Acclaim

91 Points

"Stewed cherries, tobacco leaf, baking spices and peppercorn on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, fine tannins and tangy acidity. Some savory, earthy character to the spiced fruit. Drink or hold."

- JamesSuckling.com, June 2021

88 Points

"A value priced blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and the rest equal parts Malbec and Merlot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Murray is a charming, tobacco and mulled spice-driven blend that's medium to full-bodied and has sweet fruit as well as ripe tannins. If you're in the mood for a solid Cabernet Blend that has character but isn't over the top, give this a whirl."

- Jeb Dunnuck, April 2021

Double Gold Medal

- Bellingham Wine Festival, June 2020

87 Points

"Dark red. Smoky redcurrant, plum, licorice, mocha and raspberry on the nose, plus a whiff of herbs. Supple, nicely concentrated Cabernet with a distinct salinity but also good sweetness to its red and darker fruit flavors accented by oak spices. Offers good thickness of texture and early appeal, finishing with rather plush tannins. Some smoky oak slightly dries the finish, though."

- Stephen Tanzer, December 2020

"Winemakers Tim and Kelly Hightower hit a grand slam with this incredibly affordable Red Mountain Cab, 81% of which was sourced from their estate vineyards. It’s bright and balanced with blue and purple fruits, a splash of cranberry sauce, a silky-soft finish, and picture-perfect acidity and tannins that place it solidly in the medium-bodied category. The wine was one of only 18 Double Gold medalists at the 2020 Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival Judged Competition."

- DanTheWineGuy.com, October 2020

Buy now!

91 Points

"Blackberries, grilled strawberries, dill, sweet tobacco and some smoke on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied with creamy, ripe tannins. Smooth, rich and spiced finish. Drink or hold."

- JamesSuckling.com, June 2021

Platinum Medal

- Wine Press NW Platinum Judging, December 2020

Gold Medal

- Great Northwest Wine Invitational, October 2020

17+ Points

"Smells of ripe cherry with tobacco notes. Juicy cherry and black-cherry fruit mixes with cola and notes of sweet oak. Fine-grained tannins add some musculature to the wine. Excellent acidity. Perhaps a touch too much new oak, but many will appreciate the vanilla notes that linger in a long finish."

- JancisRobinson.com, December 2020

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92 Points

"Currants, raspberries, chocolate orange and peppercorns on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with sleek tannins and a rounded, plush texture. Juicy and flavorful with some savory olive notes on the finish... Drink now."

- JamesSuckling.com, June 2021

Best In Class

- Seattle Wine Awards, June 2020

Platinum Medal

- Wine Press NW Platinum Judging, December 2020

Gold Medal

"Year after year, co-winemakers Tim and Kelly Hightower produce some of the Northwest's most balanced wines. Their use of Petit Verdot (7%) and Cabernet Franc (7%) in the blend creates magic. Blackberry, dark cherry and a hint of cedar lead into a full rich palate of more dark fruits and blackberry pie. Abundant and well-integrated tannins make for a long and generous finish."

- Cascadia Wine Competition, August 2020

Gold Medal

- Bellingham Wine Festival, July 2020

Buy Now!

17.5 Points

"Slightly nutty cherry and tobacco-leaf aromas. Suede-like tannins wrap around a core of cherry and mocha with a touch of bitter herbs. Smooth and nicely integrated oak. Good acidity. Quite tasty."

- JancisRobinson.com, October 2020

Gold Medal

- Seattle Wine Awards, June 2020

Buy Now!

90 Points

"Currants, spiced rhubarb, rosemary and oregano on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with soft, silky tannins. Smooth, plummy finish. Drink now."

- JamesSuckling.com, June 2021

Double Platinum Medal

- Wine Press NW Platinum Judging, December 2020

Gold Medal

- Great Northwest Wine Invitational, October 2020

Wine of the Week, Dec 24-30, 2020

"We’ve mentioned this many times, but Tim and Kelly Hightower prompt us to reference it again — they create some of the most wonderfully balanced reds in the Northwest. And yet, that’s not necessarily natural for some when pulling from Red Mountain, often associated with robust reds. However, their Murray tier showcases their ability as blenders, and it’s no surprise to see this 2017 drinking so well considering their 2016 Murray Red was best of class last year at the 2019 Great Northwest Invitational. Expect a wine of beautiful decadence, offering black currant, cassis, toast, violets and raspberry leaf with Craisin, strawberry-rhubarb jam and wet stone combining for a long finish. One judge described it as “a world-class wine” — and that was without knowing the price."

