Named after a Southern Hemisphere constellation, few Northwest wineries showcase the beauty and potential of aged dry Riesling as does Chris Williams for Brooks. There's a sense of baked pineapple, poached pear, apricot, cloves and oiliness in the aromas, yet the palate is dry and dramatic. Flavors feature Asian pear and the second-cut of fresh pineapple, backed by bold acidity … [Read more...] about Brooks Wines 2010 Ara Riesling, Willamette Valley, $25
L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Candy Mountain Vineyard Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $39
There's not much other than sagebrush separating Candy Mountain from Red Mountain when you look down from the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain, and here's an exclusive bottling from this 1998 site. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%) and Merlot comes with alluring aromas of dark cherry, chocolate mint, black licorice, horehound, coffee and campfire smoke. Bold flavors of … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Candy Mountain Vineyard Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $39
Michael Florentino Cellars 2009 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $28
Boeing Wine Club "grad" Brad Sherman has successfully revived this brand that began at The Winemaker's Loft in Prosser, Wash., and now makes these wines in Woodinville. The nose offers a fistful of Marionberry and black cherry aromas, followed by vanilla extract, Tootsie Roll and lavender. On the attack, there's a deliciously bold entry of that leads with lots of black cherry, … [Read more...] about Michael Florentino Cellars 2009 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $28
Ponzi Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $35
Here's a shining example of how prevalent the certified sustainable movement is within the Oregon wine industry. Luisa Ponzi harvested four LIVE (low input viticulture and enology) estate sites — Abetina, Aurora, Avellana and Madrona — as well as 12 other vineyards, each certified. Her largest production wine carries aromas of raspberry, spiced plum, cherry pipe tobacco, violet … [Read more...] about Ponzi Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $35
Anne Amie Vineyards 2012 Estate Dry Riesling, Yamhill-Carlton, $20
The 12 Oaks Estate Vineyard during the 2012 vintage allowed Thomas Houseman to produce a style that's a bit drier than the previous year. A whiff brings up huge clove notes with lychee, peach, apricot, pear and pineapple. Its approach is crisp and dry with Granny Smith apple and Asian pear flavors, backed by a refreshing tiny dash of spritzy acidity than funnels into classic … [Read more...] about Anne Amie Vineyards 2012 Estate Dry Riesling, Yamhill-Carlton, $20