Northwest Chardonnays shine with new styles

Kyra Wines 2012 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $15

Best Buy! The Baerlochers began planting their vineyards on Washington’s Wahluke Slope in 1999, but their relationships also grant them entry into Evergreen Vineyard, a site in the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley that produces some of the state’s top white wines. That combination plays out in this Chardonnay from their Moses Lake winery. The barrel program of 25% French oak allows for aromas and flavors of dusty apple, pineapple, pear and lime. With that ripeness of fruit comes a balancing blast of acidity and a touch of minerality often found in wines from Evergreen, which often demand a higher tariff than this.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 120 cases

Alcohol: 12.5%

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