- Wine Press NW, December 2020

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91 Points

"A full-bodied red with aromas of blueberry pie, dried flowers, toffee and sweet tobacco. Perfumed, decadent and sweetly spiced with velvety tannins... Drink now or hold."

- JamesSuckling.com, July 2021

91 Points

"Lots of smoked black fruits, iron, tapenade, and tobacco notes emerge from the glass and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a pure, layered, silky texture, and a great finish. It's another balanced, pure, impeccably made wine from this estate."

- Jeb Dunnuck, April 2021

91 Points

"Full ruby-red. Very dark aromas of blackberry, cassis and licorice, complicated by notes of bitter chocolate and violet. At once dense, suave and juicy, offering flavors similar to the aromas. Nicely concentrated and still youthfully tight, this cleanly made wine should evolve nicely for several more years. Finishes classically dry, with a smooth dusting of tannins and very good length."

- Stephen Tanzer, December 2020

"This tasty red wine opens with a burst of red currant and red cherry fruit, followed by an underlying darker layer of spiced berry cobbler. It also carries a measure of racy acidity that suggests Gravenstein apple as well as nicely textured tannins, giving you a beautifully balanced wine that should pair with anything from prime rib to pork ribs."

- DanTheWineGuy.com, December 2020

Buy now!

94 Points

"Blackberries and black olives with hints of dried flowers follow through to a full body, round and velvety tannins and a juicy, delicious finish. Lots of fruit at the end, yet remains focused and structured... Drink or hold."

- JamesSuckling.com, June 2020

91 Points

"Tightly wound, expressive and structured, with blackberry, stony mineral and dusty herb flavors that build toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2021 through 2028."

- Wine Spectator, May 2020

91 Points

"Bright ruby-red. Inviting, slightly gamey aromas of black fruits, cocoa powder and sexy oak. Concentrated and densely packed but not hard or tight; in fact, this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend is surprisingly pliant and savory, conveying attractive Cab Franc lift to its flavors of dark fruits and dark chocolate. Finishes with spicy tannins, very good length and a note of red licorice."

- Stephen Tanzer, December 2019

90+ Points

"Alas, the 2016 Red Mountain Reserve is a success. Blended of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec and 12% Cabernet Franc, it bursts from the glass with a dark-fruited core of aromas on the nose, balanced by a dusty elegance with spicy oak tones and a firm minerality. Full-bodied, the palate is rich, complex and precise, displaying a balanced and well-defined structure across the mid-palate before finishing long, with evolving flavors of mocha, black raspberry and subtle oak spices. This food-friendly wine will drink well beyond its 10th birthday. Well done. Now I’m craving steak."

- Wine Advocate, May 2020

90+ points

"Bright ruby-red. Inviting, slightly gamey aromas of black fruits, cocoa powder and sexy oak. Concentrated and densely packed but not hard or tight; in fact, this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend is surprisingly pliant and savory, conveying attractive Cab Franc lift to its flavors of dark fruits and dark chocolate. Finishes with spicy tannins, very good length and a note of red licorice."

- JebDunnuck.com, December 2019

Buy now!

"I like the aromas of black olives, dark fruit and spices, as well as ash. Medium to full body, juicy fruit and a medium-fruity finish. Just a hint of grilled-wood coming through. Drink or hold."

92 points

- JamesSuckling.com, June 2020

"A red with blackcurrants and redcurrants, as well as mint and spice. Full-bodied, tight and caressing with polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish."

92 points

- JamesSuckling.com, June 2020

"Aromas of exotic spice, Craisins, dried thyme, black currant, vanilla and black licorice are out front. Fruit and barrel play off each other nicely on an elegant, cranberry-filled palate. It has a pleasing mouthwatering sense to it."

90 points

- Wine Enthusiast, January 2020

"Full medium red. High-toned scents of blackberry, violet and licorice. Juicy and nicely delineated, with intense flavors of blueberry, boysenberry and violet supported but not overwhelmed by spicy oak. Finishes fresh and firm, with well-managed tannins, good energy and length, and a late note of dark chocolate. Clean and well-made."

90 points

- Stephen Tanzer, December 2019

"Structured and tightly focused, with dense currant and black olive flavors, laced with stony minerality and built toward fine-grained tannins. Best from 2021 through 2028."

