NORTHWESTERN WINE (.com)
Your shopping guide for Northwestern and World Wines, Accessories, and Wine Gifts from the leading suppliers! WINES FROM WASHINGTON
Red Wine by Barnard Griffin from Columbia Valley, Washington. This 2005 vintage Merlot is a worthy successor to the award winning 2004. Aromas of black cherries and red currants dominate the nose. There is a good dose of medium toasted European oak barrels. One can see a great vintage in the 2005 with moderate tannins and good acid. This wine is drinking well now and has some punch worthy of 5-8 years of aging.
White Wine by Barnard Griffin from Columbia Valley, Washington. Barnard Griffin 2006 Fume Blanc has heightened aromas of lime zest and herbs. The flavors are dominated by ripe melon and faintly grassy hints in the finish. This wine has excellent acidity and fantastic palate impression. This Fume Blanc remains bright on the palate for a finish of herbs and ginger.
Red Wine by Ch. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. It is a structured, focused, well-integrated wine with forward aromas of wild raspberry, licorice, spice and vanilla complemented by lingering flavors of raspberry and ripe cherry.
Red Wine by Ch. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 2% Merlot 2004 marked Bob Bertheau's first red wine harvest for Chateau Ste. Michelle, where he managed the red winemaking from start to finish for the first time. His goal was to produce a softer mouthfeel and enhanced complexity for the red wines, while highlighting the elegance of Canoe Ridge Estate fruit. The 2004 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet delivers black cherry fruit, spicy oak, leather and sweet caramel characters. Its soft, elegant, slightly dusty finish is typical of Canoe Ridge Estate. This wine shows the more subtle side of Washington Cabernet. It doesn't hit you over the head, but rather gently entices you with seductive fruit and spice layers. Try this with penne pasta marinara or veal scaloppini. Those slightly dusty Tuscan tannins are a great match with Italian foods.
Red Wine by Ch. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. 2004 marks Bob Bertheau's first red wine harvest for Chateau Ste. Michelle, where he managed the red winemaking from start to finish for the first time. His goal is to produce a softer mouthfeel and enhanced complexity in the red wines, while highlighting the power and concentration of Cold Creek fruit. Cabernet from this 30-year-old vineyard always delivers power, structure and rich concentrated black fruit. I have tried to harness this power into something a little friendlier in the first few years of release, while not taking away from its inherent ability to age. literally wanting my cake and eating it too! Concentrated aromas of pomegranates, blueberries, cocoa and molasses lead to a rich mid-palate with loads of dark chocolate on the finish. This is a classic Cold Creek Vineyard and classic Washington Cabernet. Try prime rib or even lamb with this Cab. There is no limit to the foods that will match this great wine. - Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker
Red Wine by Ch. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. Blend: 82% Merlot, 16% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon This is our serious yet approachable Merlot. The wine shows complex aromas of black cherries, red licorice and a touch of cedar. The voluminous yet racy midpalate emphasizes sweet fruit, with a lingering cherry finish. It has the typical full structure of a Washington state Merlot but in a softer package for versatility and friendliness. Try with pasta marinara or beef kabobs - truly versatile! - Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker
White Wine by Ch. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. This Cold Creek Chardonnay shows off the power and depth that typifies the vineyard. Fruit flavors of baked apples and lemon meringue open this wine. A slightly higher percentage of new oak was used because it gives this wine nicely integrated smoke and toast flavors on the finish. The structure and acidity insure a long life for those who choose to set down their Chardonnays a few years. Food pairings: Seafood risotto, salmon, veal
Ros? Wine by Ch. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. 96% Syrah. Its darkish rose color signals a deeper wine to follow, and this fairly rich, fresh and slightly juicy bottling comes through right on key. Its medium-full weight is balanced by vital acidity, and its bare hint of sweetness extends its fruit without reducing its desirability as a lightly vinous, thoroughly delightful partner to summertime meals. -Connoisseurs' Guide Pink is hot! Our Dry Rose was a big hit when we offered it exclusively to our Vintage Reserve Club members last year. Based on their feedback, we decided to release it nationally with this 2006 vintage. The name, Nellie's Garden, honors Nellie Stimson whose passion for gardening created the beautiful estate gardens at our Chateau in Woodinville. The wine is a special collaboration between our red winemaking team at Canoe Ridge Estate in eastern Washington and the white winemaking team at our Woodinville Chateau, located outside of Seattle. We receive the red fruit at Canoe Ridge Estate where Joshua Maloney, our red winemaker, gives it just enough skin contact for the perfect color. Then he drains the juice off the skins and turns it over to Brennon Leighton, our white winemaker, who then cold ferments most of the juice to keep all those fresh fruit and floral aromas. What a team effort and what a wonderfully refreshing dry rose! It shows beautiful fruit aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, raspberry with subtle spice notes. Enjoy this during your spring and summer parties and BBQ's. It's the perfect deck wine. versatile and fun!
