Welcome to "Wine Tastings", an editorial introduction shaped by the expertise of Gina Ogorzaly, the Director of Wine at Zupan’s Markets, and whose knowledge anchors this section.
She draws on decades of industry experience giving her a unique comprehensive perspective to curate a dynamic assortment of wines from the Pacific Northwest. Her discerning approach guides every choice, for this edition, she has selected three standout picks in three categories—red, white, and mixed varietals—offering readers a trusted, perspective that reflects both her professional depth and personal passion.
We are delighted to feature her suggestions here, connecting you to exceptional wines with clarity and warmth—for the love of vino. Cheers!
K Vintners, The Creator Red, 2020
This Washington red is built with confidence, drawing on warm days, cool nights, and a small-lot mindset that favors intensity with control. The fruit comes in ripe and expressive, but the structure keeps it from feeling heavy. There is plenty of depth here, yet the wine stays composed, unfolding slowly with a darker, moodier character that feels deliberate rather than showy.
Tasting Notes
Blackberry, plum, and black cherry lead the way, layered with cocoa, baking spice, and a touch of smoke. Broad on the palate with firm tannins, it closes with dark fruit and a lasting savory note.
Long Shadows, Pedestal Merlot, 2022
This Merlot reflects a polished, cellar-driven style, where careful vineyard selection meets a measured, thoughtful approach to winemaking. A warm season builds depth and generosity, while controlled aging rounds the edges and brings everything into focus. The wine shows a confident balance between richness and structure, offering a layered profile that feels composed rather than heavy, with a steady sense of flow from start to finish.
Tasting Notes
Plum, black cherry, and currant lead, with notes of cocoa, cedar, and soft spice. The palate is smooth and full, with supple tannins and a lingering finish that carries dark fruit and a touch of mocha.
Hedges Red Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022
Grown on one of Washington’s most distinctive sites, this Cabernet reflects the region’s sun-drenched slopes and structured style. Warm days and cooling evenings shape fruit with both depth and clarity, while thoughtful farming and restrained cellar work allow the vineyard to lead. The result is a wine that feels grounded and steady, with firm structure supporting its richness and a sense of place that comes through clearly.
Tasting Notes
Blackcurrant and dark cherry open the nose, followed by notes of dried herbs, graphite, and a hint of spice. The palate is bold and structured, with grippy tannins and a long, savory finish.
Abeja, Chardonnay, 2022
This Chardonnay reflects a quiet, detail-oriented approach, where balance is shaped as much in the vineyard as in the cellar. A warm, even season brings ripeness without excess, while careful handling preserves lift and texture. The style leans toward restraint, allowing fruit and structure to move together naturally, resulting in a wine that feels composed, layered, and steady from start to finish.
Tasting Notes
Ripe pear and apple lead, joined by hints of citrus, toasted almond, and a touch of cream. The palate is smooth yet lifted, with a gentle richness and a clean, lingering finish.
L'Ecole, Chenin Blanc, 2024
This Chenin Blanc captures a lively, vineyard-driven style shaped by bright days and cool evenings. The growing season preserves natural acidity while allowing the fruit to develop expressive aromatics and subtle depth. A gentle, hands-off approach in the cellar keeps the wine focused and transparent, highlighting its natural energy and texture. The result is a wine that feels vibrant and precise, with a refreshing sense of movement throughout.
Tasting Notes
Green apple, quince, and citrus zest lead, followed by hints of chamomile and wet stone. The palate is crisp and lifted, with mouthwatering acidity and a lightly textured finish that lingers clean and bright.
Seven Hills, Sauvignon Blanc, 2023
This Sauvignon Blanc reflects a bright, site-driven style shaped by warm days and cool nights, allowing the fruit to ripen while holding on to its natural lift. A clean, focused approach in the cellar keeps the profile sharp and expressive, emphasizing clarity over weight. The result is a wine that feels direct and refreshing, with a lively structure that carries through from start to finish.
Tasting Notes
Citrus zest, green melon, and fresh herbs lead, followed by hints of grapefruit and cut grass. The palate is crisp and energetic, finishing clean with a vibrant, mouthwatering edge.
Nine Hats, Pinot Gris, 2024
This Pinot Gris leans into an easygoing, fruit-forward style shaped by a warm, even growing season. The fruit develops generous character while holding enough lift to keep things in balance. A straightforward approach in the cellar keeps the focus on drinkability, allowing the wine to show its natural charm without excess weight. The result is approachable and smooth, with just enough structure to keep it lively.
Tasting Notes
Ripe pear, melon, and apple lead, with hints of citrus and soft florals. The palate is round and supple, balanced by gentle acidity and a clean, easy finish.
Isenhower, Viognier, 2023
This Viognier shows a more restrained side of the variety, shaped by a steady growing season that builds aromatics without tipping into excess. Careful handling keeps the wine focused, allowing its natural richness to unfold with control. There’s a gentle weight here, but it stays lifted, offering a balance between texture and freshness that feels composed rather than opulent.
Tasting Notes
Apricot, peach, and orange blossom lead, with hints of honeysuckle and soft spice. The palate is smooth and lightly rounded, with a subtle richness balanced by a clean, floral-tinged finish.
Pursued By Bear, Baby Bear Syrah, 2022
This Syrah leans into a softer, more approachable side of the variety, shaped by a warm season that builds depth without overwhelming structure. The style is plush yet controlled, offering richness that stays balanced and inviting. Thoughtful handling in the cellar keeps the wine open and expressive, making it immediately enjoyable while still carrying a sense of quiet intensity beneath the surface.
Tasting Notes
Blackberry and plum lead, with hints of violet, pepper, and a touch of smoke. The palate is smooth and rounded, with gentle tannins and a lingering finish that carries dark fruit and subtle spice.
