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Zerba Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley • $36 Wenatchee Valley native Doug Nierman, a University of California-Davis grad, solidifies Zerba Cellars’ tradition with Cabernet Franc as this the fourth Platinum winner since the 2008 vintage. It’s peppery with notes of cigar box and cured meat alongside lush fruit of blackberry pie. Beautiful blueberry acidity still leaves room for an elegant finish with a touch of graphite. (185 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (double gold best of class.)

Zerba Cellars 2013 Cockburn Vineyard Riesling Ice Wine, Walla Walla Valley • $45The breadbasket for the Zerba program is their 180-acre Cockburn Vineyard in Oregon near Milton-Freewater, and Riesling is a miniscule part of a planting devoted to big red varieties. Conditions allowed them to produce a traditional ice wine in successive years, and this is akin to a dish of honeyed creme brule with spearmint, menthol, baking spice and plenty of acidity to deal with the lofty (27%) residual sugar. (67 cases, 11.3% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (best of class).

Zerba Cellars 2014 Winesap Vineyard Estate Red Wine, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater • $30Just south of Stateline Road is the Zerba-owned Winesap Vineyard, and this blend of Syrah (50%), Merlot (25%) and Cabernet Sauvignon represents the only three varieties planted in these cobblestones. There’s a juicy explosion of blackberry, blueberry and plum along with toast, spice and potpourri. The balance is supreme with a touch of graphite and bramble in the background. (90 cases, 14.3% alc.) Award: Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition (gold).

Zerba Cellars 2013 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley • $36The Zerbas’ Cockburn and Winesap vineyards combine to offer lots of Merlot that contribute to some of the Walla Walla Valley’s most decorated wines, and this marks the fourth time in 12 years for their Merlot to wear a Platinum medal. Its complex nose of rose petals, strawberries, sweet cedar and Graber olive leads to huckleberry, blueberry and nutmeg, setting up a finish of pleasure. (188 cases, 14.7% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (best of class, gold).

Zerba Cellars 2013 Wild Z Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley • $24Four vineyards in the southeast corner of the Walla Walla Valley, all in the state of Oregon, contribute to one of the region’s most popular proprietary red wines. There’s a foundation of Merlot, but supporting players include Syrah and Petite Sirah. Chocolate-covered black cherry, violets and mint lead to boysenberry jam and raspberry tea amid a supple finish with blueberry. (799 cases, 14.6% alc.) Awards: 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (best of class, gold).

Double Gold
Zerba Cellars 2016 Cockburn Vineyard Estate Sangiovese Rosé
Zerba Cellars 2013 Mourvèdre
Zerba Cellars 2014 Carménère
Zerba Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Zerba Cellars 2014 Syrah
Zerba Cellars 2013 Cockburn Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Zerba Cellars 2014 Wild Z Red Blend
Zerba Cellars 2014 Petit Verdot