Wine Reviews

For the third consecutive vintage, Napa native Bill Murray pulled Sauvignon Blanc not from Canoe Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills but from another Precept-controlled site, young Skyfall Vineyard just below the northern slope of the Horse Heaven Hills near Benton City, Wash. The Sept. 1 harvest conjures up thoughts of gooseberry, Limeade and fruit cocktail nectar. It’s rather fascinating rich mouth feel slowly emerges, bringing a slice of Key Lime pie and sip of Orange Julius that’s super delicious and long.

A winner every time. Makes every meal or occasion a sensation. Delicate aroma and flavor of wild strawberry and a long, elegant finish. 

Canoe Ridge 2015 Horse Heaven Hills The Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon – 92 points, Year’s best US Cabernets & Best Buy

 

Seattle-based Precept Wine has seen its House Wine brand post strong gains recently, including a 13% bump to nearly 200,000 cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank. Much of that growth has come from House Wine’s three-liter box format ($20), which grew 26% to 130,000 cases in 2016 (the brand also offers 750-ml. bottles retailing at around $10). Looking to build on that success, House Wine is now launching a line of canned wines, as well as a rosé, which will be available across all three packaging formats.

Rolling out nationwide this week, House Wine’s canned range will include a red blend and Chardonnay, as well as the new House Wine Rosé. The 375-ml. cans will retail at around $5.50 each and are expected to tap outdoor drinking occasions. The launch comes as the canned wine category gains traction in the U.S., with canned wine sales reaching more than $26 million in 2016, compared with just $2 million in 2012, according to Nielsen.

Alex Evans, chief sales and marketing officer for Precept, notes that House Wine’s cans are positioned “at the higher end within the canned wine space,” adding that House Wine also plans to extend with a Tetra Pak format in the first quarter of next year.

House Wine’s foray into cans follows Precept’s debut of West Side Wine Co., a premium canned wine brand, last year. Developed by Precept’s private label innovation division Grape & Grain, West Side Wine Co. features California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay offerings packaged in 250-ml. cans. The brand, which is available at Whole Foods stores nationwide and at select airports, has enjoyed early success, Evans tells SND.—Christina Jelski

 

SEATTLE, Wash. – Just in time for summer, House Wine is launching three wines in 375 mL cans nationwide this week. The new cans feature two of the brand’s best-selling varietals – Original Red Blend and Chardonnay – and the third is a brand-new House Wine Rosé.

A true original, House Wine has consistently pushed the boundaries of consumer innovation. Launched in 2004 as one of Charles Smith’s first commercial offerings, House Wine Original Red Blend was among the first red blends to target everyday wine lovers with an approachable, iconic package and exceptional quality and value. In 2013, it was among the first to launch a three-liter box, meeting consumer demand and sourcing beyond borders to ensure House Wine’s consistency from vintage to vintage. Today, cans are just the latest effort to allow people to enjoy their favorite wine in new and convenient ways.

“House Wine is already known as a national favorite for quality and value. It’s as universal as a stop sign,” said veteran Winemaker Hal Landvoigt. “I travel the world looking for great fruit to make an unpretentious style of wine that can be enjoyed anywhere, which is what I love about House Wine – it’s a wine for anyone, anytime and can be enjoyed any place.”

Cans guarantee fresh wine and cater to the grab-and-go lifestyle of busy and active wine consumers, making them perfect for beachside picnics, tailgates or venues where glass may not be desirable, like stadiums or pool-side. They also are accessible, affordable and recyclable – helping to reduce or waste and our environmental footprint.

One in five consumers have tried canned wine and sales have sharply increased from just under $2 million in 2012 to more than $26 million in 2016, according to Nielsen.

Just like other House Wine varietals, the new House Wine Rosé will also be available in the standard 750 mL bottles and in the three-liter box offering. Rosé is surging, experiencing 50 percent growth in the table wine category over the previous year, according to Nielsen data.

“House Wine is an icon. It’s everyone’s wine,” Precept Wine Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Alex Evans said. “It’s a disruptor by nature and allows consumers to enjoy great value wines on their terms.”

How does it taste?

• The House Wine Original Red Blend – Red currant aromas promise the juicy red fruit delivered to the middle palate and a lengthy, velvety finish (Chile).
• House Wine Chardonnay – Aromas of creamy apple backed by citrus introduce mouth-filling, sumptuous flavors of peach and ripe Asian pear, complemented by hints of toasty vanilla. The wine finishes crisply with a burst of pineapple (American).
• House Wine Rosé – Fresh and fragrant aromas lead to a wonderfully bright palate. Flavors of juicy citrus and ripe strawberry are rounded out by a refreshingly crisp finish (American).

How much are they?

• SRP: $5.49 per individual can

Cans are Lifestyle Oriented

• NO glassware needed
• NO corkscrew needed
• Lightweight
• Portable & packable
• FRESH wine for every standard glass, sip after sip 

Cans are Eco-Friendly

• Reduced carbon footprint compared to glass bottle production
• The most recycled beverage containers in the world
• Reduced waste

Join the Revolution -

-          Facebook: www.facebook.com/OurHouseWine/

-          Instagram: @ourhousewine

About House Wine:

House Wine is approachable and unpretentious and it’s a wine you can enjoy for any and all occasions. Created in 2004 by acclaimed winemaker Charles Smith, House Wine was designed with the goal of providing maximum quality and value in a minimalist package. Today, Winemaker Hal Landvoigt continues driving its irreverent spirit by travelling the world to source the finest grapes and cultivate its uniquely unpretentious style.

