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%
Mike Dickson says
Thank you for the info on $15 and under wines. I’ve been a red wine fan for most of my adult life and now that I’m retired I must be frugal with wine costs. I appreciate the information, especially because I want to support Washington wines.
Andy Perdue says
Mike, thanks for the note. These are simply some of the wines we’ve tasted in recent weeks. Look for brands such as Columbia Crest, 14 Hands, Washington Hills, Waterbrook and Hogue and you’ll find a fair number of wines in that nice price range (reds and whites).