Hood River County, Oregon

Domaine Serene

Evenstad Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2001

Shay A
9.3

Color me shocked. Up there with one of the more surprising bottles of the year (alongside an old Carlisle Cardiac Syrah). Had very little hope, but was completely and pleasantly surprised.

Cork split in two coming out. Trusty Durand saved the day. First small pour was not encouraging…lots of funk. After leaving alone for 30mins, the faded ruby with tinge of black in the glass had aromatics of sous bois, black tea, and dirty red and black berries. On the palate, this was elegant showing more herbal/earthy notes, dark berry fruit in the background, sweet pipe tobacco and a still-tart finish with both acidity and tannin. I have to admit that if someone said this was older burgundy, I could see it in the realm of possibilities. No sappy, rich, cola type notes here. Open and enjoy!
— 7 days ago

Tom, Joshua and 22 others liked this

Domaine Drouhin

Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2022

DCH
9.3

Excellent Pinot Noir. Balance, structure and character could be mistaken for Côte d’Or. An incredibly well rounded wine absent the site particularities of some other great examples. The equivalent of a highly satisfying Village level wine. — 24 days ago

Ted, Andrew and 9 others liked this

Shea Wine Cellars

Estate Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

A dark in color multi-clone Pinot. Cherry / raspberry with smoke on the palate but not as earthy as some in the Carlton area. Quite nice. October 2024. — a month ago

Long Shadows Vintners

Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot 2016

It's time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!


Dark Inky in color with a reddish/ purplish rim.

Fruity nose of black currants, black plums, cooked cherries, light dried fruits, cedar, light vanilla, herbs, licorice, spices, dark chocolates and light cola notes.

Full bodied and elegant, with medium acidity.

Dry and fruity on the palate with plums, black cherries, black currants, bitter herbs, earth, chocolates, cedar, eucalyptus, tobacco leaf, peppercorn and light vegetables.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a wonderful Merlot from Columbia Valley. Soft and fruit forward. Rich and nicely balanced.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after 90 minutes of air time.

This 8 year old Merlot is complex and spicy. Really enjoyed the nose at this point, and the high alcohol is well integrated by now.

Easy drinking and a good sipping wine. Will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.

I had this vintage a few times before, and it is always delicious. I just love Michel Rolland wines.

A blend of 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in French oak barrels (85% new).

14.9% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$75.
— 11 days ago

Dawn, Jose and 13 others liked this

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Harvest Select Columbia Valley Sweet Riesling 2022

Pale lemon, med aroma, med intensity, high acidity, med sweet, 10.5% alcohol, peach, pear, stone fruit, honey, citrus, lemon, med finish, very good, $7usd , 0.5 point for the highCP — 24 days ago

14 Hands Winery

Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Very smooth and no hangover! — a month ago

Bergström Wines

Cumberland Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Ron R
8.9

Lite notes of cola and stewed plums on the nose. Palate displays a supple tannic structure, but lacks the density and texture I have come to expect from this bottling. Comes across as somewhat hollow on the mid palate. Serviceable, but not great in my mind. — 16 days ago

Tom, Bob and 24 others liked this

Adelsheim

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021

Ruby red. Earthy nose with cherry, oak, and vanilla. Smoke, strawberry, and raspberry on the palate. Refreshing acidity and smooth tannins. — 7 months ago

Leonetti Cellar

Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

13-year-old Washington cab from this celebrated winery. Getting near the end of life in my estimation, took a while airing out to soften up a bit.# — 25 days ago