The Buzz 2010



Abbinare

Columbia Valley, 2010

18+/20 points.

Review of Washington Wines, May 2014
Abbinare is Italian for, 'link together' This is a blend of 45% Merlot (Arianses and Ciel du Cheval), 33% Cabernet Sauvignon (StoneTree) and 22% Cabernet Franc (Dineen). It shows a deep ruby color and aromas of blackberry, cherry and plum with scents of wild rosebuds, mulberries, tobacco and incense. The medium-full bodied flavors are ripe and generous, intermixed with licorice, bittersweet chocolate and minerally earth, and then goes directly to a ripe, chewy moderate dryish tannin finish. 18+/20 points. — Rand Sealey

 

91 Points

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2014
Sourced from a well-chosen group of top vineyards, this Bordeaux-style blend is nicely focused with a crisp mix of raspberry and cherry fruit flavors. The supporting acidity and overall freshness, in spite of the extra bottle age, suggests that this may be cellared until 2019 or longer. P.G. (9/1/2014) — Paul Gregutt

 

Cabernet Sauvignon - Dineen Vineyard

Yakima Valley, 2010

18.5/20 points

Review of Washington Wines, May 2014
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a semi opaque purplish color and a bold, smoky nose of blackberry, cherry, cassis, dried roses, bayberry, sandalwood and smoldering incense. The dark fruit flavors mirror the aromatics with a thick, chewy texture that is intermixed with cola, bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee beans and alluvial minerals. The back reveals sensations of squeezed berries, kirsch liqueur and creme de cassis, followed by bright fruit acids (6.56 g/L) on the ripe tannin finish that is seasoned with light oak (17% new French) and dashes of spice and dried herbs. 18.5/20 points. — Rand Sealey

 

92 Points

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, June 2014
A Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Red Table wine from , Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA, Review by Jeb Dunnuck WA # , #213 (Jun 2014) Rating: 92 Drink 2014 - 2024 Cost: $40 Moving to the Bordeaux-styled blends, the 2010 Dineen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a smoking effort that oozes black currants, black raspberries, toast, spice and hints of chocolate to go with a medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and yet nicely concentrated profile on the palate. Possessing solid ripeness as well as plenty of texture, it's beautifully balanced and opens up nicely in the glass. While it will evolve gracefully for upward of a decade, there's no harm in cracking bottles today. — Jeb Dunnuck

 

91 Points

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2014
This is the first Dineen designate from :Nota Bene, and it's worth chasing down. Focused dark purple and black fruits line up, cherry, plum and cassis‚ with a rich layer of espresso and a lick of graphite following. The 22 months in barrel brings an interesting hint of caramel to a nicely balanced finish. P.G. (9/1/2014) — Paul Gregutt

 

Conner Lee Vineyard

Columbia Valley, 2010

19/20 points

Review of Washington Wines, May 2014
This combination of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot offers a deep ruby color and aromas of blackberry, cherry, cassis, black roses, sandalwood, tobacco, juniper berries, black violets and smoldering incense. The dark fruit flavors are classically styled, yet lavish and saturated, with notes of black licorice, Swiss chocolate, French roast and Radar Hill alluvial minerals and earth. The back reveals sensations of gently roasted sweet berries and nuts, kirsch liqueur, creme de cassis, graphite and fruit confit. The oak is light (25% new French) and the alcohol comes in at 15.09%, but is tempered by balanced acidity (5.96 g/L), leaving the fruit and terroir to speak for the wine. 19/20 points. — Rand Sealey

 

91 Points

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, June 2014
A Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Red Table wine from Columbia Valley, Washington, USA, Review by Jeb Dunnuck WA # , #213 (Jun 2014) Rating: 91 Drink 2014 - 2024 Cost: $35 Made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, the 2010 Conner Lee Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits classic Cabernet character with its wild herb, cedar, tobacco leaf and black currant-styled fruit profile. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured and balanced, with an overall seamless feel, this outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon can be consumed anytime over the coming decade. Given what high-quality Cabernet sells for these days, it also happens to represent a smoking value. — Jeb Dunnuck

 

92 Points Editors' Choice

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2014
This blend is made with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, all Conner Lee fruit. Firm and supple, it's loaded with raspberry and cherry fruit that goes deep and stays balanced. One-quarter new French oak was used. P.G. (9/1/2014) — Paul Gregutt

 

Malbec - Verhey Vineyard

Yakima Valley, 2010

18.5/20 points

Review of Washington Wines, May 2014
From a vineyard near Union Gap, this wine displays a deep purplish color and a bold, smoky nose of blackberry, blueberry and black currants, with scents of black roses, juniper berries, smoldering incense and violets. The black and blue fruit flavors are well saturated, with admixtures of black licorice, bittersweet chocolate and Rattlesnake Hills scorched earth and minerals. The back picks up notes of squeezed blueberries, fruit confit and creme de cassil. At 15.1%, the alcohol is on the edge, but is held in check by bright fruit acids that lead into a spiced (clove, coriander) and herbal (rosemary, sage) dryish tannin finish. This is a fine value in Malbec.18.5/20 points. — Rand Sealey

