Cadaretta Sauvigon Blanc / Semillon 2013

91
Cadaretta
Varietal: Sauvigon Blanc
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Washington
Appellation: Columbia Valley
Retail Price: $23.99

Tasting Notes: Bordeaux-style white blends are becoming the in-thing in Washington State, and Cadaretta could be considered part of the reason. Fresh citrus and a hint of grassiness leap from the glass and onto your palate. The perfect amount of acidity keeps the finish crisp and clean enough to make you yearn for more.
Cadaretta Sauvigon Blanc / Semillon 2013

Bridgman Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

90
Bridgman
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Washington
Appellation: Yakima Valley
Retail Price: $16

Tasting Notes: Exciting aromas of red currants and spice give hints to the flavors of blackberry, cinnamon, and oak on the palate; pleasant, crisp and smooth.
Bridgman Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Northstar Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

93
Northstar
Fanciful Name: Runway
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Washington
Appellation: Columbia Valley
Retail Price: $41

Tasting Notes: From one of the Columbia Valley’s most acclaimed wineries, this cabernet exemplifies the potential of Washington wines. A dense purple in the glass, notes of dark fruit, spice and toast rise from the glass. On the palate, the fruit is bright and clean, and the well-balanced finish lingers on for quite some time.
Northstar Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon

92
Columbia Crest
Fanciful Name: H3
Varietal: Cabernet
Country of Origin: Washington
Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Big and bold wine that opens to lots of inviting black cherry and a touch of vanilla. A touch of minerality and cocoa. Serious cabernet for a reasonable price.
Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon

Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

93
Amavi Cellars
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Washington
Appellation: Walla Walla Valley
Retail Price: $46

Tasting Notes: 100% estate grown, the nose is bursting with blueberry and baking spices. The palate is layered with cassis, currants and black licorice. Everything is brought together by racy minerality and soft dusty tannins on the finish. A delicious glass of wine—perfect for summer grilling.
Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Barboursville Cabernet Franc 2012

93
Barboursville
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Virginia
Retail Price: $25.99

Tasting Notes: A red wine from the state of…Virginia? You bet, and you bet it’s as good as any American Cabernet Franc as well. Brilliant clarity hits your eye the same time ripe red fruits hit your nose. Laced with velvety tannins and a firm, lingering finish, Barboursville Cabernet Franc will make you forget it isn’t from one of the “big time” wine states.
Barboursville Cabernet Franc 2012

McPherson Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

89
McPherson Cellars
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Texas
Retail Price: $16

Tasting Notes: Nice nose of red fruits, cassis, hints of vanilla, tobacco and herbal notes. Hints of vanilla and balanced acids and tannins. Great wine from Texas.
McPherson Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Brennan Vineyards Red 2012

91
Brennan Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Super Nero Nero d Avala
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Texas
Retail Price: $23.99

Tasting Notes: Vineyards were first planted in 2002, and reflect Dr. Brennan’s goal to produce “sophisticated wines with Texas roots.” Almost old-world in style, with muted fruit. Aged 12 months in oak. Perfect wine for a pasta dinner.
Brennan Vineyards Red 2012

McPherson Cellars Red 2014

94
McPherson Cellars
Fanciful Name: La Herencia
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Texas
Retail Price: $21.99

Tasting Notes: Texas version of “The Heritage,” this is a unique blend of Tempranillo, Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan and Syrah. Seamlessly integrated and probably the best red blend in the state. Medium-bodied. Great wine for sipping on the porch or patio.
McPherson Cellars Red 2014

McPherson Cellars Albariño 2015

94
McPherson Cellars
Varietal: Albariño
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: United States
Retail Price: $21.99

Tasting Notes: Kim and his Dad “Doc” McPherson were early pioneers in producing wines that didn’t fit the traditional categories but thrived in the hot, dry Texas climate. His Albariño is a classic example. Perfect balance of fruit and acid. Viscous mouth feel that begs for another sip. Excellent with gulf coast seafood.
McPherson Cellars Albariño 2015

McPherson Cellars Sangiovese 2014

96
McPherson Cellars
Varietal: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Texas
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Primarily sourced from 25-year-old vines first planted in Texas by “Doc” McPherson. First released by his son Kim in 1998. Aged 14 months in oak, it offers beautiful fruit with spice and vanilla oak. Perfect with Texas BBQ.
McPherson Cellars Sangiovese 2014

Brennan Vineyards Viognier 2015

93
Brennan Vineyards
Varietal: Viognier
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Texas
Appellation: Texas High Plains AVA
Retail Price: $22.99

Tasting Notes: This is the style that put Viognier on the radar as the most popular white varietal in Texas. Sourced for three distinct vineyard sites, this is predominately Viognier, with a touch of Semillon.
Brennan Vineyards Viognier 2015