This Merlot from Washington's Columbia Valley is made from grapes sourced from Cold Creek, Canoe Ridge and Wahluke Slope, and aged 15 months in American and French oak. Complex and fruit forward, this workhorse of a Merlot exhibits a bouquet of cola, plums and ripe blueberries along with plump flavors of black cherries, spices and leather. MORE >>

I recently discovered the website of an artist from Washington state by the name of Bob Buhl who takes recycled wine barrels and transforms them into wonderful furniture pieces. His website is called Bare Woodworks and definitely is worth a browse. MORE >>

Fourth, if the USPS revenue stream gets hooked on booze, then the liberalization of wine shipments will have gained a powerful ally in Washington–and in every state. It’s no secret that the US Postal Service is in dismal financial shape. Last week the Senate passed a bill to take steps to right the sinking ship. American wine MORE >>

David Schildknecht will review the wines of Oregon and Washington. In a posting on eRobertParker.com, Robert Parker has announced that Jay Miller will no longer be writing for The Wine Advocate. ” Miller says he will be returning part time to Bin 604, a wine store, working on a book and may start a wine blog. wine writing MORE >>

The Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley are shared by both Oregon and Washington State. It is derived from the names of the Cayuse and Walla Walla tribes of eastern Washington and eastern Oregon. It is aged for 9 months in French oak barrels before blending. MORE >>