Taste Washington Grand Tasting Day 1

April 3, 2026

Well with over 200 wineries participating getting to all the tables would have been impossible even for me. Maybe day 3 next year! There were so many great wines being poured and just not enough time to talk to the owners, wine makers and employees pouring at the event. The food was amazing as well and a real value for under $300 with the VIP pass.

CellarTracker! Taste Washington Grand Tasting Day 1

Glasvin Universal got a workout. Only attendee to bring their own glass, take notes and spit. How does a MN guy promote an event in Washington at this level? Well it is called 3 Day Wine Review. Some amazing wines and a record set on notes at this event.

Top Six Wines of Day 1:
2021 Watermill Winery Syrah Hallowed Stones Syrah 95 points
2021 Sleight of Hand Syrah Spiders from Mars 95 points
2006 Côte Bonneville DuBrul Vineyard 95 points
2022 Pášxa Grenache River Rock Vineyard 94 points
1992 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Dedication Series 94 points
2020 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 94 points

Misc. & Upstairs VIP Section

Too many wines and only 15 flights allowed. Top wine of this flight was the 2020 Quilceda which is way better than the 21. Second best was the Figgins and third was beresan stone river.
The VIP entry is a must as it costs more but easy to get to tables during the first hour.

  • 2020 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. OK friends 100% not smoke tainted. Tasted this 3 different times form 3 different mags at Taste Washington. Red currants, oak, earth, minerals, dust, dark chocolate and cassis. This is very good and one of the top wines at Taste Washington today. (94 pts.)
  • 2022 Figgins Estate Red Wine – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Excellent with cherry, rose petals, dust, wood, minerals, chocolate and plum. Very tasty wine. (93 pts.)
  • 2023 Figgins Figlia Figgins Estate Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. First to try so many Washington Wines and here is another. Very good with cherry, plum, floral, spices and earth. Medium finish. (92 pts.)
  • 2024 Reininger Viognier Helix Stillwater Creek Vineyard Columbia Valley – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Sweet fruits with minerals, floral and spice. Very nice wine. (91 pts.)
  • 2018 Sin Banderas – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very good with cherry, floral, black pepper, spices and blue currants. Medium finish. (92 pts.)
  • 2023 Avennia Sestina – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Underwhelmed on this one with cherry, plum, spices and earth. Shorter finish. (88 pts.)
  • 2017 DeLille Cellars D2 – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Good but nothing off the charts with cherry, dust, wood, spice and earth. (90 pts.)
  • 2022 Two Vintners Syrah Some Days Are Diamonds – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills
    Glasvin Universal. Nice with black pepper, spices, floral, earth and tar. Liked this a bit more than the seminar. (93 pts.)
  • 2023 Mark Ryan Cabernet Sauvignon The Dissident – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Day 2 review. Ripe cherries, plum, spices, rose petals, earth and cassis. Always enjoy this wine and always in the regular rotation. (93 pts.)
  • 2022 Two Vintners Alice – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very good with floral, earth, minerals, dust and dark currants. Concentrated effort and excellent quality. (93 pts.)
  • 2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling Eroica XLC Ancient Lakes and Evergreen Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin universal. White flowers, spice, honey, apricots and spice. Nice acidity and medium finish. (93 pts.)
  • 2023 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Queen’s Road White – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Floral notes, apricots, lemon and spices. Medium finish. (90 pts.)
  • N.V. Tirriddis Washington Blend – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Wow Ben had this and a worthless review. Well this is not good. Apple, biscuit and lemon. Falls flat on the finish. Roederer Anderson kills this (83 pts.)
  • N.V. Tirriddis Brut Red – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Not very good but not bad. Watermelon, strawberries and minerals. Short finish. and again for $25 this is overpriced. (87 pts.)
  • N.V. Tirriddis Blanc de Blanc Barrel Fermented – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Think the other reviewers on this wine are on the pay roll. This is a simple offering and most Washington Sparkling is simple and not worth the money. This is no exception. Apple, dough, spice and lemon. Short finish. (88 pts.)
  • 2022 Valdemar Estates Chardonnay Entre Nosotros – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Not loving this one with light fruit, spice and floral notes. Short finish. (85 pts.)
  • 2021 Valdemar Estates Syrah – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Cherry, white pepper, stone, flowers, blue currants and roasted meats. Medium plus finish. (92 pts.)
  • 2022 Valdemar Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Cigar, earth, gravel, blueberries, rose petals, mild funk and leather. Medium plus finish. A solid effort. (92 pts.)
  • 2025 Bledsoe Family Winery Chardonnay Elizabeth – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very good wine and I am not a fan of Chardonnay from Washington. Wood, lemon, spices, minerals and floral notes. Medium plus finish. (90 pts.)
  • 2023 Bledsoe Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Cherry, plum, wood, spices, dark chocolate and minerals. Like this al lot. (92 pts.)
  • 2022 Substance Rb Red Blend – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Not sure how someone gave this 92 but whatever. A bit thin with cherry, spices and floral notes. For the price point it is in check but not a wine I would drink again. (82 pts.)
  • 2022 Substance Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. A simple offering but good value with cherry, plum, spices and floral. Medium finish. A little sweet for my palate. 0 (85 pts.)
  • 2018 Substance Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Collection Stoneridge Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Funk, smoke, earth, blueberries, cherry and spices. Very good showing and age has helped this wine. (92 pts.)
  • 2006 Beresan Winery Stone River – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very nice wine with cherry, floral, spices, earth, pepper and minerals. Medium plus finish. What a great find. (93 pts.)
  • 2023 Descendant Cellars Mourvèdre Red Mountain – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin universal. Cherry, raspberries, spices, dust and floral notes. Very nice overall. (90 pts.)
  • 2016 Maryhill Zinfandel Proprietor’s Reserve – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very poorly made and someone gave this 92 and should stop posting notes. Jam and very short finish. NO balance. (80 pts.)

