This flagship proprietary blend from the boutique winery run by the Martinez family is crafted with Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and Carménerè (15%). All the fruit is sourced from Martinez Vineyard and Alder Ridge Vineyards, both in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Nose: Aromas of dark red fruit and blueberry accented with vanilla and graphite. Taste: … [Read more...] about Martinez & Martinez 2011 César Red Wine, $22
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
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $20
Owned by Precept Wine, Canoe Ridge was originally a partnership between Chalone Wines in Napa, Calif. and a group of Washington farmers and investors that founded the vineyard in 1990, with the winery to soon follow. This iconic Walla Walla-based winery has been sourcing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay from their eponymous Horse Heaven Hills vineyard since … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $20
Featured Wines: Horse Heaven Hills AVA
Written by John Vitale The Horse Heaven Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) is one of Washington’s largest grape regions with a reputation earned for powerfully structured wines that are gracefully balanced. The growing region sprawls across a windswept plateau 50 miles long and 20 miles wide in southeast Washington. It is a wine grower’s paradise long dominated by … [Read more...] about Featured Wines: Horse Heaven Hills AVA