14 Hands Winery 2012 Chardonnay, Washington, $12

Best Buy! Keith Kenison has turned his years of heading up the white program at Columbia Crest into the position as head winemaker of Washington’s hottest brand running. His touch with Chardonnay shows here in Prosser, starting with ripe tropical fruit aromas akin to passionfruit and Mango Lassi, backed by light lemon, dried pear, drawn butter and nice toast of oak. The barrel fermentation, about 20% returns on the palate with flavors of butterscotch and butter, making for a luscious midpalate that’s layered with lemony acidity to keep it light. Suggested pairings include Chicken Kiev, Seafood Alfredo and salmon prepared with lemon pepper.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 143,000 cases

Alcohol: 12%

Winery website