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A potpourri of wines recently tasted has resulted in a bunch of gems to pass on.

My last two wine columns have been about wine events - the Yakima Spring Barrel weekend and the spring opening of the Walla Walla Valley - so, specific wines took a back seat to the wineries.

But not this time.

Some fine new wines were sampled at the Taste Washington in April:

Januik Winery 1999 merlot - The first release of Mike Januik, former head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle. It's a very smooth red, showing off the complexities and fruit of Canoe Ridge vineyards. $35.

Chatter Creek 1998 cabernet sauvignon, Sagemoor Vineyard - This winery near the University of Washington is producing a dandy blend of cabernet and 24 percent cabernet franc. The aromas are of vanilla and oak followed by rich currant fruit. $20.

Pepper Bridge Winery 1998 cabernet sauvignon Walla Walla Valley - Another new wine and winery with big expectations. The cab has very pronounced oak characteristics with beautiful black cherry flavors and even a hint of sage spice. $60.

Matthews Cellars 1998 red table wine, Yakima Valley - A premium blend of 53 percent cabernet sauvignon, 28 percent merlot and 19 percent cabernet franc. It is round, rich and loaded with berries in the classic Bordeaux style. $40.

Andrew Will 1999 merlot, Seven hills Vineyard - Gobs of up-front fruit, fresh tasting with good flavors and aromas and a lingering finish. $40.

In March, I had the opportunity to get together with Brian Carter, winemaker extraordinaire and vice president of Washington Hills Cellars in Sunnyside, to taste some wonderful old vintages and some new vintages.

Joining the tasting were writers and editors from Wine Press Northwest magazine and Harry Alhadeff, president and founder of Washington Hills.

Washington Hills also makes the premium Apex as well as the fine line of Bridgman wines.

A few of my favorites:

Washington Hills 1999 merlot - An outstanding inexpensive merlot with emphasis on fruit, including blackberries, a bit of pepper and a touch of tar. A rich red for summer release. $11.

Washington Hills 1999 cabernet-merlot - Another outstanding inexpensive red. Smooth offering chocolate, dark fruit and berries. $10.

Bridgman 1998 cabernet franc Yakima Valley - Chalky dry and flavorful, showing dark fruit and vanilla complemented by smoky oak. $16.

Bridgman 1998 merlot Columbia Valley - Very rich, dark chocolate-covered cherries, vanilla extract and great acids. Great with a ribeye steak. $16.

Apex 1998 syrah Yakima Valley - Intense, smoky oak aromas lead to an outstanding wine with richness and subtle flavors such as ripe red fruit jam and allspice. $40.

Apex 1997 merlot Columbia Valley - Silky with integrated raspberry and chocolate flavors followed by vanilla and toasted caramel. $35.

Also watch for a special new release under Carter's signature, scheduled for sometime this fall. This Bordeaux blend of 60 percent merlot and the rest cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc has intense flavors including chocolate and vanilla and is very smooth. $60.

New releases

Seven Hills 2000 white riesling, Columbia Valley - Nice balance of fruit and acids with just the right amount of sweetness at 1.8 percent. Honeysuckle aromas followed by a crisp, sweet gala apple. $9.

Seven Hills 1998 cabernet sauvignon, Klipsun Vineyards - A bright, juicy cabernet from a great Red Mountain vineyard. Currants, leather, tobacco and chocolate with vanilla and spice. $28.

Sandhill 1998 cabernet sauvignon, Red Mountain Vineyard Yakima Valley - Chocolate, red currants and chewy oak with supple tannins and an outstanding rich, full-bodied flavor. $28.

Canoe Ridge Vineyard 1998 cabernet sauvignon Columbia Valley - Another outstanding cabernet. Robust oak followed by ripe Bing cherries, a touch of vanilla spice and a big, smooth chocolate finish. $28.

Preston 1998 cabernet sauvignon reserve Columbia Valley - Again an outstanding cab. Smoky oak, good berry fruit with a coffee and American oak finish. Great with a big steak. $22.

Columbia Crest 1999 semillon - Crisp with chardonnay-like finish, bits of tropical fruit and peaches. $9.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1999 sauvignon blanc Horse Heaven Vineyards - The standard by which other sauvignon blancs are judged. Outstanding with semillonlike herb aromas, lots of oak and a touch of fruit, including figs. Rich, lasting finish. $14.

Columbia Winery 2000 Cellarmaster riesling Columbia Valley - Long the standard for medium sweet riesling. Outstanding floral aromas, touches of honey fruit, including tropical and a crisp, juicy fruit finish. $7.

Three Rivers Winery 1999 merlot, Columbia Valley - Sweet oak and rich vanilla beginning along with coffee, plums, chocolate, cherries and a long, smooth finish. $28.

Woodward Canyon 1999 merlot Columbia Valley - Outstanding with a wonderful beginning of vanilla extract aromas leading to cherries, cedar, ripe plums and jam flavors. $37.50.

Kiona Vineyards 2000 late harvest muscat, Yakima Valley - Outstanding peach aromas, along with vanilla spice. Delicate flavors of citrus and a faint touch of golden raisins. Residual sugar is 11 percent. $11 for half-sized bottle.

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Anyone looking for an unusual or hard-to-get bottle of wine should consider the Mid-Columbia Symphony Perfect Harmony fine wine auction and dinner June 2 at the Doubletree Hotel in Pasco.

Such unusual items as magnums of Leonetti, Andrew Will and Bookwalter wines will be featured along with other special donated items.

Tickets that include a gourmet meal with wine are $75. Call 943-6602 for ticket information.

Bob Woehler has been writing about grapes and wines of the Pacific Northwest since 1978. His columns appear twice monthly in the Tri-City Herald in Tri-Cities, Wash. and in Wine Press Northwest.

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