Seattle-based Precept Wine – Is the largest, privately-held wine producer in the Pacific Northwest and Top 14 American wine producer. With deep roots representing close to 40 years of Northwest investments in the wine industry, it owns and maintains more than 5,000 acres of vineyards across Washington, Idaho, New Mexico and Oregon; owns leading wineries and brands such as House Wine, Gruet, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard, Waterbrook, Primarius, Ste. Chapelle and Pendulum and represents Shingleback and Red Knot of Australia. It also operates tasting rooms and hospitality venues throughout the Northwest. Co-Founded in 2003 by CEO Andrew Browne, the company’s wineries have garnered more than 600 combined best buys and critical scores exceeding 90 points. Learn more at www.preceptwine.com.

"Polished and spicy, this white shows peppery overtones to the apricot and grapefruit flavors, ending with an expressive finish."

Light and dry, this is zippy with acidity and lively with citrus and watermelon flavors, picking up a pretty herbal note as the finish lingers. 

Polished, with a swarm of velvety tannins around a lively core of red plum, rhubarb and spice flavors, lingering with presence and persistence.

Dark, focused and juicy in texture, with crisp tannins wrapped around a lively core of red pepper—accented black cherry and dark chocolate flavors. Lingers well. 

Firm and toasty, this expressive wine offers layers of blueberry, currant, black pepper and black tea that dance across a field of fine tannins, finishing with harmony and presence. 

"Broad and spicy, with pepper and licorice accents to the dark berry flavors as they pick up momentum on the finish. Syrah blend."

"A sleek, expressive sparkler, with floral apple and toasty cinnamon aromas leading to crisp flavors of lime and mineral."

A supple and expressive white, this is light on its feet but packed with pear, pineapple and citrus flavors, hinting at almond and walnut as the finish lingers. 

"Bright and sleek, brimming with green tea–scented pear and floral flavors that echo nicely on the dry finish." 

Canoe Ridge winemaker Bill Murray has been making superb Bordeaux varieties and Chardonnay for more than 20 years.  He brings in grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills to the winery in Walla Walla, located in the historic engine house for Walla Walla’s original streetcars dating from the 1900s.  This reserve Cabernet offers aromas of dark cherry and leather with notes of toasty vanilla.  On the palate, berries and plums take center stage with complex notes of barrel spice, earthy mineral and dark chocolate.  Firm tannins suggest pairing with meats from the grill. 

Made in a very popular style, this is a fruit forward, creamy and lush rose. It shows red berry aromas, a soft. suave palate, and fresh red berriy and cranberry notes. Finishes very long. This would be the perfect wine for wedding cake. A blend of 95% free-run Chardonnay and 5% barrel aged Pinot Noir from estate vineyards.

Pale yellow straw in color, this is a nicely balanced fresh tasting wine showing ripe apple and lemon cream, finishing dry and chalky. Not as bone dry as some brut natures but refreshing with very bright lemon acidity. Very good for the price.

This is Gruet's tete de cuvee. Aged en tirage for six years, it shows a nose of pear tart and brioche. It's boldly flavored with tangy acidity and remains fresh despite its age. The fruit is ripe and expressive, and the wine is very much New World in style. This is not a sipping wine; it definitely needs a nice roast chicken or even pork roast to show its best. Made from free-run juice of its estate's oldest Chardonnay vines. 

"Bright ruby-red. Sexy oak tones complement aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, mocha, spices and dark chocolate. Sweet, silky blackberry, spice and violet flavors are supported by a strong oak element. This struck me as a rather old-style Cabernet but cleanly made. The dusty tannins spread out horizontally to saturate the palate, leaving behind a flavor of dark raspberry. Finishes with excellent sneaky energy."

"Deep red-ruby. Explosive aromas of cassis, black cherry and licorice. Boasts lovely sweetness and penetration to its dark berry, licorice and violet flavors. A very pure, primary wine with superb inner-mouth intensity. Finishes with big, broad tannins and outstanding length. Impressive potential here."

“A gorgeous white bursting with aromas and flavors of orchard fruit, including Golden Delicious apple and honeydew melon.”

"Ripe, focused and distinctive, showing tension between the raspberry and currant fruit, gently wrapped in a blanket of fine-grained tannins. The finish keeps singing expressively. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2022."

Round, sweet and juicy with lush fruit and tangy style; rich, balanced and creamy with flawless fruit. 

“Supple, generous and expressive, with black cherry, orange flower, mint and spice flavors that glide together harmoniously into a lithe finish.”

“Supple and expressive, this satin-textured style features pretty raspberry and tea leaf flavors that play against the polished tannins."

“Lithe and expressive, medium weight and refined, with red berry and floral flavors. Shows hints of wet earth as the finish comes together smoothly.”

“Polished, creamy and expressive, with delicate layers of pear, floral, nutmeg and crème fraîche that linger on the sleek finish."