90 points

- Wine Spectator, May 2020

Double Gold Medal

- Wine Press NW Platinum Competition, Dec 2019

Gold Medal, Best In Class

- Great Northwest Wine Invitational

88 points

- Wine Enthusiast, December 2019

"Bright, moderately saturated ruby-red. Blackberry, dark raspberry, cassis and bitter chocolate on the nose, lifted by a note of violet... Then a bit lean but nicely focused on the palate, with flavors of black cherry, dark berries and licorice accented but not dominated by spicy oak."

87 points

- Stephen Tanzer, December 2019

Wine of the Week

“Pomegranate, cherry and a hint of blueberry are complemented by the rich flavors of baking spice and baking cocoa, which pick up a sense of earthiness along the way.”

- Wine Press NW, April 2019

"Dark ruby with a hint of violet. A ripe meaty nose. Lush and soft on the attack. Dense palate with pure red and black currant flavors and a note of sweet oak. Rich, soft tannins, long finish."

92 points

- International Wine Review, March 2019

"The Hightower 2015 Reserve is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Malbec. Notes of black currant, tobacco and coffee. Nice structure and tannins. A beautiful wine. Wow!!"

- Rupal Shankar, January 2019

"This wine fills the glass with its scents like a big ship maneuvering a narrow channel. It leads with notes of tar and burnished leather, herbal notes reining in a chewy, succulent mouthfeel of black-plum flavor. For lamb chops."

91 points

- Wine and Spirits, December 2018

Listed as "Year's Best US Cabernets and Blends" in 2018.

- Wine and Spirits, December 2018

Platinum Medal

- WinePress NW, November 2019

Gold Medal

- Seattle Wine Awards, May 2019

"A very ripe and somewhat earthy nose with rich dark-berry and plum-cake aromas that lead to a cassis-flavored palate that has long, succulent fruit presence."

91 points

- JamesSuckling.com, April 2019

"Dark ruby hint of violet. Lovely ripe black currant fruit and fine tannins. Sweet cherry, hint of anise and resin, complex and elegant wine."

91 points

- International Wine Review, March 2019

Double Gold Medal

- Wine Press NW Platinum Competition, Dec 2019

Gold Medal

- Seattle Wine Awards, 2019

"Flamboyant aromas of crushed berries, rust, black olives and dried flowers, following through to a full body, round and creamy tannins and a delicious, savory finish. The hints of tar and dried fruit make it even more decadent and attractive. Some rhubarb."

92 points

- JamesSuckling.com, June 2020

Platinum Medal

- WinePress NW, December 2019

Gold Medal

- Great Northwest Wine Invitational, November 2019

"Near opaque black ruby. Olive, roasted red pepper, strong aromas and flavors typical of Red Mountain; firm tannins, solid tapenade definition to finish. Not just pure fruit; shows length and definition."

90 points

- International Wine Review, March 2019

Buy Now!

"Blended with 5% Viognier. Dark ruby violet. Dark gamey, black fruit/some tapenade and black pepper aromas. Funky! Well balanced ripe flavors. Solid fruit, not too tannic, with good freshness."

91 points

- International Wine Review, March 2019

"Revealing aromas of dark fruit, pungent cracked pepper and black olive, the 2015 Murray Syrah is supple, juicy and medium-bodied, with considerable flavor and character for its modest price."

89 point

- Wine Advocate, June 2018

"I loved the 2014 Red Mountain Reserve, and it’s a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Malbec brought up in smaller barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered. It offers outstanding notes of spiced plums, black raspberries, incense and potpourri. This rich, beautifully textured, elegant and seamless Cabernet has loads to love and is going to drink nicely through 2024."

90 points

- Wine Advocate, July 2017

Platinum Medal

-WinePress NW, December 2018

"Hightower's 2014 Red Wine Hightower Estate Red Mountain checks in as a blend of close to equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot that spent 20 months in barrel. It has a slightly lifted bouquet of ripe plums and blackberries intermixed with notes of cedary spice and dried orange peel. Medium-bodied, supple, nicely textured, and balanced, with plenty of sweet fruit, it's drinking beautifully today yet will keep for another 7-8 years."

90 points

-Jeb Dunnuck

Gold Medal

-Great Northwest Wine Invitational

"Another high-toned effort is the 2014 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Made from 80% Cabernet and 10% each of Malbec and Merlot, it gives up lots of candied violets, vanilla bean, incense and sweet black fruits in a charming, supple, layered and incredibly drinkable style."