Cote Bonneville

Well one of the more impressive tables. Loved talking to the owner and cool to try some older vintages. 2006 was top five.

  • 2023 Côte Bonneville Chardonnay DuBrul Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Minerals, lemon, floral and spices. A 90 point Chardonnay from Washington is a big accomplishment from me. (90 pts.)
  • 2015 Côte Bonneville Carriage House DuBrul Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Ok this is a cool wine and 10 plus years it is still rocking. Red currants, spices, earth, minerals and dust. This is showing really well and love it. (91 pts.)
  • 2014 Côte Bonneville DuBrul Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Wow was this drinking well. Funk and rustic wine. Earth, minerals, spices, cherry, plum, floral and baking chocolate. Loving this wine!!! (94 pts.)
  • 2006 Côte Bonneville DuBrul Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Top 10 at Taste Washington! Congrats. Funk, earth, spices, blue currants, coffee beans and minerals. Wow has this aged beautifully. Love it! 95+ (95 pts.)

Watermill

Well Watermill is under the radar in Walla Walla and the Hallowed Stones was top 5 at the event.

  • 2022 Watermill Winery Sauvignon Blanc – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very nice wine with flint, apricots, lemon and grapefruit. Medium finish. Refreshing. (90 pts.)
  • 2021 Watermill Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Estate – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Earth, stones, dark currants, dried flowers and dust. Medium finish. Dry style and plenty of time left to enjoy this one. Drink through 2034. (92 pts.)
  • 2022 Watermill Winery Cabernet Franc – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Floral, spices, raspberries, earth and underbrush. Medium finish. 90+ (90 pts.)
  • 2021 Watermill Winery Syrah Hallowed Stones Syrah – USA, Oregon, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
    Glasvin Universal. Top 3 wines tasted today at Taste Washington. Black pepper, spices, earth, floral, stone and tar. Medium plus finish. Need to buy some of these for sure! (95 pts.)
  • 2021 Watermill Winery Malbec Estate – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Another great Malbec from Washington. Juicy wine with plum, cherry and boysenberries. Minerals, earth and floral notes on the medium plus finish. (91 pts.)
  • 2022 Watermill Winery Sauvignon Blanc – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very nice wine with grass, tropical fruit, spice, minerals, grapefruit and spice. Medium finish and nice acidity. (90 pts.)
  • 2021 Watermill Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Estate – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Watermill is an under the radar gem in Walla Walla. A few years back they had back to back vintages of the 08 and 09 Syrah which stole the show at Celebrate Walla Walla. This wine is very good with earth, stones, blueberries, wood and minerals. Nice concentration and medium plus finish. Drink through 2032. (92 pts.)
  • 2021 Watermill Winery Malbec Estate – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Outstanding stuff with cherry, blueberries, spices, earth and bramble. Medium plus finish. Malbec and Washington are a good fit. (92 pts.)

