Northwest Totem Cellars

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Northwest Totem Cellars 2005 Cabernet Franc (Columbia Valley (WA))

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Price $30

This solid effort keeps the fruit in focus, with blue plum and tart boysenberry flavors. The tannins are just soft enough to take the edge off, and the herbal/black olive dimensions of the grape are in view but not dominant. Once in the mouth this wine takes its time and lets the flavors roll through the finish, getting leafier as they go. — P.G. (3/1/2008)

points

Northwest Totem Cellars 2005 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $30

Soft and sappy, this appealing Syrah brings bright, snappy boysenberry pie flavors to the table, right down to a hint of pie crust in the back of the mouth. It’s not a huge wine, but it shows the clean and sharp character of Washington fruit, puts a nice spicy note in the bouquet, and keeps the 14% alcohol in check. — P.G. (3/1/2008)

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Northwest Totem Cellars 2005 Low Man Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $30

A Bordeaux blend, this chewy red shows good structure and a core of black fruits. Plenty of black olive, forest floor and earth flavors are mixed in and the wine feels substantial but not heavy or unbalanced. The flavors linger into a pleasing, soft, lightly herbal finish. — P.G. (3/1/2008)

points

Northwest Totem Cellars 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)

Price $30

This unblended Cabernet Sauvignon cuts through with sharp fruit flavors of raspberry and Bing cherry, elevated by a whiff of volatility, but then plunged back into some pillowy tannins. It’s an appealing wine, not too heavy, but with enough varietal character and modulated flavor to keep it interesting. — P.G. (3/1/2008)

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Northwest Totem Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)

Price $30

This is Elerding vineyard fruit and it has some good, juicy flavor upon entry. The downside is that it does not bring in any subsequent layering; the fruit is up front, sweet and simple, with some stiff tannins quickly following. Which makes it an easy-drinking, every day, all-purpose bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, but not up to its full potential. — P.G. (8/1/2009)

points

Northwest Totem Cellars 2005 Qo-ne Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

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In the Haida (native American) language, Qo-ne means friend. This Cab Franc-dominated red blend is friendly enough, with sappy red berry fruit punching through the slightly herbal tannins. It’s a solid, middle of the road version of Washington Cab Franc, showing the tannic side of the grape, but also its plummy fruit and hints of cinnamon spice. — P.G. (3/1/2008)

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Northwest Totem Cellars 2005 Merlot (Yakima Valley)

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Price $30

Chandler Reach vineyards supplied the fruit. This is tart, opening with sharp berry flavors and lots of citrus, then settling into a moderately long finish that brings in a mix of strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit. It’s simple but ready to go. — P.G. (8/1/2009)

points

Northwest Totem Cellars 2006 Grenache (Yakima Valley)

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Price $30

Acidic, chalky and sharp upon entry, this wine’s light berry flavors quickly give way to those tart acids. Though the fruit shows some concentration, it’s a one-dimensional effort that has not completely knit together. — P.G. (8/1/2009)

Most Reviewed Designations

Elerding Vineyard Low Man Low Man Red Potlatch Red Qo-ne Red Salish

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Grenache Merlot Red Blend Syrah White Blend

2010 W.H. Smith

How can a wine be softly appealing and yet brisk in acidity at the same…

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