61 • 2004 Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard Sol Duc Meritage Cabernet Sauvigon–Merlot–Malbec, $50
Columbia Valley, Washington
Made from vines first planted by the late Dr. Walter Clore, “the father of Washington wine,” who first convinced Eastern Washington farmers that there was money to be made in grapes.
Taste Supple texture, with soft, toasty vanilla flavors.
Sip tip Buy it when you see it—this one sells out fast.
Cellar life 5+
62 • 2006 Cowhorn Vineyard and Garden Syrah, $32
Applegate Valley, Oregon
The name refers to the biodynamic practice of stuffing a cowhorn with animal dung and burying it on winery property during winter, then digging it up, adding water, and spraying the vines with the mixture.
Taste Blueberry flavors set it apart from the syrah pack.
Sip tip Another wine to wow your enviro pals, this all-natural syrah is a welcome guest at any vegan feast.
Cellar life 5+
63 • 2006 Lemelson Jerome Reserve Pinot Noir, $58
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Named for Eric Lemelson’s late father, it’s a pinot made for the wine lover who cares more about power than elegance.
Taste Heavily extracted wine with flavors of black plums.
Sip tip Another wine for celebrating fatherhood, give it to your brother at the birth of his first child.
Cellar life 10+
64 • 2004 Gamache Vintners Reserve Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, $40
Columbia Valley, Washington
This bottle from Gamache is yet another top wine that features fruit from the terroir-ific Champoux Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills.
Taste Spicy, intense black currant flavors.
Sip tip A universally well-regarded cab that’s a no-brainer holiday gift for anyone on your list.
Cellar life 10+
65 • 2006 Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards Tempranillo Reserve, $36
Umpqua Valley, Oregon
One of a dozen wineries in the valley carved out by the Umpqua River, Reustle-Prayer Rock grows varieties uncommon to Oregon, like tempranillo and grüner veltliner.
Taste Intense midpalate tannic textures; varietally correct flavors of slightly floral-scented tea leaves.
Sip tip “Tempranillo” comes from temprano, the Spanish word for “early” (the grape ripens early in the season). Drink just before your siesta.
Cellar life 10+
66 • 2004 Chester-Kidder Red Wine Blend, $50
Columbia Valley, Washington
In Chester-Kidder, grower Gilles Nicault has produced a rich, heady blend.
Taste Like a walk through a garden of lavender, rosemary, and marjoram.
Sip tip Go beyond decadence by pairing Chester-Kidder with a braised Mangalitsa pork belly.
Cellar life 10+
67 • 2006 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Estate Pinot Noir, $45
Willamette Valley, Oregon
While studying for an advanced enology degree, winemaker Veronique Drouhin wrote her dissertation on pinot. Talk about well qualified.
Taste Bright red cherry fruit; minimal oak.
Sip tip It’s an intellectual wine that’s perfect for celebrating academic victories.
Cellar life 5+
68 • 2005 Brian Carter Byzance Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre, $30
Columbia Valley, Washington
Brian Carter’s blend of southern Rhône grape varieties is one of the best midpriced wines in Washington.
Taste Licorice and spice flavors.
Sip tip Pair with herb-encrusted pork tenderloin.
Cellar life 5+
69 • 2004 Willis Hall Syrah, $26
Columbia Valley, Washington
John Bell was a Boeing engineer for 31 years before he sunk his savings into Willis Hall. This wine, from his second vintage, is a remarkable achievement.
Taste An exacting integration between the oak of the barrel and the textures and flavors.
Sip tip A lamb dish would love to meet this one.
Cellar life 5+
70 • 2006 Cooper Mountain Mountain Terroir Pinot Noir, $50
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Biodynamically grown grapes are harvested from three vineyards to create Mountain Terroir.
Taste The old vine flavors (some of the fruit comes from 30-year-old plants) hit midpalate.
Sip tip A wine made with the utmost attention, it makes a generous gift for the people in your life who take care of you, like secretaries, Pilates instructors, and parents.
Cellar life 5+
Published: September 2008