Woodward Canyon

1992 is the oldest wine sampled at the event. Excellent.

  • 2024 Woodward Canyon Chardonnay – USA, Washington
    Glasvin Universal. Maybe too much oak otherwise this would be 2 points higher. Oak, lemon, spices, floral and minerals. Medium finish. (90 pts.)
  • 1992 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Dedication Series – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Direct from the winery on the pop and pour and got the last pour. Wonderful and top 10 wine tasted today at Taste Washington. Still plenty of life left with cherry, plum, wood, dried twigs, baking chocolate and floral notes. Medium plus finish. Timing was perfect. (94 pts.)
  • 2022 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Cherry, plum, earth, cassis, oak and leather. Medium plus finish. Hold for five years. (92 pts.)
  • 2022 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Old Vines – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Hold for max enjoyment but lots of potential here. Cherry, dust, wood, dried twigs, dust and dark chocolate. (92 pts.)

Klipsun

The 2020 was smoke tainted.

  • 2022 Klipsun (Terlato) Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. 50% new oak. Sour cherry, plum, chocolate, earth and dust. Medium finish. Would love to try this one over 3 days. (92 pts.)
  • 2020 Klipsun (Terlato) Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. Well will have to agree with everyone on this one and will revisit at taste Washington. Smoke taint is present but not so bad the wine is not undrinkable. Earth, ash, oak and mild fruit. For sure not as good as their other two wines at the Taste of Washington Event. (80 pts.)
  • 2019 Substance Super Substance Bx Klein Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Funk, blueberries, spices and earth. Nice overall and drink within a few years. (90 pts.)

Dusted Valley & Sleight of Hand

Local Wisconsin friends. Love their wines.

  • 2021 Sleight of Hand Syrah Spiders from Mars – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Top 10 Taste of Washington Award winner from 3 Day. This was rocking and features, stone, tar, white pepper, roasted meats, cherry and dark currants. A touch of smoke on the medium plus finish. Outstanding effort and I am not a label guy but this one rocks! (95 pts.)
  • 2020 Sleight of Hand Syrah Levitation Reserve – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Day 2 review. Cherry, dust, earth, plum, black pepper and earth. A touch of smoke taint but not noticeable. (88 pts.)

Betz

Betz rocking the event. One if not the best table other than Saviah.

  • 2023 Betz Family Bésoleil – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Excellent wine with menthol, spices, dark berries, cherry, floral and pepper. Medium to long finish. (93 pts.)
  • 2023 Betz Family Syrah Domaine de Pierres – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Cherry, menthol, spices, earth and raspberries. This will age over many years. Excellent. (93 pts.)
  • 2023 Betz Family Syrah La Côte Rousse – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Cherry, stone, floral, spices, menthol, underbrush and dust. Very nice wine and has a long life ahead. Long finish. Great! (94 pts.)
  • 2022 Betz Family Cabernet Sauvignon Père de Famille – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Nice wine with minerals, earth, wood, cherries, plum and spice. Medium plus finish. Very good wine and will get better with age. (92 pts.)

