Columbia Crest “Walter Clore Private Reserve” Red Columbia Valley
This is a monster Merlot with a margin of Cabernet Sauvignon in the mix. Smoked chocolate and Dwayne Johnson-level muscularity. The last time it hit the shelves around here was in 2003, when we used it in our Oregon & Washington Wines class. It’s awesome. Wine Rating: 94 Points
Chateau Ste Michelle “Eroica Gold” Riesling, Columbia Valley
A dessert wine that over-delivers on every front. This is a collaboration between Ch. Ste Michelle and the German wine god Ernst Loosen. This wine is a masterful balance between lush and bracing. Pair with Gorgonzola for a life-changing experience. Wine Rating: 91 Points
CVNE Rioja Gran Reserva
We are a big fan of this winery. We reviewed the 2009 Gran Reserva back in 2016. This bottling is on par with that 90+ point wine. Earthen fruit with deep wooden notes and an elegantly spiced finish. A must-have Rioja. Wine Rating: 92 Points
Luigi Bosca Malbec Lujan de Cuyo
A single-vineyard bottling from Mendoza’s top wine region. This brings all the layers of flowers, spices, and fruit, with a complex mineral freshness to boot. This is good enough that I may add this into our next Wines of Argentina class. Wine Rating: 92 Points
Zocker Gruner Veltliner, Edna Valley
Gruner Veltliner is one of the varietals that makes great wines on the East Coast. It also makes amazing wines on the West Coast, as well. Zocker was one of the wines I discovered back when I was the national wine buyer for Bacchus Selections. Drink with oysters!