“Sleek and inviting, pulsing with cherry, cinnamon and cream flavors that point through a layer of fine tannins into the long and expressive finish. Offers presence and finishes gracefully.”

“Spicy and on the lighter side, with nutmeg and caramel overtones around the pear fruit. Comes together smoothly on the finish.”

“Lithe and expressive, with blackberry, licorice and black olive flavors on a sleek frame, persisting as the soft tannins wrap around the finish.”

"Silky and dense with juicy fruit and lively acidity; clean, balanced and showing plum, raspberry and spice. 98% Sangiovese, 1% Syrah, 1% Merlot. "

“Aromas of dried herb, cherry cola and barrel spice are out in front on this 100% varietal wine. The cherry and blackberry flavors are sweet and plump, showing concentration and depth along with dry, grippy tannins.”

"Light and frisky, with deft darts of green apple and celery pointing toward the zippy finish."

"Appealing, with aromas of baked apple and cinnamon that lead to zesty flavors of dusty lemon, hazelnut and spice. Drink now."

“Ripe and lush with juicy plum and berries, bright and fresh with a long, rich style; balanced and tangy.” - Anthony Dias Blue

“Juicy and bright with tangy plum and berry fruit; fresh and clean, racy and lifted with long, lively flavors.” - Anthony Dias Blue

Don’t this Merlot, and don’t forget Washington as a source of high-quality, high-value wines. This is a seductive little charmer, especially impressive for the price.

Smooth and dense with rich plum and blackberry fruit; ripe, rich and nicely balanced. 14% Malbec, 8% Syrah .

“Light and refreshing, with grapefruit and floral flavors singing brightly and lingering well. Drink now.” - HS

"Light and tangy, with tobacco and coffee overtones to the black cherry and tangy balsamic flavors, lingering with persistence. Offers presence and refinement." (published in the Wine Spectator Advance)

Sleek and expressive, this is well-modulated and refined to show the ripe blackberry and cassis flavors elegantly, framed by flashes of caraway, dill and red peppercorn that glide together into a polished finish. -HS

Sleek and expressive, light-footed but brimming with plum, spice and savory herb flavors, coming together with polish on the long, open-weave finish. - HS

Smooth and juicy with notes of citrus and melon; ripe, grassy and crisp, long and tangy.

Smooth and juicy with plum, cassis and spice; bright, tangy and long.

“The cinnamon-accented red berry flavors play against meaty notes in this taut, juicy red, with a lingering finish. Has presence and persistence.” -Harvey Steiman

"Light-footed, open-textured and gentle, with cream-accented pear and orange peel flavors, finishing with complexity and finesse. Drink now through 2016. " -HS

Light-medium ruby color; delicate, earthy, stewed cherry aromas with some tea notes; ripe, stewed cherry flavors with tea and earthy notes; good structure and balance; long finish. Delicate Pinot style with earthy notes

Food & Wine included the Waterbrook 2013 Sauvignon Blanc as part of its "50 amazing wines for $15 or less" feature section. Classified in the "fruity whites" section, these wines are "zesty, unoaked, medium-bodied; pair with fish and vegetable dishes." 

Firm in texture, with a layer of refined tannins underpinning the pretty currant and blackberry flavors, lingering with a hint of cedar. Drink now through 2015. 6,000 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Ripe and aromatic with lush pear fruit and clean, rich flavors; smooth and balanced in the Alsace style; long and bright.

Smooth and off-dry with peach fruit and juicy acidity; fresh, bright and balanced.

Smooth and velvety with ripe plum and blackberry fruit; spicy and dense with good structure and a long, balanced finish.

"The 2013 vintage in the Columbia Valley was the warmest in a decade – 2014 is also shaping up to be toasty – with cooling off just before harvest.  Waterbrook’s winemaker John Freeman crafted this classic Washington Sauvignon Blanc showing grassy herb and gooseberry aromas and flavors mingling with citrus and flinty mineral notes.  This style is a personal favorite that Waterbrook has been making for more than two decades." -Chuck Hill

Great Northwest Wine- "Best Buy! Seattle-based Precept Wine named its top-tier Oregon Pinot Noir house for the Latin term signifying “distinguished” and that applies to many of the wines across the state from this spectacular vintage. Estate sites Battle Creek Vineyard and Waldo Hills near Salem, as well as Kraemer Vineyard near Silverton and Red Hills Vineyard, supplied the berries, and a 12-month French barrel program under the direction of Hal Landvoigt — Precept’s top winemaker — shows restraint with just 20% new oak. The nose offers hints of strawberry jam, raspberry fruit leather, moist earth and dark chocolate. There’s some sturdiness to the structure behind flavors of black cherry and black currant as juicy acidity and a rub of sage make this an ideal foil for game hens or roasted chicken."

Great Northwest Wine- "Best Buy! Idaho’s largest production of Riesling outside of sister property Ste. Chapelle takes on a more Alsace approach, starting with aromas of petrol, baked apple, kiwi and lemon. The residual sugar of 2.4% takes this down a path akin to late harvest at the start, but there’s plenty of acidity to balance as the flavor profile features peach, apricot and lingering lime."