Bayernmoor & Gravel Bar (Top 2 values)

Well some serious values at the event. The Gravel Bar Wines are under $20 and the Bayernmoor Pinot and Chardonnay give hope to the grapes in Washington. Well done!!!

  • 2022 Bayernmoor Chardonnay Celilo Vineyard – USA, Oregon/Washington, Columbia Gorge
    Glasvin Universal. One of the better Washington Chardonnays I have sampled in a while. Chablis like with lemon, spices, crushed shells, flowers and saline. Medium finish and nice acidity. (92 pts.)
  • 2023 Bayernmoor Pinot Noir Clone Précoce – USA, Washington, Puget Sound
    Glasvin Universal. Really nice Pinot Noir from Washington. Earth, mushrooms, spices, rose petals and dust. Very impressive offering. (92 pts.)
  • 2022 Bayernmoor Pinot Noir Bayernmoor Vineyard – USA, Washington, Puget Sound
    Glasvin Universal. Very good offering with spices, minerals, unripe strawberries, bramble. and earth. Medium finish. (90 pts.)
  • 2022 Bayernmoor Merlot Coyote Canyon Vineyard Klipsun Vineyard Red Mountain – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills
    Glasvin Universal. Spices, cherry, plum, wood, earth and nice minerality on the medium plus finish. Should drink well over the next decade. (91 pts.)
  • 2021 Gravel Bar Winery Alluvial Columbia Valley – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Cherry, plum, spices, minerals and earth. Wow are these wines from Gravel Bar the QPR of the year so far. All around $25.00 a bottle. Stellar wine. 92+
    Blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon & 39% Merlot. (92 pts.)
  • 2021 Gravel Bar Winery Merlot – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. The top value discovery at Taste Washington. This wine is around $25 and well made. Plum, cherry, earth, menthol, wood and spices. Medium finish. 90+ (90 pts.)
  • 2021 Gravel Bar Winery Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. Very well made with cherry, floral, spices, blueberries, wood and minerals. Medium to long finish. Better than wines 4 times the price. 92+ (92 pts.)

Upchurch & Force

Great lineup from both.

  • 2023 Upchurch Sauvignon Blanc Southwest Facing Boushey Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. A very good Sauvignon Blanc with lemon, spices, floral, minerals, grapefruit and lime. Really liking this SB. (91 pts.)
  • 2024 Upchurch Chenin Blanc Single Vineyard Series – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Well another great Upchurch. Light but very good with minerals, tropical fruit, lemon, sour apple and dust. Medium finish and nice acidity. (91 pts.)
  • 2023 Upchurch Counterpart – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. Another great wine from Upchurch with red currants, minerals, spices, floral and earth. Medium plus finish. (92 pts.)
  • 2023 Upchurch Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. One of the better Cabs at Taste Washington Day 1. Very nice with cherry, dust, earth, cassis, chocolate and wood. Complex and medium finish. (93 pts.)

Walls & Pasxa

Great offerings and love their wines.

  • 2022 Pášxa Grenache River Rock Vineyard – USA, Oregon, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
    Glasvin Universal. Wow is this good and would even better over time. Raspberries, perfume, white pepper, dust, violets, earth and smoke on the finish. Long and love this wine. 94+ (94 pts.)
  • 2022 Stanley Groovy Vinho Tinto – USA, Washington
    Glasvin Universal. Cherry, plum, earth, spices and just a fun wine. Very nice. (90 pts.)
  • 2023 The Walls Vineyards Mahana – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Walls makes some good wines and reds are where they are at. Funk, stone, earth, blue currants, raspberries, tar and minerals. Very nice wine. (93 pts.)
  • 2024 Stanley Groovy Chardonnay Don’t Explain – USA, Washington
    Glasvin Universal. Another ok Chardonnay but for the money go elsewhere. Saline, lemon, spices and floral notes. (87 pts.)

L’Ecole & Cadence

2 of my favorite wineries in Washington.