90 points

-Wine Advocate, July 2017.

Gold Medal

Andy Perdue. February 2016.

"...Oak tones with a bit of vanilla lead off its aromas, followed by black cherries and dark berries. On the tongue black cherry fruit merges seamlessly with the blackberry and blueberry leading to sweet dark chocolate and refined tannins. It's an impeccably balanced red blend."

-Great NW Wines, April 2016.

Double Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards, 2016

Double Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards, 2016

"Soft and polished, with a strong mint and rosemary character weaving through the cherry and spice flavors, lingering easily. Drink now through 2020."

89 points

-Wine Spectator, November 2015

Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards, 2015

"A lovely sunset blush color, this is 100% estate-grown Syrah. It was picked and pressed specifically for this rosé--not a saignée style. Soft and smooth, it has generous strawberry fruit and touches lightly on tropical notes as well."

-Wine Enthusiast, August 2015

"...opens with tones of chocolate-covered pomegranate, blue berry, and lilac. The hallmark of Hightower Cellars red wines is exquisite balance, and that definitely applies here as suave tannins and juicy blueberry acidity make for a long farewell."

Gold Medal

-Great NW Wine, April 2015

"Possessing more minerality, with ample dark plum and blackberry fruit, the 2012 Red Mountain Reserve has the same sage and mint characteristic found in the Hightower Vineyard release....it's a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and nicely structured Cabernet that will have an easy 15 years of longevity."

90 points

-Robert Parker, June 2015

89 points

-Sean Sullivan, March 2016

Gold Medal

Seattle Wine Awards

"...gives up lots of red plum, licorice, sage brush and mint, with subtle hints of overripeness aromatically. Nicely textured, medium to full-bodied and with fine tannin, drink it over the coming 5-6 years."

89 points

Wine Advocate, June 2015

"Firm in the texture, with grippy tannins and tingly acidity playing against dark and brooding blueberry and savory spice flavors that persist on the finish....Best after 2017."

-Wine Spectator, November 2015

"Another excellent wine from this team, the 2012 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon shows classic Red Mountain character in its sour cherry and darker fruits, toasted spice and licorice aromatics. Medium-bodied, nicely concentrated and obviously well-made, it will continue to drink nicely for another 7-8 years."

-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, June 2015

Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards

"Fresh, lively and focused, pointing the mint-accented blueberry and currant flavors into a long, detailed and slightly earthy finish. Tannins wrap crisply around the structure, but don't intrude on the generous flavors. Best from 2017 to 2022."

92 points

-Wine Spectator, November 2015

"You must give this Syrah from Red Mountain a try. Its rich, powerful, spicy, and tannic characteristics pair well with big old juicy steak. What stands out the most are the aromatics from the white viongier grapes. They literally jump from the glass with rose petal, peach, and apircots in the nose with the Syrah's power following up on the palate. (absolutely intoxicating)"

-Mark Tronson, Signature Montana

"A medium-bodied, rounded, forward, and easy-drinking red that offers ample white pepper, menthol, graphite, and hints of currants...drink it over the coming 3-4 years."

-Wine Advocate, June 2015

Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards

"Dreamy peachy pink color that smelled of strawberries and rhubarb coupled with flavors of strawberries and honey kissed by a light touch of oak."

-Michele Francisco, March 2014

"The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid, yet straightforward effort that offers up plenty of smoke, char, asphalt, licorice and hints of mint to go with a medium-bodied, nicely concentrated and balanced profile on the palate. Coming from Red Mountain and a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 9% Malbec and the balance Cabernet Franc, it should have 8-10 years of overall longevity."

88 points

-Wine Enthusiast, November 2014

Double Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards

"In a challenging vintage, this shows excellent structure around rather light fruit. Strawberry and cherry come into play, with some well-managed tannic strength from the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and a splash of Malbec."

89 points

-Wine Enthusiast, November 2014

Double Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards

"Aromas of raspberry, cherry, milk chocolate and rose petal. Dense and smooth, showing a light touch and modest nuance to its red fruit and light herbal flavors. Compared to the more peppery 2012 Pepper Bridge Merlot, this seems to have benefited from a longer, slower, ripening. Finishes with easygoing tannins, a touch of sweetness and decent length."

-International Wine Commission

"Tannins are smooth and the wine has a pleasing chocolate streak upon entry. Peppery and herbal highlights come into play through the finish, which firms up nicely."

