 3,500-square-foot winery and tasting room is in the Gateway Complex next to a tour operator and outdoor recreation outfitter. “We are excited for our return to SoDo.  With our new tasting … [Read more...] about Three Exciting Releases From Elsom Cellars

Charles Smith's inaugural vintage of Sixto, the long anticipated Chardonnay-only label that doesn't disappoint.  This serious white is bursting with complex expressions and unerring accuracy that pays homage to the varietal and would surely rival any Burgundian counterpart. Nose: Bright aromas of lemon citrus, apple, beeswax, baked brioche and fresh minerality. Taste: … [Read more...] about Sixto 2012 Frenchman Hills Chardonnay, $55

Winemaker John Little sourced fruit for this Pinot Noir from his neighbor at Antoine Creek Vineyards (less than a mile from Rio Vista's winery in the Lake Chelan area) and patiently aged this wine for two years in French oak.  Pinot Noir is scarce in Washington State, and the lovely aromatics and earthy flavors make this one a gem.  Only 50 cases were made. Nose: Dark red … [Read more...] about Rio Vista 2011 Pinot Noir, $42

Hailing from several generations of French winemakers (it’s said his family estate in Alsace, France has been producing wine since 1579), Jean Claude Beck of Woodhouse Wine Estates in Woodinville has a knack for coaxing beautiful aromas, textures and flavors from Washington-grown Riesling grapes. We recently tasted through a vertical series of Yakima Valley single-vineyard … [Read more...] about Riesling Vertical from Woodhouse Wine Estates

Before launching Kerloo Cellars, Ryan Crane’s life was a whirlwind—taking classes at the Enology & Viticulture Program at Walla Walla Community College, working wine gigs while juggling a family, and working nights at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen.  After serving a stint at Forgeron Cellars, and an assistant winemaker position at Va Piano Vineyards, Crane released his first … [Read more...] about Five New Releases from Kerloo Cellars

Chi va piano va sano y va lontano: He who goes slowly goes safely and goes far. In 1995, Justin Wylie, owner and winemaker of Va Piano Vineyards had an experience that changed his life.  The fourth generation Walla Wallan and Gonzaga University student spent his senior year in Florence, Italy studying under the tutelage of artist Bruno Segatta. After falling in love with … [Read more...] about Va Piano 2012 Les Collines Vineyard Syrah & 2014 Rosé

Hailing from New Orleans and having been exposed as a child to the unique indigenous foods of the Big Easy, Doug McCrea spent many a morning whiling away time in the cavernous kitchen of Commanders Palace in the Garden District while his grandfather visited with the owners as they consumed beignets and black chicory coffee. At an early age, he gleaned a fount of knowledge of … [Read more...] about Salida Wines Focuses On Spanish Varietals

Under the expertise of winemaker Jamie Brown, Waters Winery has achieved well-earned acclaim for its wines, particularly for the single-vineyard Syrahs.  “I’ve always had a specific idea of what a wine I wanted to make should be, well before I started the process of even choosing a vineyard,” Brown tells Washington Tasting Room magazine.  "Yes, wine is made in the vineyard, but … [Read more...] about Waters 2012 Old Stones Vineyard Estate Syrah, $50

The absence of pretension reflects Tom Waliser’s long-time farming roots. He was born and raised on the family farm in the Walla Walla Valley.  “Beresan” refers to German communities outside of Odessa, Ukraine, where his ancestors once farmed.  His story is a combination of pragmatism and a go-with-the-flow attitude. “I’ve never had a plan in my life, but a door always … [Read more...] about Beresan Winery 2010 Walla Walla Valley Stone River & 2010 Yellow Jacket Buzz

During retirement, John Little studied winemaking and viticulture at Wenatchee Valley College, honing his skills working with well-known Chelan winemaker Ray Sandidge and grape grower Miguel Martinez.  The Littles began planting wine grapes in 2000 that now total seven acres.  Eventually Rio Vista will be 100% estate grown. Their son (also John), a graduate of the wine … [Read more...] about Rio Vista 2012 Malbec, $32

Flying Trout winemaker Ashley Trout has been a part of the Walla Walla wine industry since age 18.  In 1999, she took a job punching down grapes during crush and has been hooked on winemaking ever since.  In 2004, Ashley started travelling to Argentina during the late winter months to double up on annual harvests (she recently finished her 18th harvest). The Flying Trout … [Read more...] about Flying Trout 2012 Windrow Vineyard Mary’s Block Malbec, $45

Trey Busch’s sure hand in wine garnered attention early on—without an enology and viticulture degree, but through luck, hard work and some chance meetings with the right people. His first act, however, was as a buyer for Nordstrom in Seattle until he eventually sought a lifestyle change.  On a visit to Walla Walla, he became fast friends with the late Eric Dunham at a dinner … [Read more...] about Sleight of Hand 2013 Psychedelic Syrah & 2013 The Conjurer Red Blend