Mike Andrews was a rancher in the Horse Heaven Hills when he graduated from Washington State University. His transition to the wine industry began in 1994 with 20 acres of Cab planted for Columbia Crest. In 2006, he established what are believed to be the first Albariño vines in the state. Since then, he’s earned five Platinum Awards for the white Spanish grape, and he may have another this fall because his winemaker, Justin Michaud, qualified this bottling with a double gold in our tasting. The aromas draw you in with the tart/sweet blend of Granny Smith apple, Key Lime and cotton candy. Despite the slurp of fresh peach on the palate, there’s essentially no perceptible sweetness (0.4% residual sugar) because of the juiciness reminiscent of its green-skinned fruit. “It’s clean and balanced without really strong acidity,” remarked one judge. “There’s a magic factor here, and I’m a fan.”
Rating: Unanimously Outstanding!
Double gold medal — 96 points
Production: 146 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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