Page Cellars

 

Page Cellars "Preface" Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2007 showes the lovely balance of all its predecessors, but does it in a deeper, less ebullient way, expressing a canoe-load of black fruit flavors, dried fig, caramel, coffee, something faintly like grilled meat, and a fine, fleeting note of pomegranate on the finish. It's a typically-powerful wine that lays easily on the tongue and shows sufficient acidity to be an ultra-versatile food wine. Even with something as gamy and assertive as lamb or venison, this would be a near-perfect match. The texture is silken and viscous and the finish is even longer and more balanced than the '06. This more than upholds the standard of the past Preface releases and promises even better ageing potential than the past two. 94 Points Seattle PI - Pour Fool

http://www.tastings.com/scout_wine.lasso?id=197219

 

 

http://blog.seattlepi.com/thepourfool/2011/01/25/page-cellars-red-mountain-syrah-oops/  A Syrah review

http://www.yelp.com/biz/page-cellars-woodinville  Consumer comments

http://www.compasswines.com/newsletters/january2010nlcxx.pdf    Wine of the year

(available at fine wine shops and retailers throughout the Pacific Northwest)

2005 Syrah - Red Mountain - Klipsun Vineyard - Purple black and compact, the wine needs plenty of breathing time to reveal its layers.  Klipsun Vineyard fruit brings power and tannic muscle.  The aromas are intriguing; a bit over ripe and raisiny, but also offering truffle, smoked meat and toast.  2008 Wine Enthusiast - PG

 

 

 

THE POUR FOOL - The Seattle PI

Page Cellars New Releases

2007 Lick my lips Syrah,    Wahluke Slope

A friend of mine is on an endless and sometimes wistful quest to find what she calls "Oh Wow" wines – wines that make you blurt that out when you first taste them. I poured Page Cellars' new "Lick My Lips" Syrah for her, back in September, and she actually said, "Oh, WOW!" Well, so do I. This new "LML", a smashing success for Page for several vintages, takes our brooding, stony WA profile and stuffs it into a whole produce stand of juicy, ripe berries. This has the chewiness and sheer heft of a Monterey or Napa Syrah, with a distinct shower of the sort of pure, clear fruit flavors that the Columbia Valley is famous for. Everything you expect in a Syrah is there: coffee, pepper, leather, grilled meat, dried cranberries, tar, Bing cherries, black currants, licorice, cedar, sandalwood, baking spices, and wood smoke. The mouthfeel is like pancake syrup and the finish is almost ridiculously long. It should age beautifully for 8-10 years but, trust me: you'll never keep your hands off it that long. This wine, at $27 retail, makes a mockery out of our growing flock of $75 Washington Syrahs.

Available 02/10.................................94 Points

2009 Nouveau Merlot. Red Mountain

On my last visit to Page, Jim mentioned, in passing, that his big fermenter tank was full of Merlot grapes undergoing carbonic maceration, that ancient fermentation technique that consists of dumping whole grape clusters (or destemmed berries) into a sealed tank and pumping in carbon dioxide, forcing the grapes to ferment inside the skins. This is the method for making the famous Beaujolias Nouveau wines that appear every fall for ten-twenty bucks a bottle and offer a fresh, drink-me-now wine that's light and fruity and perfect for holiday foods. Very few WA vintners do it and I would have been excited, if I had been paying attention. On this trip back, Jim grabbed glasses and pulled two samples from the nearly-finished tank. I haven't bothered with Nouveau for a few years now and one sip of Jim's fresh, jazzy Merlot was enough to make me regret that. I'm not claiming profound complexity and depth for this wine but, man, what a fun glass of juice! It adds depth to the real Nouveau's lovely but somewhat-surface appeal and shows juicy notes of sugar plum, blueberry jam, roses, and blackberry liqueur. Beautiful! It'll be released shortly and there are only 150 cases available, so be sure to drop by their Woodinville tasting room and get a sip, if you like the Nouveaus or if you just like great, outside-the-box winemaking.  Seattle PI  90 Points

 

 

 

