Sheridan Vineyard 2002 L'Orage Red (Yakima Valley)

“L'Orage” means “the storm,” acknowledging a big blow that devastated the vineyard in June 2001. Sheridan is a rising star in the valley, and was first selected by Andrew Will's Chris Camarda for vineyard-designated status some years ago. This is the winery's own top wine, a cab-heavy Bordeaux blend. Gorgeously smooth and fragrant with sandalwood, cocoa, tobacco and black fruits, it was made by Charlie Hoppes in his silky, generous and seductive style. There is nothing hard, sharp, bitey or bitter, just big, smooth, voluptuous flavors, a generously broad palate and texture texture texture. Paul Gregutt