Best Buy! Mike Andrews first offered this white blend under his Downtown label, but he’s finding more success by labeling it as LOL, in large part because of the blends created by Justin Michaud. This time, it leads with Chardonnay (47%) that's backed by Albariño (25%), Roussanne (25%) and Viognier. There are charming aromatics that bring hints of grassiness with tropical … [Read more...] about Coyote Canyon Winery 2015 LOL White Wine Fun, Horse Heaven Hills, $13
Washington
Baer Winery 2013 Arctos Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $43
When the late Lance Baer launched his Woodinville , Wash., winery while working at DeLille Cellars, his proprietary Arctos blend — based on Cabernet Sauvignon — became the second wine in his portfolio. His sister, Lisa Baer, their father, Les, and winemaking talent Erica Orr continue to honor those wishes. Stillwater Creek Vineyard, the estate planting for acclaimed Novelty … [Read more...] about Baer Winery 2013 Arctos Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $43
Browne Family Vineyards 2013 Tribute Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $30
Precept CEO Andrew Browne, a native of Spokane, Wash., continues to work with Waterbrook winemaker John Freeman on the flagship wine for the Browne family brand. It’s built on the shoulders of Merlot (38%), Cabernet Sauvignon (32%) and Malbec (11%), primarily from estate sites such as Alder Ridge, Canyon Vineyard Ranch, Skyfall and Waterbrook Estate, with contributions from … [Read more...] about Browne Family Vineyards 2013 Tribute Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $30
Sagelands Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $10
Best Buy! Four stalwart vineyards in the Yakima Valley — Goose Ridge, Oasis, Willard Farms and Willow Crest — combine for this remarkably suave and joyful version of Cab that’s far from ponderous. It’s fruit-forward from start to finish, opening with jammy aromas of dark strawberry, huckleberry and clove. On the palate, its creamy and cherry, ranging from Bing cherry on the … [Read more...] about Sagelands Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $10
Novelty Hill 2013 Cascadia Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $50
Two of Washington state’s most scenic vineyards — Quintessence on Red Mountain and Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope — come together in this stately blend at Tom Alberg’s showpiece winery in Woodinville. Quintessence supplied the Cabernet Sauvignon (57%) while Alberg’s estate planting contributed the Merlot (41%) and Malbec. Graceful tones from the 22 months in 50% … [Read more...] about Novelty Hill 2013 Cascadia Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $50