Best Buy! Sommelier-turned-winemaker Ross Andrew Mickel offers this consumer-minded Cabernet Sauvignon that includes a significant contribution from Merlot (20%). Aromas of dried plum and fig lead to cherry juice, crushed tobacco and anise. Inside, it’s a nicely balanced drink of black currant and black cherry with resolved tannins and lingering blackberry acidity. Rating: … [Read more...] about Ross Andrew Winery 2013 Glaze Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $15
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Primarius Winery 2014 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $15
Best Buy! Northwest Wine Academy grad Sarah Cabot enters her second decade of crafting Pinot Noir in Oregon, and this youthful and affordable release marks her first vintage for Precept at its Dundee winery. Sweet and toasty oak tones make for aromas of grilled strawberry, dark cherry, blueberry and bittersweet chocolate. Inside, it’s a mouthwatering drink of black currant, … [Read more...] about Primarius Winery 2014 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $15
Strange Folk Wines NV La Bohéme White Wine, Snake River Valley, $12
Boise winemaker Jed Glavin, whose primary label is Split Rail Winery, shows his nonconformist side with the wine-in-a-can Strange Folk Wines program. The source of this 100 percent Riesling from the 2014 vintage is Skyline Vineyard, Idaho's largest site, and he presents it with 2% residual sugar. Aromatically, it hints at lime juice, pear, gooseberry and a faint whiff of … [Read more...] about Strange Folk Wines NV La Bohéme White Wine, Snake River Valley, $12
Scatter Creek Winery NV Peach Breeze, Yakima Valley, $14
Best Buy! South Puget Sound winemaker Terril Keary incorporates peach juice into his Chardonnay, making for a slightly off-dry drink that works remarkably well. The nose is reminiscent of walking through a farmers market in summertime with aromas of a peach pie a la mode and Bartlett pear. There’s no disappointment with the flavors, akin to white peach cobbler with vanilla ice. … [Read more...] about Scatter Creek Winery NV Peach Breeze, Yakima Valley, $14
Cloudlift Cellars 2014 Lucy Rosé of Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $14
Best Buy! Sodo vintner Tom Stangeland worked with Wise Brothers Vineyard high in Washington's Rattlesnake Hills on this Cabernet Franc specifically to pair with salmon. He made it as a tribute to Provence, light in color with delicate aromas of dusty strawberry and dried Rainier cherry. The structure brings crushed cherries and white strawberry flavors, leading to finish of … [Read more...] about Cloudlift Cellars 2014 Lucy Rosé of Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $14