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cabernet sauvignon
More than 40 Washington state Cabernet Sauvignon wines were tasted. Of all categories, the Cabernet Sauvignons and Syrahs scored the most Outstanding ratings.
1
Fidélitas
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Outstanding
92 points | $55
This wine had the best bouquet of the tastings, with black and red cherry flavors and the perfect balance of good fruit and acidity.
2
Walla Walla Vintners
2004 Sagemoor Cabernet
Sauvignon
Outstanding
92 points | $40
Big blackberry flavors with some gripping tannins but overall balanced with lovely sweet fruit.
3
L’Ecole No 41
2003 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon
Outstanding
90 points | $36
The wine had a nice nose and balance of black fruit; a good food wine.
Pavin & Riley 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon | $24 Woodward Canyon 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (2) | Columbia Valley $75 | Artist Series $44 Cowan Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon | $17.50 Di Stefano Winery 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon | $36 Townshend Cellar 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon | $25 Gamache Vitners 2003 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon | $28 Wineglass Cellars 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon | $21.95 Apex 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon | $29.99 Stemilt Creek 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon | $30 Fidélitas 2003 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | $30
red blends
These are often the toughest wines to judge side-by-side, because some judges may prefer a little more Cabernet Sauvignon and others may prefer more Merlot in their Bordeaux-style blends. In addition, other grapes, such as Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, are often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
1
Woodward Canyon
2003 Estate Red Wine
Outstanding
92 points | $59
Sweet blackberry and blueberry, with clove, spice and cola and a beautiful nose that is nicely integrated.
2
Buty
2003 Columbia Valley
Rediviva of the Stones
Outstanding
92 points | $40
Great structure in the wine with integrated flavors that might need a little cellaring.
3
Vin du Lac
Cuvée Rouge Red Table Wine
Outstanding
91 points | $19.99
Lush, delicious and huge fruit but well balanced in the glass.
4. Spring Valley 2004 Frederick Red Wine Outstanding | 90 points | $50
Excellent
86-89 Points
Fidélitas 2003 Optu Red Wine | $40 Three Rivers 2003 Meritage Win | $39 Columbia Crest 2003 Walter Clore Red Wine | $35 Chateau Ste. Michelle 2003 Meritage Red | $50 Cote Bonneville 2003 Yakima Valley Red | $50 Canon De Sol 2003 Meritage Red | $28 Rockmeadow Cellars Rockin Red 2004 | Not priced; to be released in fall 2007 Gordon Brothers Cellars Kamiak 2003 Cellar Select Red Wine | $10-12 Townshend Cellar 2001 Red Blend Reserve | $34.95
merlot
These were tough judges for Merlot this year. There were fewer entries, which is a shame since this state produces some of the best Merlot grapes in the country. But fewer wineries are producing Merlot, opting to make blends or discontinue it entirely.
1
Whitestone
2002 Merlot
Outstanding
90 points | $22
Inviting floral nose, great body, mouthdrying tannins and yet silky smooth, with luscious cherry notes.
2
Camaraderie Cellars
2003 Merlot
Outstanding
92 points | $40
The Merlot drinks like a Cabernet, has complex fruit flavors and depth, and would benefit from cellaring.
3
Terra Blanca
2001 Merlot
Outstanding
90 points | $36
Dusty notes of black cherry and blueberry and a nice, lingering finish.
Excellent
86-89 Points
Fidélitas 2004 Merlot | $25 Walla Walla Vintners 2004 Columbia Valley Merlot | Sold out L’Ecole No 41 2004 Columbia Valley Merlot | $29 Columbia Crest 2003 Grand Estates Merlot | $11-13 Apex Yakima Valley Merlot 2001 | $24.99
cabernet franc
This is an exciting variety for Washington state and much more than a simple blend to add into a Bordeaux-style wine. Both Walla Walla Vintners and Barrister wineries have been perennial award winners in this category.
1
Walla Walla Vintners
2004 Columbia Valley Cabernet Franc
Outstanding
92 points | Sold
“Best in show,” with violets and other floral notes, well balanced.
2
Camaraderie Cellars
2003 Cabernet Franc
Outstanding
90 points | $25
Floral notes of violets, lush body and well-integrated tannins.
3
Stemilt Creek
2003 Cabernet Franc
Excellent
87 points | $28
Dusty cherry fruit combined with notes of tobacco, thyme and strong tannins.
Excellent
86-89 Points
Barrister 2004 Cabernet Franc | Sold out Whitestone Winery 2002 Cabernet Franc | $20 Vin du Lac 2004 Cabernet Franc | $27.99
syrah
There were many outstanding wines in this category, and more than 35 wines were judged. These wines received some of the highest ratings of the judging, suggesting a preference for the spicy, prolific grape. Next to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah appears to be the grape known for excellence in Washington.
1
Spring Valley
2003 Nina Lee Syrah
Outstanding
95 points | $40
Dark, brooding fruit, baking spice, great structure and a never-ending finish. Spring Valley scored the highest of all wines.
2
Thurston Wolfe
2004 Syrah
Outstanding
94 points | $20
Descriptions of meaty, smoky nose with some bacon fat, spice, sweet cherries and hints of pepper.
3
Gordon Brothers
2003 Syrah
Outstanding
92 points | $19.99
Vanilla, raspberry and rose petal on the nose with dark chocolate in the mouth and a long finish.
