Oregon and Washington
This Week’s Tasting
A to Z Pinot Gris 2014
Oregon. “A brilliant, yellow gold color, the 2014 A to Z Oregon Pinot Gris has complex aromatics beginning with lime, gardenia, kiwi, apple, pear, quince and lemon blossom deepening to honey, white stone fruit, lychee, mango, grapefruit and tangerine skin. On the palate, the wine is juicy, bright and succulent with lively fruit and mineral notes. This richly textured wine has full fruit ripeness balanced with modest acidity and finishes crisp and clean. The 2014 A to Z Pinot Gris will drink wonderfully over the next two years.” $11.99
A to Z Chardonnay 2014
Oregon. “The 2014 A to Z Oregon Chardonnay opens with aromas of green apple, honeysuckle blossoms, freshly cut honeydew and lime leaves that evolve to quince, chamomile and beeswax. The palate bursts forth with floral and citric flavors offering beautiful acidity and brightness. The finish is focused with well-balanced freshness and structure showing all the power and depth of the 2014 Oregon vintage while retaining the fresh minerality that Oregon chardonnay is known for.” $11.99
A to Z Pinot Noir 2013
Oregon. “The 2013 A to Z Pinot Noir leads with aromas of cherries, raspberries, and blackberries, developing to iris, blueberries, strawberries and minerals. A beautiful attack has vibrant red fruit flavors and floral notes, then deepens with hints of blood orange and blueberry jam. Ripe tannins are balanced by perfect acidity and the mid-palate reveals spice, tobacco and earth notes adding richness and complexity. The finish is quite long which allows all the elements of the wine to come together and show the intrinsic balance and complexity of the 2013 Oregon vintage.” $15.99
Charles & Charles Red 2014
Columbia Valley, Washington. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Syrah. “It brings an intensity and richness that belies the low level of alcohol (13.5%) and price point. The resulting wine is bold, rich and textured but not over t
he top – it remains wonderfully restrained and focused. Aromas of cocoa, coffee, tobacco, sweet black cherry, licorice, underbrush, gravel, and loads of cassis (fancy for black currant). It’s an intense dark blue / purple in color with tremendous purity, depth, and focus. Tannins are present giving firm structure, yet the wine is still quite soft for being so young.” $12.99
Columbia Crest H3 Les Chevaux 2012
Columbia Valley (Horse Heaven Hills), Washington. A blend of: 60% Syrah, 27% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Viognier, 2% Malbec, 3% Other Varietals. Barrel aged in French and American oak (18 months), 33% new. “Les Chevaux, (French for “the horses”) is named for the wild horses that once roamed the Horse Heaven Hills. This lively red blend presents aromas and flavors of dark fruit and currant, followed by smooth tannins that lead in to a vibrant finish.” $13.99