Stimson Lane, 1 Stimson Lane, PO Box
976, Woodinville, Washington 98072
Tel: 001 425 488 1133 Fax: 001 425 415 3657
UK importer: Caxton Wines
Founded in 1967, this well known winery is a solid performer. I was
a bit underwhelmed by the less expensive wines, but the premium reds
are certainly impressive. Top wine Col Solare, made in partnership
with Antinori of Tuscany, is a stunner -- shame about the £50+ price
tag! The Eroica Riesling, the result of a well publicised
collaboration with German superstar Ernie Loosen, was disappointing.
Owned by the giant Stimson Lane holdings, a subsidiary of US Tobacco.
1999 Eroica Riesling
Made in collaboration with Ernie Loosen of the Mosel, the fresh,
spicy nose leads to a rather cloying, medium-sweet palate with some
citrus character. I'm not convinced by this wine. Good/very good
1999 Johannesburg Riesling
Sweet fruity nose, with boiled sweets character (again -- it seems
to be a common feature of many Washington state whites). The palate is
rich, spicy and citrus-laced with high acidity and a sweet finish.
Good/very good
1999 Sauvignon Blanc
Barrel fermented and wood-aged for 5 months. This is a useful,
well made wine. Bright spicy nose leads to a rich spicy palate.
Underneath the oak there is some nice Sauvignon character. Very good
1998 Semillon
Fruity fresh nose leads to a crisp, fruity palate. Nice balance,
but this is made in a commercial style and lacks any real character.
Good/very good
1999 Chardonnay
100% barrel fermented in new French oak. This is a nice
modern-styled Chardonnay showing toasty oak, ripe fruit and good
balance. A bit technological and anonymous for the price (£10-£15).
Very good
1998 Canoe Ridge Chardonnay 1998
Deep-coloured, this has lively fruit and toasty/nutty new oak from
barrel fermentation. Very good
1998 Merlot
Lively red/purple colour. Sweet spicy edge to the youthful fruit.
Good density and a modern style. Very good
1998 Canoe Ridge Merlot
Nice pungent edge to the bold nose, together with sophisticated
oaking. Dense and attractive palate showing herby, spicy fruit. Nice
stuff. Very good+
1998 Cabernet Sauvignon
Leafy blackcurrant fruit leaps out of the glass, and the palate is
tannic and full, with perhaps a touch of greenness. Very good
1997 Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
Nice spicy herby nose. Good complexity and balance on the palate
wit careful oaking and dense, spicy fruit. Very good+
1997 Col Solare
A joint venture with Tuscan firm Antinori, this is a blend of 84%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 3% Syrah. It shows a ripe,
sophisticated, exotic nose with smoky and herby notes. The palate is
full and rich, with good balance between the dense fruit and new oak.
An 'international'-style wine, and probably ageworthy. Very
good/excellent