Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

8.9

Cool to try! Still alive. — 3 days ago

Shay A

9.4

My contribution for a massive Grenache theme wine tasting (being as socially distanced as possible). This was alongside Cayuse God Only Knows, a 2011 No Girls Grenache, SQN Female, Saxum Terry Hogue, Lillian Grenache, 06 and 07 Beaucastel, and others.

Broken record, I know, but these wines are insanely delicious and so well crafted. Very much in the “love it or hate it” style, as typical with Cayuse wines. Much more spice and herbal lift here compared to the 2011. Stemmy, black peppercorn dusted rhubarb, olive, and smoked cherry jerky aromatics. Vibrant, almost nervy, on the palate with beautiful acidity. On the palate, it’s a back and forth between saline, iron driven savory notes and underripe fleshy red fruits. Compared to their Syrah, this is always a bit lighter and more bright. Seems to be drinking at peak. — 4 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The 14 is a blend of 77% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc & 7% Merlot. Nose of; ruby dark cassis, blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, black raspberries, hues of blue fruits, pepper and liquid violets. The mouthfeel is lush & ruby. M+ body & M+ tannins. Blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries and hues of blue fruits. Crushed rocks, soft leather, dry herbs, underbrush, loamy soil powder, notes of cigar, violets, dark florals, nice acidity and beautifully round, lush finish with sex appeal. Photos of; an aerial view of Pepper Bridge, estate grapes going through veraison, Owner-Norm McKibben, and ground shot of the estate. Producer notes and history...Norm McKibben is one of founding fathers of Walla Walla's wine industry. To his good friends and colleagues, he is better know as "Stormin' Norman." In Norm's 30 plus years in Walla Walla, the valley has evolved from a 40 vineyard acres to an appellation with more than 2,800 acres under vine. A good portion of the boom can be attributed to Norm even after coming to the game late after working for several decades as an engineer in the construction industry. Not wanting to retire after, he moved to Walla Walla to become an apple farmer. In 1989, he realized Walla Walla's potential for grape growing. Norm planted his first vineyard with help from his wife, Virginia and their eldest son, Shane. Two years later, Norm added Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These vines soon became the backbone of Pepper Bridge. Not long after he expanded his business and resume further. Norm got involved in the budding wine industry. He served as a partner and director at Canoe Ridge Vineyards, Hogue Cellars and worked with a number of Walla Walla's leading vintners. In 1996, he partnered with Gary Figgins of Leonetti Cellar and Marty Clubb of L'Ecole No. 41. At this point, McKibben had increased his vineyard holdings to 200 acres. In 1998, Norm officially started Pepper Bridge Winery. Today, Pepper Bridge Winery is a benchmark property in Walla Walla and Norm is an icon of the industry. He manages and consults for more than 600 acres of the top vineyard sites in Walla Walla; Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills and Les Collines. Norm also has introduced state of the art irrigation systems, soil moisture temperature monitoring equipment and sustainable farming techniques. Norm is a big believer in sustainable viticulture. All of his vineyards are certified sustainable by VINEA, the Walla Walla Valley's Sustainable Trust, and LIVE, an Oregon-based sustainable viticulture organization. They are also certified Salmon Safe and are monitored by the IOBC, the international body responsible for setting sustainability standards. In 1998, the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers honored Norm as "Grape Grower of the Year." That same year, he was appointed chair of the Washington Wine Commission and served in that position until retiring from the organization in 2001. If there is a Maverick of the Walla Walla wine producers, it would be Norm. — 7 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Flight #3 of our 1997 Retrospective. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. Wine #2 was full of character and the most memorable of the flight. It had great color and a lovely, vinous nose with a splendid mix of fruit and non-fruit characteristics. The structure is still hanging tough too. I called Terraces. The group’s favorite of the flight and to be honest, it wasn’t even close. This is in a really good spot. Drink now and through 2032. — 10 months ago

Shari Linton

9.3

Look: Light
Smell: Fruity and Fragrant
Taste: Sweet
Overall: Enjoyed
City: Boston
Purchased: Target — 5 years ago

Joseph Barsky

9.4

2011 Vintage. 15.5% alcohol. 90% Grenache, 10% Syrah. Now we’re talking, a 2011 standout. Bright full fruit nose and palate. A shame that lawyers got involved and now the winery is TH Vineyards. This must have been the first volley to put “Terry Hoage Vineyards is not affiliated with Hogue wines or with the Hogue Cellars” on the back label. Not even as close as Foley Estates in Paso and Robert Foley Vineyards in Napa. — 6 years ago

Andrew Belzer

9.3

Strawberry jam, plum, violets, leather, dark chocolate, Luxardo cocktail cherry, earth. Very smooth tannins, pure elegance! — a year ago

Paige Martin

9.4

Nice, pretty sweet Riesling. — 4 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.3

Co Dinn has been crafting some classy Washington Chardonnay since his time many years back at Hogue Cellars. The new 2016 ‘Roskamp Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a delightful effort that was aged on the lees for seventeen months prior to bottling. Right out of the gate this shows off a downright sexy mouthfeel, with gobs of tension and bright orchard fruits. The exceedingly long finish lingers. This is up there with the best in the state. Enjoy this fantastic effort over the next seven to ten years, as this will pick up lovely tertiary tones as it ages. Drink 2019-2026- 93 — 5 years ago

AJ Thomson

9.1

Colour is purpley red Nose: quinoa, vanilla, very smooth — 7 years ago