Accolades

2006 Columbia Valley Chardonnay

Articles

•Silver Medal, 2007 Oregon State Fair
•Bronze Medal, 2008 McMinnville Wine and Food Classic

2006 Walla Walla Valley Semillon

•Silver Medal, 2007 Oregon State Fair

2006 Columbia Valley Viognier

•Bronze Medal, 2007 Oregon State Fair
•86 Points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine , December 31 st , 2007

2006 “Wild White”

•Bronze Medal, 2007 Oregon State Fair

2005 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

•Gold Medal/”Best of Show”, 2008 Newport Wine and Seafood Competition -“Unanimous decision by all judges. 1 st time in recent memory!” - Lorn Razzano, Ashland Wine Cellar
•Gold Medal, 2008 Astoria Crab and Seafood Competition
•Gold Medal, 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
•Gold Medal, 2007 Bite of Oregon
•Silver Medal, 2008 McMinnville Wine and Food Classic
•Silver Medal, 2007 Oregon State Fair
•“Outstanding!” “Cecil Zerba continues to expand his production, but he did not lose sight of this Cab. He stayed close to home – going over to Dad's Vineyard as well as Kelly, Lafore and Winesap Road – for all the grapes, even the Merlot (12%) and Cab Franc (3%). Purple fruit and nice minerality, not oak, are the base nasal notes. Blackberry, spicy plum and blueberry flavors keep you focused on the elegant layers inside. The wealth of acidity even overwhelms the tannins, which is rare for a Cab.” Wine Press Northwest , Fall 2007.
•89 Points, “A step up is the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark ruby-colored, it exhibits an excellent cedary, spice box, cassis, and black currant perfume. This is followed by a layered wine with good concentration and balance. Give it 2-3 years to evolve and drink it through 2022.” The Wine Advocate , August 2007
•87 Points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine , December 31 st , 2007

2005 Columbia Valley Chardonnay

•“Recommended!” “Oak, lemon-lime, and some cosmetic hand soap aromas transcend into flavors of inviting lemons with pineapple. It's a bit tart on the entry, but there's enough acidity to make this a proper match with seafoods such as cod and lemon capers.” Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2007

2005 Walla Walla Valley Malbec

•Gold Medal Winner! 2007 Bite of Oregon
•Bronze Medal, 2007 Oregon State Fair
•83 Points, “ The 2005 Malbec offers spicy red cherry aromas and flavors but seems muted on the palate.” The Wine Advocate , August 2007

2005 Columbia Valley Merlot

•Gold Medal, 2008 Newport Wine and Seafood Festival
•Gold Medal, 2008 Astoria Crab and Seafood Festival
•Gold Medal, 2008 McMinnville Wine and Food Classic
•Silver Medal, 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
•Gold Medal, 2007 Wine by the River, Bend , October 2007
•Silver Medal, 2007 Oregon State Fair

2005 Columbia Valley Sangiovese

•Silver Medal, 2007 Oregon State Fair

2005 Columbia Valley Semillon

•Silver Medal, 2006 Oregon State Fair
•“Recommended” “This Milton- Freewater , Ore. , winery released a fruit-forward Semillon from Double River Ranch in the Walla Walla Valley . In fact, it's quite like ambrosia fruit salad in the nose with marshmallow, banana, a whiff of American oak, and the varietal marker of fig. Pineapples, apples, pear stand above the oak, joined by nice acidity and a finish of slightly under-ripe pineapple and butterscotch.” Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2007

2005 Columbia Valley Syrah

•Gold Medal/Best of Show! 2008 Astoria Crab and Seafood Festival
•Gold Medal, 2008 Newport Wine and Seafood Festival
•Gold Medal, 2008 McMinnville Wine and Food Classic
•Gold Medal/”Best of Show!”, 2007 Wine by the River, Bend , October 2007
•Silver Medal, 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
•Silver Medal, 2007 Oregon State Fair
•“Excellent!” “Winesap Road Vineyard was handy to this Milton-Freewater, Ore. , winery, but the Zerbas also rounded out this release with fruit from Willard and Minnick vineyards in Prosser , Wash. Bosco Chocolate Syrup with cherries and plums fill your face, and inside are rich and juicy blackberries and dark plums. Restrained tannins make it tough to put down.” Wine Press Northwest , Fall 2007
•86 Points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine , December 31 st , 2007