Red Wine by Columbia Crest from Columbia Valley, Washington. A medium-bodied wine with supple tannins that is packed with intense black cherry, cocoa and smoke. Complex, rich and aromatic, this stylish wine offers balance and finesse from start to finish.
White Wine by Columbia Crest from Columbia Valley, Washington. Styled for immediate appeal, this wine presents lemon and honeydew aromas that continue across a perfectly balanced palate. A soft fruity finish is threaded with hints of oak. Ray Einberger, Winemaker
White Wine by Columbia Crest from Columbia Valley, Washington. Aromas of caramelized sugar, apple, and pear lead into hints of melon and butter on the palate in this refined Chardonnay. The lingering finish is a lush balance of wood and fruit.
Red Wine by Columbia Crest from Columbia Valley, Washington. Blend: 96% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.5% Cabernet Franc This complex artisan wine is produced using various barrel types and varietals to offer classic Merlot spice, ripe cherry fruit, and cocoa aromatics which persist on the palate. The balance of wood and black fruits creates a velvety, seductive finish. Bursting with blueberry and currant fruit, this zips across the palate with a racy texture and refined tannins. Lingers enticingly with a hint of mocha on the clearheaded finish. Drink now through 2009. -Wine Spectator Best Value May 31st, 2007 Advance Edition
Red Wine by Columbia Crest from Columbia Valley, Washington. The Two Vines Shiraz features New World-style, ripe, jammy fruitiness blended from varieties traditional in the Rhone Valley. Black cherry and white pepper aromatics are also pronounced on the palate along with hints of boysenberry and raspberry. The lingering finish is pleasingly supple. - Ray Einberger, Winemaker
Red Wine by Columbia Crest from Columbia Valley, Washington. Spice, blackberries and cassis aromas fill the nose followed by a medium-bodied, concentrated and satin textured mid-palate; the long finish offers silky tannins and dark chocolate notes. - Ray Einberger, Winemaker
Red Wine by Columbia Winery from Columbia Valley, Washington. Peninsula represents wine artistry at its finest. This is a skillful and imaginative Bordeaux styled wine that demonstrates the significant relationship between winegrower and winemaker. From the famed Red Willow Vineyard in Yakima Valley, WA, this is a delicious Bordeaux-blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Awakening nose shows thyme and sage, lavender, black pepper and blackberries. The palate has herbal, cedar nuances with fine tannins and a long finish. Enjoy this wine tonight with a leg of lamb or pasta with bolognese sauce. This wine will mature beautifully with careful cellaring for an additional 4-6 years.
White Wine by Columbia Winery from Columbia Valley, Washington. Floral aroma with hints of peach, quince, lime and clove. Rich and full-flavored fruit on the palate is balanced by refreshing, crisp acidity.
White Wine by Covey Run from Columbia Valley, Washington. BACKGROUND The best Chardonnay vineyards in Washington state are those planted in the cooler sites. The grapes ripen mid-to-late season in these situations and this is necessary to preserve the most delicate fruit flavors. Higher elevation vineyards in the cooler Yakima Valley ripen beautiful Chardonnay in early October. In the warmer Columbia Valley, north-facing sites are optimal because they ripen later than south-facing slopes. An excellent location for Chardonnay is also the Columbia River Gorge appellation on the east side of the Cascades near White Salmon, Washington, which benefits from the mixing of cooler marine air that blows through the Gorge in the summer and fall. WINEMAKING We pick Chardonnay when the tropical fruit flavors are well developed, but before the berries lose their green acidity. For the Winemaker's Collection bottling, we prefer handpicked fruit that is then whole-cluster pressed to make a delicate, limpid juice. We transfer the juice to a blend of 65% French and 35% American oak barrels and barrel ferment the wines. After 6 to 7 months in barrel, we blend and fine the wines and then bottle during the summer. WINE DESCRIPTION Our Winemaker's Collection Chardonnay is rich and round, yet balanced with enough acidity to bring out the fruit. We consider oak to be a complement to the flavors of the grape, and do not let it dominate the fruit. Mouth-filling flavors of crisp apple, pear and lush melon meld with those of vanilla, hazelnut and toast, leading to a long lingering finish.
Red Wine by Covey Run from Columbia Valley, Washington. In 2005, Covey Run blended in Cabernet Franc to heighten the berry nose of the Cabernet and soften its robust tannins. The result is an aromatic, deeply colored red wine with a supple mouthfeel and flavors of cherry, blackberry and spice. Try thia hearty Cabernet Sauvignon with beef bourgogne, roasted leg of lamb, grilled venison or smoked duck. It also complements firm, aged blue cheese and dark bittersweet chocolate.
Red Wine by Desert Wind from Columbia Valley, Washington. The 2006 Desert Wind Ruah is comprised of three classical Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot) that are seamlessly co-mingled to yield a wine with structure and finesse. Our 2006 Ruah is fruit-centric with just enough oak to create a spicy, toasty finish. Enjoy this wine with an array of foods or by itself.
Vintage by Dom. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. Luxe is a very delicate Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine crafted in the time-honored methode champenoise tradition. As in Champagne, only free run juice is used which results in extremely delicate flavors. For the 1999 vintage, juice was feremted in French oak after inoculation and aged for 12 months to build layers of flavor and creaminess. The second fermentation in the bottle lasted 20 weeks and then the wine was aged for 3.5 years for added complexity. Even in the glass this sparkling wine will tempt you - a beautiful very pale yellow sparkler with loads of tiny bubbles promises good things to come. Enticing aromas of grapefruit, lemon and pear fill the nose. On the palate tropical pineapple notes are complimented with subtle hints of ginger and a creamy soft mouthfeel. Mmmmm? - Rick Casqueiro, Winemaker
Non-Vintage by Dom. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. This elegant wine is dry to medium dry. Pear and pineapple aromas leap out of this sparkler while flavors of crisp green apple are lively on the palate. An appealing toasty, coconut finish completes this classic wine. Blanc de Blancs is made primarily from Chardonnay and has essentially the same fruit profile. Try substituting our Blanc de Blancs the next time you think about serving a Chardonnay- Rick Casqueiro, Winemaker
Non-Vintage by Dom. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. This distinctive medium dry wine shows off an attractive plum skin hue. The Blanc de Noirs exhibits delightful spicy characteristics of ripe raspberry and strawberry aromas and flavors.
Non-Vintage by Dom. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. This Cuvee Brut is elegantly delicate and balanced with a crisp methode champenois character. Although ideally lean and sophisticated, there is plenty of structure and excellent viscosity for a satisfying mouthfeel. A persistent column of tiny beading, plus marked hints of strawberry and toast make this sparkler absolutely irresistible.
Red Wine by Gordon Brothers from Columbia Valley, Washington. Aged in small French oak barrels, Gordon Brothers Syrah shows great varietal expression laced with layers of rich cassis, dark chocolate and pepper. It is smooth on the palate with a long-lasting finish. A great glass of wine by itself, this Syrah can be paired with roasted lamb or spicy Asian cuisine.
White Wine by Gordon Brothers from Columbia Valley, Washington. This Chardonnay rocks! Golden delicious apples and a hint of melon are the impression left on the nose. A rich satin mouth-feel with pleasant acids lingers on the palate. Can you say Creme Brulee'? The flavors of vanilla, burnt caramel and hazelnut make this wine almost seem like dessert in a glass. Pair this wine with cream-based pasta sauces, pork tenderloin and fowl.
White Wine by Gordon Brothers from Columbia Valley, Washington. Lush aromas of apricot and melon greet the nose. The 2006 Gordon Brothers Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and crisp with flavors of tropical pineapple and citrus. Lively acids leave your tongue tingling pleasantly. This wine will pair wonderfully with shellfish, and your favorite appetizers. For a sensory delight, try this wine with a flavorful goat cheese.
