Chardonnay plays an important role in Washington

Three Rivers Winery 2015 Reserve Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $29

This vintage marks the final one with the Gamache brothers owning and operating Gamache Vineyard, a 180-acre site prized by many Washington winemakers. Holly Turner at Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla dedicates her reserve Chardonnay to the Basin City vineyard, which she had harvested on Aug. 28. Her subsequent work over the course of eighth months with 44% new French oak results in both pleasure and balance. Aromas of marzipan and Big Hunk nougat include white peach, pineapple and honeycomb. There’s a sense of its reserve style with a touch of butterscotch and light toast, backed by ripe banana. The lingering finish of lemon will serve this well with seared scallops or pasta bathed in a light sauce.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 194 cases

Alcohol: 13.8%

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