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For this Cabernet Sauvignon, we have selected fruit from a number of vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley, each site has a distinct microclimate. Alderdale and Wahluke Slope are warmer and produce rich dense fruit with higher tannins for structure, while the cooler Yakima Valley Cabernet contributes bright berry fruit flavors and supple tannins. Merlot was added (18%) to the blend for a bit of softness and Lemberger (5%) for a touch of cassis and pepper. Our Hogue Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of cedar wood and caramel with subtle notes of violets and lavender. Ripe black cherries are on the palate, with hints of herbs de Provence, cocoa, tobacco, and oak framed by moderate tannins.

Blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has been a tradition for centuries. But in most cases, only a modest amount of Cabernet or Merlot is added to the other for a bit of added complexity or softness. We think blending almost equal amounts of each varietal makes the resulting wine a perfect complement to both varietals: the body and character of a Cabernet Sauvignon with the soft richness and fruit of a Merlot. Our Hogue Cabernet-Merlot has a purple/red color, with aromas of blackberry, tobacco and licorice. A chocolaty top note lingers behind the fruit. Flavors are of berry and spice, complemented by a medium-rich mouthfeel and a toasty vanilla finish.

During the grape growing season, Eastern Washington boasts warm summer days followed by cool nights, ensuring that grapes ripen fully while retaining ample natural acidity. Our Hogue Chardonnay shows that classic balance. Aromas are of pear, baked apple, cream, toast and fresh baked bread. On the palate, the flavors are soft, and round, with pear and vanilla with toasty, smoky notes and a crisp finish. This would be a great accompaniment to roast chicken or linguine with clams.

Chenin Blanc produces the classic crisp, dry wines of the Loire in France. It is also widely planted in California and South Africa. But in Washington, our combination of warm days, cool nights and a long growing season allows us to make a consistently ripe Chenin Blanc full of lively fruit character and good balance. Our Hogue Chenin Blanc is medium-bodied with bright aromas and flavors of orange peel, melon, peach, lemon, honey, and vanilla. The acidity and sugar are balanced, the finish dry. This Chenin Blanc would be great paired with Thai curry, pasta salad, or try it as an aperitif.

Making a consistently great Fumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc) requires paying keen attention to ripeness. Picking at optimal ripeness makes a wine that tastes like a recently ripened peach or guava fruit with refreshing acidity. Our Hogue Fumé Blanc has aromas of grapefruit, peach, guava and grass, along with vanilla and a hint of smokiness. On the palate are varietal flavors of grapefruit, white peach and honeydew melon. The wine is crisp, smoky and round with moderate weight and richness contributed by the Semillon (17%) added to the blend. The winemakers suggest pairing the Fumé Blanc with grilled shrimp or raw oysters on the half shell.

During the grape growing season, Eastern Washington boasts warm summer days followed by cool nights, ensuring that grapes ripen fully while retaining ample natural acidity. On the nose, the wine has aromas of lychee, vanilla, citrus blossom, and jasmine. The rich palate is medium-bodied,with citrus, lychee, true varietal flavors, and ripe grapefruit on the finish. This Gewürztraminer would be perfect with pan-fried rainbow trout or steamed whole Dungeness crab.

During the grape growing season, Eastern Washington boasts warm summer days followed by cool nights, ensuring that grapes ripen fully while retaining ample natural acidity. That even ripening gives Washington State Rieslings a trademark apricot and tangerine flavor that sets them apart. Our Hogue Riesling opens with a mélange of aromas: orange blossom, jasmine, Meyer lemon, powdered sugar, apricot, cinnamon and clove. On the palate are tangerine and orange blossom. A naturally crisp acidity balances the slight sweetness, providing a refreshing finish. The winemakers recommend pairing the Riesling with picnic fare such as curried chicken salad or a spicy Vietnamese meal of spring rolls and soft-shell crab.

Eastern Washington’s low annual rainfall and cool nights during the growing season make it the perfect area for producing consistently great late harvest wines. Hogue has developed a style with Late Harvest White Riesling that includes a moderate level of sweetness, richness, viscosity and crisp balancing acidity with just a hint of complexity from the noble rot, Botrytis cinerea. The Hogue Late Harvest White Riesling has aromas and flavors of dried apricot, tangerine, orange peel, vanilla, raisin, and powdered sugar. The wine has good sugar to acid balance. Pair it with fruit sorbets, poached pears or hot apple pie.

The expansion of our Merlot program over the past four years has provided many new grape sources, especially from warmer sites, that should ensure consistent high-quality for a long time to come. Because Eastern Washington has such a long growing season, Merlot reaches full maturity every year. It has plenty of time to build the right sugar and acid balance, along with ripe, developed flavors. Aromas are of delicate oak and spice, with a sweet, rich mid-palate, and anise, nuts, and eucalyptus flavors. Weight and tannins are moderate. Intense fruit and good structure add to its character.

Pinot Grigio continues to gain popularity throughout the U.S. Known as Pinot Gris in France, the grapes are named for their characteristic grayish color, but they actually take on a pink and even purple hue as they ripen. Pinot Grigio is a refreshing white with plenty of fruit character. Our Hogue Pinot Grigio has up front aromas of pear, orange peel, cedar, apple, and lemon curd. Flavors are similar: rich and soft, with pear, quince and a slight herbalness. Pair this wine with light pasta dishes, pasta salads and trout amandine.

Syrah's popularity continues to grow nationwide because of its flavor concentration and soft, forward fruit. In Washington we have identified areas within the Columbia Valley where the varietal does extremely well. The grapes are picked when the flavors are concentrated and very ripe. We’ve blended in Lemberger to add complexity and structure to the finished wine. Lemberger’s black pepper and spice has a lot in common with Syrah and integrates well with the spice imparted by aging in American oak. On the palate are complex flavors of plum and violet, a bit of leather, well integrated oak and a slight herbalness characteristic of Syrah. Tannins are moderate.