  • 2024 L’Ecole No. 41 Sauvignon Blanc Frenchtown – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Fresh and lively. Grapefruit, spices, lemon and white flowers. Nice acidity. (90 pts.)
  • 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Ferguson Vineyard Walla Walla Valley – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very good with cherry, dust, plum, oak, spices and dark chocolate. Medium to long finish. Really like these wines. (93 pts.)
  • 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 Perigee Estate Seven Hills Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. 51% Cabernet Sauvignon. 20% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot. Cigar, flowers, dried cherries, plum, wood and earth. Very good. (92 pts.)
  • 2022 Cadence Camerata Cara Mia Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. Spices, tobacco, raspberries, floral and earth. Very good wine. 67 Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8 Petit Verdot. (92 pts.)
  • 2022 Cadence Bel Canto Cara Mia Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. Cherry, plum, spices, earth, mint, dried flowers and underbrush. Medium finish. (93 pts.)
  • 2001 Cadence Tapteil Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. Wow and wow! 25 year old wine and this rocked. Top 10 of the Taste Washington Event. Earth, spices, floral, red currants, cherry, minerals and coffee beans. This is a testament to well made Washington State wines and their ability to age!!! (94 pts.)

Misc

Great wines and some ok wines.

Grosgrain & Valdemar & Descendant & Gorman

  • 2021 Grosgrain Vineyards Pinot Noir Sparkling Alderbanks Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. This was solid and for me to give 90 points on a Washington Sparkling is saying a lot. Strawberries, minerals, floral and a touch of spice. Refreshing and nice acidity. (90 pts.)
  • 2024 Grosgrain Vineyards Chenin Blanc – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. A fun wine with lemon, spices, floral and stone. Medium finish. (90 pts.)
  • 2023 Grosgrain Vineyards Grenache Les Collines Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very solid effort with raspberries, underbrush, violets, pepper and sour cherry. Medium finish. (92 pts.)
  • 2025 Grosgrain Vineyards Tout Le Temps – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. White peaches, minerals, white flowers and a touch of lemon. Nice acidity. A crowd pleaser. (91 pts.)
  • 2024 Gorman Winery Chardonnay Big Sissy – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. One of the more disappointing wines of the day. Oak, light fruit and lacks balance. Not well made. (78 pts.)
  • 2025 Gorman Winery The Devil Wears Pink Boushey Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Light and offers watermelon, floral and some minerality. Short finish. (84 pts.)
  • 2022 Gorman Winery Cabernet Sauvignon The Bully – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. Did not get to every table at this show but Gorman had by far the lowest average and not sure how you can make a Red Mountain Cab this bad. Wood, lacks fruit and pepper. Short finish. Pass. (82 pts.)
  • 2022 Gorman Winery The Evil Twin – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
    Glasvin Universal. The only good Gorman wine at this event. Rustic with raspberries, underbrush, stone, dust and earth. Nice fruit and earth elements. Medium finish. (92 pts.)
  • 2023 Alveare Winery Grenache – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Rattlesnake Hills
    Glasvin Universal. Underbrush, game, raspberries and earth. Simple stuff but still tasty. (89 pts.)
  • 2023 Alveare Puddle Jumper – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Rattlesnake Hills
    Glasvin Universal. Floral, spice, lemon and tropical fruits. Nice overall and good value. (88 pts.)
  • 2022 Alveare Cabernet Franc Stillwater Creek Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Royal Slope
    Glasvin Universal. Red currants, cigar, floral, earth and minerals. The best of the 3 wines they poured. (91 pts.)
  • 2023 Avennia Lydian Alto – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Nice wine with a blend of SB and Semillon. Lemon, citrus, minerals, floral and dust. Medium finish. Nice wine. (90 pts.)
  • 2023 Avennia Syrah Arnaut Boushey Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Nice wine with cherry, blueberries, smoke, earth, tar and floral notes. Elegant style.
  • 2023 Valdemar Estates Chardonnay Entre Nosotros – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Not a fan of this one or really most Washington Chardonnay. Light and non expressive. Floral, lemon and some spice. Short finish. (84 pts.)
  • 2022 Valdemar Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Entre Nosotros – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very good with cherry, plum, spices, wood and earth. Medium plus finish. (91 pts.)
  • 2021 Valdemar Estates Syrah – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Rocks, white pepper, earth, red currants and tar. Medium plus finish. Very nice wine. (93 pts.)
  • 2022 Valdemar Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very nice with wood, cherry, spices, pepper, flowers and earth. Very good wine. (92 pts.)
  • 2022 Valdemar Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Earth, cigar, dust, cherry, plum, blueberries and coffee beans. Medium plus finish. (93 pts.)

