Featured Wine
Solaksen Vineyard, Royal Slope AVA, Washington
A right-bank-inspired Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from Solaksen Vineyard in eastern Washington’s Royal Slope AVA.
About the vineyard. Solaksen Vineyard is a high-elevation site atop the Frenchman Hills in the Royal Slope AVA, established in 2013. The name is Norwegian-inspired and means “off axis to the sun” — a reference to how the rows are planted. The 105-acre, sustainably farmed site sits at roughly 1,300 feet, with angled, south-facing slopes and cool nights that help retain acidity in the fruit. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are all grown on the property.
About the AVA. Royal Slope is a federally recognized AVA in central Washington, established in 2020 and contained within the larger Columbia Valley AVA. Vineyards sit between roughly 1,000 and 1,700 feet on a broad, south-facing slope, with loess (windblown silt) soils that drain well and naturally restrain vine vigor.
In the glass. Raspberry fruit, a green note of bell pepper from the Cabernet Franc, and an earthy finish. Medium-bodied with the structure of the blend’s Bordeaux roots.
Pairs with: grilled steak frites, lamb, duck confit, mushroom dishes, hard cheeses.
Vintage - 2019
Varietal - Cabernet Franc / Merlot blend
Vineyard - Solaksen Vineyard
AVA - Royal Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington
Tasting notes - Raspberry, bell peppers, earthy
Format - 750 ml
Columbia Valley, Washington
A Columbia Valley Syrah held back and released as a reserve bottling.
About the region. The Columbia Valley AVA spans much of eastern Washington and is one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading regions for Syrah. Warm days, cool nights, loess soils, and managed irrigation in a semi-arid climate produce concentrated, structured wines. Royal Slope, a sub-AVA established in 2020 within the Columbia Valley, has become particularly noted for its Syrah; Stoneridge Vineyard fruit from the slope was used to make Washington’s first 100-point Syrah from Wine Enthusiast.
In the glass. Dark cherry, vanilla, and allspice. Full-bodied, structured, and with enough tannin and acidity to keep up with rich food.
Pairs with: grilled lamb, beef short ribs, peppered steaks, hearty stews, aged hard cheeses.
Vintage - 2018
Varietal - Syrah
AVA - Columbia Valley, Washington
Tasting notes - Dark cherry, vanilla, allspice
Format - 750 ml
Willamette Valley, Oregon
A Pinot Noir from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, sourced from one of Oregon’s most established Pinot Noir-growing areas.
About the AVA. Yamhill-Carlton is an American Viticultural Area in Oregon’s northern Willamette Valley. The area is centered on the small agricultural towns of Yamhill and Carlton and is recognized for ancient marine sedimentary soils that drain quickly and a long, cool growing season — conditions that have made it one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected regions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
In the glass. Black currant on the nose and palate, with a fine mineral edge and a finishing note of allspice. Medium-bodied and food-friendly.
Pairs with: roasted poultry, lamb, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, soft-rind cheeses.
Vintage - 2019
Varietal - Pinot Noir
AVA - Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Tasting notes - Black currant, minerality, allspice
Format - 750 ml