Heir apparent Tyler Williams assumed the lead winemaking duties at this three-generation estate winery on Red Mountain in 2019, and the Washington State University product has devoted some precious energy to creating thoughtful, rather than cookie-cutter, white blends. His two releases of Artemisia lean toward Bordeaux, while this newly created Sage Advice is Rhône-inspired with oak-influenced Roussanne (58%) and Viognier (21%) receiving a worthy contribution from amphora-fermented Chenin Blanc — a grape Kiona has decades of success with. The floral nose offers yellow grapefruit and waxy Pink Lady apple aromas, along with hominy, baking spice and sweet herbs. Inside, dusty apricot, honeysuckle and chamomile give it understated gracefulness as it leads out with a tantalizing layer of Key lime pith. Earlier this fall, it charmed judges into awarding it double gold medal during the Great Northwest Invitational, a competition staged at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel on behalf of West Coast wine buyers.
Rating: Double gold medal
94 points
Production: 130 cases
Alcohol 14.2%
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