2005 Syrah Ice Wine

•Silver Medal Winner! 2006 Oregon State Fair
•90 Points, “Zerba Cellars produced a unique effort, a 2005 Syrah Ice Wine. Revealing an exotic wild cherry and blueberry perfume, on the palate it is thick and sweet while balanced by good acidity. Pour it over vanilla ice cream or drink it straight up as the finish to a meal.” The Wine Advocate , August 2007

2005 Columbia Valley Viognier

•“Excellent!” “Cecil Zerba has already shown his prowess with Syrah, so why not with the Northern Rhone 's white wine, too? This wine opens with aromas of fresh, whole lemons and a hint of butterscotch, followed by fresh, rounded, luscious fruit flavors. This is a sophisticated white that will be a good transition for Chardonnay lovers.” Wine Press Northwest , Summer 2007
•“Recommended!” “It was one-stop shopping at Willard Vineyard in Prosser , Wash. , and this non-blended Rhone release from Milton-Freewater , Ore. , is loaded with limelike acidity to make it a compadre for Mexican cuisine that features the green-skinned fruit. Aromatics include pear, chai tea, lemon zest, banana chips and butterscotch. Pears and citrus, along with a creamy midpalate, create long flavors that gove way to pear skin bitterness and lime. Zesty fare also will stand up to the flash of heat in the finish.” Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2007

2005 “Wild White” Columbia Valley White Table Wine

•Best of Show – Other White! 2006 Bite of Oregon
•“Excellent!” “Self-made winemaker Cecil Zerba could almost call this label a Chardonnay (66%), but infused it with Viognier (22%), Roussanne (6%), and Semillon (6%). The fig notes of the Semillon show in the nose, joined by lemon, banana, Crème Brule topping, oak and a sense of dustiness. It's juicy entry of grapefruit and lemon, along with banana and good acidity, and influence of American oak should find a wide following.” Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2007

2005 “Wild Z” Columbia Valley Red Table Wine

•“Highly Recommended” “ Oregon winemakers seem to be catching on to what Europeans have known for a long time. Sometimes, blends can be best. The enticing wiles of this wine come from a wildly eclectic combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Barbera. As a result, though no single varietal is clearly discernable, it scarcely matters when what comes out of the bottle evokes seductive flavors of black currant, dried cherry and cola, enrobed in soft, structured tannins. Zerba may be way out there in Milton-Freewater, but it certainly merits keeping close tabs on.” Oregon Wine Press Magazine , December 2007
•Silver Medal, 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
•Bronze Medal, 2008 Astoria Crab and Seafood Festival

2004 Columbia Valley Cabernet Franc

•“Recommended” “This winery in Milton-Freewater , Ore reaches into Prosser's Pleasant and Willard vineyards to for fruit that produced a big and black Cab Franc. Blackberries, black cherries and American oak inspired black walnut fills the nose. There's a reward of rich, black fruit on the palate with some mince meat amid the nice tannin structure, followed by some pencil shavings on the finish.” Wine Press Northwest , Spring 2007

2004 Columbia Valley Chardonnay

•Silver Medal Winner! 2006 NW Wine Summit

2004 Columbia Valley Merlot

•Double Platinum! 4th Place out of 247 gold medal winning Pacific Northwest wines! “This marvelous Merlot jumps out of the glass with aromas of juniper berries and black cherries, leather and mocha, followed by flavors of cherry, black licorice, vanilla and milk chocolate. This is a classy wine that will pair well with grilled or roasted meats.” Wine Press Northwest , December 2006
•Gold Medal! Seattle Wine Society , August 2006.
•Silver Medal! 2006 Oregon State Fair
•Silver Medal! 2007 Astoria Seafood and Wine Festival
•85 Points, “ The 2004 Merlot is 100% varietal. It is a straightforward, tasty wine for drinking over the next 3-4 years.” The Wine Advocate , August 2007

2004 Columbia Valley Sangiovese

•86 Points, “ The 2004 Sangiovese is a fruity, pleasant wine with good depth meant for near-term drinking.” The Wine Advocate , August 2007
“Excellent!” “Cecil Zerba adroitly preserves the lighter fruit, great acidity features of this Italian variety from Willard Vineyard in Prosser , Wash. Strawberries, Rainier Cherries, Cola and elegant oak aromas of milk chocolate lead into delicious flavors of strawberries, a bit of cranberries and milk chocolate, which are met by subtle tannins.” Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2007

2004 Columbia Valley Syrah

•Gold Medal Winner! 2007 Astoria-Warrenton Seafood and Wine Festival
•Gold Medal Winner! Best of Class, Red Vinifera! 2006 Oregon State Fair
•Gold Medal Winner! Best of Show! People's Choice Award! Our 2004 Columbia Valley Syrah was voted Best of Show by a panel of 4 professional judges, and given the People's Choice Award by a panel of 18 amateur judges. Wine By The River, A Festival for the Benefit of Children! Bend , Oregon . September 2006.
•Gold Medal, Wine Press Northwest, December 2006.
•“Excellent!” “Our reigning Oregon Winery to Watch just keeps rolling! This new Syrah is a good one, thanks to aromas of plums, spices, berries and chocolate, followed by rich flavors of berry compote and milk tannins. Well managed tannins allow the fruit to shine while providing structure.” Wine Press Northwest , Fall 2006
•89 Points, “The 2004 Syrah, a purple-colored wine, presents smoky blueberry and black cherry aromas. On the palate the wine has good richness, excellent depth of flavor, and a pure, uncomplicated finish. Drink this tasty Syrah over the next 6-8 years.” The Wine Advocate , August 2007

2004 Columbia Valley Viognier

•“Outstanding!” “Aromas of apples, pears, and lemon juice include notes of oak spike, flint and mineral. Inside there is wonderful richness with Granny Smith and Gala apples, a drop of butter, some bitter citrus in the midpalate for complexity before the apples return for the finish.” Wine Press Northwest, Winter 2005-2006.

2004 “Wild Z” Columbia Valley Red Table Wine

•“Excellent!” “Here's indeed a wild blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cab, Sangiovese, Cab Franc and Grenache. The results from the collection of Pleasant, Willard and Willow Crest vineyards, along with Wooded Island , are lively, starting in the nose with black cherries, black olives, mocha and vanilla. Black cherries dominate the palate, where there's a sweet midpalate and a good balance with food-friendly tannins.” Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2007.
•"Highly Recommended!”, “The Pick of the Palate!”, “Zerba Cellars has rapidly gained critical accolades, and wines like the 2004 Columbia Valley “Wild Z” are why. Its scents of plum fruit and vanilla are clear and bright, as are its lively and concentrated flavors of plum, cassis, cinnamon and vanilla. This is a concentrated wine with great character, a bargain at $19!” - Northwest Palate Magazine, January 2007
•Gold Medal, 2007 Astoria Seafood and Wine Festival
•Silver Medal, 2006 Oregon State Fair
•85 Points, “The 2004 Wild Z is a blend of six grape varieties. It too offers up-front fruitiness, a supple, easygoing mid-palate, and good length. It should be enjoyed over the next several years.” The Wine Advocate, August 2007

2003 Columbia Valley Cabernet Franc

•“Outstanding!” “Blackberry and chocolate notes frame all sides of this superior Bordeaux-style red from Harold Pleasant's vineyard near Prossor , WA . The nice nose includes oak, Spanish cedar, menthol, green peppers and vanilla. Bold blackberries, smooth milk chocolate and black currants transition into anise, black olives and a black truffle earthiness on the finish..” Wine Press Northwest Magazine , Winter 2005-2006.
•“Recommended” “Forward, layered and toasty aromas of berry, cassis and oak. Opulent, jammy and juicy, with sweet barrel toast, ripe fruit, and notes of citrus on the finish. Pair with braised lamb shanks to highlight the fruitiness of the wine.” Northwest Palate Magazine , Nov./Dec. 2005
•Silver Medal: 2005 Oregon State Fair.
•Silver Medal: 2005 Tri-Cities Wine Festival.

