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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Clearwater Canyon 2009 Renaissance Red

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Price $23

A sweaty note to start, then this turns into a plummy, tannic, astringent red with a hint of barrel toast. — P.G. (5/1/2013)

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Januik 2009 Reserve Red (Red Mountain)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $65

This a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, and all of the fruit came from old vines from two of Washington’s most revered vineyards, Champoux and Weinbau. Supple and ripe, it’s packed with a brilliant flavorful mix of berries, cherries and cassis. The tannins are polished, and the barrel-derived notes of toast, cinnamon, coffee and… — P.G. (4/1/2013)

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Abeja 2009 Heather Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $55

There is a leafy, herbal component to this estate-grown Cabernet Sauvigon, plus suggestions of fresh-cut tobacco and black tea. Aromatic and inviting, the wine also offers a subtle moist-earth note under the ripe, rich flavor of black fruit. Delicious and beautifully structured, this is for aging over the next 5–10 years. — P.G. (4/1/2013)

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Abeja 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Online Exclusive

Price $85

A powerful wine, this is only the fourth reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ever made by Abeja. Thick, black and redolent of new French oak, this is as close to a Napa Valley cult Cabernet as you will find this far north. The alcohol, which nears 16%, is beautifully handled and proportionate, but the wine’s style is over the top and not suited to every palate. Best to… — P.G. (4/1/2013)

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Maison Bleue 2010 Boushey Vineyard Le Midi Grenache (Yakima Valley)

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $35

As excellent as this was was in 2009, the 2010 has reached an almost-ethereal level. The aromatics alone are transportive, with the concentrated essence of raspberries and blueberries at optimal ripeness. The flavors are deep and long, elegant and powerful, and they lead into a finish that’s anchored in notes of mineral and dark chocolate. — P.G. (4/1/2013)

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Pacific Rim 2010 Wallula Vineyard Biodynamic Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $32

Made from grapes sourced from a biodynamically farmed vineyard, this wine puts on an almost-magical display of flower and citrus scents. Deep and concentrated, this has harmonious and potent flavors, and it is amazing how the delicate floral aspect cuts across the juicy, citrusy taste. — P.G. (4/1/2013)

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Abeja 2010 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $38

This is toasty, dense and inviting from the first sniff to the last swallow. It’s an authoritative, tightly woven and complex wine that offers a core of plum and cassis flavors, annotated by streaks of coffee, licorice and iron. The tannins are textural and gripping. Delicious now, this can also be cellared for a decade. — P.G. (4/1/2013)

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Maison Bleue 2011 Notre Vie Arthur’s Vineyard Viognier (Yakima Valley)

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $25

This Viognier is easily Maison Bleue’s best yet, and it sets a high standard for every Viognier in the state. It’s superrich and concentrated without being fat, jammy, bitter or hot. The explosion of citrus, stone fruit and light tropical fruit flavors seems to extend indefinitely on the finish. Details of mineral, baking spice and honeysuckle add interest. — P.G. (4/1/2013)

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2010 Center of Effort

A big, strong Pinot with pure, focused flavors of raspberry cream…

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