89 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley "The Companion" Red Blend

Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, December 2020

“Bright dark red. Complex if laid-back aromas of dark raspberry, mocha, espresso, spices, licorice, fresh herbs and menthol. At once supple, fine-grained and alive, with its raspberry and brown spice flavors conveying a restrained sweetness and carrying well through a ripely tannic, dusty finish. Nicely balanced from the outset, with the savory Syrah component quite apparent in the early going.”

92 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley "The Companion" Red Blend

Wine Enthusiast, December 2020

“Editors' Choice. This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and equal parts Merlot and Syrah. Plum, raspberry, chocolate and cherry aromas lead to an explosion of blue- and red-fruit flavors on the palate. There is dazzling freshness, a spot-on sense of balance and plenty of acid and tannin structure.”

90 points

2017 Luke Columbia Valley Red Blend

Tim Fish, Wine Spectator, December 2019

“Appealingly focused, with easygoing complexity that shines a light on polished black cherry, green olive and spice flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2024. 2,390 cases made”

91 points

2017 Luke Columbia Valley Red Blend

Wine Enthusiast, March 2020

“Editor's Choice. This is a new offering from the winery. With this blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, the aromas intrigue, with notes of graphite, cherry, raspberry, flower and spice. The palate brings a sense of sophistication and intensity. Firm tannins back it up. It's a lot of wine for the money.”

91 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot

Tim Fish, Wine Spectator, September 2021

92 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot

Wine Enthusiast, December 2020

“Editors' Choice. The aromas pop, with notes of dark raspberry, chocolate and cherry, showing a bright sense of varietal purity. Ripe, full-bodied, layered fruit flavors follow, with the acidity bringing a lot of freshness and exquisite balance. It lingers on the finish. Delicious and fruit filled, with plenty of structure, it's hedonism at its best—a surefire crowd pleaser. Give a short decant if drinking in the near term.”

90 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot

Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, December 2020

“Bright dark red. Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, menthol, cedar and spices, plus a suggestion of violet. Supple, pliant and broad on the palate, offering plump flavors of blackberry and mocha. This big, sweet mouthful of Merlot finishes with smooth tannins and very good persistence. Not the last word in complexity but boasts excellent palate presence. This makes the Companion blend seem leaner and drier by comparison.”

91 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot

James Suckling, James Suckling, June 2021

“Aromas of wild blackberries, plum stones, chocolate orange and sage. It’s full-bodied with grainy tannins. Juicy layers of chocolate and black fruit with a plush texture and a juicy feel. Flavorful finish. Drink now.”

90 points

2017 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot

Tim Fish, Wine Spectator, December 2019

“A handsome red, well-made and expressive, with focused black currant and dusty licorice flavors that finish with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2024. 1,801 cases made.”

91 points

2017 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot

Wine Enthusiast, March 2020

“Editor's Choice. Intoxicating aromas of espresso, high-cacao chocolate, green pepper, barrel spice, raspberry and herbs lead to focused, fresh fruit flavors that coat the palate. There's a whole lot of acidity and firm tannin structure surrounding them, needing some time to settle in. It's a serious wine to find at this price. Give it a brief decant.”

91 points

2017 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot

James Suckling, James Suckling, June 2020

“A big, rich red with soft, round tannins and lots of ripe fruit and walnut and chocolate undertones. Full and flavorful. 75% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Drink now.”

91 points

2019 Luke Columbia Valley Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast, December 2020

“Editors' Choice. All of the fruit for this wine comes from Evergreen Vineyard. Aged in third-fill barrels and neutral oak with 50% malolactic fermentation, the aromas of apple, pumpkin and talc are plentiful. The palate is bright and fresh, with lemony flavors. It brings texture and tension.”

90 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Chardonnay

Tim Fish, Wine Spectator, March 2020

“Sleek and lively, with frisky pear, kiwifruit and grapefruit notes that glide on a long finish. Drink now. 585 cases made.”

90 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast, March 2020

“This is a new offering from the winery, with the fruit coming from Evergreen Vineyard. Light aromas of toast, chalk and mineral are followed by sleek apple and pear flavors. Kiwi notes linger on the finish. There's a lovely sense of balance throughout.”

91 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Chardonnay

James Suckling, James Suckling, June 2020

“A steely undertone to the sliced-apple and lemon character here. Medium body. Hints of vanilla and coconut. Flavorful finish. Drink now.”

90+ points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, December 2020

“Bright medium ruby. More oaky on the nose than the entry-level Cabernet, with chocolate mint and brown spice aromas currently overshadowing cassis and blackberry fruit notes; this struck me as a bit Napa-like. Plush, ripe and spicy on the palate, showing lovely sweetness but also considerable restraint and nicely integrated acidity. Finishes with very good length, the serious, building tannins reaching the front teeth. This will need a year or two to absorb its oak and reveal its inherent strong material, but I'm not sure that it's better than the basic Cabernet, which is a bit juicier, not to mention an excellent value.”

93 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Wine Enthusiast, December 2020

“Cellar Selection. Highly regarded StoneTree Vineyard is the dominant fruit source for this wine. Coffee, dried herb and black-cherry aromas lead to a palate that brings a whole lot of seriousness to it. It's rich and dense, full of tannic heft. Give it time to stretch its legs—and drink it at a cool temperature—to see it at its best. Best after 2025.”

91 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

James Suckling, James Suckling, July 2021

“Blackcurrant, mulberry, incense, sweet tobacco and sandalwood on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Vibrant and textured on the palate. Structured and grippy with a polished finish. A blend of 91% cabernet sauvignon, 6% malbec, 2% petit verdot and 1% merlot. Try from 2022.”

92 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Enthusiast, December 2020

“Editors' Choice. Aromas of fresh raspberry, bittersweet chocolate and dried herb pop on the nose. The palate is ripe, delicious, fruit filled and lip-smacking, displaying a lot of density, intensity and texture. Give this beauty a short decant if drinking in the near term.”

90 points

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, December 2020

“Bright, dark ruby-red. Musky scents of black raspberry, cassis, dark chocolate and brown spices are accented by flowers and minty herbs. Richer, fuller and sweeter than the Companion blend, with its plusher texture giving it more early accessibility. Here, too, the tannins are suave and seamless. Lovely breadth and palate presence here, and no rough edges, even if the Merlot is a bit sweeter. Incidentally, the talented Peter Devison serves as consulting winemaker for LUKE Wines.”