Best Buy! As the wheat-growing McIntosh brothers plant vines in the newly established Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area, they continue to rely on Washington for the large majority of their winery production. This affordable Riesling, made with grapes from O’Brien Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, gave winemaking Art McIntosh a lot to offer. Aromas of Ambrosia apple, … [Read more...] about Lindsay Creek Vineyards 2014 Riesling, Washington, $15
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Diversion Wine 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $15
Damian Davis, a refugee of Seattle’s high-tech industry, continues to deepen his relationship with the Milbrandt brothers. And Diversion now stands at 80,000 cases, and this Cab from the Columbia Basin, blended by Katy Michaud, is a delicious example of collaboration. Aromas of dark cherry, black currant and chocolate-covered blueberry leave the light toast and black tea notes … [Read more...] about Diversion Wine 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $15
Skyfall Vineyard 2014 Red Blend, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! Seattle-based Precept Wine continues to grow its Skyfall Vineyard project overlooking the Yakima River near Red Mountain, and the early releases mean solid returns for consumers. The Red Blend gathers up Merlot (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%), Syrah (16%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Sangiovese to create a nose of cherry jam and dusty red currant. Its flavors are juicy … [Read more...] about Skyfall Vineyard 2014 Red Blend, Columbia Valley, $14
Tamarack Cellars 2015 Rosé of Mourvèdre, Wahluke Slope, $15
Best Buy! The popularity of Northwest-made rosé continues to rise, and Tamarack Cellars offers yet another example of why. Danny Gordon continues to source this from Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, and it’s quite a serious offering. The peach color leads to generous aromas of dried strawberry, light cherry and lime peel with a pinch of dried oregano. Inside, it’s an … [Read more...] about Tamarack Cellars 2015 Rosé of Mourvèdre, Wahluke Slope, $15
Washington Hills 2013 Chardonnay, Washington, $9
Best Buy! Precept Wine’s team in Walla Walla worked on this bargain Chardonnay that includes significant contributions from Rhône varieties Viognier (7%) and Roussanne (6%) and spent six months influenced by a blend of American and French oak. Those oak tones settle well behind aromas of dusty pear, starfruit and dried pineapple that include a touch of butterscotch and ghee. … [Read more...] about Washington Hills 2013 Chardonnay, Washington, $9