A TRIO FROM HOGUE

Good friend/DEPS alum/SWS-Starz rep Jesse came by with some of the Hogue Genesis wines, catering to my newfound love for Washington State wines:

Hogue Genesis Riesling Columbia Valley 2008. Grade=Outstanding+. One of my favorite Rieslings from Columbia Valley, this one is slightly drier, with honeyed peaches and apricots, some wet stones, Rainer cherries, and white floral notes. Finishes supple and long.

Hogue Genesis Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2006. Grade=Outstanding. I would argue that this is the weakest link in the Genesis line, but that is saying a lot in that the line itself is pretty damn strong. A lighter-styled Cab with softer tannins, there are notes of black and red currants, blackberries, cedar, chocolate and tar. The tannins are silty and silky, and the finish is long.

Hogue Genesis Meritage Columbia Valley 2007. Grade=Outstanding+. This dynamite blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petite Verdot is bold, jammy and full of fleshy black fruits, baking spices, chocolate, mocha, and cedar smoke. Dense and rich, the finish is luxurious and long.