Fresh and vibrant, open-textured and appealing, with cherry and herb flavors that persist easily on the deftly balanced finish.

Bright and jazzy, with lemon, grapefruit and green pear flavors.

Vibrant and spicy, with ripe currant at the core and hints of red pepper, fresh leather and spice around the edges, lingering against moderate tannins.

Smoky oak and a bit of dark fruit op on the nose followed by carob, a hint of truffle, and green coffee bean accents. Round on entry, this firms up nicely in the mouth. A touch of green herb frames the core of black plum and blackberry, currant fruit, with a hint of espresso foam adding some complexity. This has a lovely texture, firm, structured and long, and a very pretty nose with red fruit that begins to emerge on the palate.

Big on the nose with layers of toasty, buttery, and creamy nuances over floral leesy notes and intense lime zest and pineapple fruit. Broad yet fairly focused in the mouth, this delivers lots of clear, crisp lemony fruit, with creamy edges and lovey length. There's a little finesse here as well, though this remains firmly classic American Chardonnay with lemon and citrusy fruit streaked by vanilla on the moderately long slightly pithy finish.

Best Buy! This Idaho winery was founded in 1987 by Brad Pintler, and it continues to produce delicious wines at affordable prices. The blend is built with Bordeaux varieties, but it gets a significant boost from Syrah (21%). It opens with aromas of cherry pie filling, vanilla, espresso and milk chocolate, but there’s also a pinch of crushed herbs and celery salt. The rich drink brings hints of sweet cherry and black currant. The dab of residual sugar doesn't keep it from serving as a pleasant greeting after a rough day at the office.

This smells terrific with subtle candied spice tones,a bit of dried ginger, vanilla and nutmeg all laid over a base of juniper tinged crushed black berry fruit. Smooth, supple and polished in the mouth, just a lovely wine that delivers a bit of elegance unusual at this price point. The fruit is towards the blueberry and blackberry end of the spectrum, fresh yet not too intense with attractive clarity that reveals a bit of stony minerality on the mid-palate. This is medium bodied, and finishes with impressive length retaining the blueberry fruit while adding gentle shadings of dried grass and herbs. it's smaller scale might be a negative for some people but this everything I need in this type of wine. 91pts

"Smooth and juicy with ripe flavors of plum, black raspberry and spice; lush, complex and balanced; long and fresh."

Fresh and spicy with ripe plum and a  juicy style with notes of pepper and tangy acidity. Long and nervy.

"Currant and blackberry fruit push through the firm tannins."

Smooth and ripe with sweet raspberry and plum; juicy, tangy and balanced; elegant and lush with a long, mellow finish.

Quietly impressive, this is a classic style of Columbia Valley cabernet, with a leafy scent over dark violet aromas and cassis fruit. The flavors are deep and full bodied, while the wine’s energy propels the darker aspects into a suave, lasting finish. For a classic beef dish, like daube. -PC

"Lush and smooth with ripe, generous plum fruit and juicy acidity; crisp, balanced and long."

"Fresh, sweet and juicy with lush, ripe lime and ripe, luscious fruit."

"Ripe nose of spice and chocolate; smooth and rich with sweet plum, cassis and lush herbs; soft and dense, long and balanced."

"Ripe and fresh with rich plum, blackberry and spice; juicy, dense and balanced with vibrant flavors and a long, tangy finish."

Sleek, supple and appealing, with welcoming basil and sage accents around a polished core of cherry and spice flavors, lingering easily on the graceful finish. -HS

A well-mannered style, this ripe and expressive red plays its blackberry, plum and floral flavors gracefully against refined tannins on a medium-weight frame, with a lingering finish.

"Expedition Merlot is blended with 11% Syrah and offers aromas and flavors of dark cherry and berry with notes of vanilla and pepper spice – good value! "

"Soft and broad in the mouth with nice transparency to the black fruit on the palate. There’s a faint suggestion of black raspberry sweetness to the fruit which is washed away on the mid palate by slightly creamy chocolate and carob notes and a soft wash of herbaceousness. No real tannins to speak of, this is smooth and easy drinking, yet delivers a little complexity along with nicely bright fruit and shows a little licorice and a hint of minerality on the moderately long finish." - GDP

 

"I’m a big fan of this winery for its outstanding Riesling, delightful chardonnay and succulent syrah. This juicy blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, tempranillo, petite sirah, petite verdot, malbec, syrah and grenache defies any paradigm of a red blend from anywhere around the world by combining Bordeaux, Spain, California and the Rhone in one. It’s a wine that could be found nowhere else but America, and it shows a sense of adventure that comes through in the glass. "

“A value-priced bottle that gives hope for affordable Oregon Pinot Noir. Pretty, delicate…straightforward cranberry. Terrific table wine.”

This Cabernet Sauvignon displays
pure dark red fruit aromas with a hint of sandalwood. It is light on the palate showing more oak than fruit and finishing with dry, slightly biter tannins.

Dark ruby. Shows aromas of spicy dark
red fruit with herbal accents. A fruit forward wine that
promises a bit more than it delivers, finishing with dry tannins.

Aromatic and spicy; peaches and melon, ripe, fresh and juicy, long and balanced.

