Sean Sullivan, Top 60 Wines of the Northwest

This thrilling wine was fermented with native yeast. The aromas are redolent with notes of Meyer lemon, pear, cut red apple, and a whiff of black licorice. The palate is on the lighter side of medium-bodied, textured, and shows tip-toe balance and precision. The variety’s bright acidity runs throughout. A lingering finish caps it off, with touches of peach. It’s exceptionally delicious. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best. Either way, get some, particularly fans of high acid white wines. 12.6% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 430 cases produced.

Owen Bargreen

One of the unique bottlings in Washington, this offers really novel nutty tones on the palate, alongside green papaya, copious minerals and suggestions of sour starfruit. Complex and also neatly textured, enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2031

Jeremy Young

Crafted from fruit grown in the Roza Hills and Upland Vineyards, this Chenin Blanc gleams with a soft, pale gold hue in the glass. Fermented and aged using a blend of neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, it develops a sleek and vibrant character. Aromas of crisp green apple and honeydew meet hints of white peach and a whisper of crushed almond. The palate is lively and refined, with juicy orchard fruit flavors mingling with a delicate mineral undertone.

Keith Beavers

This Chenin Blanc shows how wonderfully textured the grape can be in Washington State’s Columbia Valley. The wine has a floral and salty nose, and the palate is acid-driven with a medium weight

Owen Bargreen

This 2023 Chenin Blanc combines fruit from the Upland and Roza Hills Vineyards. Pale in the glass, this was stored in a combination of neutral French oak and stainless steel drums. This saw a touch of lees stirring and offers salted cashew nut and ripe pear that combines with melon tones on the palate. This is fresh and polished stuff that will pair with millions of foods. Drink 2024-2031

Sean Sullivan

This wine was aged in older French oak barrels. The aromas show notes of flower, tangerine rind, red fruit, moist soil, dried herb, and freshly hewn wood. The palate is plump-feeling, graceful, and focused. The mouthfeel considerably adds to the appeal, as does the lengthy finish. 14.6% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 264 cases produced.

Owen Bargreen

The 2023 ‘Royal Slope’ Grenache is soft, approachable and mineral-laden on the tongue. Gorgeous red fruits mingle well with red rose water, Mandarin orange zest and shades of salty soils on the palate. Really delicious and dense with a refined mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035

Jeremy Young

Sourced from the esteemed Lawrence and Stillwater Creek Vineyards, this 2022 Grenache is a radiant expression of the Royal Slope AVA. Aged in neutral oak barrels, it greets the nose with an inviting bouquet of wild strawberries, cranberry compote, and a touch of dried rose petals, layered with hints of cinnamon and crushed dried wildflowers. The palate is graceful and precise, showcasing a silky texture and vibrant purity of red Bing cherry flavors. Tannins are perfectly balanced with the moderate acidity and lengthy, decadent finish. 260 cases made

Owen Bargreen

The 2022 Orr Wines Grenache comes from the Lawrence and Stillwater Creek Vineyard. Stored in neutral oak barrels, this opens with red cherry candy, lavender and shades of baking spice with pomegranate seed on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with a great purity of red fruits. Tobacco leaf and bay leaf flavors combine with salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2024-2034

Tasting Room Magazine - Best 75 Wines of the Year

A blanket of crushed ripe strawberry and red currant coat the fresh and brightly-lit palate, accented with floral and orange peel notes. Mineral and loamy spices surface on the firm and vibrant finish

Owen Bargreen

The really good 2023 ‘Salumeria’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon (48%) with Sangiovese (44%) and a small portion of Merlot coming from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. It is bright and juicy with refined tannins and serious acidity on the palate. Loads of pretty red fruits parade with Satsuma orange zest and hints of white pepper on the palate, alongside damp soil accents. Drink 2025-2033

Jeremy Young

This distinctive Columbia Valley blend unveils a stunning medium-dark purple-ruby core, framed by a radiant red rim. Aromas of ripe dark cherries and lush blue plums intermingle with dried Mediterranean herbs and a whisper of violet, creating an alluring bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with a lively texture, showcasing vibrant acidity and crunchy tannins that bring freshness to each sip. The finish is long and savory, practically begging to be paired with a selection of cured meats and aged cheeses. 191 cases made

Owen Bargreen

The 2023 Orr Wines ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir comes from the Leland Vineyard, with vines planted all the way back in 1982. This is big and juicy Oregon Pinot, offering loads of black tea and exotic spices alongside heady red and dark fruits. Deftly textured, with good acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035

Sean Sullivan

All Merlot, fruit for this wine comes from Stillwater Creek Vineyard. Sales fund preventative health screenings for vineyard workers. The aromas show notes of chocolate, green herb, flower, tobacco, and cherry. The palate is medium-plus bodied, backed by slightly firm tannins. There’s a pleasing freshness. Give it a 20 minute decant. 14.2% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 97 cases produced.

Sean Sullivan

This 2022 ‘Royal Slope Red’ has 8% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. Also stored in all neutral oak before bottling this opens with anise and black currants alongside tar and tobacco leaf. The palate is very elegant and refined with good structure and underlying finesse. A beautiful wine to savor now, enjoy over the next eight years to come. Drink 2024-2032