Reviews of premium red Bordeaux and Northern Rhone varieties from Washington producers around the state
Boudreaux Cellars 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
96 pts.
The father and daughter winemaking team of Rob and Keely Newsom continues on a tradition of family winemaking, utilizing hand-selected grapes from seven top vineyards blended together in a 2,000-gallon French oak tank. There’s outstanding intensity behind the bright, fresh mix of cherry, blackberry and red currant details. The highly-structured palate is backlit with accents of crushed rock, sage, graphite and cocoa, dusted with a coating of fine tannins. $80
Avennia 2022 Estate Vineyard Red Wine
97 pts.
Lush and seductive, this Red Mountain AVA wine from winemaker Chris Peterson offers a tightly focused mouthfeel and shimmering beam of cassis, cherry paste and licorice lined with fig paste, mesquite and blueberry notes. Fine yet grippy, chalky tannins delineate a muscular edge cut with fresh acidity that ramps up on the radiant and stellar finish. $75 Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Upchurch Vineyard 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
97 pts.
This signature Cabernet Sauvignon from Chris Upchurch is made from 100% estate-grown Red Mountain grapes. Finessed, with a rich and vibrant core of boysenberry and blueberry that sync with bold red and black fruit, followed by violet and creamy vanilla streaked with mineral spice. Generously structured, with a beam of fine-grained tannins leading to the robust finish dusted with white pepper. $90
Hedges Family Estate 2020 La Haute Cuvée
96 pts.
Winemaker Sarah Goedhart uses old vine grapes from the estate’s original Red Mountain blocks dating back to 1990 that are farmed to meet Demeter Biodynamic standards. This 100% Cabernet shows meticulous structure, etched with fine-grained tannins teeming with expressive blackberry, cassis and high-toned red currant studded with black olive, crushed rock, dried herbs, pencil lead, cocoa and leather hints. Finishes with acute focus and duration. $75
Co Dinn 2016 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Red Blend
96 pts.
This terroir-driven Bordeaux-style red is made mostly of old vine Cabernet Sauvignon (63%) that was planted in the late 1990s. An elegant library wine bursting with expressive and compact layers of cassis, blackberry, brilliant red cherry and violet wrapped in a bolt of fresh acidity. A matrix of fine tannins adheres to briary and spice accents that dig in on the long and vibrant finish. $65 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec
JB Neufeld 2022 Two Blondes Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
96 pts.
A stunning rendition made from Clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon that’s both velvety and energetic all at once, building on the superb balance of tension with polished tannins that leave an indelible grip on the luxurious mouthfeel. Waves of rich black cherry coax out deeper notes of blackberry, framed by floral violet, lavender, fig and baking spice details that linger on the sharply focused finish. $50
Muret-Gaston Red Mountain Red Blend NV
96 pts.
Combining finesse and power, this red is made in the Solera aging style that utilizes fractional blending that, over many years, creates a finished wine blended from multiple vintages. Dominated by the classic 2012 vintage, there’s beautiful balance to the blend with barrels from 2011, 2013 and 2014. Gushing with dark tones of blackberry and plum that build with intensity, nuances of rosemary, iron, graphite and cocoa permeate the finish with a firm grip of ultra-fine tannins. $50 Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah
Matthews 2021 Claret Horse Heaven Hills
96 pts.
Impeccable structure, balance and poise are the cornerstones of this finely-tuned red that conveys grace and underlying strength. Dense yet lithe layers of cassis, blackberry and dark cherry meld in harmony with details of cola, pencil lead, crushed pebbles and cocoa powder, encircled by fine-grained tannins on the extended finish. $125 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Va Piano Vineyards 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
96 pts.
Velvety throughout, this Walla Walla Valley red brings into play a tightly-coiled structure threaded by a fine beam of acidity that spreads slowly outward in a circuitous motion, filling every part of the palate. Dense blackberry coulis, black cherry and red currant are highlighted by eucalyptus, crushed rock, tobacco and shadings of vanilla, with firm tannins that cling to the lasting finish. $75
DavenLore 2018 Durif Reserve
95 pts.