2007 " The Norseman"  Merlot, Red Mountain

Over the past twelve-fifteen years, Merlot became so omnipresent and routine for w ineries around the world that it actually lost its distinct, hallmark characteristics: bay leaf, olive, violets, currant, black cherry, plum, rose, caramel, clove, bay leaf, green peppercorn, and bell pepper. In the new Page “Norseman”, these flavors – as well as a startling, lively core of black pepper and an unusual grace note of pecan – line up like Miss America contestants and file past with leisurely elegance. It’s one of the easiest wines I’ve ever tasted from which to identify flavors. Each note is distinct and emphatic and they come wrapped in a satiny texture I can only call “luxuriant”. This is a beautifully-made wine. Jim Page’s de facto mantra – “Don’t mess with it” – is in clear evidence here. The tannins are firm but not cloying, the acid balance is near-perfect and it has Depth, a trait I had come to accept as simply no longer a part of the Merlot personality. This is Throwback Merlot; a forceful reminder of the reason, back in the 80s, we all drank and enjoyed this wine. As a value wine ($20 retail), “The Norseman” sets a new standard for Washington Merlot by simply – and literally – going Back To The Roots.

92 Points

 

 

 

2006 Libra, Columbia Valley

“Libra”, the new name for Page Cellars’ perennial favorite, "Libra de Carta", is a lithe and jazzy mouthful that shows its hefty Cab Sauv base in a dark, cherry/berry/leather bottom, with literally a dozen or more grace notes like graphite, plums, tar, anise, and cloves dancing around in there. Along with that core are two flavors that actually made me chuckle when I tasted them: bacon – smoky, fat, pepper-bacon – and something exactly like Clark's Teaberry gum. I've tasted the past maybe five vintages of "Libra" and this is, hands-down, the most spirited and fleshed-out version yet. The texture, in particular, is like warm cream on the tongue. Its tannins are there for structure but unobtrusive and sweet. The acid level makes it a fine food wine but lays back when it's tasted just as a sipper. There's a nice but restrained dose of Merlot in there, giving the wine just a kiss of that sweet, fruity top end and it finishes with those notes: clove, sweet herbs, and almond. At $27 retail, this new "Libra" stands as one ofWashington's major Red Blend bargains.  93 Points Seattle PI

 

 

 

 

2006 Page Cellars "Preface" Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain

Simply the best “Preface” yet, period. Since the 2000 vintage, Page has been hitting the mark consistently with this wine, a smoky, chewy Cab that gets supporting doses of different grapes in different years but always as background to this grand core of blackberry, black cherry, currant, figs, road tar, baseball mitt, toast, coffee, bittersweet chocolate, mild pepper, and that oaky-smoky finish. For the texture, I lamely fall back on that most-hackneyed term used by casual wine drinkers everywhere: smooth. This wine is Major Smooth, Sam Perkins-Smooth, Bing Crosby-Smooth. It’s viscous and warm and spreads like an oil slick across your tongue. I’ve now tried it four times in 18 hours and it gets even silkier as it aerates. And the balance is near-perfect; tannins providing great structure and age potential and acids enough to make it caress a grilled steak the way Bogart touched Bacall. At $38 retail, this is probably the most reasonable top-tier Cab in Washington, easily earning membership in that exclusive stratum that includes Dunham, Sparkman, Whitman, Woodward Canyon, Leonetti and the like.

 

95 Points

 

 

2006 Page Cellars Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain

This black, muscular Cab is the spiritual cousin of the Page Cellars"Preface" but, although sourced from a neighboring part of the tinyRed Mountain appellation (the 12th smallest in the US), it's distinctly different wine from its stately cousin. The nose is pure coffee, whole beans freshly ground; exactly the same sensory experience as sitting down with a hot slice of berry pie and a cup of black java. On the palate, the coffee carries through boldly, parried by an emphatic blast of blackberries and cherry liqueur. Weaved through this like filigree are notes of cranberries, black pepper, Anaheim chilies, tobacco, bay leaf, thyme, violets, and nutmeg. The "dusty" Red Mountain character is there in spades, expressed as a brambly hint of fresh-cut wood on the lazy, lingering finish. While a degree or two lighter in body than its mammoth cousin, this carries an assertive, punchy profile in sharp contrast to Preface's velvet glove. This wine should age beautifully for a good 10-12 years and, at $50 retail, represents the best proof yet offered that you don't have to cough up $85-$100 for a fine-quality Washington Cabernet. 94 Points Seattle PI

 

As for the Preface....we love that one and every time we are in the neighborhood we pick up a bottle.  I have more than a couple at home right now.....  I have to say though, that although I love big, bold reds, the syrah is hands down one of the best we have tasted.  Very distinct.  I was surprised when after our annual wine trip to Walla Walla I returned home and we primarily purchased Syrah.  I hadn't realized that I liked it so much, and yours.....fantastic.  Jeff Hull, Seattle WA.

 

 

 

 

 

Page Cellars 2000 Preface:  This brand-new winery in Gig Harbor, is off to an auspicious beginning with this big, smokey red with ark fruit and a lush farewell.  Wine Press Northwest rated Excellent.

From one of Washington's bright new stars comes this delicious Bordeaux-style blend.  It opens with aromas of sweet herbs and pie cherries that lead to flavors of bold, lush fruit and rich tannins.  Gold Medal Winner at the Northwest Wine Summit

Page Cellars 2001 Preface:  Good Ruby Red. Pungently aromatic nose offers red currant, tobacco and spicy oak.  Sweet ripe and penetrating, with the pungentspice character continuig on the palate.  Shows very good lift and thrust.  Finishes with ripe but firm tannins.  Steven Tanzier's International Wine Cellar

 

Page Cellars 2001 Preface:  Fragrant and meaty with hints of barnyard, leather and herb, with airing and swirling it opens up into a compact, well constructed, age worthy Bordeaux style wine.  Paul Greggett The Wine Enthusiast

 

Page Cellars 2001 Preface:  Cedar, mint and black currant aromas.  Warm, sweet, chocolaty barrel toast supports ripe black current and plum fruit flavors.   Balanced, with moderate tannins and good length.  Northwest Palate Magazine

Page Cellars 2002 Syrah:  Sadly there are only 140 cases of the saturated, medium to dark ruby/purple colored Syrah from Page Cellars.  It offers a nose of candied cherries, raspberries and hints of blackberies.  Broad, generous and dominated by lush, seductive,satiny red fruits, this velvety-textured wine is as flavorful as it is sexy.  Unlike a frighteningly large percentage of Washington State Syrah, this effort was not overly extracted and therefore is neither black colored, muddled, nor astringent.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Page Cellars 2001 Syrah:  This new winery in Gig Harbor, Wash., is quickly making a habit of producing top wines.  This is a bold, spicy Syrah with plenty of lush blackberry aromas and flavors and a soft, approachable finish.  Wine Press Northwest

Page Cellars 2002 Syrah:  You don't have to look too deep inside to sense blackberry jam in most noteworthy Syrahs, which this is.  Blackberries, dusty cherries, chocolate, oak, a vitamin component and some bacon fills the bowl.  Blackberry jam and sweet tannins dominate the flavors of this soft and easy drink now wine, which finishes off with a mocha milk shake.  Wine Press Northwest

Page Cellars 2005 Syrah:  Purple/black and compact, this wine needs plenty of breathing time to reveal its layers.  Klipsun vineyard fruit brings power and tannic muscle.  The aromas are intriguing; a bit over ripe and raisiny, but also offering truffle, smoked meat and burnt toast.  P.G. The Wine Enthusiast

Page Cellars 2003 Syrah:  When an entery for "Fruit Bomb" makes it into the dictionary, this wine will be the poster child.  One of the wines that pushed the envelope in 2003 in terms of ripeness, and pulls it off in spades.  Sourced from all Klipsun fruit on Red Mountain, this monster has layer upon layer of blackberry, cassis,spice and mincemeat in the mouth.  With a hint of sweetness,his is a real crowd pleaser.  Blind I would have though Australia.  Doug Charles, Compass Wines, Anacortes WA.

Page Cellars 2004 Syrah:  Red Mountain and the Wahluke Slope are the two warmest wine grape-growing regions in Washington, and this boutique Puget Sound winery uses grapes from both for this lucious Syrah.  It opens with aromas of fresh brewed coffee, dried blueberries and a whisper of oak, followed by well structured flavors of blackberry jam on toast, mocha and a drop of vanilla.  An elegant, understated wine - 447 cases  Wine Press Northwest

Page Cellars 2004 Syrah:  Bold gamy and peppery aromas frame forward scents of blackfruits, graham, and earth on the nose, introducing a big boned Syrah that is rich and ripe in the mouth.  Layered flavors of blue plum, cassis, and blackberry fruit gain more complexity from notes of wood smoke, tar and ground pepper.  The acidity and tannins are balanced superbly, and form a nearly transparent blackground for the lavish fruit flavors.  The finish is warm and spicy.  Sumptuous and opulent, yet somehow controlled and elegant; serve this Syrah with a risotto of wild mushrooms and pancetta.  Northwest Palate Magazine

Page Cellars 2003 Preface:  Somewhat closed aromas show plum fruit and vanilla, with a touch of earthiness.  Plump and hefty in the mouth, the black currant and plum fruit center emerges clearly out of a swirl of vanilla and barrel spice. Alittle tannic on the finish, this wine will gain character within 2-3 years of cellaring.  Northwest Palate Magazine

Page Cellars 2003 Preface:  This Woodinville, Wash., winery continues to increase the percentage of Cab in this proprietary blend, now at 95% with Cab Franc at 5%. Shaw Vineyards fruit provided a base coat of purple fruit with lavender, charred oak, spice and cedar on the nose. Inside is a dark and brooding texture with Bing cherries amid a solid foundation of youthful tannins. Rated Recommended, Wine Press Northwest.

 

 

Page Cellars 2003 Limited Edition:  Jim Page of Woodinville Washington taps into the E & E Shaw vineyard and he's timed the release nicely.  Black cherries, lavender and nice herbal notes push toward rich flavors of raspberries, boysenberries and blackberries.  Smooth tannins are tethered with just the right weight on the tougue where there's a finish of bittersweet chocolate.  Roast beef or homeade beef stew will sound good after drinking this.  RatedOutstanding Wine Press Northwest 

 

 

Page Cellars 2005 Syrah:  Blackberries. Bacon fat. Chocolate cake.  Those are some of the telltale indicators of Northwest Syrah, and they are found around and inside this Woodinville Washington program.  There's also alder smoke, tar and cola to go along with the huge structure typical of Klipsun fruit.  It's light on tannin but big on age worthy acidity.  Rated Excellent Wine Press Northwest

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page Cellars 2004 Limited Edition: Red Mountain. The power of Red Mountain and E & E Shaw Vineyards is on display with this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Cabernet Franc (47%) and (6% )Merlot. Cherry pie rose hip and cedar aromas with French oak barrels notes of chocolate covered orange slices, graham cracker, tar and vanilla. “ The initial sip brings a bite of Chukar cherry, dried Montmorency cherries, then the palate smoothes out with S’mores and boysenberry juice. "Judging by the AVA, there’s even more to it down the road". Wine Press Northwest, Rated Outstanding. 

"My husband and I love doing wine tours.  In Woodinville, our favorite winery is Page Cellars.  They have an amazing cabernet, "Preface".  Meagan Droz, Seattle Times

Page Cellars came out of the gate quickly with its to inaugural wines, a Bordeaux-style blend called Preface and a Syrah, both of which can be counted among the state's best.  Andy Perdue,  Seattle Home and Lifestyles Magazine

Page Cellars 2004 Limited Edition:  This has good, clean, ripe fruit with some mass and muscle, and the flavors go deep rather than broad.  Berry, currant and cherry are in the mix, with polished tannins and finishing threads of coffee and chocolate.  Nothing shy here, but delicious.  90 Points P.G. The Wine Enthusiast

2003 Libra de Carta:  Aromas of black currants and barrel char are striaghtforward and robust.  Youthful flavors of solid red berry fruit are ringed with notes of oak and tea leaf, with a top note of rose blossoms.  Though simple, the wine is tasty and well balanced - an agreeable quaff for homemade lasagna.  Northwest Palate Magazine

2005 Libra de Carta:  This Woodinville Washington winery took fruit from E & E Shaw, Red Mountain, Conner Lee and Milbrandt sites for a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah that's cherry based with juicy blackberries and cranberries.  Hints of kitchen spices and portabello mushrooms, along with good acidity, make this a versatile food wine.  Wine Press Northwest

 

2005 Page Cellars Limited Edition:  Full aromoas of spice and stem surround notes of blackberries and plum on the weighty nose.  High toned berry flavors are immediately mouthfilling with a satisfying juiciness.  There is an appealing roundness to the wine, though it is made in a lighter style, with ripe flavors and tannins, plus good acid balance.  A brightly flavored wine to enjoy with a hearty pasta dish.  Northwest Palate Magazine