Category Archives: Washington State

Viognier/Roussanne, Freyja, Gard Vintners, Lawrence Estate Wines, Royal Slope, Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State, 2017, US$16

Recently I attended the 2018 Wine Media Conference in Walla Walla, Washington. When I was doing a little legwork in advance of the event about some of the wineries we may meet with, I’d noticed a review by Stephen Tanzer … Continue reading

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Cabernet Sauvignon, L’Appel du Vide, Columbia Valley AVA, Washington, USA, 14.3% abv.

The meaning of ‘l’appel du vide’ is, ‘the call of the wild.’  One translation says it describes the urge to engage in destructive behaviours – like when you’re walking along and have “the inexplicable urge to jump into traffic”. Seriously?  … Continue reading

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Syrah, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2011, 13.5% abv, US$19

This Washington state Syrah punches far above its weight in terms of quality for money. It’s a bright, deep garnet with a ruby rim and thick legs.  On the nose it has pronounced intensity with aromas of deeply ripe blackberry, Damson … Continue reading

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Columbia Crest Grand Estates, Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2008, 13.5% abv, C$20

After California, the US state that produces the most wine is Washington. The Columbia Valley AVA lies mostly in Washington State, but a portion of it overlaps into Oregon. At its northern most end, it extends almost into BC’s Okanagan … Continue reading

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