There are so many excellent wines from our neighbours directly to the south of us in Washington and Oregon. As I mentioned in my previous article on Sparkling and White Wines from the Northwest Wine Expedition 2023, I would cover my red wine gems in this article. There were more than 30 wineries from Washington and Oregon showing off their wines for us to taste. Pinot Noir shows up often for Oregon as it is a cooler climate grape growing region, while bigger-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are frequent for warmer inland Washington state wineries. Here are my red wine gems.
My Recommended Sparkling and White Wines
Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2021, OR – Light cherry aroma. Medium body with a lean mouthfeel, and medium acidity. Red and candied cherry flavours. 
Archery Summit Dundee Hills AVA Pinot Noir 2021, OR – light cherry, raspberry and cranberry aromas. Light body, lightly round, and a light mouthfeel. Red fruit, cherries, and sweet spices on the palate. An elegant wine. – 
Seven Hills Winery Merlot 2021, WA – Deep garnet colour. Medium-intensity ripe berries and plum aromas. Light body, smooth with a buttery texture. Cedar, red fruits and sweet spices on the palate. Bright flavours.
Seven Hills Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, WA – Deeper garnet colour. Light intensity dark fruit and meaty nose. Bright berries, cherries, nutmeg and cedar flavours with light tannins. Acidity driven.
House of Smith M.C.K. Syrah 2015, WA – A wine with age. It has a medium-intensity dull, brick garnet red colour. Tomato and leather on the nose. Red fruit, leather and sweet spices on the palate. Dry with a medium body. Beautiful with age.
Efeste Estate Ceidleigh Estate Syrah 2019, WA – A deeper garnet colour in the glass. Deep berry fruit aromas. Medium-plus body, silky smooth mouthfeel. Medium acidity and tannins. Ripe berries, blackberries and a touch of black pepper on the palate.
Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine 2018, WA – A blend of 57% Merlot and 43% Cabernet Franc. This wine has a light cherry nose. Light body with flavours of red cherries, raspberries and vanilla. Also a touch of red apple on the finish. This wine had many interesting flavour transitions in each sip.
Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard Sorella 2018, WA – A deeper garnet colour. Light cherry aromas. Fuller body, smooth with medium acidity. Sweet ripe red cherries and sweet spices on the palate. Light tannins and light pepperiness on the finish.
Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate Pinot Noir 2018, OR – Medium intensity toast and red fruit aromas. Dry and soft, medium-minus body. Floral, sweet spices and red berry flavours. Some bitterness on the finish.
DeLille Cellars Metier Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, WA – A deeper garnet colour. Medium intensity red berry aromas. Lighter body, soft, round and delicate mouthfeel. Red fruits and a touch of sweet spices. Buttery. Medium tannins and medium-plus length. Some bitterness on the finish.
Hedges Red Mountain AVA Syrah 2019, WA – Opaque ruby colour. Light intensity dusty blackberries aromas. Medium body, smooth thicker mouthfeel. Light flavours of purple berries, blueberries, and touches of sweet spices and black pepper.
Betz SUNV Pinot Noir 2018, OR – A light cherry colour. Light red cherry nose. Light body, tannins and acidity. Floral, candied red cherries, sweet spices and some dill/herbal flavours.
Chateau Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, WA – A deeper, translucent to the core ruby colour. Medium-intensity aromas of juicy berries. A smooth, thicker mouthfeel. Medium acidity and light fine-grained tannins. Blueberries, blackberries and buttery flavours.
Stoller Family Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2017, OR – A bright, clear red cherry colour. Light aromas of light toast and red cherries. Medium-plus body, round and smooth with a thicker mouthfeel. Rich red fruits, cherries, sweet spices and oak on the palate. Sturcture + fruit! –
I do not have the info readily available as to which wines are currently available at BC Liquor stores or private wine shops. If a wine interests you, please query online at your favourite shop.
