While up here in Oregon waiting to climb Mt Hood (via the northwest Sunshine route) I picked up a NW wine or three…
2008 Charles Smith Wines Riesling Columbia Valley Evergreen Vineyard 'Kung Fu Girl’
Nice little wine! A little granny smith on the nose, spritz on the mouth, some spice, petrol going down the gullet. Reminds me of a dry Qba.
Good to Very Good.
2005 Francis Tannahill Syrah Oregon 'Mason Dixon’
Quite lovely blend of Syrah sourced from vineyards in both Northern and Southern Oregon. Youngish tasting, which to me for syrah usually means getting knocked over the head with blueberry notes, but not here. Mildly spicey, touch of game and nicely resolved tannins for lush mouthfeel. Did I say lush? Lush. This is the finest Syrah from Oregon I’ve tasted (though I’ve only had a handfull). Excellent.
2007 Cavatappi Sangiovese Washington State 'Wahluke Slope’
What a nice surprise! Peppery, spicy and gamey nose. Pepper, spice, firm red and black fruits on the mouth. Nicely dry without those annoying drying tannins. A really nice find. Very Good/Excellent.