Prosser High grad Victor Palencia was part of the first graduating class in Walla Walla Community College’s winemaking program. Before he long, he was working for the Jones family in the Columbia Basin and making stellar wine for them under their Jones of Washington brand in Quincy. That experience has opened the door for Palencia to stunning sources for grapes, and the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley is among the top sites in the Pacific Northwest for scintillating white wines, and this fresh example of Albariño under Palencia’s own label in Walla Walla is an exciting example of this grape native to the Galicia region of Spain. His deft touch with Hungarian oak during a 30-day period leads to brisk aromas and flavors of Granny Smith apple, banana taffy and minerality with lime juice acidity to balance a drop of residual sugar. This earned a gold medal at the fifth annual Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition, a scholarship fundraiser for Palencia’s alma mater. Starting next year, this wine will be produced near the Columbia River at Kennewick’s Columbia Gardens project – future home to Palencia Wine Co. In the meantime, look for it at Yoke’s Fresh Markets in the Tri-Cities or his tasting room near the Walla Walla airport.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 500 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
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