Yakima Valley Vintners

Andrew Will

Two Blondes Vineyard Merlot Blend 2007

Presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and dried, mixed fruits: brambles, plum, blueberry, purple flowers, leather, earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and rich. Alcohol is medium+. Pretty tasty stuff.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Merlot (or blend thereof), Cabernet Franc (or blend), Cabernet Sauvignon (or blend), Shiraz (or blend) Tempranillo or Syrah from the United States, France, Australia or Spain. The fruit is the star here so I’m taking this to the “new world”. Plus, there is a generosity and elevated alcohol that gives me Aussie vibes (though I find the wine balanced). I also think this has 15-20 years of age. Final conclusion: this is a Shiraz blend from Australia, Barossa, 2005. Daaaaaang. Andrew Will! I don’t hate my call but I should have probably done better with this one since I’m very familiar with these wines. Still much to learn. Drink now through 2037.
— 2 days ago

Lyle, Zach and 8 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

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I miss the days where I lived in a city where I had fellow wine geek friends and had blind-tasting gatherings like this!
Jay Kline

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@Tom Casagrande In eastern Nebraska, the Somm community hosts one every Monday afternoon. It’s super chill, organized by one of my wine mentors, an Advanced Somm. Everyone brings a bottle in a bag. The only criteria is that the bottle is testable at the Advanced level by the CMS. Everyone gets an opportunity to run through the grid and then we discuss. The participants range from the serious collector, to the aspiring wine professional, to the Sommelier trying to advance in their certification(s). It’s pro…but we have fun and learn a lot because there is a lot of functional knowledge in our group.

Sheridan Vineyard

Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Wow! Drinking beautifully and significant fruit forward notes in a good and balanced way. Drank for 15 yr anniversary and unfortunately is my last bottle of this vintage 😪 — 6 months ago

Shay liked this

Betz Family Winery

La Serenne Yakima Valley Syrah 2009

Mature Syrah exactly as it should be. Patience was rewarded. Tannins softened and the super bright fruit of youth given way to dry versions of themselves with black pepper and meat still showing through with leather and earth. — 2 years ago

Ira liked this

Two Vintners

Boushey Vineyard Grenache Blanc 2023

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2023 Boushey Vineyard pours a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of melon, lemon, white flowers and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium with a waxy texture and mineral laden. Drink now. — 6 days ago

Lyle, Tom and 3 others liked this

Crossfork Creek Cellars

Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Crossfork Creek — Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Yakima Valley (Sheridan Vineyard), Washington, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A polished, elegant Yakima Cabernet showing classic Sheridan Vineyard finesse. Structured yet supple, with cassis-driven depth, dark fruit richness, and a cool-climate herbal lift that feels both refined and quietly powerful. Tastes far more expensive than it is.

Aromas & Flavors
Cassis, black plum, blackberry, subtle mint, eucalyptus, cocoa, graphite, and light oak spice.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with silky tannins and excellent balance. Lush but not heavy, smooth and layered, finishing long and composed.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, rosemary chicken, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, or slow-braised short ribs.

Verdict
Beautifully made and genuinely elegant. Complex, expressive, and harmonious without excess weight. A terrific example of Washington Cabernet that delivers both power and finesse.

🍷 Did You Know?
Sheridan Vineyard is one of Yakima Valley’s most respected sites, often supplying fruit to premium Washington producers thanks to its warm days, cool nights, and naturally concentrated Cabernet character.

Personal Pick
Right in my sweet spot, plush fruit, lifted freshness, and silky structure. The kind of bottle that feels “special” without needing a special occasion.
— 4 months ago

Tom, Andrew and 2 others liked this

K Vintners

Art Den Hoed Yakima Valley Viognier 2023

Floral, rather oily texture that explodes with peach, a saline/ citrus, honey and flowers. Quite a spicy element to this as well. For @ $ 20, this is excellent. — 8 months ago

Tom, Dave and 1 other liked this
Tom Casagrande

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Really good winery, though IMO they let the alcohol get too high in a few of their reds.

Kobayashi Winery

Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2024

Sans soufre — 19 days ago

Tom, Austin and 5 others liked this

Sparkman Cellars

Darkness Syrah 2020

Inky goodness. I see why they call it Darkness. It is purple in color. Deep, dark palette. Great value under $40. Bitter chocolate, plum, and black raisins. An excellent buy. — 3 months ago

Scott@Mister, Tom and 1 other liked this

Owen Roe

DuBrul Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

A wonderful Cabernet from one of the best vineyards in Washington. After 21 years, it is still drinking quite deliciously. I would even speculate it has a few more years in it. It was a pleasure to drink.  — 5 months ago