News & Acclaim

Acclaim for the Vineyard

“The winery sources from some of the most esteemed vineyards in the state, including . . .  Stillwater Creek . . . Truly what has consistently been one of the best Sauvignon Blancs in the state for the price is the 2017 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek’ Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 91) a downright killer valueand impresses with its gorgeous minerality and range. This is one to purchase by the case. ” Washington Wine Blog, Sept 2018  READ

“Planted with seven clones of Cabernet alone, this distinctive vineyard and its elite selection of clones are a favorite among many winemakers.”  Washington Tasting Room magazine, Winter 17-18 READ

“Baer sources all of their fruit from one of the top vineyards in the state:   Stillwater Creek. . . .” advinetures.ca Aug 2018 READ 

“The first few vintages (Baer) made (wine) with grapes from a half dozen vineyards, but by 2004, (Lance) had zeroed in on Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Royal City, Washington, area, between Ellensburg and Pullman. ‘Since that time, we’ve been a single vineyard producer, including Chard,’ says Les. ‘This decision was also about not following the herd. It was kind of an ‘anything but Red Mountain’ thing-everyone was going there and Lance wanted his wine to be something different. It’s a south-facing slope a little higher up and seems to escape most weather extremes. It’s a distinctly different microclimate.’  from article about Baer Winery, Seattle Dining, January 2015

“Viognier is a tough nut to get right, but this is a tough one to beat. This white Rhône variety can easily come across as unctuous, oaky, sweet or bitter, yet this site in Washington’s Frenchman Hills has helped Walla Walla winemaker Chuck Reininger to produce a wondrous and complex Viognier.”  Great Northwest Wine on the 2012 Helix by Reininger Stillwater Creek Viognier  Mar 2014

“The vineyard . . . has acquired a reputation for the high quality of its fruit.”  Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Oct 2011

“One of Washington’s Top 20 Vineyards”  Paul Gregutt, Washington Wines & Wineries: The Essential Guide Dec 2010

“Vineyard of the Year”  Seattle Magazine Apr 2008

First Columbia Valley Vineyard certified “Salmon Safe” by Seattle’s Stewardship Partners Mar 2007

Acclaim for Selected Wines

2020 Seattle Wine Awards Winners from Stillwater Creek Vineyard:

  • 2010 Mellisoni Cabernet Sauvignon —Diamond of the Decade
  • 2019 Mellisoni Chardonnay — Double Gold
  • 2019 Mellisoni 3 Bastards (white blend) — Gold

95 pts. 2008 Baer Ursa Columbia Valley, (100% SWC) # 6 Wine Spectator Top 100 2011

95 pts. 2006 Corliss Estate Syrah (100% SWC) Wine Advocate

94 pts. 2012 Baer Ursa Columbia Valley, (100% SWC)  #28 Wine Spectator Top 100 2015

94 pts. 2012 Baer Star Columbia Valley, (100% SWC) #26 Wine Enthusiast 100 2015

93 pts. 2015 Baer Callisto Wine Spectator 

93 pts. 2015 Baer Stillwater Creek Merlot, Wine Spectator

93 pts. 2015 Baer Ursa, Wine Spectator

93 pts. 2015 JM Cellars Nietos, Stillwater Creek Vineyard Wine Spectator

93 pts. 2012 Baer Arctos Columbia Valley, (100% SWC) #94 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar Selections 2015

93 pts. 2005 Corliss Estate Syrah (100% SWC) Wine Advocate

92 pts. 2011 Baer Star Columbia Valley (100% SWC)

92+ pts. 2009 Van Loben Sels Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate

92 pts. 2007 Arbor Crest Cabernet Sauvignon, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate

90 pts. 2012 Pondera Reserve Malbec, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Enthusiast

92 pts. 2007 Cullin Hills Shackled Red Wine, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate

92 pts. 2008 Novelty Hill Syrah, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator

92 pts. 2007 Novelty Hill Syrah, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Spectator

92 pts. 2009 Woodinville Wine Cellars Syrah (100% SWC) Wine Enthusiast

91 pts. 2007 Matthews Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate

91 pts. 2007 Guardian The Wanted, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Spectator

91 pts. 2008 Darby Grenache, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Spectator

91 pts. 2007, 2004 Novelty Hill Syrah, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate

90 pts. 2009, 2008, 2006 Novelty Hill Chardonnay, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate

90 pts.  2008 & 2007 Guardian Syrah, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate

91 pts. 2008 & 2007 Matthews Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Spectator

91 pts. 2008 & 2007 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate

90 pts. 2006 & 2005 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate

90 pts. 2008, 2006 Novelty Hill Merlot, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Advocate

90 pts. 2008 (Wine Advocate) and 2006 (Wine Spectator) Novelty Hill Roussanne, Stillwater Creek Vineyard

90 pts. 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 Novelty Hill Syrah, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Wine Spectator