Ancient Lakes fascinates as young Washington wine region

Jones of Washington 2015 Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $10

Best Buy! Winemaker Victor Palencia won best of show at the 2015 Wenatchee Wine & Food Festival with a Sauvignon Blanc, and he again shows his prowess with white wines with this beautifully balanced Riesling. Palencia used grapes from the relatively cool Ancient Lakes region near the Columbia Basin town of Quincy for this bright, delicious example. It is loaded with aromas and flavors of peach, apple, passionfruit and lime, as well as notes of purple rose, honey and even a bit of pineapple. It balances a rich mouth feel with a steely finish. This won best white at the 2016 Wenatchee Wine & Food Festival wine competition.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 1,787 cases

Alcohol: 12.7%

Winery website