Chardonnay gains strength in Washington wine country

Diversion Wine 2014 Chardonnay, Washington, $15

Best Buy! The sister brand of California’s Mad Housewife label continues to roll out delicious, everyday Chardonnay thanks in large part to the relationship between Seattle negoçiant Damian Davis and the Milbrandt-owned Wahluke Wine Co. Nuances of baked apple, butterscotch, ginger, lemon rind and minerality expand into a drink of Asian pear and honeydew melon on the rounded midpalate. A touch of lemony spritz adds vibration to the long finish that bodes well for a seafood salad. Look for the bottles that depict Mount Rainier’s Paradise Meadow, an image captured by Seattle photographer Justin Reznick, The wines retail for $12 or less throughout Washington and Oregon, including Whole Foods Markets.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 1,170 cases

Alcohol: 13.6%

Winery website