"Great holiday reds" by Winemaker's Journal

Great holiday reds

Blog: Winemaker's Journal

December 4, 2012

Now is the time to start thinking about those holiday wines, as gifts, for pairing with special holiday meals and for your own Santa wish list.

Here's a list of some of my favorite locally produced red wines from this year's tastings. Most of these wines you'll only be able to find at the wineries, their tasting rooms or over the Internet so you better get started.

These are listed in no particular order.

Boudreaux Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon: Rob Newsom's impressive and wonderfully complex cab is a wine worthy of your best gathering. This is a wine you can cellar for a decade as well and it will only get better. I plan to drink this bad boy soon and give you a full review. $55

Saint Laurent La Bohéme Artist Series: Beautiful to see, delicious to taste, this Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah from Mike and Laura Mrachek's own Wahluke Slope vineyards comes in a collectible bottle with a new artwork each year by one of Mike's relatives in the Czech Republic. $40

Silvara 2009 Syrah: Gary Seidler hit a home run with this velvety smooth, peppery Syrah made with grapes from Prosser's famed Gamache vineyards. A good buy at $28.

CSR 2009 Whistle Punk: A great gutsy Bordeaux blend in a collector's bottle crafted by Ray Sandidge, one of the region's most experienced winemakers. $18

Benson Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon: Another pick from Lake Chelan, this one made entirely from grapes grown on the Benson Vineyards estate near Manson. This cab crafted by Scott Benson has a lot of heft to it and will store well. $43. Another favorite is Benson's 2008 Rhythm blend of Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. $28

Jones of Washington 2007 Barrel Select: This is a great Super Tuscan pasta and red meat wine that is sure to please. Sangiovese blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and just a touch of oak. $24.99

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joanne 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Great holiday reds

You picked a winning list, Rick. I'd be happy with any...or all of these!

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