This vintage marked the 30th anniversary of the Gordon brothers’ first wine produced from their estate overlooking the Snake River, and it features a blend of fruit and barrel notes, starting with aromas of Spanish almond, butter and toast that also include caramel apple, grapefruit pith and lemon pepper. There’s less influence of oak on the acid-driven palate, which brings a … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate 2015 Estate Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $22
Washington
Novelty Hill 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Grenache, Columbia Valley, $28
This juicy red Rhône variety is returning to prominence in Washington, but its scarce plantings explain why last year it was — on average — the most expensive grape to purchase by the ton statewide. Woodinville vintner Tom Alberg’s Stillwater Creek Vineyard, the estate site across the Cascades near the Frenchman Hills in the Columbia Basin, offers one of the largest bottlings … [Read more...] about Novelty Hill 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Grenache, Columbia Valley, $28
Kestrel Vintners 2015 Falcon Series Estate Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $21
While much of Oregon has embraced Dijon clone fruit for its Chardonnay, Kestrel Vintners in Prosser, Wash., remains committed to the Wente clone. And now Justin Michaud gets to work with what is widely believed to be the oldest Chardonnay planting in the state. This marks his debut vintage at Kestrel working with some vines that began life in 1972, and he sent those lots … [Read more...] about Kestrel Vintners 2015 Falcon Series Estate Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $21
Mazzacano Cellars 2013 L’armonia, Columbia Valley, $60
Flint Nelson worked for just two wineries the past 15 years, first Apex Cellars and then Kestrel, before launching Wit Cellars in Prosser, Wash., with Cat Warwick. The Mazzacano wines represent his own brand, and both releases have been stunning, including this Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend from the Milbrandt’s Northridge Vineyard. It’s dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) … [Read more...] about Mazzacano Cellars 2013 L’armonia, Columbia Valley, $60
Forsyth Brio 2012 Kiona Vineyard Mourvèdre, Red Mountain, $35
Forsyth Family Vintners in Prosser, Wash., adopted brio as part of its brand name, and that Italian term for energy seems particularly applicable with their recent release of Mourvedre on Red Mountain. David Forysth’s work with this red Rhone grape is redolent with dark tones of blackberry and blueberry, joined by gaminess, savory hints of black olive and fun touches of … [Read more...] about Forsyth Brio 2012 Kiona Vineyard Mourvèdre, Red Mountain, $35