Seattle Metropolitan magazine’s latest issue features “100 Best Wines of the Northwest” on the cover. The list contains some surprises by writers/tasters Condé Cox and Jessica Voelker. For example, 2005 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Cab ($79) has the top spot (congratulations!) while 2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon ($115) comes in at #12 .
But there are other choices that were comfortably predictable. The top ten list includes two favorites from Leonetti: 2006 Columbia Valley Merlot ($65) at #4 and 2005 Walla Walla Reserve blend ($125) at #7. Others in the top ten include 2005 DeLille Chaleur Estates Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot ($72) at #5 and 2005 Betz Pere de Famille blend ($55) at #9. All three wineries placed more than once in the Top 100 list, also no surprise.
And one of our favorite wineries in Oregon, Domaine Drouhin, came in at #18 for its 2005 Lauréne Pinot Noir ($65) and at #67 for its 2006 Oregon Estate Pinot Noir ($45).
It was nice to see 2006 Guardian Cellars Gun Metal blend at #25 — we just picked up a couple of bottles a few weeks ago. And we welcomed the addition of Fall Line’s 2005 Horse Heaven Hills Red Blend at #82. Brian Carter Cellars hit the list for our favorite 2005 Solece at #51, along with 2005 Byzance at #68 and 2005 Tuttorosso blend at #92.
Other favorites: #31 was 2005 Otis Kenyon Syrah while 2004 Goose Ridge Sol Duc Meritage came in at #61, 2005 Nota Bene Cellars Syrah at #74, 2006 William Church Jennifer Syrah (which will be released very soon) at #76, and 2005 Arlington Road Monolith at #80.
But we were disappointed that Woodhouse Family Cellars didn’t enough recognition. Yes, it was listed for its fine 2005 Hudson Shah Viognier at #96. But what about the Woodhouse flagship wine, Darighe? I’m surprised that didn’t show up high on the list, let alone be omitted altogether.
Other favorites of ours are also missing (Alexandria Nicole, Nicholas Cole, Page, to name a few) but some did make the cut (Di Stefano, Buty, Erath, Zerba among others).
For the complete list of 100, you’ll have to get an issue of the magazine. Not only is the list a good read (even if I don’t agree with all of it) but there also is some cool wine photography by Jim Henkins.
Cheers!