August is the second Washington State wine month of the year, with March being the first. Washington wine makes up about a third of the wines I taste over the course of a month. I thought it appropriate to share my tasting notes on some I have recently reviewed.
2017 Three Of Cups L’Astre Syrah (Walla Walla Valley, WA)…$32.
Aromas of blueberries, raspberries, tar and tobacco. Blueberries, earth and tobacco on the palate with a solid underbelly of raspberries and spices that come on strong on the back-end. Tobacco notes linger with the spices. This baby is fresh with good acidity that is nicely integrated. The fruit notes expand on the mid-palate as the wine freshens on the finish. This wine screams for food. Don’t be afraid to age it for up to eight-plus years. (B-/B)
2017 Pamplin Family Winery Red I.Q. (Columbia Valley, WA)… $15.
Vanilla, blackberries and currants on the nose which is quite perfumed and expressive with hints of chocolate and tomato leaf coming through. Smooth tannins support notes of currants and blackberries with chocolate lying underneath. There is a tiny hit of veggie that sneaks in here and there. Seamless across the palate into the finish where a hit of tobacco and earth joins in. A lot of wine for the money. 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 13% Petit Verfot (A-)
2019 Jaine Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley, WA)… $20.
Green grape seeds, melon and apple on the nose. Melon and citrus notes hit on the front of the palate, joined by green grape seed and green apple on the mid-palate into the finish. Balanced, linear acidity drives the fruit notes front to finish. (B)
2016 W.T. Vintners Mourvedre Boushey Vineyards (Yakima Valley, WA)… $44.
Aromas of coffee bean, plums, boysenberries and hints of raspberry. Coffee bean, plum and raspberry notes mingle together on silky tannins. A spine of acidity lifts the fruit notes and keeps it fresh in the mouth. Coffee bean, raspberry and plum notes linger on the finish. This is an elegant wine that would benefit greatly from food. (B)
2017 Cana’s Feast Bricco Red (Columbia Valley, WA)… $18.
Tons of dried bark on the nose, joined by notes of cherries, strawberries and tarragon. Rust, cherry and red flower notes mingle on the palate, front to finish. This baby is light-bodied yet intense at the same time. Tobacco notes hit on the mid-palate into the finish and lingers with the rust and fruit. A nice balance of rusticity and fruit. 53% Sangiovese, 15% Barbera, 14% Syrah, 10% Primitivo, 8% Nebbiolo (B/B+)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