-Wine Enthusiast, August 2014

Double Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards

"Loaded with notions of cedar, toast, licorice, graphite and smoked dark fruits, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness solid concentration and classic red mountain structure. Give it 2-3 years in the cellar and enjoy bottles over the following 10 to 15 years."

91 points

-Robert Parker, June 2014

Double Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards

"...shows good concentration and oak influence. Cassis fruit is underscored with vivid acidity, and the wine retains its balance through a long finish that offers highlights of smoke and char."

90 points

-WIne Enthusiast, August 2014

"The 2010 Out of Line Estate Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. Dark ruby violet in color, it offers dense berry and cassis aromas and frlavors along with solid minerals. It is fresh, balanced, and has elegant tannins on a long and persisitent finish."

93 points

-International Wine Review, January 2013

"...gives up resinous, sappy herb aromas and flavors, medium to full body and tangy acidity on the finish...there's good fruit on the palate and it has a quaffable feel."

-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, July 2013

"The wine is bright with aromas of violets, black currant and plum leading to a well-structured palate with ample acidity and toasty oak framing flavors of cherry, dark fruits and vanilla."

-Chuck Hill, Wines NW November 2013

"Subtle black cherry, plum and currant flavors are complemented with a 15 percent contribution of malbec, which gives it a gentle but distinct brambly, blackberry finish. Here, the Hightowers show how attention-to-detail winemaking can result in an excellent wine despite a challenging, cooler vintage."

-Dan Radil

"Here's a classic, true-to-the-varietal Cabernet Franc from Tim and Kelly Hightower that might make you think you're drinking something twice-the-price from Loire or Bordeaux. Subtle flavors of sundried cherry, black olive, herbs, and white pepper make it an ideal candidate for prime rib."

-Dan Radil, April 2013

"Dark purple ruby. Dense ripe berry and black pepper show on the nose with framboise and light game notes. Aged for 18 months in French and American oak, it is fresh and fruity with good balance and silky tannins. Unrefined and unfiltered like all of their wines, quite good and great value."

91 points

-International Wine Reviewer, January 2013

"Tim and Kelly Hightower continue to be part of the Red Mountain success story, honoring winery dog Murray with his own syrah bottling. The playful pup says his wine offers brambly fruit of berries and cherries complemented by a nice amount of barrel spice, cocoa, and leather."

-Wines Northwest, August 2013

"The 2010 Murray is a delicious Bordeaux blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, petit verdot and cabernet franc. There's a pleasant, wet stone, mineral-like aroma - indicative of Red Mountain terroir - that leads off and follows through to the finish. In between, this overachieving red wine offers generous, mouthwatering boysenberry and blueberry flavors that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face."

-Dan Radill, The Bellingham Herald, June 2014

"Bright, deep red-ruby. Raspberry, blackberry, graphite minerality and sweet oak on the pure, subdued nose. Juicy, firm, and energetic, with medicinal cherry and spicy oak flavors showing good definition and lift. Finishes with oak-driven tannins and an herbal edge but avoids coming off as hard or dry."

89 points

-International Wine Cellar, November 2013

"...It has a big perfumed aroma of black fruits, pepper, mint, violets, and licorice to go with a voluptuously styled palate. Almost hitting the fruit bomb status, it has good acidity, a polished silky texture, and outstanding focus on the finish. It is hard to resist now and should continue to drink nicely through 2019."

91 points

-Robert Parker, July 2013

"Sleek, vibrant and sharply focused, delivering black cherry, blackberry, smoke and espresso flavors on a finely delineated frame, persisting into the long and expressive finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. Drink now through 2020."

92 points

-Wine Spectator, August 2013

"…is a big, friendly effort that offers up plenty of blacker styled fruit, sappy herb, mint and spice t o go with a big fruiit loaded mouthfeel. Voluptuously textured with no hard edges and full bodied richness. It should thrill over the coming 4-6 years. Drink now - 2019."

90 points

-Robert Parker, July 2013

"...offers an elegeant and fresh bouquet with a touch of earth. It has dense berry fruit and is polished with fine tannins and pverall balance. It is very much in harmony and has good length to the finish..."

93 points

-International Wine Review, January 2013

"Smooth and vibrant, with a strong peppermint character wafting through the cherry and berry flavors. The finish lingers against polished tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2017. 720 cases made."