2003 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

•Platinum Award, “Our reigning Oregon Winery to Watch certainly is drawing all eyes to Milton-Freewater on the strength of it's three Platinums. In our Spring issue, this wine tied for the top Cab out of 128 we judged, and it solidifies that position by earning the distinction of being the highest rated Cab in this judging, too! It opens with a fair bit of oak that quickly melds into aromas of spices, black cherries and even blueberries, followed by rich, luscious flavors of black fruit and black pepper. It's a big, classy, well balanced wine!” Wine Press Northwest, December 2006
•“Outstanding!” “One of three unanimous selections, tied for first place out of 128 Northwest Cabs! Beguiling sweetness in the nose with loganberries, marionberries, pie cherries, leather, gun flint and white pepper. Bold blackberries, juicy black cherries, orange oil and herb spice combine in a long, weighty mouth feel where the tannins build then ease off as acidity takes over with some chocolate on the finish.” Wine Press Northwest , Spring 2006.
•Double Gold Medal! “ An exquisite wine with superb varietal characteristics. Among the best wines in the Pacific Northwest . Aromas of black cherries, balckberries and mocha mingle with rich, juicy flavors of dark fruits and black pepper. Well-managed tannins provide structure without getting in the way of all the ripe fruitiness." Wine Press Northwest, Winter 2005-2006. ” Wine Press Northwest, Winter 2005-2006.
•Gold Medal Winner: 2005 Seattle Wine Society.
•Silver Medal: 2006 NW Wine Summit

2003 Walla Walla Valley Syrah

•Double-Platinum! 1 st Place out of 247 Gold Medal winning Northwest wines! “The Walla Walla Valley 's only winery on the Oregon side of the border has turned out one of the Northwest's finest Syrah's. This classy syrah is a prime example of Old World meets New World . This wine has it all, from rich, dark focused flavors, beautiful acidity, moderate tannins, and just the barest kiss of oak! - Wine Press Northwest Magazine , Dec., 2006.
•Platinum Award! Best of The Best! “The Walla Walla Valley 's only winery on the Oregon side of the border has turned out one of the Northwest's finest Syrah's. It opens with intense aromas of red fruit and hints of oak, followed by intense flavors of dark fruit. A racy black pepper plays throughout the rich, opulent palate. Wine Press Northwest Magazine , Winter 2005-2006.
•Double Gold Medal! “Zerba is the only winery to take up residence on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley , and all of the grapes for this Cab come from nearby vineyards. Aromas of black cherries, blackberries and mocha mingle with rich juicy flavors of dark fruits and black pepper. Well-managed tannins provide structure without getting in the way of all the ripe fruitiness.” Wine Press Northwest Magazine , Winter 2005/2006
•“Highly Recommended!” “Bright, fruity aromas of blueberry, graham and red currant. Blueberry and citrus peel on the palate. Youthfully angular with nice, bright acid balance and youthful tannins. Cellar 2-3 years for more complexity.” Northwest Palate Magazine , Nov./Dec. 2005.
•Gold Medal Winner: 2005 Oregon State Fair!
•Gold Medal Winner: 2006 Northwest Wine Summit !