Red Wine by Hedges from Columbia Valley, Washington. An opulent nose showcases aromas of currants, vanilla and chocolate. A wave of dried sage introduces flavors of ripe cherries and wild blackberry fruit. The mouthfeel is luscious with smooth, well-integrated tannins.
White Wine by Hedges from Columbia Valley, Washington. 44% Chardonnay, 2% Marsanne, 54% Sauvignon Blanc? Shining, pale gold color and aromas of citrus, gooseberry and pear, with hints of vanilla and fig. On the palate the wine exhibits grapefruit, gooseberry and ripe pear flavors, with some banana, herbal and vanilla notes. The mouth-feel is nicely viscous and is combined with crisp acidity and a long, lingering finish. CMS White is perfect to enjoy with shellfish or as an aperitif alone.
Red Wine by Hogue from Columbia Valley, Washington. Washington is widely recognized as an exceptional Merlot-producing region, and this supple, silky wine is a one example of the quality of Merlot the region is capable of producing. The 2005 vintage shows heady aromas of plum, cherry, and black olive, with hints of gun smoke and leather. Its flavors of ripe berry, oak and spice are well balanced and there are appealing notes of black cherry, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This is a big Merlot that will pair well with grilled chops, ribs or steak, or a Margherita-style pizza.
White Wine by Hogue from Columbia Valley, Washington. Every year some of The Hogue Cellars' finest Riesling vineyards stand head and shoulders above the rest. They chose several of these vineyard blocks, earmarked them for Genesis and picked them at the optimal ripeness. What resulted is a beautifully balanced, intense Riesling. Rich and crisp, the wine has aromas and flavors of orange, grapefruit zest, peach and lush pineapple. The balance between its racy acidity and moderate sweetness makes the Genesis Riesling wonderful as an aperitif or a delicious complement to spicy Southeast Asian dishes such as chicken satay.
Red Wine by Leonetti from Walla Walla Valley, Washington. Beautiful dark red color. A nose of lavender and violet florals gives way to candied bing cherry, subtle toasty oak notes, and a wine just dripping with gobs of ripe fruit. The wine coats the palate with it's glycerin and sweet fruit. This wine has a purity of fruit and length that even the finest estates of Pomerol and St. Emilion would envy. Everything is in balance and this generous wine is ready to drink now but will also reward cellaring.
White Wine by Poet's Leap from Columbia Valley, Washington. The only white wine in the portfolio is the 2005 Poet's Leap Riesling made by Armin Diel of the renowned Schlossgut Diel in the Nahe River Valley of Germany. This splendid Riesling is light straw-colored with green highlights. It delivers a complex perfume of slate, mineral, a hint of petrol, spring flowers, honey, and green apple. Made in a Spatlese style, with just a touch of sweetness, the wine offers mouth-filling fruit, crisp acidity, and a long, pure finish. Drink it over the next several years with Asian cuisine or as an aperitif. Poet's Leap has no track record for longevity but this wine could well evolve in the manner of its German role model for those willing to set aside a few bottles. Long Shadows is a winery begun by Alan Shoup, the long-time CEO of Stimson Lane and Chateau Ste-Michelle. It is a consortium of seven different brands (labels), each with its own star winemaker who has a 25% share in the brand. The concept is that each? is dedicated to producing a single Columbia Valley wine representing a 'best of type' that reflects the winemaker's signature style.
White Wine by Poet's Leap from Columbia Valley, Washington. Inspired by the greatest wines of Germany and crafted by Armin Diel, proprietor of the renowned Schlossgut Diel. Balanced and focused, the 2006 Poet's Leap is a fresh, inviting wine offering heady aromatics of ripe pear, melon and honey. Crisp and flavorful on the palate, the vibrant acidity is balanced by a delicate sweetness that lingers across a long, clean finish.
Red Wine by Red Diamond from Columbia Valley, Washington. Aromas of raspberry, jam, leather and pepper mingle with a bit of floral spice on the nose. Spicy floral notes carry through the fruit-packed, medium-bodied palate, finishing with a touch of honey.
Red Wine by Sagelands from Columbia Valley, Washington. This crowd pleasing juicy Merlot shows why Washington state is the next hot region for value priced red wines. Sagelands Vineyard specializes in distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from key growing areas that it is developing in Washington State's Columbia Valley. Called the Four Corners, these areas are Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills and the Walla Walla Valley. Full of soft berry fruit, vanilla, and spice.