"An easy-drinking Merlot that is juicy, fresh, and supple, with lifted aromas of black raspberry, red cherry, and baking spices. On the palate, the vivid mélange of berry fruit comes coupled with vanilla, leather, and cocoa, while a hint of licorice appears on the medium finish with its soft fine tannins."
Score: 88

This is an inexpensive blend. It reveals cedar, lead pencil, and rich toasted oak on
the nose. It has nice flavor on the entry, fruit forward without
a lot of weight on the mid palate but richly flavored
and a long finish. Great value.

Richly fragrant with notes of dark red fruit and cola. It is full and rich on the palate with very good acidity, nice complexity of flavors, and mature tannins. It has a nice chalky finish with someviolet/blueberry and light coconut notes.

It offers attractive aromas of blackberry and cassis.
Medium weight on the palate, it has a silky texture, good
intensity of black and red fruit flavors, and firm round tannins
on the finish. Well done.

A delicious wine showing purity of ripe
fruit on the nose and good weight on the palate. A dark
chocolate note adds to the complexity.

This is our favorite of
the Waterbrook red wines. It offers an interesting, spicy,
dark red cherry nose and a fresh, fruit-infused palate. Nice
dark red fruit flavors persist to a medium dry finish. Very
good value.

Dark ruby. The Merlot Reserve
shows a lovely, perfumed nose of dark red fruit with
hints of blueberries and minerals. The refined palate has a
velvet feel to it and good depth of ripe, dark fruit. The wine
is big and full and very nicely structured.

"Fresh and vibrant, offering olive-accented pear and spice flavors, lingering on the polished finish."

"Lithe and expressive, with hints of roasted meat and red pepper stew around a lively core of currant and cherry, persisting gently on the finish."

“A stylish blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah, it’s a lovely example of what Washington state can accomplish. I appreciate the light touch with the oak that allows the fruit to shine through. This wine can often be found at a lower price, making it an even better value.”

"Soft and inviting, brimming with plum and currant fruit, with a major hit of black pepper, this comes together deftly as the finish lingers beautifully on the open texture."- HS

"Smooth and generous, with apricot and nectarine overtones to the pear and butterscotch flavors, lingering on the expressive finish." - Harvey Steiman

Best Buy! Sawtooth Winery is one of Idaho's oldest producers, having started life as Pintler Cellars in 1987. Today, it is owned by Precept Wine in Seattle, and the wines are made by Bill Murray. This red blend from the Gem State's largest vineyard includes no fewer than eight varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Malbec and Syrah. This collection showcases the diversity of the Snake River Valley's viticultural opportunities. It opens with aromas of cordial cherries, white strawberries and dark plum that lead to hedonistic flavors of plum and black currant jam. It provides juicy acidity and is backed with ample tannins and complexity. This won a gold medal at last year's Idaho Wine Competition.

"Though located in the Yakima Valley, this intro-level cabernet sauvignon is sourced from Columbia Valley fruit. A mouthful with ripe tannins, blackberries and a tinge of red peppers, it outshines many cabs at higher price points. Suggested retail: $15" Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/entertainment/food-and-wine/2013/01/big-wine-bargains-can-be-found-washington#ixzz2K8UR56wo

Smooth and juicy with bright red fruits and tangy acidity; balanced and fresh with edgy, fresh flavors.

This brand new release from Canoe Ridge represents a line extension called The Expedition, easy- and early-drinking wines for under $15 that are food friendly and lightly oaked. Winemaker Bill Murray has done an outstanding job of composing these wines. Taste this homage to the Horse Heaven Hills!

Sweet and brambly on the nose with scents of wild blackberries, fresh herbs, twizzlers and some spiced cranberry jelly. Focused, taut and vibrant in the mouth, this has lovely freshening acidity and pliant tannins that support rich, fresh and lively red currant and slightly jammy strawberry fruit in the mouth. The fruit shows good transparency, picking up herbal nuances, chocolate, and soft red cherry fruit on the back end before returning a rather vivid red currant-and-herb-laced finish that reveals a finely judged underlay of raw oak on the long, succulent finish. Dry, fresh, delicious and an excellent value. 89pts Read more: http://www.snooth.com/articles/top-10-red-blends-under-dollar-20/?viewall=1#ixzz2HV7coP9b

Spicy on the nose with early hints of fennel and bitter chocolate being joined by a bit of char, some fresh herb notes, black currants and lots of toasty oak. This enters the mouth with classic medium-bodied balance. A bit tight at the moment, with lovely balance between the slightly herbal and savory, almost leathery fruit that's sprinkled with a touch of peppery spice and the gentle black currant and plum fruit. The texture is smooth and held together well by the polished tannins and adequate acidity. Chocolate and herbs pop on the back end and linger on the finish along with wild black cherry jam that sits just beneath some spicy oak shavings. 

Read more

The ICON Series Cabernet Sauvignon is available only at the Waterbrook Tasting Room.

This smooth and velvety red offers a polished feel to its talcum powder- accented black cherry, black olive and mineral flavors, finishing with finesse. -HS

Grapefruit, edgy and tangy with racy acidity and lush texture; clean and long.

