-Wine Spectator, Robert Parker & Other Top Rated Northwest Wines

 

Wines on this page have been rated well by Wine & Spirits, Wine Spectator, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Burghound, or Northwest wine publications such as Wine Press NW, the Oregon Wine Report, or PinotFile. Newly released wines from wineries with a history of past good scores from these publications are shown on this page. (The vintages reviewed by these publications are often sold out by the time ratings are published).

We've included a few wines from winemakers whose other wines have received high scores. The best example of this is the Dusky Goose Pinot noir, made by Lynn Penner-Ash. She makes a wine for her Penner-Ash Wine Cellars called "Goldschmidt" Pinot noir that got great ratings from Wine Spectator. She also makes this wine, from the same vineyard source, which is as good or better, but is not submitted to Wine Spectator or any other reviewer.

Wine Advocate
Oregon Wine Reviews
July 2006

Parker's annual Wine Advocate Oregon issue is out, with the commentary and reviews written, as usual, by Pierre Rovani.

There are three 94 points wines this time, more than ever before, and lots of 90-93 pointers. All in all, his assessment of Oregon is: "progress is steady".

The three 94 point wines were:

Hamacher Pinot noir 03
(will not be released for a year),
Bryce Vineyard Pinot noir 03
( sold out), and
St Innocent Pinot noir
White Rose 03

(sold out, Avalon's Reserve Pinot noir Wine Club members
received it in their June 2005 shipment).

We have a supply of the St Innocent White Rose 04, (featured in our June 23rd email) which we think is better than the 2003. The time to order is now, if you wait until it is reviewed next year, it will be long gone.

The six 93 point wines were:

Bethel Heights Pinot noir Casteel 03
(featured in our last email),
Francis Tannahill Syrah 02
(sold out),
St Innocent Pinot noir Anden 03 (sold out),
St Innocent Pinot noir Shea 03

(sold out, we have the St Innocent Shea 04 available),
Soter Pinot noir Beacon Hill 03
(sold out, sent to the Avalon RPN Club in September 2005),
Ken Wright Nysa 04 (sold out).

Of the 90-92 point wines, we recommend the following that are still available:
(click links to read Parker reviews)

Adea Pinot noir Hawk's View 03 $31.46/34.95
Wine Advocate 90 points.

Bethel Heights Pinot noir Seven Springs 04 $35.87/$39.85
Wine Advocate 91 points
.

Bethel Heights Pinot noir Casteel Reserve 03 $35.77/$39.75
Wine Advocate 93 points.

Argyle Spirithouse 03 $54/$60
Wine Advocate 89+ points.
Wine Spectator rating 92 points.

Elk Cove Pinot noir Mt Richmond 04 375 ml $16.88/$18.75
Wine Advocate 91 points
.

Hamacher Pinot noir 2002 $40.46/$44.95
Wine Advocate 90+ points. The 2003 will not be released for a year.

Andrew Rich Roussanne 04 $16.16/$17.95
Wine Advocate 89 points.

We recommend these newer vintages
of top rated wines in the Oregon Issue of Wine Advocate:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY AVALON
St Innocent Pinot noir White Rose 04 $35.96/$39.95

The 2003 St Innocent White Rose received 94 points from Wine Advocate.
From the winery: "St Innocent's most hedonistic wine. It is the only wine that I do not focus on the details of aroma or flavor. Instead, I enjoy the pleasure, it is drop dead gorgeous. Aromas of perfectly ripe fruit and hints of sweet smoky oak, it fills your mouth with dark fruits and red flowers. Lush with ripe tannin, it is still quite young and should fill out even more through the end of 2006."

Brick House Les Dijonnais 04 $41.36/$45.95
The 2003 vintage received 91 points from Wine Advocate.
The 2004 Les Dijonnais, in nose and mouth, shows floral, mineral, fruit, and smoke elements. Sweet red cherry and dried roses intermingle with deep cherry, berry, and plum flavors, and there's a hint of fresh turned earth after a spring rain. Elegant rather than blockbuster, this is typically sophisticated and complex Brick House -- classically Burgundian, with an Oregon twist.

Francis Tannahill "The Hermit" 04 $40.46/$44.95
The 2003 Francis Tannahill Hermit received 90+ points from Wine Advocate.