Red Wine by Sagelands from Columbia Valley, Washington. The grapes for the 2005 Sagelands Vineyard Merlot were gently destemmed without crushing and then cold soaked for one day before fermentation. After aging the lots separately in mostly American oak barrels for 14 months, they were blended together to produce a wine of great expression. Both additions of selected Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon enriched the mid-palate as well as enhancing the ultimate flavors. This young Merlot is showing great concentration and potential. This bright garnet-color Merlot displays a vibrant nose of red raspberry, plum, and Bing cherry with notes of blueberry, vanilla, and Belgium chocolate. This delicate and medium-bodied wine shows a nice touch of licorice and spices coming from the oak. Enjoy this wine paired with pork chops in balsamic cherry sauce, polenta with grilled sausages and Asagio, roasted chicken with herbs rub, fettuccini carbonara, or wild salmon barbequed on an applewood plank.
Red Wine by Seven Hills from Walla Walla Valley, Washington. 83% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, sourced primarily from the esteemed old blocks of Seven Hills Vineyard. A ripe, food-friendly Merlot exhibitng a broad array of flavors and aromas - toffee, violets, herb and vanilla accent ripe red and black fruit, with generous depth and length.
Red Wine by Seven Hills from Columbia Valley, Washington. Sourced exclusively from Klipsun Vineyard in the highly-regarded Red Mountain AVA. As with all Seven Hills' wines, grapes were hand-picked; harvest weather was very warm and yields were near average. Blended with 14% Merlot to lend softness. Bottled in July 2006, after cellaring in French barrels. Will benefit from medium to long-term aging, gaining additional integration and flavor development over three to six years. From one of America's outstanding vineyards, this wine will be enjoyable for many years to come. This is a full-bodied Cabernet offering aromas of ripe blackberry, piquant spices, briar and hints of cherry liqueur. By mouth, there is abundant bright red and black fruits, fig and graham over moderate tannins, trailing into a warm, persistent finish. A ripe vintage of moderate acidity, complex flavors and a very ageable structure.
White Wine by Seven Hills from Columbia Valley, Washington. Brilliant, light straw color. Graceful, balanced Riesling with moderate alcohol. Fermented at cool temperatures to maximize aromas and flavors. Shows abundant ripe apple, citrus and floral notes, with undercurrents of natural vanillin and mineral. Follows Seven Hills' traditional style of a light sweetness with a clean, crisp finish. While it can be held for up to 2 years to gain bottle character, this is a white wine made to be enjoyed young.
Red Wine by Sineann from Columbia Valley, Washington. Our flagship wine. It is the oldest producing vineyard in the Pacific Northwest at nearly 100 years old. Every year it makes either the best wine we put out or very close to it. In 2006 we picked at 26 Brix, cropping at under two tons per acre. The wine is dark and immensely concentrated. To those who wonder if Zinfandel can be ripened outside of California, we offer this example. Not only does Zinfandel ripen on this old vineyard, it maintains balancing acidity to produce a wine that ages beautifully.
Red Wine by Sineann from Willamette Valley, Oregon. Can't say enough good things about this wine - one of the real thrills of the vintage. We expect Resonance to shine. Phelps Creek is automatic. To have this vineyard step up to that level of quality is very exciting. Located at fairly high elevation in the Hood River Valley, 1600 feet, the grapes are able to retain higher natural acidity. The higher acidity gives the wine brightness in its youth and a better ability to age gracefully. That and great concentration of fruit (from 1.5 ton per acre crop sizing) have produced a delicious wine.
White Wine by Snoqualmie from Columbia Valley, Washington. Bold and bright aromas fill the nose followed by a rich mouthful of citrus and melon which linger on the palate. This is a very crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc that will pair well with a variety of foods.
Red Wine by Tamarack Cellars from Columbia Valley, Washington. Firm and focused on the palate this is one big Merlot. The flavors are almost piercing in their intensity with loads of classic dark cherry and ripe berry that lingers and becomes more intriguing in the mouth with the rich tannins. Winemaker Ron Coleman selected fruit from seven vineyards to compose a wine of exceptional beauty. Simultaneously well built and willowy, its flavors lead with succulent red plum, mocha and spice. Its amazing texture engages the palate while dancing above it. Savor this with something simple, like slow-roasted pork. -Wines & Spirits
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