Mercer Canyons 2011 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $13
Best Buy! This new brand has been a tasty value for fans of Mercer Estates. Some of these grapes came from nearby Zephyr Ridge in the Horse Heaven Hills, but venerable Sagemoor Vineyard upstream on the Columbia River made a significant contribution, too. Under the screwcap are aromas of dusty pear, starfruit, lemon and jasmine, supported by flavors of pear, Braeburn apple, lemon curd and jicama. A scrape of lemon zest gives it extra lift at the end.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 2,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.8%
I like the label on the Mercer Chard a lot!