When originally reviewed in October of 2021 I described this as chewy and toasty, with ample tannins setting it up against mulberry and plum fruit. The wine comes into focus in the back of the palate, extending the flavors through a full-bodied and clean finish. Re-tasted this past week it was even better, richly fruity, lightly chocolatey, spicy and bold yet perfectly balanced and crisp. What a difference a year makes! 100 cases; 14.9%; $24 (Rogue Valley)

https://peterwilliamvineyard.com/product/gsm-2018-grenache-syrah-mourvedre/

This value blend hits hard and fast with a big burst of herries and mint, vanilla and bourbon tea, tobacco and blueberry pie. The 2018 vintage was good from the start, and the extra bottle age only makes this wine better. The blend is 40% Syrah, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from unnamed Washington state vineyards (likely Weinbau and Bacchus). Aged 10 months in one quarter new oak, at this price, it's a steal. 6000 cases; 13.5%; $15 (Columbia Valley)

https://kingestate.com/products/2018-next-columbia-valley-red-blend/

This blended red brings together grapes from a plenitude of Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills and Walla Walla Valley vineyards. It's principally Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Though produced by an Oregon winery, it's classic Washington in style and focus. Chewy, chunky flavors of black cherry, cassis, tobacco, graphite and slate combine in a powerful wine that emulates Washington Bordeaux blends selling for considerably higher dollars. Though this is not an expensive wine, it includes grapes from such iconic sites as Klipsun, Seven Hills and Elephant Mountain, afforded extended aging in one quarter new oak. 1024 cases; 14.2%; $40 (Columbia Valley)

https://www.pamplinfamilywinery.com/2018-jrg-red-wine/

Here is your perfect pizza wine. Set the table with your finest checkered tablecloth and pour a fruit-laden glass of this Sangiovese/Teroldego/Barbera/Primitivo blend. The same fruit as featured in the varietal designates goes into this carafe-ready red, which brings a lush mix of strawberries, raspberries, plums and blackberries into focus. The tannins are perfectly balanced and lend some gravitas to the wine. See all Montoliva reviews under ‘Deep Dive’. 250 cases; 13.8%; $22 (Sierra Foothills – Chicago Park)

https://www.montoliva.com/product/sierra-bella-2020/