Christine Havens

8.9

A deluge of rain just prior to harvest made for a challenging vintage in 2013, a "winemaker's vintage" in the Willamette Valley, but there are bright spots, wines with nuance and freshness. Willamette Valley Vineyards is one such wine, worthy of consideration, with classic raspberry and Rainier cherry notes, trail dust, and mahogany wood. On the palate, tart cranberries and pomander ball lead into a finish of moderate length, inlaid with minerality and tinged with spice. 13.4% ABV | Sample — 10 years ago

Joshua Figg

9.9

Bold and fruity at the start, dry and silky in the finish. Perfection in a glass! Available through WineShop at Home. — 10 years ago

Diedra West

9.1

Quiet plummy nose offers black fruits, tea, juniper; this wine has the scent of a cool redwood forest. Lovely grippy tannins on the palate complement flavors of black plums, earth, coffee, blackberries, and black tea. It's meaty and resinous and lovely, the antidote to a deluge of stupid California Zin. Thanks, Ridge. 15.4% abv | wine club — 12 years ago