TN: A couple of mediocre wines from Washington State

If you have followed my wine career you will know I am not afraid to post about bad wines.  These two certainly fit that bill and at close to $30 certainly not worth the tariff.

2012 Nota Bene Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (3/25/2018)
Day 1: On the pop and pour this wine was heavy on vanilla/oak and was not enjoyable. 30 minutes in the glass it is now ready to review. Underbrush, black licorice, scorched earth and graphite. Medium plus finish and good concentration but lacks fruit. Would not recommend at $30 after this day 1 review. 88 points
Day 2: Well I can’t say this is much better. Lacks serious fruit which is what you expect from many Washington State Syrah’s. Not that interesting on the palate and a bit better on day 1. A bit of heat on day 2. Not sure this will improve on day 3 but for this wine I will take it to day 4. 86 points.
Day 3: Getting the oak and vanilla treatment again. Heavy spices. At this point just a poorly made wine for the money. If this was $8 I would be happy but at $30 a huge pass. 86 points
Day 4: No improvement. (86 points)

Haskell’s $30

2011 Nota Bene Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Dineen Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley (3/28/2018)
Similar to the Syrah heavy on the oak/vanilla. More fruit than the Syrah with some dark cherries and plums trying to peak through. Spice and earth on the finish. Not a 3 day wine review but again if this was around $15 I would buy but closer to $30 no thanks. (88 points)

Haskell’s $30

While these are not two of Haskell’s better purchases they are having their big wine sale starting on April 7 and I will be posting highlights from their Grand Wine Tasting on this site.

You are better off buying Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet for one third the price.