Tasting Notes from the winery – The wine possesses a beautiful dark garnet burgundy color from the almost opaque center to the rim. Excellently focused aromas of violets and smoke immediately emerge from the glass. Complex spice, sweet raspberries, bing cherries, blackberries, game, minerals (wet stones) and earth notes come out with aeration. Very ripe and perfumed, the aromatics lead to a rich and succulent palate.

Bethel Heights Pinot noir Southeast Block 04 $32.40/$36.00
2003 Bethel Heights Southeast Block received 91 points from Wine Advocate.
2004 is a new release, June, 2006. From the winery: "Lush, layered and finely textured, the 2004 Southeast Block greets you with a feast of ripe raspberry, Bing cherry, plum and oak spice. The palate is full and rich, balanced with ample acidity and tannin to provide outstanding length and breadth."

J Daan Wine Cellars Pinot noir 04 $17.95/$19.95
2003 J Daan Pinot noir received 90 points from Wine Advocate!
J Daan is the winery of Justin Van Zanten, assistant winemaker to Andrew Rich since 2001. With a sweet and appealing nose of perfumed raspberry and violets, entwined with sweet toasty vanilla oak, this is a really nice everyday wine. Flavors of black raspberry, red raspberry, red cherry, and a hint of nutmeg make for a juicy, yummy, easy drinking Pinot. The finish is simple but well made, and it's so easy to drink and enjoy.

Stevenson Barrie Pinot noir Shea Vineyard 03 $24.98/$27.75
The 2002 received 90 points from Wine Advocate.
Last week, we sent out an email about the 2002, and you ordered quite a bit. Now the winery is on to the 2003, which we think is as good or better.

 

As long as we're talking about Wine Spectator and ratings, here's our page of wines that are NOT well known enough to be rated by Wine Spectator, our selection of "Insider" wines. You know how great it is to find a little wine that tastes great, has a great price, a neat story, and no one else knows about. Well, we look for those wines all the time, and list our choices for the best Insider wines on a special page.

 

 

 

 


=======================

Here's the way Harvey Steiman saw
the last few Oregon vintages:

 

2004

Wine Spectator
Prelimnary Ratings
for Oregon and Washington 2004 Vintages:

Oregon B+

 
2003 ???? Not on the site yet.  
2002 "Extraordinary balance, pure flavors, some great wines 97
2001 "Many elegant wines but some excessive yields"

94

2000 "Many intense wines, but beware those caught in late season rain" 91
1999 "Brilliantly flavored, focused wines

94

1998 "Rich, classic wines, few poor bottles, some are tannic" 92

Wine Spectator is the US's most widely read wine magazine, and its ratings are eagerly anticipated (and sometimes dreaded) by Northwest winemakers. Wine Spectator's reviewer for Oregon and Washington wines is Harvey Steiman. When Mr Steiman is in the Northwest, everyone knows. His annual visits give winemakers the chance to strut their stuff to one of the most influential publications in the wine industry.


Harvey Steiman

Harvey Steiman is Editor at large for Wine Spectator, based in San Francisco. He joined Wine Spectator in 1983. His tasting beat includes Australia, New Zealand, Oregon, and Washington.

Wine Spectator’s
100-Point Scale

95–100 Classic

90–94 Outstanding

85–89 Very Good

80–84 Good

70–79 Average

50–69 Not Recommended

 

Read More About
Wine Spectator's
Rating Procedure Here

Wine Spectator Ratings-
Washington Wines 7/05


Betz Syrah Red Mountain La Côte Rousse 2002 94

Cougar Crest Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2002 94

Chateau Ste. Michelle White Riesling Columbia Valley Ice Wine 2002 93

Fielding Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2002 93

Russell Creek Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2002 93

Whitman Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2002 93

Betz Syrah Columbia Valley La Serenne 2002 92

Owen Sullivan R3 Columbia Valley 2002 92

Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Red Mountain 2002 92

Sineann Zinfandel Columbia Valley Old Vine 2002 92

Sineann Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Baby Poux Vineyard 2002 92

