($65): The first vintage of Col Solare, a joint venture between Tuscany’s Piero Antinori and Washington State’s Château Ste. Michelle Winery, was 1995.  That wine, tasted recently, had developed beautifully revealing floral notes and an engaging minerality.  The 2004, a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and three percent Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, has potential to follow in the 95’s footsteps. … Read more

($28): Smooth and polished, with dark berry fruit flavors enhanced by echoes of coffee, chocolate, and sweet vanilla-laced oak, this is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc.  Its firm tannins provide a well-defined structure but do not seem excessively astringent, suggesting that the wine should age gracefully.… Read more

($20): Despite being barrel fermented and undergoing malolactic fermentation, this Chardonnay is not in-your-face, but rather has a beautiful balance of fruit and oak.  Bright vibrant acidity keeps it lively.  A relatively low–at least these days–13.5% alcohol helps explain its character and appeal.… Read more

($11): An extraordinary value, Hogue Cellars’ 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon has grace and finesse rarely seen at this price.  Fine, polished tannins support, but don’t overwhelm, the bright black cherry fruit flavors and nuances of herbs and smoke.  A simple wine at first blush, the flavors expand and the complexity becomes apparent over time as the wine sits in the glass.… Read more

($50): A brilliant blend of mostly Merlot (77%) and Cabernet Franc, it conveys an extraordinary balance of black fruit flavors and chocolate nuances wrapped in velvety tannins. 93 Michael Apstein Nov 21, 2006… Read more

($8): Consumers looking for a super-ripe wine should avoid this one.  But those seeking a balanced combination of ripe cherries and slight earthiness will marvel at the complexity-and the price-of this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 87 Michael Apstein Nov 21, 2006… Read more

($16): This Syrah emphasizes the thick black plum character of Syrah rather than the beefy style. The pure fruit character shines in this well-balanced, polished wine. 88 Michael Apstein Oct 3, 2006… Read more

($45): Marty Clubb makes two wines, Apogee and Perigee, meant to mirror each other as expressions of two of the best known vineyards in Walla Walla, Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills. The latter tends toward a feminine, floral brightness underlined by an earth core; the former is usually has much deeper structure and a darker fruit profile.… Read more