2003 “Wild Thing” Walla Walla Valley Red Wine

•Double Gold Medal! “ An exquisite wine with superb varietal characteristics! Among the best wines in the Pacific Northwest . A red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, this has become a fast favorite for fans of this Walla Walla Valley winery. It's loaded with aromas and flavors of ripe cherries and backed up with good structure. Smooth tannins give this youthful approachability.” Wine Press Northwest, Winter 2005-2006.
•Gold Medal: 2005 Oregon State Fair!
•Gold Medal: 2005 Tri-Cities Wine Festival.
•“Outstanding!” “Wine Pick of the Week!” “The Zerba's have seen their name misspelled so often, they turn to some whimsey for this bottling and use the charicature of a smiling zebra. This is a serious wine, however, with lots of oak, blackberries, huckleberries, tar, crushed leaf, milk chocolate and black olive just in the nose. Creamy blackberries along with clove, nutmeg and vanilla show off nice integration of the oak. It models a nice, tight body with a finish of bittersweet chocolate and black pepper. The amount of oak can't be overlooked, but it can be forgiven because the tremendous intensity of flavor defines this wine.” Wine Press Northwest, Fall 2005.
•“Recommended!” “Aromas of tea leaf and cedar with some cherry/currant fruit notes. Bright, vibrant and juicy on the palate with lingering cherry/currant flavors and an herbal note on the finish. Serve with spicy Italian sausage and polenta.” Northwest Palate Magazine , Nov./Dec. 2005
•“This blend lives up to its name in all the right ways. You'll be bowled over by aromas and flavors of dark fruit (blackberries and huckleberries) and spice, yet the smooth tannins, firm structure and well integrated oak help keep the beast at bay.” Braiden Rex-Johnson, Wine Press Northwest , Spring 2006.

2002 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

•“Zerba's Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, sourced from the region's famed Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge vineyards, is a sexy wine: succulent yet sleek, lithe yet indulgent. It's got well-integrated wood, a sinful hint of cocoa powder to the nose, juicy blackberry (both ripe and tart) on the palate and warming cloves on the finish?” Katherine Cole, The Oregonian, March 2005.

2002 Columbia Valley Merlot

•“Exceptional!” “Piercing clear aromas of boysenberry fruit shine out from ancillary notes of ground coffee, barrel spice and lavender potpourri. Brisk acidity gives the wine a delightfully fresh feel, and controlled tannins help frame the wine in the mouth. The finish retains excellent fruitiness, and the lingering pucker of the tannins is relatively soft. This is an unusually appealing Merlot, with great fruit essence and good complexity.” Oregon Wine Report , Summer 2005.
•Gold Medal: 2005 Oregon State Fair!
•Double Gold Medal! “ An exquisite wine with superb varietal characteristics. Among the best wines in the Pacific Northwest . Zerba Cellars is certainly off to a great start, as it launched its Walla Walla Valley winery with the 2002 vintage. This luscious Merlot is loaded with aromas and flavors of plums, cranberries and black cherries. It's plushness on the palate gives it youthful approachability.” Wine Press Northwest, Winter 2005-2006.
•“Recommended!” Northwest Palate Magazine , Sept./Oct. 2005

2002 Columbia Valley Syrah

•“Outstanding! Concentrated aromas of dried plums, roasted meat, dried wood, vanilla, black raspberry and smoke - nicely complex! Smooth mouthfeel carries forward and well focused flavors of spicy plums and sweet raspberries, backed by firm acidity and very nicely controlled tannins. This is a well made, flavorful syrah that offers nicely focused and bright fruit with a nice, fresh feel (thanks to the balanced tannins). Cook's Choice: Bright, flavorful fruit makes this a great match for big, flavorful food!” Oregon Wine Report, Spring 2005.

Articles

"V is for Viognier!" Wine Press Northwest, Summer 2007

"Pick of the Palate!" Northwest Palate Magazine, January 2007

"2006 Platinum Awards, Best of the Best in the Great Northwest!" Wine Press Northwest, Winter 2006/2007

"2006 Oregon Winery to Watch!" Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2006

"Oregon Wineries to Watch!" Northwest Palate Magazine, March/April 2006

"Fab Cabs!" Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2006

"2005 Platinum Awards, Best of the Best in the Great Northwest!" Wine Press Northwest, Winter 2005/2006

"Fascinating Northwest Wines are Hitting Their Peak Now!" The Oregonian, October 2005

"Zerba Cellars' Wines Take a Walk on the Wild Side!" The Bellingham Herald, August 15, 2005

"Oregon's Walla Walla Wines Emerge!" Cannon Beach Gazette, August 25, 2005

"Winery Profile: Zerba Cellars Takes Full Advantage of Climate and Terroir in the Walla Walla Valley!" Oregon Wine Press, July 2005

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