Tyrus Evan Syrah Walla Walla 2002 92

Bookwalter Merlot Columbia Valley 2002 91

Cadence Bel Canto Red Mountain 2002 91

Cadence Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain 2002 91

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay Columbia Valley Reserve 2002 91

Chateau Ste. Michelle-Dr. Loosen Riesling Columbia Valley Eroica 2002 91

Columbia Crest Syrah Columbia Valley Reserve 2002 91

Hogue Chardonnay Columbia Valley Reserve 2002 91

Januik Syrah Columbia Valley 2002 91

K Syrah Walla Walla Valley The Beautiful 2002 91

L'Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley Seven Hills Vineyard 2002 91

L'Ecole No. 41 Syrah Walla Walla Valley Seven Hills Vineyard 2002 91

Leonetti Merlot Columbia Valley 2002 91

Owen Roe DuBrul Vineyard Rosa Mystica Block Yakima Valley 2002 91

Owen Roe Syrah Yakima Valley DuBrul Vineyard Rosa Mystica Block 2002 91

Russell Creek Tributary Washington 2002 91

Spring Valley Uriah Walla Walla Valley 2002 91

Tamarack Firehouse Red Columbia Valley 2002 91

Buty Chardonnay Columbia Valley Conner Lee Vineyard 2002 90

Cadence Klipsun Vineyard Red Mountain 2002 90

Cayuse Viognier Walla Walla Valley Cailloux Vineyard 2002 90

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay Columbia Valley Indian Wells 2002 90

Columbia Crest Chardonnay Columbia Valley Reserve 2002 90

Cougar Crest Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley 2002 90

Cougar Crest Merlot Walla Walla Valley Hangartown Select 2002 90

Five Star Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2002 90

Five Star Merlot Walla Walla Valley 2002 90

Fort Walla Walla Merlot Walla Walla Valley 2002 90

Barnard Griffin Merlot Red Mountain Ciel du Cheval 2002 90

Isenhower Syrah Columbia Valley Wild Alfalfa 2002 90

K Syrah Walla Walla Valley Cougar Hills 2002 90

K Syrah Walla Walla Valley Wells 2002 90

Kiona Chenin Blanc Red Mountain Ice Wine 2002 90

L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon Columbia Valley Barrel Fermented 2002 90

L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon Walla Walla Valley Late Harvest Seven Hills Vineyard 2002 90

Owen Sullivan Ulysses Sheridan Vineyard Yakima Valley 2002 90

Russell Creek Sangiovese Walla Walla Valley 2002 90

Saviah Big Sky Cuvée Walla Walla Valley 2002 90

Saviah Syrah Red Mountain 2002 90

Silver Lake Syrah Columbia Valley 2002 90

Waterbrook Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2002 90

Waterbrook Merlot Columbia Valley 2002 90

Amavi Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2002 89

Cadence Tapteil Vineyard Red Mountain 2002 89

Columbia Chardonnay Yakima Valley Wyckoff Vineyard David Lake Signature Series 2002 89

Columbia Crest Chardonnay Columbia Valley Grand Estates 2002 89

Cougar Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2002 89

Covey Run Chardonnay Yakima Valley Reserve 2002 89

DeLille Chaleur Estate White Columbia Valley 2002 89

Dunham Syrah Columbia Valley Lewis Vineyard 2002 89

Dusted Valley Barrel Thief Red Columbia Valley 2002 89

E.B. Foote Perfect á Trois Columbia Valley 2002 89

Fort Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2002 89

Isenhower Merlot Columbia Valley Red Paintbrush 2002 89

Kestrel Viognier Yakima Valley Kestrel View Estate Vineyard 2002 89

Kiona White Riesling Red Mountain Late Harvest 2002 89

L'Ecole No. 41 Syrah Columbia Valley 2002 89

MacCallum Syrah Yakima Valley 2002 89

Natalie's Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Hillside Vineyard 2002 89

Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2002 89

Rulo Combine Columbia Valley 2002 89

Seven Hills Merlot Columbia Valley Klipsun Vineyard 2002 89

Tamarack Merlot Columbia Valley 2002 89

Whitman Viognier Walla Walla Valley 2002 89

Woodward Canyon Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2002 89

Arbor Crest Chardonnay Columbia Valley Conner Lee Vineyard 2002 88

Badger Mountain Syrah Columbia Valley 2002 88

Basel Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley 2002 88

Cadence Coda Columbia Valley 2002 88

Chateau Faire Le Pont Provence Washington 2002 88

Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris Columbia Valley 2002 88

Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot Columbia Valley Cold Creek Vineyard 2002 88

