Wine By Nine

Red Wine by Sequel from Columbia Valley, Washington. John Duval is the winemaker who for fifteen years presented Australia with its most celebrated wine, Penfold's Grange. This is a deep, dark Syrah loaded with aromatic dark chocolate and black cherries. Lush and concentrated with a perfect balance of richness and acidity that brings the wine to life. Taking advantage of the Columbia Valley's diverse growing region, John worked with a variety of top Washington State Syrah vineyards to build a layered, complex wine. The Horse Heaven Hills' Alder Ridge and Wallula Vineyards (40%) and Red Mountain and the surrounding area vineyards (24%) give the wine concentration, richness, dark fruit colors and flavors. Yakima Valley vineyards (15%), including grapes from the well-known Boushey Vineyard, bring balance to the wine and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon from Sagemoor's Dionysus Vineyard in Pasco enhances the wine's structure and adds dimension.

Red Wine by Ch. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. As the pinnacle tier for Chateau Ste. Michelle, all Ethos wines offer layers of complexity and the Syrah is no exception. As we tasted this one for descriptive notes, we went on and on...but if you have to hold us to a few...the wine delivers aromas and flavors of dark plum, boysenberry, cocoa, roasted coffee and caramel with a full, round, chewy palate and a long finish. The wine is fruit forward, yet incredibly layered, making it a versatile match for almost any pasta or meat dish. However, my classic pairing for this one would have to be lamb. -Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker

Red Wine by Columbia Crest from Columbia Valley, Washington. This Reserve Syrah, crafted in a Cote Rotie style, boasts generous Syrah aromatics of white pepper, cocoa and blueberry, with hints of Viognier's subtly sweet orange peel, pear and rose petal. Spice and earthy overtones, hallmarks of the Horse Heaven Hills terroir, are followed by mouth-filling flavors of dark chocolate, cocoa, and roasted coffee bean and a seductive blueberry-raspberry finish.

Red Wine by Novelty Hill from Columbia Valley, Washington. Like Novelty Hill's debut vintage of Syrah in 2002, this wine is dense and fruit-forward. Ripe black fruit and warm, spicy aromas give way to a mouthful of dark cherries and plums. Balanced and well-structured, with a rich finish.

Red Wine by Gordon Brothers from Columbia Valley, Washington. Aged in small French oak barrels, Gordon Brothers Syrah shows great varietal expression laced with layers of rich cassis, dark chocolate and pepper. It is smooth on the palate with a long-lasting finish. A great glass of wine by itself, this Syrah can be paired with roasted lamb or spicy Asian cuisine.

Red Wine by Barnard Griffin from Columbia Valley, Washington. Sensory: Here is another great Syrah!! Again with a warm vintage we gained great color and dramatic structure. The aromas of our 2004 are intense and very ripe with a background note of spicy toasted French oak. Scents of plums, blackberries and violets are dominant. The flavors are dark and rich on the palate following through with the dark fruit theme. The wine is soft in its tannins but balanced with good acidity. Vineyards and Growing Season: The 2004 growing season was hot with deep ripening fruit that gave us wines of good structure. Both sugars and acids were balanced and optimal throughout our contracted Syrah vineyards. I believe that Syrah achieves best results in our climate if allowed to begin its characteristic dehydration. I remain dedicated to blending different vineyard sources to achieve balanced, full flavored wines. Winemaking: ICV D54 yeast was used with a maximum fermentation temp of 88F Pump-overs 2 to 3 times daily until fermented to ca. 5 degrees brix Bottled 7/05 Malo-lactic positive Aged in both American and French oak barrels Alcohol: 13.8%

Red Wine by Columbia Winery from Columbia Valley, Washington. Black plums and spices are heavy on the nose. Resonated on the palate are hints of dark ripe fruit, smoke and black pepper followed by a full finish.

Red Wine by Columbia Crest from Columbia Valley, Washington. This seductive Shiraz displays a rich perfume of raspberries, honeysuckle and rose petals. The complex, fresh, and voluptuously textured palate leads to a supple, silky finish.

Red Wine by Ch. Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. Cool temperatures early in the season led to a warm, dry and stable growing season. A cold front in September slowed the ripening allowing grapes an extended time on the vine which developed intense flavors. Exotic spice aromas heightened by a hint of white pepper. Pairs well with beef, grilled salmon and strongly flavored cheeses. Blend: 93% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Grenache, 1% Merlot

Red Wine by Red Diamond from Columbia Valley, Washington. Blend: 95.5% Shiraz, 2.5% Viognier, 2% Grenache A juicy, fruit-forward Shiraz with a bit of floral spice, courtesy of a splash of co-fermented Viognier.

Red Wine by Columbia Crest from Columbia Valley, Washington. The Two Vines Shiraz features New World-style, ripe, jammy fruitiness blended from varieties traditional in the Rhone Valley. Black cherry and white pepper aromatics are also pronounced on the palate along with hints of boysenberry and raspberry. The lingering finish is pleasingly supple. - Ray Einberger, Winemaker

Red Wine by Red Diamond from Columbia Valley, Washington. Aromas of raspberry, jam, leather and pepper mingle with a bit of floral spice on the nose. Spicy floral notes carry through the fruit-packed, medium-bodied palate, finishing with a touch of honey.