2020 Cadence, Cabernet Sauvignon, $49.75

Winery info: Winemaker Ben Smith produced his first vintage in 1998 and has gone on to become one of the most respected winemakers in the state, if not the country.      

His focus is on Bordeaux-style blends from select vineyard sites on Red Mountain. But every now and then he shakes things up a bit. This is the second time he has produced a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from his estate Cara Mia Vineyard and we were wowed once again.

Winemaker: Ben Smith

Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard: Ben’s Cara Mia Vineyard on Red Mountain, originally planted in 2004 on cobble, clay, and basalt soils.

Flavor profile: As Ben sums it up, “This is a delicious, classic Cabernet that leaves no doubt about its Old World heritage and New World home.” The character of the vineyard and the grape shine through, with aromas of dried cherry and spice and flavors of blackberry, earth, and a hint of oak. It is smooth, savory, and elegant, with impressive structure.

Availability: This wine was just released, so it should be in good supply for a while.

Drinking Window: Give it a few years, then enjoy up to 2028 or so.

Food pairing: Perfect, of course, for red meat dishes — anything from a gourmet burger to filet mignon. Or pair it with lamb or other hearty fare.

2021 Esya Wines, Stillwater Creek Grenache, $33

Winery info: Tanya Bjornsson started her career in wine as a harvest intern in Oregon in 2015, and also worked a harvest in New Zealand. When she returned from New Zealand, she worked at Efeste and then became assistant winemaker at Darby. She loves working with southern French varietals and has a lot of experience using wild yeasts. Her goal is “to make Washington wines with a light touch that are very drinkable.” In a tribute to her Icelandic heritage, she has named her winery after Mount Esja, a mountain range just north of Reykjavík.

Winemaker: Tanya Bjornsson

Grapes: 100% Grenache, fermented with wild yeast and aged in neutral oak for nine months.

Vineyard: Stillwater Creek, an award-winning vineyard located on the steep, south-facing Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills along the Columbia River. Known as a top source for smooth, complex wines.

Flavor profile: This bright, fresh Grenache features floral aromas, with nice berry notes of cranberry and cherry from the warm Royal Slope, and a touch of herbs. It is smooth and tasty with savory notes from the wild yeast, and a lovely silky texture.

Availability: Only 90 cases were produced, so it is not in huge supply.

Drinking Window: Drink now or over the next three years.

Food Pairing: Enjoy it with pork chops, roast duck breast with cherry glaze, grilled veggies, or pizza.