This Bordeaux blend is accessible to drink today, with the depth to cellar for years to come. Presenting with dark, luscious black fruits on the nose, 2018 Monkey Wrench progresses into a voluptuous mouthfeel with cherry, baking spice, and blueberry compote on the palate.
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Washington State | 2018
Efestē | Ceidleigh | Syrah
Red Mountain’s AVA is apparent as this wine opens with a slight hint of pleasant menthol aromas and grilled meats. The mouthfeel is jammy, full of candied red fruits. This wine ends with classic silky tannins.
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Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, WA | 2016
Eye Of The Needle | Little Italy Red | Cab. Sauvignon/Merlot/Sangiovese/Barbera
Smooth and well structured, delivering red cherry and blackberry flavors infused with well-proportioned layers of violet, cigar box and a flickering of cinnamon spice. Powdery tannins lend a solid grip on the satisfying finish. Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Sangiovese, 10% Barbera
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Columbia Valley, WA | NV
Mark Ryan | Long Haul | Merlot
Though always Merlot dominant (and 84% in this vintage), this wine has not carried a varietal label in some time. A blend of Quintessence, Red Willow, Ciel du Cheval and Phinny Hill fruit, with brooding raspberry, coffee bean, cigar box, crème de cassis and herb notes out front. The palate mixes fruit and barrel, showing a lovely sense of deftness to the creamy-feeling flavors. Firm structure backs it all up, with café au lait notes lingering on the finish. It shows why this variety is so special in Washington.
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Columbia Valley, WA | 2017
Long Shadows Vintners | Chester | Kidder | Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot
Barrel aromas of char, toast, roasted coffee bean and spice are at the fore. Pitch-black fruit flavors follow, with smooth tannins backing it up. Coffee and chocolate notes linger on the finish. It’s tasty, though the fruit seems subsumed by the style at times
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Columbia Valley, WA | 2016
Idilico | Monastrell | Monastrell
Somewhat pale in color for the variety, with aromas offering notes of wild strawberry, dried flower and spice. The palate is full in feel but dances lightly, showing a sense of nuance to the red fruit flavors. There’s a lot of quality and value to be had.
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Yakima Valley, WA | 2016
Leonetti | Cabernet Sauvignon
Penetratingly dark. Exhibiting a wonderfully complex nose of dried rosemary, sage, and lavender with subtle aromas of coffee and toffee. Remarkably refined with fantastic secondary notes – unusual in a wine this young. Delicious plum and blackberry saturate the palate and lead to a long and lush finish with soft tannins – truly emblematic of the delightful 2016 vintage.
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Walla Walla Valley | 2018
Quilceda Creek | 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2017 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley showcases the singular and elusive perfume of Champoux Vineyard at its very best. Aromas and flavors of violets, lavender, blackberry, cassis, and plum fruit can be found in the wine with nuances of cocoa nib, spice, and minerals. The ethereal, silky texture allows the rich fruit to coat the palate in a horizontal fashion, allowing the taster to experience the purity and seamless integration of all its elements in wonderful harmony. Drink now through 2040.
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Columbia Valley, WA | 2017
