Idaho native John Danielson leads this young winery near Caldwell in the Snake River Valley, which is emerging along with the state's nascent wine industry. This Merlot offers aromas of classic herbal characteristics, as well as pink peppercorn, lavender and red currant. On the palate, it is a nicely balanced red with flavors of black cherry and red plum. Pair this with pork … [Read more...] about Vale Wine Co. 2009 Merlot, Snake River Valley, $20
Archives for March 2013
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2011 Pinot Gris, Washington, $11
Best Buy! Mike Conway worked at Gallo and Parducci in California before migrating to Washington in 1980, where he made wine for Worden and Hogue before launching Latah Creek in Spokane. He has been crafting delicious and affordable wines ever since and now is passing the winemaking torch on to his daughter Natalie. This white is a classic Washington Pinot Gris that shows off … [Read more...] about Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2011 Pinot Gris, Washington, $11
Kana Winery 2008 Dark Star, Columbia Valley, $22
This winery in downtown Yakima, Wash., was launched in 2002 by Palmer Wright, who has practiced medicine in Yakima since the mid-1980s. This is a delicious Rhône-style blend of Syrah (62%), Mourvèdre and Grenache that is youthful with plenty of length. It opens with aromas of black pepper, saddle leather, alfalfa and dark fruit, followed by flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, … [Read more...] about Kana Winery 2008 Dark Star, Columbia Valley, $22
Northwest wine industry should plan for cool, wet spring
Earlier this winter, world-renowned climatologist Greg Jones told the Oregon wine industry that 2013 is shaping up to be rather neutral — "La Nada." And the January weather report issued by Washington State University researchers supports that, detailing the cold and dreary conditions most of the Evergreen State labored in to start 2013. Jones, a professor of … [Read more...] about Northwest wine industry should plan for cool, wet spring