Patterson Cellars Rubi Port 2014

A Washington Gem for Port Lovers

I discovered this beautiful Port-style wine from Patterson Cellars during a tasting trip through Woodinville, and it immediately earned a spot on our shelves. This 2014 vintage Rubi Port showcases how Washington winemakers are creating exceptional dessert wines that can rival their European counterparts.

The Story Behind the Bottle

Patterson Cellars is a family-owned winery established in 2000 by John Patterson, who brings decades of winemaking experience to each bottle. Their Rubi Port is made in the traditional Portuguese style but with Washington-grown grapes, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc from the Columbia Valley AVA.

The name "Rubi" reflects both the wine's stunning ruby color and its rich, gemlike quality. This 2014 vintage has had plenty of time to develop those complex tertiary characteristics that make aged Port so special.

Technical Snapshot

• Region: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State
• Varietal Blend: Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc
• Alcohol: 19.5% ABV
• Residual Sugar: Approximately 8-10% (sweet but balanced)
• Aging: 18-24 months in neutral French oak
• Production: Limited - approximately 175 cases
• Vintage: 2014 - one of Washington's warmer years with perfect ripening conditions

From Vineyard to Bottle

What makes this Port special is Patterson's commitment to traditional methods. The grapes come from older vines (20+ years) in the warmer sections of Columbia Valley, where sandy loam soils and basalt bedrock contribute distinctive mineral notes.

After harvesting at peak ripeness, the juice is partially fermented on the skins before being fortified with neutral grape spirits – this stops fermentation, preserves natural sweetness, and gives the Port its characteristic warming quality. The aging in neutral French oak allows for gentle oxidation without overwhelming the fruit with oak flavors.

What I Love About This Port

Visually, it's a deep garnet color with brick-red edges that hint at its age. When I pour a glass, the aromas are immediately captivating – black cherries, dried figs, chocolate-covered raspberries, and hints of walnut and baking spices.

The palate is where this Port truly shines. It delivers a beautiful balance of sweetness and structure, with concentrated flavors of blackberry preserve, cocoa, and toasted hazelnuts. There's a warming touch of brandy (used to fortify the wine), but it's perfectly integrated after years of aging. What impresses me most is the finish – long, complex, and silky with those classic tawny port notes starting to emerge.

For those who enjoy tasting notes with more detail:

• Nose: Layers of black cherry, blackberry compote, fig paste, milk chocolate, walnut skin, tobacco, and subtle cinnamon spice
• Palate: Velvety texture with moderate tannins balanced by enough acidity to prevent cloying sweetness
• Finish: Exceptionally long (45+ seconds) with dried fruits, espresso, and lingering nutty character

Perfect For...

I've found this Port to be the ideal companion for:

• A cheese board featuring blue cheese (the Stilton pairing is remarkable)
• Dark chocolate desserts, especially those with berry elements
• Simply sipping by the fireplace on a cool evening
• Toasted nuts or a classic pecan pie
• Surprisingly good with a cigar, if that's your thing

Serving Suggestions

While most assume Port should be served room temperature, I find this one shows best with a slight chill – about 60-65°F. No need to finish the bottle in one sitting (though it's tempting) – it will keep beautifully for 2-3 weeks after opening if stored properly in the refrigerator.

A proper Port glass enhances the experience, but any small wine glass works well. Pour about 3 ounces to leave room for swirling and releasing those complex aromas.

Why the 2014 Vintage Stands Out

2014 was characterized by an early, warm spring, consistent summer heat, and crucial day-night temperature shifts that preserved acidity while developing rich fruit character. These conditions were ideal for Port-style production, creating a wine with concentration, balance, and aging potential.

Now with nearly a decade of age, this 2014 is hitting its stride, showing those developed characteristics Port lovers seek while still maintaining vibrant fruit notes. It's drinking beautifully now but will continue to develop for another 5-10 years if you have the patience to cellar it.

This is one of those special bottles that reminds us why Washington State continues to impress with its diverse wine portfolio. Whether you're a dedicated Port enthusiast or looking to explore quality dessert wines, Patterson's Rubi Port deserves a place in your collection.