Isenhower Cellars 2015 Extra Brut, Yakima Valley, $39
It was nearly 20 years ago when pharmacists Brett and Denise Isenhower left Colorado for Walla Walla to make wine. This summer, they have plans to open their third Washington tasting room, and no doubt they will raise a toast in Leavenworth with this sparkling project featuring Olsen Ranch Vineyard Roussanne. While other winemakers are producing stunning results with Chardonnay from this site near Prosser, the Isenhowers first chose Roussanne over Chardonnay for bubbles in 2012 to be distinctively different. And this is, starting with light toast and almond aromas that play well with dried pineapple, apricot, starfruit and lemon notes. There’s pleasing texture to the mousse that allows for a voluptuous midpalate and rewarding flavors of Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear, starfruit and apricot, which are backed by refreshing acidity and a bone-dry finish.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 262 cases
Alcohol: 12%
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