Mercer Canyons 2012 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $13
Best Buy! Last year, Prosser winemaker Jessica Munnell released one of the Pacific Northwest’s top reds under her own label, and she’s also off and running with her white program for the Mercers. She took from Brooks Vineyard and Spring Creek Vineyard for this slightly off-dry Riesling that opens with aromas of lime peel, Granny Smith apple, gooseberry and lemongrass. The flavor profile is lush and delicious with Bartlett pear and more Granny Smith apple. A dash of sweet lime lifts the acidity to balance the residual sugar of 1.4%. Enjoy on the patio with firecracker prawns or a steaming bowl of pho. The 2011 Riesling also earned our top rating, so there’s a tradition with this variety under the Mercers’ second label.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,061 cases
Alcohol: 12.9%
Mike Dickson says
Thank you for the info on $15 and under wines. I’ve been a red wine fan for most of my adult life and now that I’m retired I must be frugal with wine costs. I appreciate the information, especially because I want to support Washington wines.
Andy Perdue says
Mike, thanks for the note. These are simply some of the wines we’ve tasted in recent weeks. Look for brands such as Columbia Crest, 14 Hands, Washington Hills, Waterbrook and Hogue and you’ll find a fair number of wines in that nice price range (reds and whites).