Robust and hugely aromatic, this Durif (also known as Petite Sirah) offers bold expressions of jammy blackberry and raspberry, complexly layered with fig, cigar box, game and graphite. Tertiary notes of nutmeg and almond extract add to the intrigue of this reserve wine, gaining cavernous depth on the powerful finish. Made from old vines planted in 1998 at Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. $58
Dunham Cellars 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon XXVII
95 pts.
Sensational energy and structure boost this Columbia Valley version, sourced from four distinctive sites: Lewis Estate, Kenny Hill Estate, Sagemoor and Tokar vineyards. Sleek cherry, currants and red plum roll off the textural mouthfeel in unison with dark cocoa, warm cedar, baking spice and minerally-backed tannins that find solid footing along the oscillating finish. $50
Whitman Hill 2021 Captain Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
95 pts.
Sourced from a single block of the estate vineyard, this reserve red offers floral-tinged aromas of dusky dark fruit, black olive, graham and pencil shavings. Sleek and assertive, with lively acidity and tightly-knit flavors of cherry paste, red currant, balsamic reduction and lavender. Notes of rosemary and boysenberry are revealed in time on the fine, polished finish. $55
Five Star Cellars 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
95 pts.
Rich, bold and plush in feel, this ultra-smooth red is sourced from three prime Walla Walla Valley vineyards: Les Collines, Pepper Bridge and Blue Mountain. Dense blackberry cobbler, steeped black currant and dark cherry are embellished by floral accents of violet, crushed rock, almond nougat, allspice, dark chocolate and a dash of white pepper on the firm, long lasting finish. $54
Sleight of Hand 2022 “Psychedelic” Syrah Stoney Vine Vineyard
95 pts.
A standout from the renowned Rocks District of the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Intensely aromatic, yielding a lovely nose of purple flowers, blue and red fruit, spun sugar, Parma ham, smoked herbs and Asian spice that carry onto the satiny palate, joined by vivid accents of wild strawberry, blueberry, tapenade, red licorice and moist earth. Marvelously focused, with streaks of juicy acidity that amplify the complex finish. $75
Sparkman Cellars 2021 Kingpin Cabernet Sauvignon
95 pts.
Regal and powerful, this boldly structured Cabernet Sauvignon from the Red Mountain AVA is packed with steeped blackberry, cassis and red currant, inlaid with harmonious accents of Madagascar vanilla bean, crushed gravel, cigar wrapper and cocoa powder. Grippy tannins lend a sculpted edge to the well-defined structure, finishing with exceptional duration. $70
L’Ecole Nº 41 2021 Estate Ferguson Vineyard
95 pts.
This Cabernet dominant blend uses all five main Bordeaux varietals. An edge of fine tannins and high-toned acidity lay the foundation for the vibrant structure. A deep layer of dark red and black fruit coat the midpalate, ingrained with profound minerality, wet stone, tobacco and eucalyptus, revealing notes of blueberry and black currant. Ends with exciting range. $75
EFESTE 2022 Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon
95 pts.
This old vine red is sourced from some of the state’s older blocks at Bacchus, Sagemoor and Dionysus vineyards. The sleek palate ramps up with pure and full-flavored cassis, blackberry and plum, well integrated with stone, mineral, bay leaf and sage notations. Ends with an undertow of flashy acidity and assertive tannins that resonate with lasting effect. $70
Airfield Estates 2021 Founders H. Lloyd Miller Red Wine Yakima Valley
94 pts.
This top-tier red is named after H. Lloyd Miller, who founded the Miller’s family farm in the early 1900s. Swooning with dark fruit, exhibiting a rich corridor of blackberry preserves, black cherry and plum handsomely backlit by fine touches of forest floor, graphite, cacao nib and a deft touch of cedar. A well-structured blend, unswerving on the expressive finish. $50 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Amavi Cellars 2022 Ceres Red Wine
94 pts.
This exciting estate red is close to an even split of Cabernet Franc and Malbec from three Walla Walla Valley vineyards. Rich and ripe aromas of boysenberry and blackberry mingle with sage and forest floor. The mouthfeel is coated with plush tannins, evoking freshly-crushed blueberry, along with earthier tones of mulled cherry and tomato leaf. The graceful structure leans toward the juicier side on the supple finish. $52
Stevens Winery 2020 “424” Red Wine Yakima Valley
94 pts.
Silky, pure and linear in profile, this Bordeaux-varietal red is chock-full of cherry paste, boysenberry, violet, mulberry and leather hints draped over a beautifully sculpted structure. Pillowy tannins ebb and flow with vitality on the lengthy and balanced finish, marked by mineral spice. $36 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Martinez & Martinez 2021 Dion Carlo Carménère
94 pts.
This is ripe, glossy-textured and polished, offering broad mouthcoating flavors of rich black plum, boysenberry and currants woven together with lovely herbal underpinnings, mulberry and mineral details. A fresh thread of acidity supports the structured midpalate, reinforced with ultra-fine tannins that extend the bone-dry finish. Sourced from Alder Ridge Vineyard. $43
Tipsy Canyon 2021 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
94 pts.
This smooth, bold-flavored red from the Garvin family in Manson by Lake Chelan utilizes grapes from Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain. It’s abundant with aromas and flavors of cassis, blackberry and blue fruit, layered with tobacco, tea leaf, dried herbs, graphite and espresso bean. Finishes rich, with a gentle tug of firm tannins and white pepper spice. $55
J. Bookwalter 2021 Conflict Red Wine
94 pts.
Most of the grapes for this Right Bank Bordeaux-style red wine hail from the famed Conner Lee Vineyard, once managed by John Bookwalter’s father, Gerald Bookwalter. Succulent black and red fruit abound with flair, adjoined by expressive violet, sage, eucalyptus, fig and dark chocolate hints winding down on the powerful, yet smooth finish marked by shimmering minerality. $70 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc
Damsel Cellars 2022 Boushey Vineyard Syrah
94 pts.
This savory, expressive red rolls off the palate like ribbon silk, filled with juicy fluctuations of salty game, tapenade, mesquite and briar patch draped over jammy fruit details of blackberry, boysenberry and plum. Flashes of minerality emerge in the background, supported by solid structure and verve. $48
Baer Winery 2020 Arctos Cabernet Sauvignon
94 pts.
Supple throughout, fortified by uplifting structure and bold, rich dark flavors of blackberry and cassis, layered with harmonious accents of cocoa and barrel spice. A mesh of fine-grained tannins lends a powerful grip, joined by dense blueberry fruit that chimes in on the beautifully focused finish. Sourced from the Royal Slope AVA. $49
Thurston Wolfe 2021 “The Geologist” Red Wine
94 pts.
A generous red brimming with black currant, boysenberry and blueberry framed by violet, stony minerality and bold accents of pipe tobacco, mesquite, pencil shavings and baking spice. Aged 21 months, this a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Snipes Mountain Vineyard, Petit Verdot from Double Canyon Vineyard, and Malbec from McKinley Springs Vineyard. $45
Frichette 2021 Reserve Red Mountain Red Wine
94 pts.
Deftly structured, backed by lithesome acidity that wraps around a finessed grip of stately tannins along a minerally-infused corridor of rich blackberry, ripe raspberry and cherry. Secondary layers of baker’s chocolate, graphite, wood spice and vanilla cream find nice balance and length on the lustrous aftertaste. $52 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Januik Winery 2021 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
94 pts.
Dark berries swirl on the dusky nose, echoing on the medium-bodied palate with blackberry, boysenberry and red plum flavors that meld with licorice, cocoa, mineral spice and a frontage of smooth tannins that line the finish with an alluring textural feel. $45