One of the Northwest’s premier plantings of Rhône varieties helped set the table for John Bigelow’s expression with Syrah, which includes co-fermentation with Viognier (3%). Classic aromas of saddle leather, braised beef, black pepper, tobacco and oregano transition to a fruit-focused and full-bodied drink of plummy black fruits, backed by bittersweet chocolaty tannins, more … [Read more...] about JM Cellars 2020 Boushey Vineyard Syrah, Yakima Valley $85
Washington
Jones of Washington 2022 Pinot Gris, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley $14.99
Best Buy! For the fifth time, the Jones family has been awarded a Platinum for their Pinot Gris program, spotlighting grapes they grow at their acclaimed Two Gun Vineyard in the Beezley Hills outside of Quincy, Wash. Hints of fingered citron and fresh gardenia precede a charming and complex palate that brings layers of Rainier cherry, lemongrass, sliced white button mushroom … [Read more...] about Jones of Washington 2022 Pinot Gris, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley $14.99
Milbrandt Family Wines 2022 Simply Riesling, Washington State $11
Best Buy! Riesling hasn’t played a prominent role within the profile of Butch and Lisa Milbrandt’s portfolio over the years, but the combination of winemaker Kendall Mix and Ancient Lakes Vineyard has made an immediate impression on West Coast judges within their new Simply brand. Golden Delicious apple and lemon zest aromas include whiffs of Ancient Lakes minerality, beeswax … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Family Wines 2022 Simply Riesling, Washington State $11
Bayernmoor Cellars 2021 Celilo Vineyard Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge $50
A Seattle-area surgeon, the late Dr. William McAndrew, and his wife, Margaret, established this vineyard in 1972 on the slopes of Underwood Mountain. For decades, it’s been a go-to site for cool-climate varieties among winemakers in both Washington and Oregon, which is why this young Woodinville winery has prized its contract for those grapes. Sweet strawberry, pine forest, … [Read more...] about Bayernmoor Cellars 2021 Celilo Vineyard Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge $50
Milbrandt Family Wines 2021 Family Grown Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $16
Best Buy! Canadian-born winemaker Kendall Mix worked for producers large and small before agreeing to take over the winemaking for the Milbrandts in Mattawa, Wash. His deliciously balanced Chardonnay for this Butch Milbrandt-owned value brand features grapes from three growing regions — Purple Sage and old-vine Rosebud (Wahluke Slope), Newhouse (Yakima Valley) and storied … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Family Wines 2021 Family Grown Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $16