» Royal Slope AVA-Sourced Wines:
A highly distinctive selection of wines sourced from among the most exciting vineyards of the Royal Slope AVA
Editor’s note: Click here to read the article on the rise of the Royal Slope AVA
Mullan Road Cellars 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
94 pts.
This red from Napa pioneer Dennis Cakebread is structured and full-flavored, leading with a tapestry of jammy blackberry and raspberry that give a creamy mid-palate feel. Harmoniously layered with Madagascar vanilla, cocoa powder and baker’s chocolate that meld with black currant and dried sage on the firm finish. $45
AVA Vineyards: Solaksen Vineyard (Lawrence) and Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Gård Vintners 2018 Reverence
95 pts.
Elegant and layered, this Grenache-dominant red is a pure beauty, offering fine-grained flavors of crushed raspberry, currants, pomegranate, well-knit black pepper and baking spice. There’s front-to-back complexity, with salinity and earth notes combined with details of dried herbs on the lithe, polished finish. $50
AVA Vineyard: Lawrence Vineyards
K Vintners 2018 Broncho Malbec
96 pts.
Exotic, filled with tar and herbal character, this savory red is richly textured with firm tannins supporting densely-packed boysenberry, black currant and blueberry flavors that merge with lavender tea, juniper and smoky peat accents. Tightly structured with an ethereal quality that wins out on the lasting finish. $70
AVA Vineyard: Stoneridge Vineyard (Lawrence)
Matthews 2018 Reserve Cuvee
94 pts.
Brooding in nature, with aromas of black fruit, mesquite and dark roasted espresso. Firm and powerfully structured, delivering textured tannins studded with wild blackberry, red and black currants, cigar box and loam. Dense, yet fresh, the finish is beguiling and long lasting. $85
AVA Vineyards: Scarline, Solaksen, Stillwater Creek from Royal Slope AVA (and 9 other vineyards)
Warr-King 2017 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Syrah
93 pts.
Exceptionally polished with a broad and generous structure, displaying an expressive core of gently steeped black cherry, marionberry and exotic spice. Alluring dark currant, cola and white pepper spice notes emerge on the long finish held in place with refined yet grippy tannins. $36
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
SIXTO 2018 Frenchman Hills Vineyard Chardonnay
95 pts.
Aromatic, elegant and superbly balanced, featuring toasty notes of lemon chiffon, apple tart, fresh-picked pineapple and crushed pebble that come together seamlessly. An attractive golden hue in color, the succulent flavors concentrate with notable complexity on the long-lasting finish. $55
AVA Vineyard: Frenchman Hills Vineyard
Massalto 2019 Extravaganza Cinsault
92 pts.
Fermentation underwent carbonic maceration (using carbon dioxide in lieu of yeast) with whole-cluster grapes aged in neutral oak puncheons. Round and smooth, with lush fruit flavors of strawberry and dried raspberry infused with rose water, cinnamon accents and grape stem. A compelling version using an older method that’s new again. $40
AVA Vineyard: Thunderstone Vineyard (Lawrence)
Cairdeas Winery 2019 Concrete Syrah
95 pts.
Aged in Nomblot concrete egg tanks, this sans-oak version excels with velvety mouthfeel and standout structure. Saturated flavors of rich boysenberry and blackberry intermingle with creme fraiche and fresh-turned soil. Hints of blueberry and briar patch spice surface on the interminable finish. $45
AVA Vineyard: Lawrence Vineyards
Succession Wines 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
93 pts.
Impressively fluid, with an unctuous mouthfeel and firm tannins framed by expressive flavors of black raspberry, cassis and blackberry nuanced with cocoa powder, graphite, pink peppercorn and cedar bough. Rich, satisfying and seamlessly structured, this shows power and finesse on the long, lasting finish. $46
AVA Vineyards: Lawrence Vineyards (and Weinbau, Famiglia and Quintessence vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA)
Mellisoni 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
94 pts.
Elegant in every sense, offering a deft, chiseled structure ingrained with seamlessly integrated tannins. The pillowy mouthfeel flows harmoniously with macerated black cherry and cassis flavors layered with refined sandalwood, pencil shavings and spice. Hints of cola waft through the expressive finish. $65
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Category 5 Cellars 2018 Malbec
92 pts.
This single-varietal red was blended from two vineyards, a cooler site and a warmer one. Plush and rich, with dense black cherry, plum and currant flavors and stylish highlights of violet, cocoa, cedar bough and crushed rock. The combination of lively acidity and fine, firm tannins create nice tension that extends the well-structured finish. $38
AVA Vineyard: Lawrence Vineyards (and 43% from Gamache Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA)
Prohibition Cellars 2019 Reserve Chardonnay
92 pts.
Hungarian oak barrels were used to ferment and age this reserve white, filled with suave texture and creamy expressions of white peach, D’Anjou pear and dried pineapple. Complex layers of spun honey, lemon blossom and citrus merge neatly with the fruit flavors, followed by a touch of almond on the finish. $32
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Dillon 2017 Wrought Mourvedre/Syrah
93 pts.
Freshly-lit acidity shines through a sheen of firm, yet refined tannins in this rich and seductive red. Very inviting, with a well-structured core of violet, steeped blackberry, currants and cracked black pepper flavors. The finish rolls on with incredible duration, revealing earthen hints of loamy soil and light briary notes. $45
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Elevation Cellars 2019 Imperium Riesling
91 pts.
