51 • 2004 Brian Carter Solesce Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot–Petit Verdot–Cabernet Franc–Malbec, $58
Columbia Valley, Washington
Brian Carter makes elegant wines in a restrained, Old World style.
Taste Plum and black currant flavors; very soft tannins for a wine so young.
Sip tip Stow for a year or three to see what happens.
Cellar life 5+
52 • 2006 Walter Dacon C’est Syrah Belle Syrah, $30
Columbia Valley, Washington
Truly the belle of the Northwest wine ball, C’est Syrah Belle is one of the region’s most elegant bottles.
Taste Good complexity; lots of spice.
Sip tip When you’re feeling bored by Seattle’s T-shirt culture, break out the crystal and pour yourself a glass of this pretty lady.
Cellar life 5+
53 • 2006 Lemelson Dry Riesling, $20
Dundee Hills, Oregon
Cold-weather tolerant with an affinity for summer sunshine, riesling grapes grow happily in the Northwest climate.
Taste Nice balance, with typical petrol scents; excellent palate persistence.
Sip tip Rieslings go global in style with almost any spicy Thai dish.
Cellar life 5+
54 • 2006 Holloran Le Pavillon Vineyard Riesling, $21
Dundee Hills, Oregon
Riesling was one of the first wines grown in Oregon, planted in the 1960s by vintner Richard Sommer.
Taste Dense concentration of apple flavors.
Sip tip Convert sugar-fearing riesling haters with this bone-dry bottle.
Cellar life 5+
55 • 2006 Gard Vintners Lawrence Vineyards Dry Riesling, $22
Columbia Valley, Washington
Robert Smasne’s riesling is high in alcohol but otherwise true to the varietal.
Taste Scent of stone fruits marinating in a light, petrol-mineral oil.
Sip tip Serve with a rich seafood dish like salmon beurre blanc.
Cellar life 0
56 • 2005 DeLille Cellars Doyenne Métier Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre Blend, $34
Red Mountain, Washington
Low acid and mild tannins help make grenache—the dominant grape of the Rhône—a very cooperative blender.
Taste Classic grenache black pepper and cherry flavors; plenty of alcohol.
Sip tip If you decide to hold onto a bottle, take Robert Parker employee and Washington wine expert Jay Miller’s advice and wait no more than six to eight years before opening.
Cellar life 5+
57 • 2006 Panther Creek Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, $40
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Out of a former city power supply plant in McMinnville, the Panther Creek crew produces darker, more extracted pinot noirs.
Taste Darkly colored; fruity and aromatic.
Sip tip Its aromas are impressive for a wine so young, and promise to develop nicely in the cellar.
Cellar life 10+
58 • 2006 Syncline Cuvée Elena Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre-Cinsault, $35
Columbia Valley, Washington
Savor the quality of Syncline’s best grapes in the excellent concentration of this blend.
Taste Rich grenache cherry flavors.
Sip tip Try this one with grilled grass-fed lamb.
Cellar life 5+
59 • 2005 De Ponte Cellars Pinot Noir, $38
Dundee Hills, Oregon
De Ponte Cellars concentrates on two varietals: pinot noir and melon de Bourgogne, the grape behind the popular muscadet wine from France’s western Loire Valley.
Taste Roses, carnations, raspberry, cinnamon, and oak flavors.
Sip tip The “Mr. Right Now” of wines. It might not make the menu at your last meal, but it’s perfect for tonight.
Cellar life 5+
60 • 2003 EdenVale Tempranillo, $35
Rogue Valley, Oregon
The Rogue Valley’s weather—which swings from hot afternoons to cool evenings—is well suited to tempranillo, Spain’s noble wine grape.
Taste Strong varietal scent of sweet tea leaves.
Sip tip This is the quintessential tapas wine: Serve with olives and jamón.
Cellar life 5+
Published: September 2008
