Italy is in David Volmut's blood, so the focus of his winery in the Olympic Peninsula rain shadow is on Italian styles and varieties. This off-dry approach with Orange Muscat from Lonesome Spring Ranch has a broad appeal, starting with enticing aromas of fresh-peeled lychee nut, peach, rosewater, jasmine and verbena. The drink comes across as clean and elegant with orange oil, … [Read more...] about Wind Rose Cellars 2012 Muscato, Yakima Valley, $10
Rain slows down harvest for Northwest wineries
Rain showers slowed down or stalled the harvest of wine grapes in the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday, but the weather forecasts calls for optimism and drier conditions beginning today. "Over the next couple of days, expect cold (10-20 degrees below normal) and generally wet conditions across the (Pacific Northwest) and down into California through Thursday," reported Greg … [Read more...] about Rain slows down harvest for Northwest wineries
Coiled Wines 2012 Dry Riesling, Snake River Valley, $17
Leslie Preston's thirst for this noble white grape inspired her this summer to be a part of the international Riesling Rendezvous conference in Seattle, and this wine deserved to be showcased alongside some of the planet's best. She took eight tons from Skyline Vineyard on Oct. 5 and turned it into a gorgeous nose of orange oil, Gala apple, tropical fruit and clove. It explodes … [Read more...] about Coiled Wines 2012 Dry Riesling, Snake River Valley, $17
Dry Riesling by Coiled wins Idaho Wine Competition
CALDWELL, Idaho — Leslie Preston produced not only the best example of Riesling in the state, but the Garden City winemaker also won best in show with it at the fourth annual Idaho Wine Competition. Her Coiled Wines 2012 Dry Riesling, which retails for $17, took the top award after receiving a unanimous double gold medal from the judges and earned the competition's best white … [Read more...] about Dry Riesling by Coiled wins Idaho Wine Competition
Northstar Winery 2009 Premier Merlot, Columbia Valley, $85
Behold the brightest jewel in the Northstar crown by Dave Merfeld, the Merlot maestro of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Despite the "game over" freeze event of Oct. 10, 2009, "Merf" bottled a stunning example of Merlot from a 24-year-old block at acclaimed Cold Creek Vineyard overlooking the Columbia River. The nose carries raspberry sauce, spiced cherry, Belgian chocolate and … [Read more...] about Northstar Winery 2009 Premier Merlot, Columbia Valley, $85