89 points

-Wine Spectator, August 2012

"This is a three-grape Bordeaux-style blend that is three-fifths Cabernet and Sauvignon and one-fifth each Merlot and Petit Verdot. It has tremendous flavor appeal, featuring a lush mix of red and black fruit – both berry and plum-with generous barrel flavors of mocha and espresso It gains mass and breadth as it breathes."

92 Points, Editor’s Choice

-Wine Enthusiast

Double Gold

-Seattle Wine Awards

"Dark and smoky, this is ripe with black cherry, blackberry, licorice and toast flavors that mingle effectively on the long, expressive finish. Needs cellaring to bring it all together. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2014 through 2018."

92 points

-Wine Spectator, July 2012

"Hightower's new releases begin with the 2008 Murray Red Wine, a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot, and 11% Malbec. Aromas of rose petal, cinnamon, clove, incense, black cherry, and black currant inform the nose of a ripe, easy-going, tasty wine meant for drinking over the next 5 years. ...excellent value..."

89 points

- Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Reviews October 2011 Newsletter

"This is 100% Merlot hand-harvested from Pepper Bridge Vineyard south of Walla Walla. This straight-Merlot cuvee allows Pandora’s Merlot Box to be opened with a rush of aromas: spicy berry, floral, jasmine, citrus, sandalwood, vanilla and more. The palate is round and jammy with cassis and vanilla flavors leading to a firm finish of tannins"

-Wines NW, November, 2011

"The 2008 Pepper Bridge is a cuvee of 100% Merlot sourced from a quality site. It displays a more complex nose with exotic spices, cherry blossom, balsam wood, and assorted red and black fruits. This sets the stage for an elegant Merlot with savory flavors, good depth, and impeccable balance. Drink it over the next 8 years."

90 points

-Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, October 2011

"The 2007 Red Mountain Red Wine is made up of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Merlot and Cabernet Franc aged in 80% new oak. Savory, spicy, and forward, this is a balanced, surprisingly elegant wine with the Red Mountain tannins nicely in check. This lengthy, nicely proportioned red will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2019."

90+ points

- Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Reviews October 2011 Newsletter

"The 2009 Syrah was made entirely from estate-grown fruit and was co-fermented with 5% Viognier. Smoke, game, bacon, and blueberry aromas lead to a savory, round, friendly wine with good depth and balance. Drink it over the next 4-5 years."

90 points

-Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, October 2011

"The 2007 Merlot contains 14% Cabernet Franc with the fruit predominantly from the Red Mountain AVA, the balance from Horse Heaven Hills. Medium purple in color, the nose … gives up aromas of toasty oak, mineral, violets, cassis, and black currant. Savory on the palate…"

89 points

-Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, August 2010

"Tim and Kelly Hightower have claimed their corner of Red Mountain, and with their motto of “handpicked – handsorted – handmade,” they meticulously craft fine red wines from some of the state’s finest fruit. Their 2007 Merlot offers aromas of smoky black cherry, plum, cherry candy and floral perfume. The palate offers flavors of cherry, vanilla, anise and cocoa that are delicious with duck sausage and others."

-Winesnw.com, November 2010

Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards, May 2010

"The hits just keep on coming. Here's another syrah from Washington that convinces me wineries should postpone the abandonment of this grape. 100% estate fruit from Red Mountain, this syrah possesses all the components attributed to making this grape great. The nose leads with an assault of layered complexity. Rich red and purple berries, smoky, savory, peppery, and violet notes tease the taste buds into great anticipation for what lies ahead for the mouth. And in the mouth, the follow through is as expected. All those beautiful flavors dance harmoniously across the palate as promised, towards a perfectly balanced, structured finish that commands another sip. Here's the red for your summer Bar-B-Que, or stock-up for the fall, which in Seattle, might be next week"

-Pike and Western Newsletter, June, 2009

"Hightower Cellars 2007 Murray Syrah, Red Mountain, $20. Recommended: If you visit the winery, Murray the family dog will lead the greeting party. His happy face appears on the bottle, which brings notes of strawberry fruit leather, blackberry and pie cherry acidity. Chocolate lovers can truly enjoy the finish."

-Wine Press NW, Summer 2010

"Excellent: The entry-level label of this small family operation on Red Mountain is named after their yellow Lab. The mix of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (26%) and Cabernet Franc is no mongrel either with scents of Bing cherries, blueberry, Tennessee red cedar, green peppercorns and fine-grained sandpaper. It stays on point with a carton of black cherries and more blueberries. Waiting is a treat of molasses cookies in the finish. Lingering acidity should make this delicious with beef shoulder roast from the Kittitas Valley."