 

93 Points Cellar Selection

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2014
Now up to a whopping 62 cases (from a single barrel in 2009), this explodes into life with sleek, densely packed blueberry fruit. The potent power of the fruit is framed in polished tannins, and cuts a deep path through the palate. Drink now or cellar until 2020-2022. P.G. (9/1/2014) —Paul Gregutt

 

Miscela

Columbia Valley, 2010

90 Points

International Wine Cellars (IWC), November 2013
(46% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 17% cabernet franc and 4% syrah): Good bright, deep red. Sexy red berries and smoke on the nose. Silky and sweet on the palate but with good energy and violet lift to the flavors of raspberry, brown spices and milk chocolate. Serious ripe tannins give this lively wine a sound structural underpinning. — Stephen Tanzer

 

90 Points

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, June 2014
A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from Washington, USA, Review by Jeb Dunnuck WA # , #213 (Jun 2014) Rating: 90 Drink - Cost: $25 Another smoking value from this estate, the 2010 Miscela (which means blend in Italian) making this aptly named- is comprised of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Fran and 4% Syrah that spent 22 months in 33% new French oak barrels. Deep, rich and concentrated, with loads of blackberry and black raspberry styled fruit, licorice, toast and hints of minerality, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, full texture and fine tannin that frame the finish nicely. It should evolve gracefully over the coming 8-10 years. — Jeb Dunnuck

 

Syrah

Columbia Valley, 2010

90 points

International Wine Cellars (IWC), November 2014
Good bright ruby-red. Very reduced nose hints at dark raspberry and mocha. Lush and silky in the mouth, with noteworthy depth of texture to the sweet flavors of raspberry, mocha and brown spices. The long finish features lingering notes of boysenberry and mocha, plus a whiff of herbal lift. Give this wine plenty of aeration if you plan to open it soon. — Stephen Tanzer

 

18.5/20 Points

Review of Washington Wines, April 2014
This is a blend of 40% StoneTree Syrah with 20% each of Arianses, Les Vignes de Marcous and Stillwater Creek. Deep brilliant ruby colored, it emits attractive aromas of blackberry, blueberry, pomegranate, black roses, mulberry, tobacco and lavender. On the palate, the black and blue flavors are ripe and generous, yet focused, underlain with licorice, cocoa and minerally earth. The ripeness continues on the back with notes of squeezed berry juices, fruit liqueurs and pomegranate seeds. A final burst of blueberry fruit acid enlivens the savory ripe tannin finish. 18.5/20 points. — Rand Sealey

 

88 Points

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, June 2014
A Syrah Dry Red Table wine from Washington, USA, Review by Jeb Dunnuck WA # , #213 (Jun 2014) Rating: 88 Drink 2014 - 2019 Cost: $25 Sourced from four separate vineyards in the Columbia Valley, the 2010 Syrah is a medium-bodied, juicy, pure and well-made effort that gives up plenty of spice, underbrush, loamy earth and assorted raspberry and blackberry-styled fruit on both the nose and palate. Well-priced and a good value, enjoy bottles over the coming 4 to 5 years. — Jeb Dunnuck

 

Double Gold

Seattle Wine Awards, June 2013
This is our 2010 Syrah: Columbia Valley, a blend of four different Syrahs from exceptional vineyards; 40% Stone Tree Vineyard, 20% Arianses Vineyard, 20% Les Vignes de Marcoux, and 20% Stillwater Creek Vineyard.

 

90 Points

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2014
Part of an interesting lineup of 100% Syrahs, this offers classy, varietal berry fruit with medium concentration. Suggestions of pepper, coffee and anise filter through the finish. P.G. (9/1/2014) — Paul Gregutt

 

Syrah - Ciel du Cheval Vineyard

Red Mountain, 2010

19/20 Points

Review of Washington Wines, April 2014
Produced from the Tablas Creek clone, sourced from Chateau Beaucastel in Chateauneuf du Pape, this Syrah exhibits deep crimson color and seductive aromas of wild blackberries, mountain blueberries, black currants, black roses, mulberry, cigar tobacco, lavender and violets. On the palate, the black and blue fruit flavors are mouth encompassing, layered with licorice, dark chocolate, Sumatra roast and Red Mountain scorched earth. The saturation continues on the back with sensations of roasted berries and nuts, mocha and creme de cassis, and touches of dried orange peel and charcoal, followed by a ripe savory (nutmeg, clove, cardamom, thyme) lingering sweet-dry tannin finish. Tasty now, but will benefit from three or more years aging. 19/20 points. — Rand Sealey

 

90 Points

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2014
Smooth and peppery, this is pure Syrah from a prestigious Red Mountain vineyard. The midpalate is a bit light, with crisp, lemony acidity marking the finish. P.G. (9/1/2014) — Paul Gregutt

 

