Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.
Napa Valley may be the most well-regarded U.S. wine region, but producers from coast to coast continue to prove there's much to be discovered outside California. From a benchmark New York Riesling to a vibrant white from a renowned red winemaker, today's selections represent both classic regional examples and bold new ventures, each offering a window into American winemaking today, at $35 or less.
GORMAN Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Old Scratch 2016
WS Review: This wine is no wallflower, with a broad-shouldered structure but plenty of plump blackberry, crushed rock and savory spice flavors. Finishes with a snap of tannins, so hands off for now. Best from 2020 through 2026. 1,200 cases made.
Why It's of Note: Gorman makes many standout wines at accessible price points, focusing on rugged examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and blends of the two. This bottling has been aged for 18 months in French oak and will show well with a couple more years in the cellar.
K Syrah Washington Motor City Kitty 2015
WS Review: A broad-shouldered red, with vivid blueberry, bittersweet chocolate and black olive flavors that power toward big but refined tannins. Best from 2020 through 2026. 1,440 cases made.
Why It's of Note: Edgy Washington winemaker Charles Smith channels his wild side into K Vintners' Syrahs, like the one that earned the No. 2 spot in the Top 10 Wines of 2017. This even more affordable version from a nearby vineyard expresses similar hallmarks with bold fruit and savory elements.
REX HILL Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2016
WS Review: Shows precision and presence, with refined raspberry, black tea and forest floor accents that take on richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2025. 6,909 cases made.
Why It's of Note: Established in 1982 and purchased by A to Z Wineworks in 2006, Rex Hill is a veteran producer of Oregon Pinot Noir. The wines benefited from warm weather and an early harvest in 2016—Oregon's third excellent vintage in a row—leading to this great example.
FORGE Riesling Seneca Lake Dry Classique 2017
WS Review: Jasmine and mustard seed notes lead the way here, backed by a mix of yellow apple, mirabelle plum and citrus oil flavors. Shows good intensity through the finish. Drink now through 2022. 5,773 cases made.
Why It's of Note: This is the core wine in Forge's range, a New York winery led by Rhône-based winemaker Louis Barruol of Château de St.-Cosme. It's made from grapes on the southeast edge of Seneca Lake and the west side of Cayuga Lake. Instead of the more traditional stainless steel–only aging for Riesling, this cuvée relies on 50 percent neutral French oak.
ASHAN Chardonnay Columbia Valley Barrel Fermented 2017
WS Review: Zesty and jammed with spice, plus Asian pear and apricot flavors that finish on a lively, snappy note. Drink now. 1,200 cases made.
Why It's of Note: Under his Ashan label, winemaker Chris Gorman makes wines that contrast the rich red blends of his original Gorman label. Ashan Chardonnays tend to be fruity and vibrant, like this example sourced from multiple Washington vineyards and aged in neutral French oak.
LUKE Merlot Wahluke Slope 2016
WS Review: Zesty and approachable, with well-built cherry, coffee bean and spice flavors that finish with polished tannins. Drink now through 2023. 1,053 cases made.
Why It's of Note: In 2015, Zero One's Thomas and Kristin Vogele launched the Luke label, named after the Wahluke Slope. This subregion of Columbia Valley in Washington is known for generous Syrahs and Cabernet Sauvignons. After their first release—a Cabernet-dominant blend—the duo expanded to Merlot with this version.