"Polished, refreshing and appealing for its chamomile and floral overtones, around a silky core of spiced berry and mixed flavors, lingering easily. Drink now to 2016." -HS

Supple, vibrant and distinctive for the white pepper and mascarpone notes weaving through the refreshing plum and currant fruit. Lingers impressively with gentle intensity. Drink now through 2015. 4,800 cases made.-H.S.

"A fresh, vibrant red, juicy with red plum and black cherry flavors, joined by a hint of mint in the mix, finishing against refined tannins." -H.S.

"Light and peaty, with scents of smoke and wild strawberry, this wine rallies a bit with air, pulled along by its line of acidity. A well priced red for the a chicken panini."

"This blend, mostly cabernet, merlot and syrah, leads with fresh aromas of red cherry; its flavors are more in the syrah camp, with a hint of olive. A succulent, honest red, and a steal at the price. For summer barbecues."

"Broad and peachy, this ripe Riesling has plenty of heft in its thick stone fruit flavors."

88 points - Washington Hills 2011 Riesling, Washington ($10) Silky and smooth with bright acidity, spice and orange; pure and sleek, focused and long. -ADB

"Light and refreshing, with zingy raspberry and mint flavors that linger effortlessly. Drink now."

Vibrant, refreshing and tight, with currant and cherry flavors, nicely shaded with gentle hints of wet loamy earth and spice. -hs

Waterbrook took the gold for its 11-varietal red blend, the 2009 Melange Noir during the Tasters' Guild International Wine Judging April 25-28, 2012in Grand Rapids, MI.

The Primarius 2010 Pinot Noir was one of five GOLD medalists in its own Oregon back yard to win among its varietal peers in the under $20 category in the Oregon Wine Awards. Congratulations!

Outstanding! Primarius 2010 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $18. Precept Wine in Seattle is best known for its value-minded Washington wines, but it also has been moving into Oregon in a big way, and this nicely priced Pinot Noir is a stunning find. Winemaker Haydn Mouat used Pinot Noir grapes from no fewer than five vineyards and added just a touch of Syrah (3%) for depth. It opens with exotic aromas of sweet herbs, fresh alfalfa, cinnamon bark and cherries, followed by bright, delicious flavors of black cherries, white strawberries, saddle leather and chocolate. Its fruit, tannin and acidity are all in balance and lead to a lingering finish. (18,000 cases, 13.5% alc.)

Just $12, This luscious Cabernet Sauvignon made by John Freeman proves to be another value tier winner!

Washington Merlot proves its merit onces again, delivering big taste and even better value. At $12 this Watebrook 2009 Merlot is a steal. Enjoy!

See the full results at http://www.sdiwc.com/results_sd.html

More than 500 Oregon wines were screened and tasted for Harvey Steiman's Feb. 2012 "Top Oregon Wines" feature in Wine Spectator. Primarius' 2009 Pinot Noir ($17) made the cut in its value category, just one of a dozen recommended among its price peers.

This wine's yummy, come hither aromas are virtually irresistible. The lush chocolate flavor, wrapped in pretty red fruits and highlighted with a hint of herb and earth, leads you through a long, silky finish. It makes any day a happy Valentine's Day. (Distributed by Odom-Southern) WITH VALENTINE'S Day just ahead, wine writers inevitably crank out the what wine to drink with chocolat" column. Over the years I've launched a few broadsides at the flawed notion that cabernets or other dry red wines pair well with chocolate. I've suggested that sweet reds, especially tawny ports, can do the trick, though neither side (port nor chocolate) benefits from the presence of the other. Sweet sherry can work, and even a good Champagne. Last year I brought up the idea that amaro - a type of Italian digestif - was actually the best match I'd yet found, and it was. Until now. Here is the ultimate answer to the question of what wine to drink with chocolate: Chocolate wine! I first had chocolate wine about 20 years ago, during a visit to Shallon Winery in Astoria. There, winemaker Paul van der Veldt was making (and continues to make; see his website atwww.shallon.com/chocwine.htm) such novelty wines as Lemon Meringue Pie, Cran du Lait and Chocolate-Orange. Who could have imagined that in 2011 chocolate wines would become one of the hottest wine trends of the new century? I confess that I quickly buttonholed the notion of chocolate wine as a novelty item. The very term seems somehow gimmicky. But suddenly, chocolate-wine lovers (and they are legion) have more than a dozen to choose from. I tasted through a wide assortment of locally available chocolate wines, most of them produced by Precept Wine company, and came away convinced that this is not only a legitimate new category, it is a game-changer. There are two basic styles of chocolate wines: those that are, in fact, wine-based and those that are cream-based. The cream-based wines are not actually wines at all, though they may have a splash of wine in them. They occupy a strange niche that only the TTB (the federal agency that regulates alcohol) could devise, which includes all nonstandard wine products. The best known of these cream-based products is ChocoVine, which tastes just like chocolate milk with a splash of brandy. It sells for about $12 and comes in four flavors: Original, Whipped Cream, Espresso and Raspberry, all with the same richly decadent flavor as more potent liqueurs such as Bailey's Irish Cream. Far more interesting are the chocolate wines that are truly made from wine, with chocolate extract and sometimes fruit flavors added. Precept offers a half dozen examples, most priced between $12 and $15; each unique and all well-made. Most have alcohol around 12.5 percent. Red Decadence carries a hint of chocolate in the nose, and blends light red berry wine flavors with a smooth, lively palate that artfully mixes hints of earth and herb with the dark-chocolate extract. Chocolate Shop sports the prettiest label, and is my Pick of the Week. The Chocolate Cellar includes some caramel flavoring along with the chocolate, and has a silky coffee and toffee character, very appealing. Confectioner's Chocolate ramps the sugar up to 10 percent, and is the least expensive wine in the lineup (around $10). The plain label hides a most interesting wine with spiced cherry fruit and a finishing lick of cinnamon. Red Decadence Raspberry and Chocolate Shop Strawberry are intensely fruity, with the taste of really yummy truffles. These are excellent dessert wines, for sure. Serve them with the darkest chocolate, at least 70 percent cacao, the higher the better. They lend themselves easily to a variety of cocktails, cooking (think molé), or simply mixed with sparkling water and a twist of lime. The revised second edition of Paul Gregutt's "Washington Wines & Wineries" is now in print. His blog is www.paulgregutt.com. Email: paulgwine@me.com. # # #

