January in Walla Walla

Walla Walla, WA
Tasted Friday, January 25, 2013 - Sunday, January 27, 2013 by Jake112380 with 683 views

Introduction

Trying to escape the dreary Portland weather, I went to Walla Walla with my beautiful wife for a weekend of tasting fun. The wines were great, but the weather was unfortunately very Portland-like

Flight 1 (4 Notes)

  • 2011 Woodward Canyon Riesling 87 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Not a bad summer porch wine, with aromas of freshly mown grass and honeysuckle introducing the green apple and stone fruit flavors. Decent acid backbone and a bit of buttery-ness complete the experience.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • NV Woodward Canyon Red Wine 85 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    This wine threw me a pretty good curveball. The rich aromatics of spice box intertwining with red berries left me expecting a similarly intense tasting experience, but alas! I found the flavors to be very flat and generic.

    Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No

  • 2009 Woodward Canyon Merlot Nelms Road 88 Points

    USA, Washington

    (1/26/2013)

    A solid wine at a reasonable price. Vibrant blackberry aromas give way to rich, layered flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and leather. Nice structure as well.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2010 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series 90 Points

    USA, Washington

    (1/26/2013)

    This year, the art for the label was created by an artist who worked with kids with CF at the Children's Hospital in Seattle. As a result, a portion of the proceeds benefit CF causes. A worthy bottle to buy.

    Now to the wine. It continues the Woodward Canyon tradition of outstanding Cab Sauv. It has very good structure to age, but is drinking well now. Rich, dark fruit flavors and leather are the primary aromatic experiences. Rich fruit and oak flavors combine with the tannins in a very mouth-filling experience.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 2 (2 Notes)

  • 2010 Kontos Cellars Syrah Tate Boushey Vineyards 93 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Rich, elegant, very fruit friendly wine. The charred meat and peppercorn flavors beg for a strong food accompaniment like a thick steak or perhaps osso bucco. It's still young, so it takes forever to open up, but a few years in the cellar will solve that.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2010 Kontos Cellars Syrah Walla Walla Valley 92 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Kontos has a way with syrah, and it really shows through here. As opposed to the Tate from the same vintage year, this is more of a fruit driven wine (most of the fruit comes from Les Collines Vineyard). Think strong red fruit and some spice box as an accompaniment.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 3 (5 Notes)

  • 2011 Tamarack Cellars Chardonnay 87 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Light and bright with some straw aromatics. Acid balances the apple and freshly mown grass flavors. There's a hint of buttery-ness in the background.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2011 Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red 90 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    This wine is created each year with no real rules, so the grapes and blends vary. Typically a good RTW, this year is one of the exceptional vintages. Great depth of red and black fruit balanced with subtle tannins.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Tamarack Cellars Sangiovese 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Smoky red fruit aromas followed by dark cherry flavors. Tons of acidity. It's a very pleasant wine that begs for a robust pasta pairing.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Tamarack Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    One of the things I really like about Ron Coleman's winemaking philosophy is that he won't release a wine until it's ready to drink. This one is for sure, but it will also age nicely.

    Tons of red fruit aroma with tobacco undercurrent. Supple, with mouth-filling flavors of dried cranberry, cherry, and oak.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Tamarack Cellars Syrah Ciel du Cheval Vineyard 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain

    (1/26/2013)

    Made in the fruit forward style, with a background of spice box to lend depth and complexity. Tannins balance the fruit. It's ready to drink now, or lay it down for a couple years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 4 (2 Notes)

  • 2009 Patit Creek Cellars Riesling Sagemoor Vineyards 87 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    This is the true "porch pounder." Smooth and refreshing, with just a touch of sugar to balance the bright acidity. Good thing it's not a warm summer day where I am...

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Patit Creek Cellars The Creek Columbia Valley 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Good QPR. Vibrant red and black fruit aromas give way to similar flavors with hints of leather, spice box, and herbs. Even though this is Patit Creek's RTW, it could make it as a less classy winery's high brow "Meritage."

