In the last few years, I’ve tasted delicious examples of Pinot Blanc, and I wish more of them came across my panels at the competitions I judge across the country. Pinot Blanc, a common vitis vinifera variety, is often overlooked. It’s a white mutation of Pinot Noir, which helps explain why Oregon winemakers have achieved success with it. This decade has seen increased … [Read more...] about Pinot Blanc earns attention in Oregon, British Columbia
Grapes
Paul Champoux to stage tasting of 100-point wines by Quilceda Creek
PROSSER, Wash. — For those curious to taste a 100-point wine, storied grower Paul Champoux will have six of them lined up for a unique fundraising experience featuring Cabernet Sauvignon by famed Quilceda Creek Vintners. The affable Champoux playfully yet appropriately refers to it as a “600-point tasting.” Champoux has donated single bottles of the 2002, 2003, 2005, … [Read more...] about Paul Champoux to stage tasting of 100-point wines by Quilceda Creek
Airfield Estates Winery soars with Sauvignon Blanc from Yakima Valley
SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — Third-generation winegrower Marcus Miller knew the style of Sauvignon Blanc he wanted for his family’s customers at Airfield Estates Winery, and it would need to start with growing grapes that evoked memories of his time in the famed region of Marlborough. “Making Sauvignon Blanc has been a passion of mine ever since the vintage I spent working harvest in … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates Winery soars with Sauvignon Blanc from Yakima Valley
VineLines Dispatch gallery: ‘I go where they grow’ as 2023 harvest begins
Resident photojournalist Richard Duval continues his approach — "I go where they grow" — for the 2023 vintage by capturing harvest and crush activities for a series of photo essays on the season. … [Read more...] about VineLines Dispatch gallery: ‘I go where they grow’ as 2023 harvest begins
My long, strange trip with Viognier
I had become a real fan of many of the Rhône varieties that had been produced in Washington state, so my dislike of Viognier was confusing. For sure, I had tasted delicious examples of the wine. While judging in Dallas one year, I adored a Texas version of Viognier. I thought it strange that I had this love/hate relationship with a variety that seemed to garner so much … [Read more...] about My long, strange trip with Viognier