Dense with incredible tension and viscosity. From an outstanding, warm vintage in the Columbia Valley, this shows off intense Asian spices, wild blackberry cobbler, sage, cassis and scorched earth aromas. The long, lingering palate is dense but balanced, with light tannins and bright minerality supporting flavours of creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, blueberry compote and sage. A stunning wine at 14 years old that will continue to evolve well for at least another decade.

Generous on the nose, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with stewed fruit and lavish French oak tones. The wine is beginning to peak, as soft wilted plum flavors sway on the palate before moving to plum reduction, cooked fruits, baked cherry skin and reduced blackberry jus, showing the evolution of the bottle. I've had the pleasure of sampling this bottle many times before, but now, the wine is coming to the end of its life and should be consumed in the next couple of years. If this is in your cellar, start thinking about that special occasion to open it. What better way to honor this wonderful wine. - Anthony Mueller

Still young, chewy and textural, this stands as a classic Washington 2005 red—lusciously laden with mixed red and black berries, generous and deep; dense and jammy. The mixed berries, red licorice, cherries, layers of butterscotch, toffee and caramel are beautifully integrated and linger seductively into the finish. It has some initial alcoholic heat, but the flavors compensate and go on and on. This is a wine that must be cellared another five or more years before it even begins to pull itself together. If you must pop the cork before then, decant it for at least six hours and more if possible before drinking.

Richly aromatic this brims with dark berry and currant aromas and flavors shaded with espresso and dark chocolate overtones set against somewhat gritty tannins. A meaty note adds extra depth as the finish lingers on and on against the tannins. Best from 2010 through 2017. 3400 cases made. -HS

18/20 Small berries and a tannic vintage. Small percentage of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 88% Champoux and 12% from Red Mountain vineyards. 22 months in new French oak. Both red and dark fruit on the nose. Such restraint even though you know this has great fruit depth. Smooth, deep-pile velvety tannins. Thick but not heavy. Savoury and very dry but in no way drying. Firm seude-like tannins and these tannins are perfectly enhanced by the acidity. (JH)