Dude DeWalt Cellars 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $30

Michael Prout, a product of Walla Walla Community College’s winemaking program after serving in the Air Force, lifted the profile of this young brand in Idaho upon his arrival. There’s not an abundance of Sauvignon Blanc grown in the Snake River Valley, so he’s working with esteemed Yakima Valley grower Patrick Rawn and Schmidt Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills. Rather than grassy and gooseberry, this hits on notes of ambrosia salad with orange, grapefruit zest and minerality. On the palate, there’s pleasing richness of peach and rewarding zing of starfruit and Maui Gold pineapple core. This earned a gold medal at the 2023 Cascadia International Wine Competition, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Rating: Outstanding! — 91 points

Production: 400 cases

Alcohol: 12.5%

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