Tedd Wildman’s StoneTree Vineyard on the sultry Wahluke Slope excels with red Rhone varieties, so Grenache, a rather rare and expensive grape in Washington, is a prized commodity. Ripeness seems to never be an issue at StoneTree, and this lot was harvested remarkably early - Sept. 13 - at nearly 27 Brix. The predominantly neutral barrel program allows for the fruit to shine, … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2014 StoneTree Vineyard Grenache, Wahluke Slope, $36
Washington
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! One of the Pacific Northwest’s leading bottlings of any white wine touches on a number of the reasons why Chardonnay is the white of choice for many Americans. Buttery and toasty aromas include lemon curd, pear, pineapple and almond. There’s more butterscotch that begins the stream across the palate, followed by a creaminess and pineapple. Those signs of six months of … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $15
Daven Lore Winery 2015 Dry Riesling, Yakima Valley, $18
While labeled as a “dry,” it’s a Riesling with wide appeal and just 0.4% residual sugar. Aromas of Minute Maid Limeade, ginger, Pink Lady apple and nectarine lead to a tasty and refreshing drink that’s reminiscent of an Arnold Palmer with a twist of lime, along with secondary notes of a slice of peach, a scrape of minerality and a subtle note of sage. It's one of two styles of … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2015 Dry Riesling, Yakima Valley, $18
Coyote Canyon Winery 2014 Sweet Louise Late Harvest Viognier Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills, $22
Justin Michaud’s second vintage for Horse Heaven Hills grower Mike Andrews included this tasty desert wine that’s a Coyote Canyon traditional blend of Viognier (62%) and Riesling. It finished out at 21% residual sugar with a classic ice wine nose of apricot glacéed, fig, poached pear with cinnamon and honey. Those notes come through as flavors, too, wrapped in a texture of … [Read more...] about Coyote Canyon Winery 2014 Sweet Louise Late Harvest Viognier Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills, $22
Martin-Scott Winery 2013 Needlerock Vineyard Montepulciano, Columbia Valley, $30
This famed Italian grape named for the southern Tuscan town is slowly gaining an audience with a handful of Washington state winemakers, and Wenatchee Valley vigernon Mike Scott etablished his Montepulciano near his Tempranillo. In many instances throughout Italy, Montepulciano is blended with Sangiovese. Not here. Instead, Scott swirls in Aglianico (15%) to help develop aromas … [Read more...] about Martin-Scott Winery 2013 Needlerock Vineyard Montepulciano, Columbia Valley, $30