Stephen Brook's 10 best Washington State Bordeaux blends plus others not available in the UK

Andrew Will: Sorella 2007  (72% CS, 10% Merlot, 15% CF, 3% PV).

Rich intense blackcurrant and mint nose. Suave, full-bodied, and generous, with powerful tannins and balancing spiciness. Long. 18.5pts/20
Price: £51.00 Berry Bros & Rudd
Drink: Now-2025
Alc: 14.3%

L’Ecole No 41: 2008 Perigee 2008 (55% CS, 26% Merlot, 11% CF, 4% each Malbec and PV).
 
Reserved black fruits nose. Plump, svelte, and very concentrated, yet lifted and fresh, with excellent balance and complexity, with fine tannins and exceptional length. 18.5pts/20
Price: £47.99 Handford
Drink: 2012-2018
Alc: 14.5%

Col Solare 2006 (72% CS, 19% Merlot, 4% CF, 3% PV, 2% Syrah ).

Dense oaky nose, with aromas of black fruits, cherries, and coffee. Suave with ample sweetness of fruit, not especially weighty but very elegant, with a long, cool, chocolatey finish. 18pts/20
Price: £55.30 Slurp
Drink: Now-2024
Alc: 14.5%

Chateau Ste Michelle: Canoe Ridge Merlot 2006

Plums and mulberries on the nose, with ample toasty oak. Suave and luxurious, has intensity and drive, and a long seamless finish.  17.5pts/20
Price: £18.95 Slurp
Drink: Now-2018
Alc: 14.5%

Northstar: Merlot, Columbia Valley 2007 (75% Merlot, 30% CS, 5% PV).

Rich, spicy, liquorice and black cherry nose, has power and presence. Sleek and concentrated, with fine texture and freshness as well as grip, balanced tannins, peppery and long. 17.5pts/20
Price: £32.63 for the 2005 at Everywine.co.uk
Drink: Now-2020
Alc: 14.7%

Powers: Coyote Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Dense cassis nose, quite tarry and oaky. Very rich and full-bodied, lavish and opulent, with firm tannins, and flavours of dark fruits, cloves and chocolate. Long.  17.5pts/20
Price: £26 for the 2006 at World Wine Agencies and St Martin Vinters
Drink: Now-2022
Alc: 14%

Gramercy: Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2008

Fragrant cherry and red fruits nose. Medium-bodied and supple yet quite concentrated, fresh and balanced, with a slight austerity on the finish. 17pts/20
Price: £29 Flint
Drink: 2012-2020
Alc: 13.9%

Leonetti: Merlot 2007

Discreet black cherry nose. Plump and concentrated, has power without showing any jamminess; long spicy finish. 17pts/20
Price: £47.83 Noel Young
Drink: Now-2018
Alc:14.3%

Woodward Canyon: Artists Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Toasty, smoky, savoury nose, opulent. Fleshy and full-bodied, with sweet spicy black fruits, structured yet limpid, with a long chocolatey finish. 17pts/20
Price: £41.00 for thr 2004 at Wine Treasury
Drink: 2012-2020
Alc: 14.5%

Charles Smith: ‘Velvet Devil’ Merlot 2009

Sweet, heady, ripe cherry nose.  Medium-bodied, gentle and has charm, light tannins, delicious and bright. 16.5pts/20
Price: £9.91 Bibendum
Drink: Now 
Alc: 13.5%

Six other Washington State Bordeaux blends not currently available in the UK:

Betz Family Wineries: Clos de Betz 2007 (62% Merlot, 20% CS, 10% Malbec, 5% CF, 3% PV).

Ripe fleshy blackberry nose, with sweet oak. Sumptuous and super-ripe but minty and lively too, concentrated and fleshy, with backbone, spice, and good length. 18pts/20
Price: N/A UK. $50 betzfamilywinery.com
Drink: Now-2025
Alc: 14.7%

Buty: Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Muted black cherry nose. Lush, textured, and concentrated, infused with delicious dark fruits. Drinks well now but has lift, acidity and great persistence. 18pts/20
Price: N/A UK. $55 butywinery.com
Drink: Now-2022
Alc: 14.5%

Cayuse: Widowmaker Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Smoky savoury nose. Full-bodied and almost meaty, with sweetness of fruit but no jamminess, lacy and long. 18pts/20
Price: N/A UK (Berry Bros stock other wines). $70 cayusevineyards.com
Drink: 2013-2025
Alc: 14.3%

Seven Hills: Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Rich, dusty, leafy nose, robust and forthright. Full-bodied, powerful, and spicy, complex and assertive, with a very long chewy finish. 18pts/20
Price: N/A UK (Stone Vine & Sun stock other wines). $35 sevenhillswinery.com
Drink: 2013-2025
Alc: 13.8%

DeLille: Chaleur Estate Red Mountain 2008 (64% CS, 25% Merlot, 9% CF, 2% PV).

Sweet blackberry nose.  Full-bodied, dense, and tannic, has grip and spice, and hints of tobacco and leathery. Long. 17.5pts/20
Price: N/A UK. $80 delillecellars.com
Drink: 2013-2022
Alc: 14.4%

Abeja: 2008 Columbia Valley Merlot 2008

Opulent plum and mokka nose. Very ripe, lush and soft, not very nuanced but has freshness, pep, and balance. Long. 17.5pts/20
Price: N/A UK. $35 abeja.net
Drink: Now-2018
Alc: 14.8%