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Top Picks: Around the World with Washington Wines

November 18, 2020

In our Fall 2020 print issue, we featured six distinct wine styles: Sparkling Pétillant Naturel, Côte du Rhône reds, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah and Bordeaux red blends

Americans don’t need to travel overseas to taste wines of marvel, intrigue and wonder. Local vintners are crafting exceptional New World wines using international varieties grown right here in the state’s unique terroirs. Read on to discover 24 wines that will bring joy to any occasion — each paired with the vintner’s own suggested pairing.

Pétillant Naturel (aka Pét-Nat) » Ultra refreshing, with a spritzy frizzante

Whole Picture 2019 Au Naturel Pét-Nat
93 pts.
Debuting under Hard Row to Hoe’s new label, this sparkling Cabernet Franc has the feel of high-end French Champagne. Limestone infused acidity balances neatly with berries, white peach and brioche flavors that linger gracefully. This beautiful version sets the bar. $38
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Truffle risotto; triple cream cheeses; charcuterie; Thai coconut curry

Hawkins Cellars 2019 Pétillant Naturel Riesling
90 pts.
Made with fruit from Underwood Mountain, the floral nose teases with white flowers, honeysuckle, heirloom apple, pear and beeswax. Gracefully effervescent on the dry palate, with delicate feel and crisp flavors of lemon peel and clean minerality. $28
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Fried calamari; breaded shrimp; fish and chips

Heisen House Vineyards “Rosie”
90 pts.
This Pét-Nat style sparkling Rosé made from Pinot Noir has no sulfites or other chemical additions. It’s filled with mouth-watering acidity and sour pie cherry, revealing flashes of earthy character. Pairs with many rich and creamy dishes, either savory or sweet. $55
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Seafood Alfredo; baked brie; cheesecake topped with cherry pie filling

Upside Down Cellars 2019 Magical Wonders Behold 
Pét-Nat
90 pts.
Crisp and dry, offering a burst of sparkling lemon citrus backed with flavors of juicy red apple, dried cherry and tree blossom. Bright acidity retains its lively character on the full, zesty finish. $30
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Awesome with hot dogs! We love drinking it when grilling easy stuff.


Côte du Rhône style reds » Earthy, with ripe fruit and delicious spice

Rolling Bay 2017 Snipes Mountain AVA Grenache
91 pts.
Sleek, vibrant and structured, built around a deep core of macerated raspberry, red plum and cassis inlaid with pink peppercorns, leather and dried savory herbs that proliferate on the long earthy finish. $39
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Braised lamb shank; it pairs well with many dishes

Newhouse Family Vineyards 2015 Scion
93 pts.
Lush, deep and richly satisfying, this powerhouse red blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre over-delivers with aromas and flavors of dark plum, raspberry, black currant and fresh fig. Dried herbs and graphite notes mingle with fine sweet tannins that glide through the ethereal finish. $40
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Lamb shank braised in red wine, with mashed celeriac and Yukon Gold potato, gremolata of orange zest

Maryhill Winery 2016 Proprietor’s Reserve Grenache
91 pts.
Earthy, with spiced red fruit and sandalwood aromas. Tautly structured, with bright, concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and cranberry expressions layered with chai tea, singed herbs and peppercorn notes that build on the finish. $44
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Appetizers, especially cheese and fruit; great with holiday brunch and desserts, particularly chocolate

Grosgrain Vineyards 2018 Walla Walla Valley Mourvèdre
91 pts.
Lightly fruity with a spine of dried sage, thyme and white pepper that intermingle with distinctive red currant and blue fruit flavors supported by uplifting acidity. Ends juicy and structured, revealing earthy notes on the finish. $36
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Roasted duck; grilled pork tenderloin or chops


Cabernet Sauvignon » When in doubt, call for a Cab!

Lone Point Cellars 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
93 pts.
This Red Mountain Cabernet is regally sculpted, with rich plush layers of cassis, blackberry, violet and dried red fruit flavors intertwined with dusty cocoa and spice notes. Sinewy tannins add muscle to the harmonious finish. $34
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Ribeye steak; chocolate truffles; red sauce lasagna; chocolate lava cake

Page Cellars 2014 Red Mountain Preface Cabernet Sauvignon
92 pts.
Loam and earth notes add intrigue to the svelte texture and powerful structure, laden with cassis, blackberry, cherry, violet, cocoa powder and anise flavors. Still youthful and fresh, with sweet tannins that drive the long finish layered with tobacco leaf and spice notes. $44
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Filet mignon or your favorite cut of steak

Thurston Wolfe 2017 Conglomerate Cabernet Sauvignon
92 pts.
Supple and finessed with blackberry and plump red currant matched with tobacco elements. Impeccably structured with integrated tannins that take firm hold on the deep finish, tinged with red fruit and vanilla hints. $30
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Any braised meat, slow roasted lamb with Moroccan spices; savory side dishes with lots of bacon and butter