Lovely floral aromas of honeysuckle and lime waft through flavors of peach, kiwi, apple blossom and jasmine. The mid-structure points to a beam of dry acidity that guides the minerally-charged elements through the standout finish. Only 225 cases made. Editor’s choice—Best Buy. $20
AVA Vineyard: Lawrence Vineyards
Sol Stone 2020 “Solstice” Chardonnay
92 pts.
An unoaked version made in a Chablis style that over delivers on every level, offering a polished structure loaded with rich flavors of yellow apple, D’Anjou pear, Meyer lemon and floral jasmine accents. Chalky minerality adds complexity to the clean finish. Editor’s choice—Best Buy. $22
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Tenor 2018 Malbec
94 pts.
Fermented in concrete vessels, the free-run juice was then aged 27 months in French oak. Hedonistic for its purity of fruit, this red is brilliantly structured with pillowy tannins and textural mouthfeel exuding blackberry compote and crushed raspberry with expressive notes of forest floor and black tea. Fresh acidity permeates the uber-concentrated finish. $80
AVA Vineyards: Solaksen Vineyard (Lawrence) and Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Canvasback 2019 Riesling
92 pts.
Energetic throughout, with lovely aromatics of jasmine, honeysuckle blossom and white stone fruit. The crisp structure portrays peach, apricot and kiwi with lime zest and lemony notes. There’s appealing tension between the citrus-driven fruit and mineral elements that stay sharply focused. $32
AVA Vineyards: Lawrence Vineyards and Frenchman Hills Vineyard
Three of Cups 2020 Le Voeu Sauvignon Blanc
91 pts.
Refreshing and crisp, this stainless steel version displays grassy aromas of ripe peach that echo generously on the well-structured palate. Framed by lively citrus flavors of Key lime and kiwi that finish dry with a minerally-toned edge. Editor’s choice—Best Buy. $18
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Valo Cellars 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
91 pts.
Bold and robust, leading with dark fruit, graham, cedar box and vanilla aromas. The palate is velvety, loaded with blackberry compote, blueberry and cherry skin flavors that merge with a savory side of graphite and underbrush along the long, rich finish. $35
AVA Vineyards: Solaksen Vineyard & Stoneridge Vineyard (both Lawrence)
Sparkman Cellars 2018 Lumière Chardonnay
92 pts.
Aged in French oak, this creamy version is made from Dijon clones 75 and 95. Initial expressions of toasty oak give way to rich white peach, lemon oil and apple blossom marked with light butterscotch and persistent mineral flavors. Lively in structure, the finish is long and elegant. $32
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Baer 2016 Arctos
94 pts.
Immaculately sculpted, this red wine offers a plush texture of blackberry, cassis, plum and dried anise that gain concentration and elegant power on the midpalate without being overly weighty. Fine-cut tannins and lovely cigar box accents extend the aftertaste. Made from clone 4 Cabernet grapes (91%) and Petit Verdot (9%). $43
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Chelle Bridge Cellars 2020 Rosé of Cabernet Franc
92 pts.
Ultra-round in feel, yet shows lovely structure and definition. Sleek flavors of peaches and cream, melon rind, cherry and a medley of red berries blanket the palate, filled in with minerally character. Displays broad dimension and scope. $24
AVA Vineyard: Solaksen Vineyard (Lawrence)
Helix 2015 Reserve Chardonnay
93 pts.
Aged patiently for nearly five years in a large French oak puncheon sur lie, the satiny structure of this reserve version is elegantly weighted, offering harmonious mineral and leesy spice details bonded to rich flavors of honey, pear, pineapple, lemon tart and kiwi. Textural spice notes echo long on the complex and satisfying finish. $38
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Merry Cellars 2017 Silhouette
91 pts.
Aromas of mixed dark berries, peppercorn and cedar box introduce vivacious flavors of spiced boysenberry and high-toned blueberry framed with expressive cocoa, lavender, violet and vanilla bean. The finish shows verve between the lively acidity and lingering spice notes. Aged in Hungarian, Russian, French and American oak. $32
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Novelty Hill 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
91 pts.
Supple and deftly structured, this sports cassis, blackberry, raspberry puree and plum flavors laced with vanilla and spice accents. Rolled tobacco hints and a flash of alder hang in the background, joined with cocoa, sage and grippy tannins that add depth across the finish. Cabernet with 2% Merlot. $30
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Time & Direction 2019 “Space Pants” Mourvedre
92 pts.
Lively and tangy up front, yielding a chorus of wild blueberries, violet and black peppercorn inlaid with expressive crushed rock and forest floor accents. Give it time to fully open, as it picks up clarity and refinement on the complex finish. Only 50 cases produced. $45
AVA Vineyard: SThunderstone Vineyard (Lawrence)
Sightglass Cellars 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
93 pts.
Leading with smoky black fruit aromas, this richly concentrated version impresses with jammy black currant and blackberry flavors tempered with vanilla cream, spice, fresh loamy earth and tobacco leaf. Shows immense structure framed with muscle-bound tannins that add extra dimension on the robust finish. $45
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Arbor Crest 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
92 pts.
Polished yet vibrantly structured, with blackberry, raspberry and pomegranate flavors accented by dark chocolate, juniper berry and sage. Finely-knit tannins weave expertly through the plush body, that builds dynamically on the laser-focused finish. $42
AVA Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard