2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It's been a good weekend, but now it's winding down, so let's enjoy a nice bottle of wine before the work week begins.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that's been in the cellar for a couple years now.  The 2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot is a 100% Merlot from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting a few years in!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of  leather, blackberry and cassis that let your palate know it's in for a treat.  The first sip is a flavor party with dancing plums, mocha and dark chocolate that dive into notes of baking spice and vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are supple and balanced, prividing a nice foundation for the velvety smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a high quality Merlot, but still a bit young.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from barbecue to braised pork, hearty pasta to grilled steaks.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse, roasted hatch chiles, mushroom farro and steamed Italian pole beans with roasted red peppers.  Cheers!

2023 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Friday!  It's been a stressful week, and I am happy to have some time to relax this weekend and what better way to start a weekend than with a nice dinner and glass of wine!  Tonight I have opened a bottle from one of my long-time favorite producers from Walla Walla, Seven Hiss Winery!  The 2023 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a full Cabernet harvested from the original Seven Hills Vineyard planted by Casey McClellan and his father back in the early 1980s.  Let's see how this latest vintage is treating us!

The wine has the classic look of a nice quality Cabernet, dark at the center and bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of leather, oak and a cascade of ripe cherry and marionberry with undertones of freash herbs and floral notes.  The first sip is a rush or ripe red fruit, cherry, raspberry and marionberry that transitions easily to flavors of mocha, cherry cola and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing an ideal base for the long, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a classic example of a quality Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine would pair well with a range of summer dishes, from barbecued ribe, burgers and brats to charbroiled steaks or alder planked salmon.  Tonight, I am taking the traditional route and enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse topped with grilled hatch chiles (yes, it's finally hatch chile season!) and roasted gemstone potatoes.  Cheers!

2023 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  It was a rather mellow day here, so I took the opportunity to cut the grass and do some laundry before the new work week begins.  And now after a bike ride, it's time for dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon.  The 2023 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Franc is a 100% Cabernet Franc from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color, with an inky black center, of a similar characteristic to a Cabernet Sauvignon.  A gentle swirl and the nose reveals aromas of blackberry, currant and peppery spice, amid hints of lavender.  The first sip is a rush of cherry cola that eases into some ripe black fruit and dark chocolate midpalate, before heading into some pronounced acidity and oak at the finish.  The tannins are very well structured, allowing for the velvety smooth and lingering dry finish that will last until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's really a nice example of the potential of a common blending varietal.  This wine is ideal for summer and would pair with a range of dishes, from burgers and brats to barbecue and tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic summer patio dinner of barbecued beef ribs, corn on the cob and sriracha slaw.  Cheers!

2023 Seven Hills Winery McClellan Estate Petit Verdot

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been a few weeks since I posted on Wine Wednesday, so let's enjoy it!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2023 Seven Hills Winery McClellan Estate Petit Verdot, a single varietal bottling of what is usually a blending varietal harvested from the McClellan Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this new vintage is shaping up!

The wine is deep ruby in the glass with nice clarity.  The nose presents an enticing blend of ripe plum, leather and oak, with subtle undertones of pipe tobacco.  The first sip is wonderfully fruit forward, with a rush of black cherry, marionberry and blueberry that ease into some notes of dark chocolate and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, with a rush of acidity towards the long, smooth dry finish.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a really pleasant drinking wine from an often overlooked varietal. This is also quote a versatile, food friendly wine, as I could see this pairing with a range of casual summer fare, from burgers and brats, to barbecue and steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some spicy Cajun dirty rice with onions, peppers and andouille sausage.  Cheers! 

2023 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Red Wine

Happy Memorial Day!  I spend the day planting flowers at the cemetery for my family, and now it's time to enjoy the classic cookout that we all enjoy.  Before I get to grilling, it's time to open a nice bottle of wine. Tonight it's a recent wine club shipment from a Walla Walla favorite, Pepper Bridge!  The 2023 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Red Wine is a blend of Merlot (37%). Cabernet Sauvignon (27%). Malbec (27%) and Petit Verdot (9%) all harvested from the Pepper Bridge Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this latest vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with great clarity. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, cherry and leather with undertones of oak.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, cherry, blackberry and currant that transition easily to some notes of charred oak and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are velvety smooth, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.  

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant red wine, ideal for meals or just sipping on the patio with family and friends.  This wine would pair well with braised short ribs, rack of lamb or hearty pasta, but what it really wants is a big honkin' steak!  And we are in luck, as I am enjoying this wine with a prime tomahawk ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare on a bed of sautéed onions and mushrooms with fresh grilled corn on the cob and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2023 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve

Happy Easter!  I hope you are enjoying this sacred day with you families and enjoying a nice ham or lamb or whatever you choose on this special holiday.  As for me, I am opening up a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon to enjoy with my rather subdued holiday dinner.  The 2023 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Cabernet Franc (16%), Malbec (11%), Petit Verdot (9%) and Merlot (9%) from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this new vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the heavy hand of the varietals in the blend.  The nose reveals aromas of lavender, black cherry, earthy basalt and hints of vanilla bean that will have you hankering for a sip. That first sip is a refreshing cascade of ripe fruit, cherry, blackberry and raspberry that transition easily to some notes of dusty limestone, tawny vanilla bean and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are integrated but subdued, providing for a velvety smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an ideal Bordeaux style blend that the Walla Walla Valley is renowned for.  This wine would pair well with a range of Easter dishes, from braised leg of lamb to an herb crusted rack of lamb, classic ham to a prime rib roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with an easy dinner of a grilled ribeye steak with cowboy crust, steamed asparagus and oven roasted Yukon gold potatoes.  Cheers!

2023 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been a while since I've made a mid-week post, so here we are!  Tonight I was making a red meat dinner, so I thought it appropriate to open up a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Pepper Bridge Winery.  The 2023 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (89%), Petit Verdot (4%), Malbec (4%), Merlot (2%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Octave and Yellow Jacket vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is starting out!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with nice body, just what you'd like to see in a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents a classic Bordeaux-esque combination of black cherry, blackberry and currant amid hints of dark chocolate, graphite and light floral notes that are waving to invite you in for a pleasant evening.  The first sip wraps your palate in ripe black fruit, earthy minerals and hints of anise and dried herbs before transitioning to some vanilla caramel and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing the structural backbone for a long, smooth dry finish that will compel you to take another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a consistent old-world style of Cabernet that is a favorite every year.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to roast lamb, hearty beef stew to pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a bistro classic pan seared hanger steak with a mushroom cream sauce, parsley buttered red potatoes and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2023 Doubleback Merlot

Happy Sunday!  I am officially on spring break, which means I am spending a lot of time grading and preparing for the second half of the semester, but I still have some time to enjoy a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that has been a couple years in the waiting, but also out of order (as I realized I still haven't opened any of my bottle of the prior vintage).  In any case, let's enjoy the 2023 Doubleback Merlot, a blend of Merlot (91%) and Cabernet Franc (9%) from the Shafer, McQueen and LeFore Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the heavy hand of Merlot in the blending.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, green grass and graphite that will have you rapt in anticipation.  Take a sip and it's like a warm wool blanket enveloping your palate with flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate and cola that is a classic Walla Walla feature, eventually transitioning to some earthy limestone.  The tannins are somewhat chalky, but still provide an ideal base for the lingering dry finish that will have you reaching for your glass.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's an elevated example of what the Walla Walla Valley is capable of producing in Merlot.  This wine would pair well with a range of winter dishes, from hearty stew to wild mushroom risotto, roast beef to zesty steak tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rather elevated Sunday dinner of a pan seared filet mignon on a base of Béarnaise sauce, along with farro simmered with oyster and trumpet mushrooms and bacon roasted brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2022 Mount Veeder Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, after a break of spring-like weather, we were back to shoveling snow today!  That's all right, at least now we get to enjoy some wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine from Mount Veeder Winery that I recently picked up at my local market on clearance sale for only $30!  I have enjoyed wines from this producer for a while (see my reviews of the 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2016 vintages), so I've been looking forward to this one.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%) and Merlot (18%) from a number of Vineyards in Napa Valley.  Let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of ripe plum, cedar and baking spice with just a hint of floral undertones.  The first sip bursts forth with ample red fruit, cherry, currant and plum that ease into some smoky notes of charred oak and hints of dark chocolate midpalate. The tannins are rather supple, making for a delightfully smooth, dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a pleasant drinking wine that at the price is an ideal everyday sipper.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from lasagna to mushroom risotto, braised short ribs to classic steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with my Sunday dinner of a tomahawk ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, oven roasted purple potatoes and steamed sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2021 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Winemakers Series Lot 1 Napa Valley Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It's been a crazy few weeks, starting a new semester while at the same time spending evenings rehearsing for a production at Elkhart Civic Theatre, but today I have the day off, so I am enjoying a nice bottle of wine with my Sunday dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from a recent 8-vintage vertical of Stag's Leap Merlot that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out.  Tonight, I've opened the 2021 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Winemakers Series Lot 1 Napa Valley Merlot, which is composed of Merlot (89%). Cabernet Franc (8%), Petit Verdot (1.5%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5%).  Let's see how this vintage is faring a year or so after release.

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of leather, cedar and dusty limestone under inviting layers of ripe cherry and currant.  The first sip is a warm embrace of ripe red fruit, coffee and baking spice that eases into some notes of earthy minerals and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured and well integrated, to form the backbone for a velvety smooth dry finish that lingers into your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an ideal example of a high-quality Merlot that is likely to stand the test of time.  This wine would be an ideal sipping wine on the patio with friends and family as the temperatures start to fall, but it would also pair well with hearty pasta dishes, thick steaks or cedar planked salmon.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye, asparagus with hollandaise and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2015 Force Majeure Parvata

It's the first Saturday of the new month, which means it's Cellar Saturday, that glorious time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that hasn't been in my cellar very long, as I bought it earlier this year from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2015 Force Majeure Parvata is a Southern Rhone-style blend of Mourvèdre (46%), Syrah (34%) and Grenache (20%) from the Force Majeure Estate Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  So, let's see if this wine is singing or if it's past its prime as some reviewers projected shortly after release.

The wine is a lovely, deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd like to see from such a blend.  The nose presents its own adventure with aromas of leather, blackberries and currant that jump to some smoked meat and dried herbs, then back to dark chocolate and hints of peppery spice.  The first sip is wildly decadent, with a rich velvety mouthfeel and flavors of ripe blackberry and plum up front, before an easing into some smoked duck and peppery spice, ahead of some earthy basalt at the finish.  The tannins are still right there, thick and chewy and playing their essential role in the long, smooth dry finish that lingers for what seems like ten minutes.

The experts were clearly wrong, as this wine is still singing well past their drinking window into 2023, and I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's one of the best Southern Rhone-style blends I've had from Washington state.  This wine would pair well with a variety of soft cheese, rack of lamb or classic steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip over a bed of sautéed onions and mushrooms along with a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2019 Yokayo Buteo Rockpile Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I am exhausted, I spent seven hours working in the yard today, trimming hedges and cleaning up all the scraps and now I need to relax with a nice dinner and glass of wine!  Although I may find it a strain to lift a glass to my mouth, tonight I've opened a bottle that was an impulse add on to an order from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2019 Yokayo Buteo Rockpile Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Malbec (16%) and Petit Verdot (9%) from the Rockpile appellation in Sonoma. So, let's see if I can lift this glass and taste this wine!

The wine is an inky black at the center with deep garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big California Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of strawberry, plum and green cedar.  The first sip is a rush of ripe fruit, cherry, strawberry and plum with undertones of earthy peat and cedar that transition to some notes of mocha and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are firm and vibrant, providing an ideal foundation for a long, smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a very pleasant drinking Cabernet that punches above its weight class, as this wine was available for the bargain price of $17!  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from crispy skin salmon to mushroom risotto, steak to grilled lamb chops.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled T-bone steak, oven roasted shishito peppers with flaky salt and grilled corn on the cob.  Cheers!

2023 Seven Hills Walla Walla Carmenere

Happy Saturday!  I spent the afternoon in the yard, pulling a lot of weed and inadvertently transplanting some irises that I pulled up with some of the weeds.  But now it's time to relax in the air conditioning and maybe stop sweating for a while, and of course enjoy dinner and a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2023 Seven Hills Walla Walla Carmenere, a wine made from the "lost" Bordeaux varietal that's made a come back over the past few decades.  So let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass and the nose presents aromas of ripe berries, raspberries, blackberries and currant, that give way to notes of leather, dark chocolate and tobacco.  The first sip is an interesting combination of ripe red fruit with hints of mint, that transitions to some notes of earthy peat and dried herbs midpalate.  The tannins are smooth and supple providing just the right base for a lovely warm, dry finish. 

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it strikes me as easy drinking and food friendly.  And speaking of food, I have a pronounced habit of enjoying a nice Carmenere with tacos, as this strikes me as a perfect taco wine.  To be sure, it would also pair well with pasta, steaks, barbecue or pizza, but tonight it's steak fajita tacos with all the trimmings!  Cheers!

2019 Stags Leap Rancho Chimiles Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  I had planned to get a lot more done than I accomplished today, but I guess I'll get over it.  At least I managed to get groceries and go to the farmers market, so I'll take the little wins.  To celebrate, tonight I am opening a bottle from a recent mystery selection from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2019 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Rancho Chimiles Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from this esteemed vineyard in Napa Valley.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep indigo at the center with bright garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents subdued aromas of black currant, lavender and blueberries, intermingled with some hints of cedar and earthy graphite.  The first sip a rush of ripe fruit, black currant, blueberries and blackberries, that ease into some notes of dark chocolate intermingled with earthy minerality midpalate.  The tannins are velvety smooth, adding just the right support for the voluptuous dry finish that seems to linger just the right amount.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a classic big, muscular Napa Valley Cabernet.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from steaks to barbecue, grilled octopus to wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a very well marbled bone-in ribeye along with an assortment of grilled vegetables - leeks, asparagus, garlic scapes and peppers.  Cheers!

2022 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Merlot

It was a beautiful day here, with lots of sunshine, but unfortunately we didn't quote make it into the 60s so my hope that spring will arrive is still alive.  I am excited to go see a play at the Elkhart Civic Theatre tonight, but before that, I need to have dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that just arrived in a wine club shipment yesterday.  The 2022 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Merlot is a 100% Merlot from the XL Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from the varietal.  The nose reveals aromas of bing cherry, with undertones of rose petals and a hint of mint.  The first sip is a rush of tart cherry that quickly mellows to some notes of caramel and dark chocolate midpalate, with a reprise of fruit, blueberry and blackberry.  The tannins are a bit in your face, which is all good when they take their place as the backbone of the smooth and exceedingly dry finish that reminds me of a nice right bank Bordeaux.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's drinking well now, but will likely be much more approachable with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from classic steak to grilled veal chops, rack of lamb to hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am going a bit off the beaten path and enjoying this wine with some Italian sausage with onions and peppers and bucatini sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with broccoli rabe and asparagus.  Cheers!

2020 Groth Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  On Friday, I needed to stop at my local market to pick up ingredients for a team meeting and cooking event at church, and as I walked down the quiet aisles (pro tip, shopping at 9 pm on a Friday avoids the crowds!) I happened upon a display of clearance alcohol.  I usually check to see if there are any interesting wines on clearance and what should I find but four bottles of tonight's wine for just $10.97 each!  Needless to say, I bought all four that were left and tonight I am enjoying the first bottle of 2020 Groth Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  I reviewed the 2008 vintage here on a Cellar Saturday, highlighting the aging potential of this wine.  Let's see how this vintage is shaping up!

The wine has the classic look of a big Napa Cabernet, inky black at the center, bright ruby along the edges.  The nose is chock full of juicy, ripe fruit, blackberries, cherry and plum, with undertones of eucalyptus and baking spice.  The first sip is a rush of tart cherry that gives way to some more nuanced notes of blackberry and currant, before transitioning to some earthy notes of leather, dark chocolate and espresso midpalate.  The tannins are well structured to provide for a smooth dry finish that will leave you reaching for more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a lovely example of a big Napa Cabernet that would be well worth it, even if it wasn't a spectacular bargain!  This wine would pair well with many hearty winter dishes, from beef stew and braised lamb shank, Bolognese pasta or Yankee pot roast.  But who are we kidding, this wine practically begs to be paired with steak, and tonight I am enjoying it with a rare grilled thick ribeye along with oven roasted sweet potatoes and cauliflower.  Cheers!

2021 Forgeron Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

What an arctic blast we have been experiencing the past couple days!  The low last night was -6 and the high today was barely above zero, so needless to say I have been huddled indoors.  But at least there is good food and wine to take a bit of the chill away and tonight I've opened a bottle of 2021 Forgeron Cellars Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet sourced from the Minnick Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a bit lighter in body than your typical Cabernet, emblazoned with bright ruby color in the glass.  The nose presents welcoming aromas of leather, toasted oak and warm cherry pie that beckons you to take a sip.  That first sip is a rush of ripe blackberry, plum and cherry with a good bit of acidity, which transitions to some earthy notes of dusty loam, vanilla bean and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are youthful but well behaved, providing for a lovely, smooth dry finish with just a bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine an 8.5, as it's a very nicely composed Cabernet that will likely improve a bit with some time in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty winter dishes, from beef stew and braised short ribs, to baked pasta or risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared bison New York Strip, oven roasted white and purple potatoes and steamed green beans almondine.  Cheers!

2019 Gramercy Cellars Lower East Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy New Year's Eve! I had to post tonight since I am really having my New Year's dinner tonight, as I'm heading to a pot luck with friends tomorrow.  So here we go!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out, as they had a nice selection of wines from Grammercy Cellars, producers of some top notch Syrah.  But tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2019 Gramercy Cellars Lower East Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Merlot (9%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the Phinney Hill (50%), Pepper Bridge (25%) and Grammercy Estate Vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is deep ruby color in the glass, not as heavily bodied as some Cabernets, but still quite endearing.  The nose presents aromas of leather, cedar and a beautiful forest floor, intermingled with ripe Bing cherry, Marionberry and wonderful dried herb notes.  The first sip is classic Columbia Valley Cabernet, with a rush of blackberry and cherry fruit that ease gracefully into some tawny vanilla bean notes, before transitioning into some classic dark chocolate and mocha notes midpalate.  The tannins are smooth as silk for the lovely smooth dry finish, with a reprise of dried Italian herbs at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it punches way above its weight class, particularly as a $20 purchase from WTSO.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty winter dishes, from leg of lamb to braised short ribs, grilled tri-tip London Broil to hearty mushroom pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with my New Year's Eve dinner of a rare grilled petit bison tomahawk with some linguine tossed with garlic, olive oil and sautéed broccoli rabe.  Cheers!

2020 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  Yesterday was the day of my annual Christmas Party, and we had a great crowd which means there were not a lot of leftovers!  I use this party as an opportunity to try some new dishes for the guests, and this year we had three new ones that were all well received.  Today, after spending a good portion of the afternoon cleaning up, it's now time to open a bottle of wine and enjoy a good dinner.  Since this is the last Sunday of the month, it's also Dinner in the Diner Sunday, the last one of this yearlong effort, but more on that later.  For the wine, tonight I've opened a bottle of 2020 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the original vineyard planted by Seven Hills founder Casey McClellan and his father back in the early 1980s.  The other vintages I've enjoyed (including the 2017 and 2019) were well worth it, so let's see how the 2020 is faring!

The wine has the classic look of a big Cabernet, inky black at the center and bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of leather, blackberry, cherry and dark chocolate, inviting you to take a sip.  That first sip is a wild ride of flavors as you experience and eruption of sweet cherry up front, that eases into some earthy notes of toasted oak and dusty limestone, before transitioning to some espresso and dark chocolate notes midpalate.  The tannins are youthful, but well behaved, providing for the wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a classic example of the age worthy potential of Walla Walla Cabernets.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from rack of lamb and braised short ribs, London broil to hearty pasta dishes.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a main course derived from the dining cars of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, fried country ham with red gravy, along with some mashed sweet potatoes and green bean casserole.  Cheers!

2021 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  Tonight's wine represents another installment of a great series of Washington wines that I've been reviewing since the 2010 vintage more than a decade ago!  I didn't say the latest, as I just received the next vintage in my wine club shipment a week or so ago, but at least I'm trying to catch up!  The 2021 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Petit Verdot (7%), Merlot (5%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) from the Woodward Canyon Estate, Weinbau and Sagemoor Vineyards of Washington State.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep, enticing ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a great Washington Cabernet.  The nose presents vibrant aromas of sweet cherry, violet and toasted oak, with an undercurrent of dark chocolate and espresso.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black cherry, marionberry and currant that transition easily to some notes of baking spice and dusty loam midpalate.  The tannins are pronounced and expertly structured, providing for a silky smooth dry finish that will have you quickly reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of my favorite Washington Cabernets, given its quality and consistency over many years.  This wine would pair well with a big steak, grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, or almost any hearty winter dish that needs a big wine to dance with.  Tonight, I am taking the advice of the winery and enjoying this wine with a big ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and classic mashed potatoes.  Cheers!