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2002 88

Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley Horse Heaven Vineyard 2002 88

Columbia Riesling Columbia Valley Cellarmaster's 2002 88

Columbia Crest Shiraz Columbia Valley 2002 88

Dunham Syrah Columbia Valley 2002 88

E.B. Foote Syrah Columbia Valley Graves Vineyard 2002 88

Five Star Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2002 88

Glen Fiona Syrah Columbia Valley Bacchus Vineyard 2002 88

Goose Ridge Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2002 88

Hogue Johannisberg Riesling Columbia Valley 2002 88

Hogue Chardonnay Columbia Valley Genesis 2002 88

Kiona Gewürztraminer Red Mountain Late Harvest 2002 88

L'Ecole No. 41 Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2002 88

L'Ecole No. 41 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2002 88

L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon Walla Walla Valley Seven Hills Vineyard 2002 88

Lone Canary Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley 2002 88

Lost River Merlot Columbia Valley 2002 88


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


$48.55 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $53.95

Qty.

Cote Bonneville Carriage House Dubrul Vineyard 04 Wine Spectator rating 94 points: "This is dense, juicy and savory, with a meaty edge to the plump cherry and boysenberry flavors g
...read more



$33.26 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $36.95

Qty.

DeLille Cellars Doyenne Aix 05 received 93 points from Wine Spectator and is rated as "Highly Recommended" in the June 15 2008 Wine Spectator Advance.

Wine Spectator says: The
...read more



$21.55 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $23.95

Qty.

Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon 05 received 92 points from the Wine Spectator. They named it the best value from Washington State.

Wine Spectator says: "Ripe and rich, a full-bodied,
...read more



$80.95 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $89.95

Qty.

Beaux Freres Pinot noir Ribbon Ridge The Upper Terrace 06 Wine Spectator 94 Points and Wine Spectator "HOT" Wine in Wine Spectator "Insider" for May 7, 2008:

Elegant and refin
...read more



$55.76 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $61.95

Qty.

Previous vintage 2004 tasting notes: Wine Spectator 91 points: "Dense in texture, but not heavy, with bright red cherry, pomegranate and plum flavors piercing a distinct layer of fine-grained t
...read more


$62.05 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $68.95

Qty.

2005 Andrew Will Sorella is Washington wine at the top of its game. Intense aromas of black and blue fruits with wiffs of vanilla-tinged woodsmoke then wait--Amarena cherry cream. Oh the dense la
...read more



$35.96 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $39.95

Qty.

ROCO's 2006 Pinot noir's release in May 2008 coincides with Avalon Wine sending it to our Reserve Pinot noir Club. members will receive 15% off reorders.

The ROCO Pinot noir 2006's deep garnet c
...read more



$56.66 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $62.95

Qty.

Black Cap Chardonnay 06 challenges Burgundy's best -Black Cap rises miles above the usual Oregon Chardonnay - and stands toe to toe with white Burgundies at five times the price.

Black Cap Char
...read more



$42.26 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $46.95

Qty.

Black Cap Pinot noir 06 unfolds over hours and days. Complex and captivating, it begins with pretty red fruit and earth nuances that, with air, open to a spicy display of lush cherry and raspberry
...read more



$58.45 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $64.95

Qty.

A concentrated nose of cassis, black plum, soil, smoke, violets, and spicy herbs. The lush palate offers up beautifully dense black fruits, with attractive sweetness and awesome length. This is a
...read more



$71.95 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $79.95

Qty.

Avalon Tasting Notes

The most seductive, mouthfilling Beaux Freres Pinot noir to date. Let the fanfare begin!

It's an orchestra of mixed fruits, all delivered in a superbly
...read more



$41.36 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $45.95

Qty.

92 points Wine Spectator! "Lithe in texture, with refined tannins, wrapping around a glowing core of raspberry, cherry and cinnamon flavors, drifting through the finish as if unmoored from the cris
...read more



$41.36 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $45.95

Qty.

Antica Terra Pinot noir 06 is lovely - subtle floral notes mingle with scents of raspberry jam and a hint of toast. A beautifully ripe and rich palate of fruit unravels, showing succulent black cherr
...read more


$31.46 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $34.95

Qty.

Intense and lush in style, the Shea Chardonnay marries white Burgundy with the best of Oregon. Aromas of tangerine and white flowers lead into ripe flavors of pear and citrusy accents. 100% barrel f
...read more


$32.36 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $35.95

Qty.

The Soter North Valley Pinot noir 06 has its trademark silky mouth feel. 2006's warm vintage helped to make this vintage round, intense, and ready to drink. Flavors of red cherry, strawberries, rose
...read more


$53.95 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $59.95

Qty.

From the Penner-Ash Estate Vineyard. Aromas of dried rose petal, baked cherry pie and spice. Lush, textured palate with hints of sweet vanilla, blackberry and chocolate. Fine tannins move into a seaml
...read more

Scott Paul Cuvee Martha Pirrie Pinot noir 06

$21.55 - Case price (any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $23.95

New release October 2007. Excellent value from Scott Paul Wright.

Shea, Stoller, and Ribbon Ridge Vineyards went into this lovely Pinot noir. Scott Paul Wines has a reputation among Oregon wi

...read more >>

 


$39.83 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $44.25

Qty.

Avalon Notes: There's no need for a decanter. The Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon 05 shows off its big aromas of black fruit, espresso, milk chocolate, graham, and violet
...read more



$46.76 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $51.95

Qty.

Boudreaux Cabernet Sauvignon 05 is an Avalon NW Big Reds Club selection. Wine club members receive a 15% discount on this wine.

No Washington Cab cellar is complete without the Boudreaux 05 Cab.
...read more



$44.95 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $49.95

Qty.

Avalon's tasting notes:

Fragrant and spicy, with a pretty perfumed nose of lovely violets, graham and lush red fruit. Opulent, creamy red cherries and berries fill your mouth. Sweet
...read more



$39.60 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $44.00

Qty.

"This 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from grapes grown primarily at Champoux, Sagemoor, Klipsun and Tapteil Vineyards. These four vineyards are some of the most highly regarded properties in
...read more



$41.36 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $45.95

Qty.

Did we say Mark Ryan and Willamette Valley? Indeed. Mark loves Pinot noir, and decided to source grapes from Lachini Vineyard to produce four barrels of 2006 Pinot noir, named Black Love after th
...read more



$41.36 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $45.95

Qty.

Highly recommended by Avalon! Beaming, burly black plum and black berry fruit picks up leather, anise, bacon, cocoa, and black pepper moving toward the finish. Concentrated and structured, this i
...read more



$26.05 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $28.95

Qty.

Huge, toasty aromas of black fruit guide you in to a lush attack of black currant, black cherry, and sweet cedar. The finish has the right amount of grip, balancing the softness on the front end o
...read more



$15.25 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $16.95

Qty.

O'Reilly's Pinot noir is the most popular value Oregon Pinot noir we sell. Every year the wine's d
...read more



$18.86 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $20.95

Qty.

Shockingly tropical on the nose given the cooler 2007 vintage. Lush ripe passion fruit and hints of vibrant lime curd make for a mouth filling Pinot Gris. The finish is full of lingering white honeys
...read more


$52.16 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $57.95

Qty.

Pedestal Merlot 05 opens with amazingly deep, yet elegant aromas of black cherries, black berries, fresh ground coffee, and clay. A saturated palate of layered fruit, with ripe currant and plum tak
...read more



$31.46 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $34.95

Qty.

Patton Valley's 2006 Pinot noir is a fleshy, structured 2006 Pinot loaded with black berry and dark currant fruit, accented with heady aromas of cherry cream. Plums build as the finish powers on, pi
...read more


$37.80 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $42.00

Qty.

David O'Reilly's take on the beautifully ripe fruit of Walla Walla. A more showy wine, the 06 Walla Walla Cab lays its lush cards on the table. Deep aromas of dark berries and cassis, mocha, deser
...read more


$35.96 - Case price
(any 12 or more bottles)

Price: $39.95

Qty.