The 2007 Red Paintbrush is a multi-regional blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot sourced from prime Columbia Valley sites. It was aged in 20% new French oak. Medium purple-colored, it exhibits an enticing nose of cedar, tobacco, earth notes, cassis, and black currant. Easy-going on the palate with forward, savory flavors, this pleasant offering can be enjoyed over the next 5-6 years. Brett and Denise Isenhower began their Walla Walla-based winery in 1999. Their response to recessionary times has been to cut production and move primarily to direct sales. As a result, they have established a tasting room in Woodinville (where the customers are located). Tel. (509) 526-7896; www.isenhowercellars.com

The 2006 Red Paintbrush is a Bordeaux-style blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc,11% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. The aromatics feature pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, black currant, and blackberry. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine with ample sweet fruit, savory flavors, excellent balance, and 2-3 years of aging potential. Drink it from 2010 to 2018. Isenhower Cellars- first vintage was in 1999 and current production is 4000 cases. Although located in Walla Walla, the winery sources fruit from a variety of AVAs. Two excellent quaffers are the Snapdragon and the Rose. Tel. (509) 526-7896; www.isenhowercellars.com

This classic Bordeaux blend—67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 17% Cab Franc and 6% Petit Verdot—is crafted from 100% Sagemoor vineyard grapes. It’s chewy and herbal, with substantial tannins. It probably needs some time to smooth out the rough spots, but it’s got character and a mix of Bordeaux-like cassis and herb flavors, all in good balance and finished entirely in older neutral oak. ——P.G.(11/1/2008)—— 90