A first for Chocolate Shop, the bronze medal for its red wine in the "other dessert red" category is a milestone in validating this hot new category of wine. The 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition has set a new American wine competition record with an astounding 5,500 entries, surpassing its previous record of 5,050 last year. For nine consecutive years, this prestigious competition holds strong as the "Largest Competition of American Wines in the World." "This new record serves as an affirmation that every year wine consumers look toward the SFCWC award medal winning wines as a barometer when purchasing their wines," said Bob Fraser, SFCWC Executive Director. "We are thrilled that wineries all over the United States understand and respect the outstanding caliber of our 65 judges from throughout the wine industry and the country." Results were announced online at www.sfgate.com and www.winejudging.com on Friday afternoon, January 6, 2012. A public tasting of these award winning wines will be at the Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center in San Francisco from 2-5 pm on February 18, 2012. This is Chocolate Shop's

Wine Spectator delved into a blind tasting of the new chocolate-flavored wines, an undeniable trend in wine. Chocolate Shop was named the favorite in the red wine category. "In the glass Chocolate Shop shows as a muddy red, with cherry edges. The nose carries the cherry motif, with a little kirsch. The first time you taste it you will smile a little as the surprise of chocolate unfurls. There is a little on the nose, but on the palate you get Hershey's syrup flavors plain as day, along with a fruit-driven red." -Owen Dugan, November 2011

#10 BEST BUY Wines of 2011 Aromatically inviting, with a lovely mix of sweet grass and light, fresh sugar pea scents. Tart, spicy passion fruit, grapefruit and starfruit  flavors contribute to a lovely bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, with plenty of acidity that does not turn at all sour. -Paul Gregutt, November 2011

In its annual roundup citing the best of the West in several price tiers, Waterbrook's 2008 Merlot was cited as a finalist for steals $15 and under. -Sara Schneider, November 2011

A lively white, lilting with grapefruit, pineapple and pear fruit, showcasing a hint of herb on the finish. Drink now. -Harvey Steiman, October 15, 2011

This gentle rose is shocking pink in color but subdued in its strawberry and rhubarb flavors. Flavors pick up intensity on the dry finish. Drink now. -Harvey Steiman, October 15, 2011

There's a polished texture to this light red, which display appealing cherry, cinnamon and plum flavors that linger on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Drink now. - Harvey Steiman, October 15, 2011

This smooth red has spicy blackberry flavors on a polished frame, finishing with a buttery note. Drink now. -Harvey Steiman, October 15, 2011

Pure varietal, bracing and pleasantly grassy. This brings bright, herbaceous flavors of melon and citrus to the front, with a lemony snap that is indeed the sort of wine that goes well with many types of seafood, from oysters on up to halibut steaks. -Paul Gregutt, September 2011

The 2009 Reserve Chardonnay was naturally fermented and aged in 79% new French oak. Buttered popcorn, poached pear, jasmine, and melon aromas set the stage for a ripe, plush, tasty Chardonnay that over-delivers in a big way. - Jay Miller

A lush blend of riesling, pinot gris, gewürztraminer, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier, it mixes crisp citrus fruit with bright, floral highlights. -Paul Gregutt, August 13, 2011

Bright fruit flavors of melon and citrus have a lemony snap. This is the sort of wine that goes well with many types of seafood, from oysters on up to halibut steaks. - Paul Gregutt, August 13, 2011

TOP 10 New Washington Wines Browne Family Vineyards What to Drink Now: 2008 Browne Family Cabernet Sauvignon This Cabernet Sauvignon-only label is produced by winemaker John Freeman to reflect the essence of bold, balanced Washington Cabernet. -Shannon Borg & Leslie Kelly, Seattle magazine, August 2011

"Washington's Columbia Valley isn't known for the Sangiovese grape variety, nor for rosés. As a result, Waterbrook's lightly floral bottling is a nice surprise." - Ray Isle, Food & Wine, August 2011

Aromatic, focused and supple, this is polished in texture and generous with its vivid currant, blackberry, sage and spice flavors, persisting on the well-modulated finish. - Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, July 31, 2011

Bright and lively, with a hint of candy to the cherry and mint flavors, finishing with polish.- Harvey Steiman

