Drink Washington State Winery NV Sparkling Riesling, Yakima Valley, $19
Certified sommelier Brad Binko grew up in upstate New York and lorded over wine lists in Charleston, S.C., before moving cross-country to make wine in Washington state. He’s already operating in the Walla Walla airport complex and winning gold medals for the wines he made while completing his degree in Walla Walla Community College’s vaunted winemaking program. The sparkling Riesling he bottled hails from Selenium Vineyard – a prized site at 1,200-feet elevation for Pacific Rim Winemakers – and offers bright aromas of apple, cardamom and clove. Its pleasant bubbles bring citrusy flavors of orange and lime with a touch of residual sugar (0.9%). This earned best sparkling wine at the 2016 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition, a scholarship fundraiser for what is now Binko’s alma mater.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 88 cases
Alcohol: 12%
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