B’s and Sparkling

Good wines but nothing off the charts.

  • 2022 Balboa Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
    Glasvin Universal. This was very nice with wood, cherry, plum, spices, baking chocolate and dust. Medium plus finish. Drink over the next decade. (91 pts.)
  • N.V. Treveri Cellars Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs Brut – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Heard a lot about these guys and they are solid overall. Not Cali level but good. Shells, lemon, floral and spices. Nice acidity. Solid 90 points. (90 pts.)
  • N.V. Treveri Cellars Rosé Brut – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Good but nothing special with unripe strawberries, minerals and dust. Medium finish. (87 pts.)
  • 2025 Balboa Winery Vermentino Walla Walla – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Completely new wine had to create. This is very nice with grapefruit, lemon, floral, pineapple and spice. Medium finish and nice acidity. (90 pts.)
  • 2023 Balboa Winery Grenache Syrah Mourvedre (GSM) – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Not the best showing for this but like so many wines probably would be better on day 2 or 3. Chery, floral, earth, spices and pepper. Medium finish. (88 pts.)
  • 2023 Baer Winery Reserve Chardonnay Stillwater Creek Vineyard Royal Slope – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Royal Slope
    Glasvin Universal. So few good Chardonnays out of Washington. Stick to the Rhone Whites and Bordeaux Blancs and even Pinot Gris. Anyway not that good with lemon, stone and floral notes. Short finish. Boring. (86 pts.)
  • 2021 Baer Winery Ursa – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Royal Slope
    Glasvin Universal. Earth, cherry, minerals, spices and mild funk. Like this wine. (91 pts.)
  • 2021 Baer Winery Cabernet Franc – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Royal Slope
    Glasvin Universal. Very good with cherry, floral, dust, clay and spices. Cabernet Franc is doing well in Washington. (90 pts.)
  • 2024 Bartholomew Winery Malvasia Bianca – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Clean wine with nice acidity with lemon, tropical fruit, floral and minerals. Nice offering. (90 pts.)
  • 2023 Bartholomew Winery Nero d’Avola – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Raspberries, floral, earth and a touch of pepper. Medium plus finish. (90 pts.)
  • 2021 Bartholomew Winery Sagrantino Weinbau Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope
    Really like this wine with red currants, rose petals, minerals, earth and dust. Medium finish. (91 pts.)
  • 2023 Bartholomew Winery Amativo – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Figs, floral, earth, raspberries and dried twigs. Bartholomew was rocking Taste Washington with these cool wines. (91 pts.)
  • 2022 Bartholomew Winery Carménère – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Another cool wine from this winery. Liking this with clay, spices, rose petals, cherry and earth. Carmenere has a new home. (90 pts.)

Misc

Some good wines overall.

  • 2022 Long Shadows Wineries Merlot Pedestal – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Very good wine and features cherry, plum, wood, spices and minerals. Medium plus finish. Like it. (92 pts.)
  • 2021 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills
    Glasvin Universal. Cherry, earth, plum, wood and floral notes. Complex and should improve over time. (93 pts.)
  • 2023 Andrew Will Malbec BTG Two Blondes Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
    Glasvin Universal. Nice with plum, underbrush, violets, cherry and spices. Malbec’s have been good this trip. (91 pts.)

Well what a day of notes and this did not include the seminars earlier in the day. Did all 3 of course and completed notes on two of the 3 so far.