-Wine Press NW Summer 2010

Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards, May 2010

"Recommended: It would be street-legal to label this blend of Merlot (75%) and Cabernet Sauvignon, and this famed vineyard makes it easy to find accents of rich strawberry and plum. Behind are hints of coffee, tobacco, green peppercorns and Triscuit crackers. Richness and acidity in the structure gives way to a finish of steak juice and a Keebler's Fudge Stick."

-Wine Press NW, Summer 2010

Gold Medal

-Seattle Wine Awards, May 2010

"Excellent: The 10th anniversary of the flagship from this Red Mountain boutique winery has its foundation on estate fruit, assisted by Alder Ridge (18%) and Pepper Bridge (9%). Wonderful aromas send out whiffs of cassis, Chukar Cherry, blackberry, lavender, vanilla bean and cedar. There's a nice fruit core on the palate with more blackberry and cherry, supported by firm and frontal yet integrated tannins, and coffee in the finish."

-Wine Press NW, Summer 2010

"If Merlot strikes you as underwhelming (and overpriced), you haven’t tried one from Washington. The state’s eastern half may be the only area in North America where the varietal truly thrives. Boutique producers such as Hightower, … typically make a few hundred cases of bright, fruity Merlot that never travel farther than Seattle or Portland."

-Bruce Shoenfeld, Travel and Leisure Magazine July, 2010

"Hightower Cellars has earned a reputation of producing incredible red wines. A perfect examples is their 2006 Merlot (about $28) a well –polished wine that is drinking exceptionally well right now. Lovely cherry, white pepper, and chocolate flavors melt seamlessly into a finish with soft elegant tannins. Well worth the price, and highly recommended."

-Dan Radil, Bellingham Herald June, 2010

"Excellent: Neighborhood vineyards Shaw (44%), Kiona's 1975 block (34%) and Artz (11) made this 10-barrel lot come to fruition for Tim and Kelly Hightower. It's a nose-filling assortment of fruit accents of strawberry, blackberry, cherries and raspberries, backed by cedar and chocolate. Rich on the mouth is the arrival of black cherry and strawberry jam, showing lots of acidity. Smooth tannins gather in prominence, yielding in the finish to barrel notes of star anise, chocolate-covered almonds and coffee."

-Wine Press NW, Summer 2010

"...2004 Merlot is drinking splendidly! Look for bright cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors with underlying complexity and structure from 18% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Try it with your own harvest celebration from the grill."

-Chuck Hill, Wines Northwest October, 2007

"Smooth, hard and glossy, with tightly wound fruits dappled with light herbs. The mix of plum, cherry, coffee and earth is perfectly balanced, and the wine shows good density and extract. Grapes are from Red Mountain, Walla Walla and Horse Heaven."

92 points

-Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast October, 2006

"the 2003 Merlot...a big wine loaded with dark cherry flavors"

-Dan Radil, Bellingham Herald

"Enticing, complex nose of black/red fruit precedes mouth-filling flavors that lean toward black fruit such as currant, plum and blackberry, mingled with black cherry, vanilla and spice; nicely balanced by firm structure and soft, yet plentiful tannins."

90 points

-Richard Kinssies & Howard G. Goldberg, The Wine News

"the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon... which is drinking awfully well right now. It also displays cherry fruit with subtle tannins and a velvety finish."

-Dan Radil, Bellingham Herald

"Floral nose of lavender, rose, blackberry jam and herb; clean berry and cherry flavors, mouthwatering acidity...good with food...limited production."

-San Franscisco Chronicle Wine Selections

"I like the firm core of cassis, cherry and plum; it says cabernet loud and clear...transitions cleanly to well-managed tannins and makes a smooth landing."

88 points

-Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of black fruit, licorice, cedar, herbs and a distinctive olive character carries right on over to the palate, with a nice acidic backbone giving structure. Pair this one with veal shanks cooked with rosemary and kalamata olives."

89/90 points

-Randy Buckner, Wine Lover's Page

"I thought this was a beautifully structured wine with plum and black cherries in the mouth and a long finish. The grapes come from Red Mountain, and I always get a dusty, brambly cassis flavor from Red Mountain wines."

