Alana scored this wine: 82/100

Today’s vacation (and National Wine day) pick. 80% Merlot, 20% Syrah - notes of blueberry, spice and cocoa on the nose with good structure and balance. For the story: Drumheller has its roots in events that took place eons ago when Ice Age glacial dams broke loose and unleashed a series of epic floods. Imagine waters raging over eastern Washington at ten times the combined flow of every river in the world! They scoured out dramatic channels and swept vast volumes of sandy, loamy soil onto the Columbia Plateau. One of these, the Drumheller Channels, has achieved National Natural Landmark status for the stark beauty of its landscape and its rich geological significance. Paired beautifully with crab and mushroom carbonara risotto.

Alana scored this wine: 90/100

Today’s vacation pick, this dark wine followed a sprightly Washington Riesling on a rainy and cold coastal afternoon, bringing warmth and earthiness. Notes of herbs and black fruit on the nose, a well balanced palate, medium bodied, good length and firm tannins. Wine Spectator describes it as ‘dark and spirited’ (and rated it 90 points) - an apt description! Paired nicely with a rustic crab, lobster and aged cheddar dip; grilled shrimp ceasar salad and charcuterie board.

Alana scored this wine: 82/100

An easy, highly drinkable wine that paired nicely with a pub meal of asparagus fries and shepherds pie by the coast (at a delightful pub in Lincolnville Beach, Maine, called the Whale’s Tooth). 96% pinot noir and 4% grenache, it has a mix of spicy and savoury with notes of plums, berries, browned butter and cinnamon. Taken from the winemaker’s comments and well-suited for this wine: ‘Cut from the cloth of the common man, the Fat Monk is on a mission to redefine one of life’s greatest pleasures as an everyday delight.’

Alana scored this wine: 88/100

Today’s vacation pick: A delightful Oregon Pinot Noir, described by the winemakers as a ‘notable everyday wine’. Notes of smoke, red berries and spice, we were recommended this wine to accompany our seaside meal of ‘a flight of bacon’ (smoky and crisp thick bacon rounds paired with 5 different toppings) and fresh crab rolls and it was a success!

Alana scored this wine: 87/100

Today’s vacation pick: medium-bodied structure, oaky and soft, with a rich earthiness at its core and notes of dried herb and plum. The dryness of the 2015 season resulting from the major drought, combined with cool temperatures and a very low yield in this vintage meant that the winemakers who were able to manage complications and keep the grapes on the vine into October were rewarded with riper fruit and more complex flavor profiles. Oak aged for 12 months (60% new oak aged), with a rich garnet color and layers of ripe, juicy blackberries, plum, cedar and spice, firm tannins and notes of vanilla and oak. Good length and complex finish. Paired with a charcuterie and cheese board by the sea in Camden, Maine.