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 5 (4 Notes)

Flight 6 (4 Notes)

  • 2011 Forgeron Cellars Chardonnay 90 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    A very nice Chardonnay. Light yellow in color. Aromas of lemon and honeysuckle give way to a smooth wine, light and bright with flavors of apple and straw balanced with a present (but not assertive) acid backbone.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Forgeron Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 90 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    This is a very aromatic wine. Baseline aroma is ripe cherry, and there are some earthy undertones. Gripping red cherry flavor is balanced with river pebble and slight oak flavors. The long finish is slightly tannic and warming.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Forgeron Cellars Syrah 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Nose is mostly spice and tobacco with some dried blackberry. Flavors tend to darker fruits with a spicy, peppery finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2010 Forgeron Cellars Zinfandel Alder Ridge Vineyard 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills

    (1/26/2013)

    Nose is primarily spicy and peppery. Flavors are a balance of spiciness and jaminess, two things this varietal is known for. Higher alcohol lends a warming finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 7 (5 Notes)

  • 2008 Fort Walla Walla Cellars Syrah 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Smoky nose with spice box notes. Blueberry and raspberry flavors dominate the palate, with hints of stone fruit and some oak notes. Pleasant, long finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Fort Walla Walla Cellars Merlot 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Nose is primarily cherry cola, which I like. Coffee and chocolate notes mingle with dried red fruit on the palate. Hints of pepper on the finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Fort Walla Walla Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Incredibly complex and layered wine. Look for red fruit finely set atop elegant tannins and a warm, long finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Fort Walla Walla Cellars Treaty 90 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Aromas of red fruit with hints of anise and herbs. Flavor is mostly bright red fruit with an herbal finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Fort Walla Walla Cellars Reserve 92 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Superior wine. Great depth and complexity. Red fruit mixes with lavender, leading to a tremendously long finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 8 (3 Notes)

  • 2010 El Corazon Run With The Hunted 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Nose is currants and smoke. Flavor is primarily dark stone fruit from the Syrah with meaty notes from the Malbec.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2010 El Corazon Malbec Boomerang 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Nose is cherry, smoke, and licorice. Flavors are dark fruit and bar be queued steak with a solid tannic backbone. There's a bit more acid than I would like, which comes through in the finish. However, it seems like it will age well.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 El Corazon Cabernet Franc First Crush 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Classic Cab Franc. Ripe red fruit followed by not unpleasant reediness. Very long finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 9 (5 Notes)

  • 2009 Sweet Valley Wines Viognier Righteous 86 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Nose is sort of hay-ey. Nice creamy notes on the palate with pear and oaky vanilla. Short finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Sweet Valley Wines Righteous 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    One of the better QPRs I've found in the Walla Walla Valley. In my opinion, it's up there with the Firehouse.

    Deep red color with plum and leather aromas. Flavors are primarily red fruit, and there is just a bit of tannin backbone. Short finish. It's not terribly complex, but it's easy and pleasant to drink.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Sweet Valley Wines Petit Verdot Righteous 90 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    As with the other Righteous branded wines, this represents a great value. This wine is very pepper driven, from the nose to the flavor to the finish. Cherry flavors are also present. Would be great with a nice filet.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Sweet Valley Wines Syrah 90 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Nose of pipe tobacco, smoke, and charred steak. Flavors are dark fruit driven with earthy undertones. Well done.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Sweet Valley Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Nose of dried raspberries and herbs. Mouth filling with subtle structure and expressive red fruits. Long finish. Will age well.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 10 (2 Notes)

  • 2011 Flying Trout Torrontés 87 Points

    Argentina, Mendoza

    (1/26/2013)

    Nose of honey, peaches, and other stone fruit. Honeysuckle and apple flavors balanced with acid. It would be a pleasant summer porch wine.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Tero Estates S.T. 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/26/2013)

    Slightly smoky nose with dried red fruit base. Very gripping tannins with cherry vanilla flavors. A true Super Tuscan that will hopefully calm a bit with age.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 11 (5 Notes)

