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 Cana’s Feast 2013 Columbia Valley A complex, layered nose of black pepper, black olive, va- nilla, sweet herb and floral notes are joined on the palate with fresh fruit flavors. Sweet blueberry and rich cherry are spiced with black pepper and carried by toasty undertones through a deliciously long finish. $30; 248 cases Bergevin Lane 2013 Wahluke Slope Dreamweaver Malbec If this were a jazz club it would be named “Dark & Smoky,” and someone with a very deep, velvety voice would be performing. Purple and inky in the glass, the wine seduces with aromas of smoke, meat and bacon. On Red, the palate, dark, concentrated fruits of black currant and Panel explores Bordeaux-Style BigS stewed plum get a sprinkle of black pepper and a little lift from mint and pomegranate. $28; 133 cases Schmidt Family 2012 Malbec In the classic growing region of Bordeaux, weather can Presenting the fruity, fun yet beautiful side of Malbec. Mouthwatering, juicy aromas and flavors entice with notes result in unpredictable . Growers hedge their of Marionberry, white flowers and a kick of licorice. This soft, bets by planting allowed in their appellation and rich wine could wear a sign reading “Drink Me,” and, unlike working with what Mother Nature serves up each year. Alice, you would be happy you did. $36; 75 cases In turn, late-ripening varieties are often blended with Zerba Cellars 2012 Walla Walla Valley more dependable ones. In , while there is certainly For those who crave a Cab Sauv full of dark notes and variation, there is a bit more assurance that slower woody flavors, here’s your wine. Aromas of incense, sandal- varieties will reach maturity. As a result, Oregon’s wine- wood, baking spice, cinnamon, pipe tobacco and currant makers delight in both blending and tantalize before the first sip even passes the lips. Sweet spices repeat on the palate with clove, leather and dark showcasing varietals on their own. fruits. A big wine with a full, smoky finish. $36; 601 cases  Eola Hills Wine Cellars 2014 Oregon Potter’s 2013 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon A very young Cabernet Sauvignon — no surprise this Approachable in youth, this Cab, with its fruit-forward, wine could present a little tight — there is enough “there, jammy nose, just might make the first move. Cherries, red there” to enjoy right away with notes of sweet pipe tobacco, and blue berries, vanilla and cola round out the ripe yet vanilla, red currant, chocolate, peppery spice and a hint of balanced palate. $45; 47 cases raspberry on the finish. $15; 1,000 cases Silvan Ridge 2013 Rogue Valley  Ledger David Cellars 2013 Rogue Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Like sitting by a campfire, this very savory Cabernet Sau- This Cabernet Franc has a lot to say in a most pleasant vignon hints of smoke, cedar and bacon with a tart note tone. Flavors and aromas include cherry, black pepper, of lingonberry. Balanced acid keeps this masculine Cab smoked meat, black tea, plum, stewed red fruit and dried pleasant on the palate. $28; 600 cases herbs. Structure is well-integrated, allowing for a long, evolving finish. A wine to sit and ponder. $29; 234 cases

Panel Favorite!  Griffin Creek 2012 “Griffin” Rogue Valley Bordeaux Blend Vineyards’ second label shines with this big red blend. Aromas of concentrated cranberry and blueberry initiate the wine experi- ence with sweet flavors of herbs, marzipan and vanilla adding to the more  Watermill 2012 Walla Walla Valley muted berry palate — note the big physique for such delicate flavors. Toast, jam and coffee? Why not?! These flavors and others Zingy acidity keeps it fresh and bright over a long finish. Can be enjoyed abound in this luscious wine that offers soft Merlot flavors now or lay this one down and allow it to develop. $65; 214 cases without being too hot or sweet. Notes of vanilla, cinnamon, red cherry, honeysuckle, baked sugar, cocoa and tobacco dance on the palate and in the aroma. $24; 375 cases The Oregon Wine Press tasting panel has selected the following based on overall quality and value within their respective categories. To  Cana’s Feast 2013 Columbia Valley the best of our knowledge, they are currently available in the marketplace. Amazing deep purple hue with concentrated flavors of the Wine must be: 1) produced by an Oregon winery; 2) priced according to schedule below*; and 3) currently available to consumers. Recommended darkest plum, notes of cinnamon, clove, vanilla, floral, wines were selected using a double-blind method and a 20-point ranking blackberry syrup, succulent black cherry and dried herbs; system for appearance, aroma, taste, balance and finish. all this and more delivered in a package of velvety tannins, bright acid and a lengthy finish with mineral and woody textures. Intriguing and nuanced, this wine will keep your palate alert and pleasantly occupied. $32; 223 cases No limitations on price for Cellar Select submissions

12 | OWP | MARCH 2016