Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Rosa Vineyard 2005 - 91 points

Velvety and generous, this is a spicy, peppery mouthful of black cherry, tar and spice flavors, beautifully framed by a mild burr of refined tannins. The finish sails on, with the flavors hovering enticingly. Best from 2008 through 2016. 121 cases made. - (H.S.)

Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Hillside Vineyard 2004 - 91 points

Smooth, velvety and generous with its coffee-scented blackberry and currant flavors, finishing with creamy, spicy notes. Tannins are harmonious and the finish sails on beautifully. Drink now through 2012. - (H.S.)

Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley Rosa Vineyard 2004 - 90 points

Firm, but plush enough to balance the tannins with focused berry and dusky, herbal clove flavors, finishing with juicy acidity and lingering spice. Best from 2008-2012. 122 cases made. - (H. S.)

Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley Rosa Vineyard 2003 - 90 points

A new winery worth watching, based in Oregon but focusing (at least for now) on Washington grape sources. Sweet berry and spice flavors against a swarm of fine tannins, balanced nicely to sing through a long finish. Drink now through 2013. - (H.S.)

Meritage, 2005 Columbia Valley - 89 points

Firm in Texture, with a soft glow of cherry and currant fruit pushing through the fine-grained tannins, mingling with hints of tar and roasted meat as the finish persists. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best form 2009 through 2013. 110 cases made. - (H.S.)

Merlot Columbia Valley The Pines Vineyard 2004 - 89 points

Supple and appealing for its spicy plum and currant flavors, a polished, graceful Merlot with more subtlety than power. Drink now through 2011. 145 cases made. (HS)

Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Hillside Vineyard 2002 - 89 points

Rich, ripe and tangy, blazing with wild berry, black currant and spicy, toasty undertones, lingering on the lively finish. Drink now through 2010. 146 cases made. - (H.S.)

Merlot Columbia Valley The Pines Vineyard 2005 - 88 points

Has real presence. A dense mouthful of green olive-scented black fruit and spice flavors, lingering on the finish against firm tannins. Best after 2008. 140 cases made. - (H.S.)

Syrah Columbia Valley The Pines Vineyard 2005 - 88 points

Firm in texture, distinctive in flavor, offering toasty blackberry, black pepper and licorice flavoris that remain solid through the finish. Best from 2008 through 2012. 75 cases made - (H.S.)

Meritage, 2005 Columbia Valley - 88 points

On the tart side, but generous with its red pepper scented raspberry and cherry flavors, lingering against refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2008 through 2012. 145 cases made. - (H.S.)

Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Issue 185
Closing date 10-31-09

Natalie's Estate Winery 2007 Pinot Noir Elton Vineyard Willamette Valley ($30.00) 86 Points
Natalie's Estate Winery 2007 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard Chehalem Mountains ($30.00) 87 Points

This ambitious winery which was founded in 1999 and is located in the Chehalem Mountain's AVA makes, by my count 16 different single vineyard wines, many of them from Yakima and Columbia Valleys in Washington. The Oregon Pinot Noirs include the 2007 Pinot Noir Elton Vineyard, a wine aged in seasoned French oak for 11 months. Medium ruby-colored, it displays a nose of spice box, earth, cherry, and raspberry. Smoothly textured and easy-going on the palate, this is a tasty Pinot Noir for drinking over the next 4 years.

The 2007 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard received the same elevage as the Elton Vineyard, it offers a similar personality but with a bit more depth and concentration. On the palate succulent and fruit flavors lead to a medium-long, pure finish. Drink this tasty effort through 2015.