-Spokesman Review

"This lean and angular wine shows a different side of Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of coffee/chocolate, leather, blackberry and toasty oak. On the palate, fruity flavors of plums and cherries mingle with textural qualities that mellow into a velvety fruit-filled finish. The complexity of the palate mingles nicely with the grilled flavors of the lamb."

-Chuck Hill, WinesNorthwest.com

"A good mix of vineyards (Artz on Red Mountain, Alder Ridge from the Horse Heaven Hills, Pepper Bridge from Walla Walla) ensures a smooth, full-bodied wine that really showcases what Washington merlot is all about. Plummy and sweet, the fleshy fruit hints at raspberry preserves, leading to a silky, chocolate and vanilla finish."

-Wine Enthusiast

"Light ruby in color, the wine gives off aromas of sweet black fruit, leather and olives. You'll find a crisp wine that is full in the mouth with liqueur-like fruit and olive notes."

88/88 points

-Randy Buckner, Wine Lover's Page

"I recently tried their red wines and found them to be pleasantly and distinctly different. The one thing they had in common was their handcrafted attention to detail, which clearly shows in the quality of each glass...Very plummy with some black cherry flavors and supple tannins. This wine would be a beautiful complement to a pumpkin or butternut squash soup or perhaps a duck entrée."

-Dan Radil, The Bellingham Herald

Silver Medal

-NorthWest Wine Summit, 2004

Silver Medal

-Finger Lakes Wine Competition, 2004

Gold Medal

-NorthWest Wine Summit, 2004

Silver Medal

-International Eastern Wine Competition, 2004

"Deep, generous cherry scents mirrored on the palate with additional flavors of plum, cassis and new oak."

-Richard Kinssies, The Wine News

"Like a favorite piece of leather luggage. It has aromas of cedar and pipe tobacco, then bold flavors of currants and dried cherries. It's a take-anywhere red."

-Bob Woehler, Wine Press Northwest

"This tiny winery on the slopes of Red Mountain scores with a Cab showing compelling mint notes amid aromas and flavors of black cherries, chocolate and leather. Great structure gives this length.

Excellent

-WinePress NW

"The best of the state's 2000 merlots...A tight, muscular merlot that shows off firm, plump fruit, black olive/herbal highlights and smooth tannins."

-The Seattle Times

"Recommended. Berry fruit, cedar and light toast aroma. Bright and vibrant on the palate, with flavors of berry and toast. Well balanced, with soft tannins."

-Northwest Palate

"A rich and powerful handcrafted wine, eminently age-worthy but, thanks to a hefty mixture of merlot grapes, delicious right now."

-Seattle Weekly Hot Sheet

"Pacific Northwest Wine of the Week...This Cab is an understated and intricate wine with classic black currant and toasted oak aromas. It offers layers of subtle complexity with black fruit, spice, sweet tobacco and more and finishes smooth and satisfying."

-WinePress NW

"Tim and Kelly Hightower have done it again with a great wine for the price. They are making the big move to their own winery in eastern Washington. Grab this rising star for your cellar."

-Arista Wine Cellar

"Full ruby red. Extravagant aromas of spiced plum, meat and menthol. Large scaled, layered and plump, with fruit-driven red and blackcurrant flavors. Big and soft...Finished with easy tannins and good length."

-Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"Dark garnet color. Cassis, vanilla and barrel toast in the nose. Bright flavors of currant fruit balance chocolatey barrel toast and youthful tannins. Medium-bodied, with currant and toast on the finish."

-Northwest Palate

"...this is an extremely well-made wine with pure red cherry and candied raspberry aromas, intermingled with faint touches of vanilla. Medium-bodied and satin-textured, it is refined, fruit dominated and possesses a long, well-furnished finish."

-The Wine Advocate

"From one of Washington's newest wineries comes this complex and attractive Cabernet that shows nuances of blackberry fruit, black cherry and cedar."

-The Seattle Times

"Hightower Cellars is one of the area's newest, and its first vintage is a great start with a blend of grapes from the Yakima Valley's Red Mountain Vineyard and the Walla Walla Valley's Pepper Bridge Vineyard. The wine freatures delicious dark fruit flavors and soft tannins laced with berries that leave a nice mouthfeel."

-Tri-Cities Herald

"Deep garnet color. Complex and attractive style with nuances of blackberry, black cherry and cedar. Highly recommended."

-Northwest Palate

"...Leans towards the firm side but has nice soft flavors and finish. Kinda like silk stockings on Robocop."

-Wine X Magazine