  • 2011 Tertulia Cellars Mourvèdre Rosé 87 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Pale pink color with nectarine and floral aromas followed by citrus flavors. Slightly acidic. Not bad, but there's better rose around.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Tertulia Cellars Grenache Lonesome Spring Ranch 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Red fruit aromas predominate, with a hint of fig. Strong raspberry and cherry flavors with some oak to balance. Long, warming finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2007 Tertulia Cellars Syrah Les Collines Vineyard 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    This wine is a pleasant reminder that Washington Syrahs need not be fruit driven. The nose is very mineral-y and saline. Flavors are river pebble, mineral, and cocoa. There's just a touch of black fruit to remind you what you're doing.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Tertulia Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Phinny Hill Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills

    (1/27/2013)

    Dried cherry, tobacco, and vanilla notes on the nose, followed by mouth-filling flavors of chocolate, cola, and, of course, cherry. The tannic finish is not unpleasant and will likely be a bit less assertive with age.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Tertulia Cellars Carménère Phinny Hill Vineyard 90 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills

    (1/27/2013)

    Aromas of chili pepper and spice. The nose is also slightly raisiny and port-like--just a bit. The palate is mostly composed of red fruit with peppery notes. Enough oak and tannins to age well.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 12 (3 Notes)

  • 2010 Pepper Bridge Merlot 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Berries and cedar on the nose. This is a red-fruit driven wine with a tannin backbone and oak notes. Long, pleasant finish.

    Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No

  • 2009 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 90 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Layered black fruit aromas lead into flavors of cherry and blackberry with notes of vanilla and cocoa. This is a big, smooth wine with a long (and slightly hot) finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Pepper Bridge Trine 90 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Nose of mixed red and dark fruit. Lots of structure. As with the 2010 Merlot, the flavor experience is red fruit driven with oak notes. Lots of structure and a long finish. Significant tannin experience that I imagine will abate with age.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 13 (4 Notes)

  • 2008 Gifford Hirlinger Merlot Estate 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Dired cherry aromas. Very smooth tasting experience with cherry and raspberry flavors. Elegant finish. If I liked Merlot, I'd like this wine.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Gifford Hirlinger Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Nose of candied nuts and tobacco--it's a lot more pleasant than it sounds. Mouth filling with dried red fruit flavors. Smooth, somewhat subdued finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Gifford Hirlinger Malbec 86 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    The nose is mostly black fruit with some smoke. Flavors are mostly black cherry. Short finish. There's not a lot to this wine.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Gifford Hirlinger Tempranillo 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Spicy red fruit nose with cinnamon and dried raspberry flavors. Lots of structure and a long, pleasant finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 14 (7 Notes)

  • 2011 Castillo de Feliciana Sparkling 85 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Light and heathery with some melon notes. Not a great Tuesday wine, but I suppose I would drink it if it was around.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Castillo de Feliciana Tempranillo Rosebud Vineyard 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Very pleasant to drink with aromas of dried red fruit followed by similar flavors. Notes of spice and oak as well. This is a mouth filling wine with good structure and a long finish.

    Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No

  • 2009 Castillo de Feliciana Miercoles 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Ironically, this Spanish-named wine is actually a Bordeaux blend of Cab, Cab Franc, and Merlot. It's a quality Wednesday wine, super smooth and lots of structure. Good QPR. You might even be able to get away with serving this on a Friday...just sayin'.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Castillo de Feliciana Adentro 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    Spiced red fruit and cedar nose. Similar flavors with some oak notes. There is a nice balance of flavors and a pleasant finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2010 Castillo de Feliciana Malbec Phinny Hill Vineyard 88 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills

    (1/27/2013)

    This Malbec has the charred steak aromas that I absolutely love. There's also some oak and dark fruit on the nose, and similar flavors follow. The finish is there, but its not remarkable.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Castillo de Feliciana Malbec Phinny Hill Vineyard 89 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills

    (1/27/2013)

    I really appreciated this wine's smoky nose. It's not quite as meaty as the 2010 version, but the flavors and finish more than make up for it.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2009 Castillo de Feliciana Bolsa Negra Reserve 91 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (1/27/2013)

    This wine was very complex, with layer after flavorful layer. The nose is all kinds of great with dark fruit, chocolate, earth, and some oak. The flavors are similar and come in waves. Long, warming, pleasant finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

×
×