San Juan Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $14
Best Buy! Otis Harlan created his Yakima Valley vineyard back in 1957, making the Rattlesnake Hills planting one of the state’s most historic sites. The late David Lake brought fame to Otis Vineyard while at Columbia Winery for his work with the fan-trained Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and this Puget Sound winery reached in Oct. 3 to produce a delicious Chardonnay. There’s no oak involved, making for aromas of fresh pineapple, peach, Sprite and a basil leaf for complexity. Flavors focus on ripe Golden Delicious apple and a delicious white peach with pleasing acidity.
Rating: Excellent
Alcohol: 12.5%
I like the label on the Mercer Chard a lot!