Kiona Vineyards 1997 estate Yakima Valley reserve - Tasty, showing good ripe fruit and tannins and a lingering finish. Soos Creek 1997 Columbia Valley - Round and rich with a lush, smooth finish and a hint of tobacco. Seven Hills 1997 Walla Walla Valley - Tobacco, cedar, spice with lots of complex fruit and a good finish. Silky and blended components. DeLille Cellars 1997 Chaleur Estate Yakima Valley - Lots of rich berries, tar, mint and bold tannins for structure and aging.
Rich mouth feel, dark fruit with spice, including black pepper.
Michelle 1996 Columbia Valley reserve - Coffee and mocha with a spicy aroma followed by luscious berries. Barnard Griffin won best of class for its 1997 cabernet sauvignon and came within a whisker of getting best of show. It's a beautifully crafted wine with a chalky mouth feel and plenty of oak and fruit. This is a voluptuous wine with a satisfying, lingering finish. Others earning gold medals included Chateau Ste.