Washingtonians are known for being bias about the wines coming from their state. I have to say that they have every reason to be proud of the juice that is being put on the market for consumption. I myself live in Washington State and I enjoy the wines as much as anyone. However, I also recognize that there are great wines coming to us from all over the globe. I feel for those who say they will only drink Washington wines. They are missing out on so much! That being said, I tasted a whole bunch of Washington wines recently and here are tasting notes straight from the Moleskine…
2010 Zero One Vintners “The Sauce” (Columbia Valley, WA)… $12.
Incredibly grape jam like on the nose (like sticking your nose in a jar of Smuckers), backed by intense dark cherry notes. Concentrated notes of grape jam, dark cherries and currants with a hit of spice. There is a worn leather component that comes through on the mid-palate leading into the finish. Structured, smooth tannins, fresh acidity that backs the fruit.
I’ve been a huge fan of this wine for a while and this vintage just keeps me coming back. A blend of Merlot, Syrah and Malbec. (B+)
2009 Corvidae Wine Co. Lenore Syrah (Columbia Valley, WA) … $15.99
This one had an interesting lilac soap element on the nose along with a hit of currants although it was a little challenged (in other words, I had trouble getting these aromas). Blueberries all over the palate backed by a bright core from start to finish with currant liquor notes lingering. (B-)
2011 Purple Star Syrah (Columbia Valley, WA) … $16.99
BBQ boysenberries and bacon fat all over the nose. Rich notes of blackberries and boysenberries hit the front of the palate with a spicy back-round. There is a bright core of fruit that is the backbone of this wine leading into a char-caramel finish. This Syrah sort of smacks you in the palate with attitude and finishes with a smirk. I like the spice and berry notes but missed the bacon-fat on the palate. A lot of folks are going to like this one. (B+)
2008 Barons V Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, WA) … $44.99
Barons V Winery has come a long way with their cab. The first one I tried had so much wood on it, I was picking splinters from my gums for days. This ’08 version showed much more balance.
Aromas of spice box cherry, tobacco and rose pedal. Structured, sturdy tannins back notes of black currants that penetrate the palate. Notes of chalky minerals with and edge of tobacco hit on the mid-palate flowing into a lingering, spice-box finish with a little tannic grip. This cab will age nicely over the next 8-10 years, but is very drinkable now. Rumor has it, the ’09 shows continued improvement. (A-)
2010 Barons Petit Barone (Columbia Valley, WA)… $21.99
There is a herbaceous element on the nose along with notes of red flowers and perfumed red currants. Red currants and tobacco notes hit the front of the palate backed by tight tannins. Bright acidity comes through giving the flavors a little “pop” in the mouth. Red flower and cassis notes hit on the medium/long finish. This is a young pup and could use some time in the bottle to bring all the elements together. But, if you plan on having some BBQ ribs, you might want to grab a bottle of this juice. I see some potential in that marriage. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,Merlot and Petite Verdot. (B-)
2012 Barons Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley, WA)… $17.99
mouth-watering aromas of apple, pear and white flowers. Very clean and precise on the palate with applesauce notes coming through. There is a steely edge to this white from the start through the clean finish. I’m picky about Sauvignon Blanc, and haven’t tasted a lot from Washington that I like. This one almost brings it home for me…Just missing some complexity. (B)
There are of course, many more Washington wine notes in my Moleskine… I will share them soon. Cheers! Stan The Wine Man
