Paul Gregutt

Pacific Northwest Editor

In addition to reviewing Pacific Northwest wines for Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Seattle-based Contributing Editor Paul Gregutt writes about wine for the Seattle Times. Gregutt's book, Washington Wines & Wineries: the Essential Guide, is now in its second edition and has been released in both paperback and e-book formats. In addition to his work for print, Gregutt writes a well-read blog at www.paulgregutt.com. He and his wife Karen also operate Waitsburg Cottages, vacation rentals in Walla Walla wine country.

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Va Piano 2009 Estate Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Editors' Choice

Price $48

Spice rules this pure, estate-grown Syrah, which boasts a classic nose with streaks of compost, cured meats and oolong tea. Though the stem and herb flavors are abundant, they are swaddled in ripe black fruits and highlighted with licorice and coffee grounds from 22 months in barrel. — P.G. (5/1/2013)

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Va Piano 2009 Estate Uniti Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Editors' Choice

Price $48

Only estate-grown grapes go into this blend that’s one third each Cab Franc and Merlot, plus one third a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. It’s already drinking well, with super fruit concentration bringing raspberry, blueberry and cherry together in a wine finished with luscious chocolaty oak flavors. Smooth and forward, it gathers itself and focuses… — P.G. (5/1/2013)

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Va Piano 2009 Estate Cabernet Franc (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Price $48

This is the first varietally-designated Cab Franc from Va Piano’s estate vineyard. The blend includes 20% Merlot, and the fruit mix of both red and blue berries is delightful. Brown spices and a textural midpalate add to the pleasure. The finish carries appropriate hints of herb and stem. — P.G. (5/1/2013)

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Va Piano 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection

Price $45

Having been given almost four years of age prior to release, this deep, dense, chewy wine includes 10% Cabernet Franc in the blend. Black fruits like cherry and cassis dominate the palate with good penetration. Aromatic and compelling, this is a wine to cellar for at least another decade, maybe two. — P.G. (5/1/2013)

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Sawtooth 2011 Riesling (Snake River Valley)

Best Buy
Online Exclusive

Price $11

Spicy and substantial, this authoritative Riesling snaps into tight focus around apple and melon flavors. Hints of clove and ginger add complexity. — P.G. (5/1/2013)

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Va Piano 2010 Estate Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Price $48

Full bodied and fruity, the 2010 estate Syrah from Va Piano is rounder and less herbal than the 2009. Which style you enjoy is a matter of individual preference. Big and approachable, with lovely blueberry fruit, the 2010 seems to stop a bit short, but with more bottle age may reveal details that are currently in hiding. — P.G. (5/1/2013)

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Manu Propria 2010 Red Willow Vineyard Ex Animo Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $35

A well-made Cabernet, with additions of Merlot and Malbec contributing to the blend. It shows mixed herb and plenty of spice up front, with red berry fruits following. The tannins have been smoothed out a bit, but retain some texture and herbal highlights. — P.G. (5/1/2013)

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Va Piano 2009 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $40

Half of the fruit was sourced from the outstanding Lewis Vineyard, and the dense, dark, purple berry flavors are compelling. Highlights of black olive, smoke, and a bit of stem and earth add complexity. Give this one some breathing time, or cellar it for a few more years to soften the muscular tannins. — P.G. (5/1/2013)

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2010 Buehler Estate

A pretty, polished and tasty wine for drinking now. Made from 100%…

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