Wines and Beyond

Red Wine by Andrew Will from Columbia Valley, Washington. Blend: 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot At this point, it is a wine of bearing with pure fruit flavors and good structure, as well as a sense of self-possession and charm. This wine will undoubtedly need some time to show its promise.

Red Wine by Andrew Will from Yakima Valley, Washington. Blend: 48% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot The nose is a lovely blend of earth and fruit and is quite forward for such a young wine. The wine is medium bodied offset by depth and a sense of promise. This is a stalwart wine with well defined delicate shading. The fruit profile is red fruit with floral aromas mixed with a kind of earthy spiciness.

Red Wine by Chester-Kidder from Columbia Valley, Washington. Tasting Notes: Vibrant blackberry aromas are enhanced by hints of chocolate and mocha. Rich and complex, the mouth feel is round and balanced with lush, soft tannins. A lengthy finish lingers with a seamless impression of dark fruit. Vintage: Collectors who enjoy big, rich, fruit-forward wines will find Columbia Valley's 2003 vintage to their liking. This was one of Washington's warmest seasons on record with overall heat accumulation rivaling the high numbers posted in 1998. Temperatures were warm from June to August, allowing grapes to reach an exceptional level of maturity. In short, it was a wonderful vintage from start to finish. Winemaking: Chester-Kidder is a hand-crafted blend of classic red Bordeaux varietals and Syrah, styled for complexity and elegance. Fermented in small lots and aged 27 months in tight-grain French oak, winemaker Gilles Nicault and Long Shadows founder Allen Shoup, selected a diverse collection of Columbia Valley's finest vineyards to create a layered wine with ripe fruit character that is reflective of the vintage. Vineyards: The 2003 Chester-Kidder represents a diverse collection of select Columbia Valley vineyards, all farmed for low yields, resulting in a rich, multi-dimensional blend. Cabernet Sauvignon from the old vines at Sagemoor Vineyards, near Pasco, contributes complexity and deep flavors to the wine; Cabernet from Weinbau Vineyard on theWahluke Slope gives the wine rich tannins; Walla Walla Syrah adds dark, lush flavors.

Red Wine by Seven Hills from Walla Walla Valley, Washington. Pentad vintage red wine, a Walla Walla Valley blend of five varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (13%), Carmenere (6%), Cabernet Franc (13%) and Malbec (13%). The intention with Pentad is change through time, shaping expansive flavor, complexity, and creation of an evolving sensory experience. Every care has been taken in the production of Pentad, to provide a transcendent wine that is both enjoyable and collectible. The 2003 is the most open at release of the three Pentad vintages released to date. It offers an inviting accessibility, accenting warm, ripe tones and expansive fruit characters. Red and blackcurrant dominate the nose, interwoven with tropical passionfruit and hints of blueberry. Sweet cooking spice and light notes of fennel and licorice round out the aroma. I find red raspberry, vanillin, light smoky notes by mouth. The structure is broad, balanced, and elegant yet very persistent and generous. Overall, a beautiful representation of the nature of this very warm vintage year. - Casey McClellan, Winemaker

Red Wine by Columbia Crest from Columbia Valley, Washington. The Walter Clore Private Reserve was picked from Columbia Crest's premier vineyard sites. Vineyards are located on the Wahluke Slope (50%), offering aromatics, texture and complexity and on the Horse Heaven Hills (50%), introducing balance and body. A classic Bordeaux-style wine offering a heady nose of cherry, blackberry, cinnamon and cocoa. Fruit and oak are perfectly balanced on the palate, and the seductive chocolate, cherry, blackberry finish lingers. -Ray Einberger, Winemaker

Red Wine by Columbia Winery from Columbia Valley, Washington. Peninsula represents wine artistry at its finest. This is a skillful and imaginative Bordeaux styled wine that demonstrates the significant relationship between winegrower and winemaker. From the famed Red Willow Vineyard in Yakima Valley, WA, this is a delicious Bordeaux-blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Awakening nose shows thyme and sage, lavender, black pepper and blackberries. The palate has herbal, cedar nuances with fine tannins and a long finish. Enjoy this wine tonight with a leg of lamb or pasta with bolognese sauce. This wine will mature beautifully with careful cellaring for an additional 4-6 years.