More fruit forward than most Washington cabs, this brings together a juicy mix of blackberry, black cherry, cassis and coffee flavors. The tannins are tight and polished, with pleasing depth. Think Bordeaux rather than California in style. - Paul Gregutt, The Seattle Times, July 9, 2011

"A uniquely Washington take on Cabernet Sauvignon." - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, July 2011

"Complex and well-crafted, especially at this price point. Tropical fruit, some taost and texture, good persistence and the right balancing acidity." - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, July 2011

A Washington Pinot Gris that has some of the flesh and texture of a fine Oregon version, yet brings the spice and verve of bight Washington fruit into play. Pear, apples, acacia, orange candy, even a bit of pineapple combine into a fruity and delicious wine. - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, July 2011

"Excellent grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills, Walla Walla and Yakima Valley AVAs combine to craft a supple, smooth, lightly chocolatey red wine that harks back to the great Waterbrook Merlots of the 1980s. - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, July 2011

"This juicy, fresh, fruit-laden wine captures the ideal mix of snappy citrus and luscious stone-fruit. Delicious." - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, July 2011

A great vintage [and] a snazzy package - this wine has it all. It's a cabernet-dominated blend of grapes from top Washington vineyards. Supple, lightly toasted, layered wtih wild berry and chocolaty earth falvors, this is a special-occasion wine at an affordable price. - Paul Gregutt, The Seattle Times

"Smooth, fresh and earthy with ripe, juicy plum and blackberry fruit; harmonious and supple with balance and good length." - Anthony Dias Blue, The Tasting Panel, June 2011

What's mom's day without a little decadence? This [red wine] is not overly sweet, but has an infusion of dark chocolate. When paired with chocolate it's pure heaven. Served alongside Poco Dolce Olive Oil and Sea Salt Chocolate, it's an extra healthy hit for your heart (red wine, olive oil and dark chocolate, right?) - Leslie Sbrocoo, NBC's Today Show

"On the lighter side showing lovely red berry and sweet red pepper flavors that settle gently onto a bed of silky tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2014." - Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

"Ripe, pure, focused and beguiling for its balance, offering blueberry, raspberry and plum fruit at the core, layered wtih hints of red pepper, clove and peach fuzz as the finish extends extraordinarily well." - Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

"Bold and fruity, this runs through a spectrum from tart lemon to ripe pineapple to hints of something riper and sweeter, like banana or papaya. A good alternative to Chardonnay for those who favor fruit over oak." -Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast

"The blend is mostly Merlot, with Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon filling it out. Plenty of stuffing here, with the tannic structure of a pricier wine. Black cherry fruit and a bonus lick of licorice in the finish." - Paul Gregutt, August 2010

"It's hard to find a $10 Cabernet with this much muscle and depth. Solid black cherry and cassis fruit anchors a wine with dark streaks of espresso, bitter chocolate and smoke. The tannins are nicely ripened also, and the wine leaves a chocolaty trail as it fades" - Paul Gregutt, August 2010

"This is surprisingly fruit foward for a vintage that is often hard and unyielding. Big, ripe, round flavors of black cherry, plum, cassis and spices." - Paul Gregutt, August 2010

"The fruit is apricot through and through, concentrated and thick. This is softer and less acidic than most Washignton Rieslings, with suggestions of butter and caramel." - Paul Gregutt, August 2010

"This is nicely balanced between sweet and dry. The fruit links peach, apricot and pear with a honey in tea streak that carries into the finish." - Paul Gregutt, August 2010

"Light, dry and refreshing for its vivid watermelon and guava flavors, lingering gently." - Harvey Steiman, July 31, 2010

"This bright blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cebernet Franc has a caramel scent to go with its dark cassis flavors. Balanced, clean, fruity and bight, it's got the dusty Sangiovese tannins for braised beef." - Wine & Spirits, June 2010

"Here is a spring bouqet of party-friendly new releases that have tickeled my palate recently including: Washington Hills 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon: black cherry and cassis fruit anchors a wine with dark streaks of espresso, bitter chocolate and smoke." - Paul Gregutt, The Seattle Times, May 15, 2010

"Lithe and distinctive, with a harmonious range of blackberry, raspberry, cherry and space mindling effortlessly on the light, refined finish" - Harvey Steiman, May 31,2010

"It's beautifully balanced and should only get better." - Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2010

"The number 4 founded winery in Walla Walla remains in the hands of winemaker John Freeman, and his blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese continues to earn shelf space in the market"

"An exotic blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc , Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Muscat" - Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2010

"Delicious, well-made wine with true varietal characteristics." - Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2010

"The Oasis Vineyard long as served as the source for this dry pink that's big on strawberry freezer jam and cherry blossom aromas" - Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2010

"Willow Crest Vineyard in the Yakima Valley now serves as an estate source fro this expanding operation in Walla Walla, and no oak gets in the way of this furit that features entry points of apple cider, orange juice and lime yogurt." - Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2010

"Malbec and Petit Verdot are the other two grapes in this juicy, toasty blend. There's plenty of black cherry fruit, and equally generous flavors of mocha and toast, all wrapped together around ripe, slightly grainy tannins." - Paul Gregutt, March 2010