Boutique Reds: Washington vs. California!

Meetup

Oct 12

Written By

What was poured

In the order it was served. Quoted tasting notes are credited to their sources.

1 · 2013 Galerie Cabernet Sauvignon "Latro" Sonoma County California

“Mortar & a taste of black-olive tapenade ride softly layered waves of leathery tannin & peppery clove in this richly balanced wine that features tension between notes of cedar & cured meat. Focused & full bodied, it'll do well in the cellar; drink now through 2023. Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast (WE)”

tasting note

2 · 2012 B Leighton Petit Verdot Yakima Valley Washington

“This wine brings aromas of bright flowers, fresh green herbs, green olive & lemony citrus. There is an exquisite sense of weight, balance & deftness to the palate that carries through the extended finish, with expertly managed tannins that back it all up. The green edges may turn off some, but others will look beyond it & find much to enjoy. Rated 92 WE”

tasting note

3 · 2013 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander's Crown Sonoma County California

“A famous wine from the early days of The Wine Advocate, this wine comes from a lower elevation of 250 to 360 feet. The wine displays broad, sweet crème de cassis, black cherry & blueberry fruit, some licorice, graphite, a full-bodied mouthfeel, & outstanding length & purity. This is a beauty, & makes me think back to the great 1974, which was the first one I remember tasting. Wine Advocate Rated 94”

tasting note

4 · 2015 Gorman Winery Zachary’s Ladder Red Mountain - blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot Washington

92 Jeb Dunnuck

“It's an inky purple-colored wine from Gorman & offers a big blast of blueberry pie, violets, crushed flowers, & vanilla bean on the nose. Ripe, sexy, full-bodied, & powerful, it's a hell of a lot of wine for the price & has loads to love. (JD)”

Jeb Dunnuck

5 · 2016 Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello Vineyard California

“This wine comes from the Santa Cruz Mountain estate, & it follows its big brother Monte Bello’s style with a terrific sense of elegance paired with richness. Lots of crème de cassis, crushed violets, vanilla, tobacco leaf, & cedar notes flow to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, layered wine that has terrific purity, building tannins, & a great finish. Rated 94 JD”

tasting note

6 · 2016 Alexandria Nicole Counoise Destiny Ridge Vineyards Horse Heaven Hills Washington

“Counoise is one of the 13 sanctioned varieties used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape & is most commonly used as a blending grape to add complexity & focus. ...This grape thrives on its own when able to reach peak ripeness. This is precisely what our estate vineyard provides. Bright ruby in color, this wine shows lively aromatics of cherry, strawberry, cranberry & rose petal with a touch of spice. Juicy notes of strawberry, cherry, & light plum on the palate, are backed with medium acidity & a lush tannin profile, bringing this dazzling fruit-forward wine together in an elegant finish.”

the winery

7 · 2013 Revana Cabernet Sauvignon Terroir Series California

94 Wine Spectator

“Elegantly styled, rich & creamy, with a pure mix of dark berry, licorice, cedary oak, mocha & dried herb. A mix of grace, finesse & density, ending with a dash of espresso.”

Wine Spectator

8 · 2016 Sonder Grenache Columbia Valley Washington

“Sonder is a byproduct of "an Australian & an American, two winemakers on a journey through Washington vineyards. Modern Australian winemaking, meets Rhone varieties, in the Columbia Valley WA." Candied fruit, tartaric acids, fruit echo's on the finish. Cellar Tracker”

tasting note