J Bell Cellars 2014 Sun Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
93 pts.
Fresh and focused, this red needs plenty of air to reveal its magic, leaning toward savory blackberry, violet, pencil shavings and currant flavors. Anise and wild herbs permeate the chewy, sweet tannins that drive this to a long complex finish. $55
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Wood-fired T-bone with Yakima Applewood smoked salt and Italian olive oil


Chardonnay » The world’s most popular white wine continues to shine

Ancestry Cellars 2017 Reunion Chardonnay
91 pts.
Aged on the lees in new and neutral French oak, this features a lovely nose of fresh apple, Tuscan melon and butterscotch. Luscious, with crisp pear and apple flavors buoyed by waves of lemon-lime citrus, spice and elegant toast accents that flow through the finish. $27
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Grilled salmon; roasted chicken

J Bookwalter 2017 Double Plot Chardonnay
92 pts.
Sophisticated, with a supple and richly flowing mouthfeel that abounds with toasty edges of lemon crème fraiche, D’Anjou pear, Madagascar vanilla bean and fresh pineapple spear. Gains depth and momentum on the persistent finish. $40
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Cedar-planked Alaska halibut; prawn linguini nested in white wine sauce; crab and corn chowder

Januik 2018 Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay
91 pts.
Silky and nicely textured, leading with aromas of tropical fruit and butterscotch hints. The creamy mouthfeel delivers succulent pineapple, poached pear and lemon curd flavors joined by spice and minerality on the brisk finish. $30
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Grilled halibut with mango salsa

Latah Creek 2018 Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley Chardonnay
Best value – 90 pts.
All the elements align, with tropical fruit aromas and rich flavors of peach, pineapple, lemon citrus, lime blossom and finishing touches of barrel spice and minerality. Smooth and creamy. $14
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Lemon pepper chicken; cauliflower mac & cheese; bouillabaisse with rouille


Syrah » The any-occasion red wine, from a beach picnic to white linen dining

Columbia Winery 2017 Horse Heaven Hills Syrah
92 pts.
Beautifully crafted with smooth tannins and plush layers of crushed boysenberry, Italian plum, violet and cassis flavors with underlying earthen spice. Dashes of graphite, cappuccino and bright notes of fresh basil linger on the complex finish. $40
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Pork chili verde; most anything on the barbecue

Avennia 2017 Arnaut Syrah
95 pts.
The plush yet airy mouthfeel is notable, caressing every point of the palate with brooding expressions of blueberry, boysenberry and steeped plum interwoven with meaty notes of prosciutto, garrigue and iron minerality. A thread of citrus bitters weaves through the sublime finish. $60
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Braised short ribs with garlic rosemary risotto

Cranberry Road Winery 2017 Phoenix Syrah
91 pts.
Jammy red fruit, fresh-chopped oregano and meaty aromas highlight this smooth and satisfying red. Nuanced notes of clove, ganache, strawberry and violet are revealed along with spice details that all build with intensity and definition on the structured finish. $38
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Bone-in ribeye steak over bed of roasted bliss red potatoes and seasonal vegetables

Co Dinn 2016 Elephant Mountain Syrah
93 pts.
Tightly packed, offering pure cassis, blackberry, dark cherry and violet flavors underscored by dusty minerality, loamy earth details and fine tannins. Elegantly built yet equally powerful, staying super focused through the long finish. $50
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Grilled hangar steak and Brussels’ sprouts; or ribs of any kind


Bordeaux Style Reds » Proprietary blends that bow with grace and intrigue

C.R. Sandidge Wines 2018 Caris
92 pts.
This aromatic blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec features enticing notes and flavors of crushed blackberry, red plum, violet and brambly spice. Still youthful with ample structure and serious length, offering a cedary edge at the very end. $45
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Pair with Ray’s tomato, mushroom and caramelized onion galette

The Bunnell Family Cellar 2013 Petit Bec
92 pts.
This expressive blend of Malbec/Petit Verdot offers bright floral aromas of violet, lilac, cherry, garden herbs and baking spice. Deeply flavored and smooth, with enticing spiced plum, pomegranate, pencil shavings, herbaceous peppers and basil notes that add to the complex finish. $38
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Asian five spice braised (in dry white wine) pork belly, parsnips, carrots and haricot verts

Welcome Road 2017 Chaton
92 pts.
There’s a purity behind this Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, with blackberry and dried currant flavors that meld with delightful warm spice, herbal and vanilla accents that balance the Yakima Valley fruit with an elegant savory character. $32
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: We love it with hoisin turkey meatballs and beer can chicken off the grill

Sol Stone 2017 Grateful Red
91 pts.
Solidly structured with a wall of powdery tannins flowing with seamless expressions of raspberry, blackberry and currants followed by flickerings of cinnamon and white pepper that persist on the finish. $34 
Blend of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Vintner’s Suggested Pairing: Red meat pairings like big steak seasoned with salt and pepper or juicy lamb

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Tasting Room® magazine is the ultimate authority on the Washington wine scene and your personal tour guide to wineries, vineyards, destinations and travel tips, and artisan foods, chefs and artists. In short, Tasting Room is a metaphor for life’s simple pleasures that pair remarkably well with wine—touring, food, travel, culture, recreation and people.

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