Syrah - LVdM Vineyard

Yakima Valley, 2010

90 Points

International Wine Cellars (IWC), November 2013
(14.9% alcohol; from Les Vignes de Marcoux vineyard): Good bright ruby-red. Reduced nose offers black raspberry, cassis, mocha, spices and flowers. Rich, thick and savory, with raspberry, olive and truffle flavors accented by pepper and herbs. Distinctly Rhone-like syrah, with a plump middle and ripe tannins. — Stephen Tanzer

 

18.5+/20 Points

Review of Washington Wines, April 2014
'LVdM' stands for Les Vignes de Marcoux, Mike Sauer‚ sister vineyard to Red Willow. This wine shows a semi-opaque purplish color and intense aromas of wild blackberries, mountain blueberries and persimmon, with scents of black roses, mulberry, lavender and violets. On the palate, the dark fruit flavors are thick and assertive, intermixed with black licorice, dark chocolate, mocha and alluvial minerals. The intensity continues on the back with sensations of macerated berries and blueberry preserves, followed by a burst of bright fruit acids (6.45 g/l) to enliven the moderate tannins on the savory (cardamom, herb, soy) lingering finish. 18.5+/20 points. — Rand Sealey

 

92 Points Editors' Choice

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2014
LVdM is shorthand for Les Vignes de Marcoux, a newer planting near Red Willow. Done in a lovely, savory style, it offers a mix of leaf, herb and earth components, rather than supersweet fruit. Graceful and detailed, it discloses pepper and iron ore minerality. P.G. (9/1/2014) —Paul Gregutt

 

Syrah - Stillwater Creek Vineyard

Columbia Valley, 2010

18.5+/20 Points

Review of Washington Wines, April 2014
Semi opaque ruby colored, this wine emits sultry, smoky aromas of blackberry, blueberry and cassis, with scents of crushed roses, mulberries, cigar tobacco, lavender, and spiced incense. On the palate, the black and blue fruit flavors are wrapped around a deep core, marked by licorice, Swiss chocolate, French roast and Frenchman Hills earth and minerals. The intensity continues on the back with macerated berries, fruit confit and creme de cassis. The alcohol tips the scale at 15.51%, but the bright fruit acids and ripe tannins hold it in check on the lingering, savory (nutmeg, coriander, thyme) finish. 18.5+/20 points. — Rand Sealey

 

90 Points

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, June 2014
A Syrah Dry Red Table wine from Columbia Valley, Washington, USA, Review by Jeb Dunnuck WA # , #213 (Jun 2014) Rating: 90 Drink 2014 - 2023 Cost: $40 A step up, the 2010 Stillwater Creek Syrah offers up plenty of smoke, cured meats and chocolaty black raspberry-styled fruits in its medium-bodied, rich and impressively textured personality. Balanced, with a solid mid-palate and good overall freshness, it‚Äôs an outstanding Syrah that will have 8 to 9 years of total longevity. — Jeb Dunnuck

 

91 Points

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2014
For the first time these excellent grapes are being shown in a single-vineyard cuvee. It's a big, tannic, high-octane wine, with smooth, ripe and generous purple fruits. There is plenty of supporting acid, along with rather astringent tannins that carry a leafy note through the finish. Drink now - 2019. P.G. (9/1/2014) — Paul Gregutt

 

Una Notte

Columbia Valley, 2010

90 Points

International Wine Cellars (IWC), November 2013
(14.7% alcohol; a 59/41 blend of grenache and syrah): Good bright, deep red. Smoky dark berries, cherry and licorice on the nose. Supple and suave on the palate, with a subtle spiciness perking up the flavors of raspberry and truffle. Finishes with smooth tannins and noteworthy length. A very harmonious blend. — Stephen Tanzer

 

18.5/20 Points

Review of Washington Wines, April 2014
Here, Tim Narby has turned out a tasty blend of 59% Grenache (StoneTree) and 41% Syrah (Les Vignes de Marcoux, Stillwater Creek). It displays a deep purplish color and a ripe nose of wild strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, with scents of crushed black roses, mulberry, lavender, and spiced incense. The red and blue fruit flavors are ample, yet deep and focused, with notes of licorice, cocoa, mocha and earth. The back picks up squeezed fruits, fraise and framboise liqueurs, dried blueberries and orange peel, followed by a deliciously savory moderate tannin and acid finish. All this gives the wine appeal for now and the next couple of years. 18.5/20 points. — Rand Sealey

 

90 Points

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, June 2014
A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from Columbia Valley, Washington, USA, Review by Jeb Dunnuck WA # , #213 (Jun 2014) Rating: 90 Drink 2014 - 2018 Cost: $30 Offering up a Rhone-like profile of garrigue, black raspberry, licorice, leather and loamy earth, the 2010 Una Notte checks in as a blend of 59% Grenache and 41% Syrah that spent 22 months in close to 60% stainless steel barrels, 20% new French oak barrels and the balance in neutral, older barrels. Medium-bodied, soft, supple and beautifully fruit-forward, with a straight up delicious and easy drinking feel, enjoy it over the coming 3 to 4 years. — Jeb Dunnuck