The Harrisons sourced these grapes from the denHoed-owned Desert Hills Vineyard in the upper elevations of the Yakima Valley north of Grandview, Wash. On the nose, it shows many of the classic Sauvignon Blanc qualities such as gooseberry, grassiness, slate and even a whiff of tomcat. The drink is clean and crisp with good lines of lime skin, lemon juice and more … [Read more...] about Knight Hill Winery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $18
Purple Star Wines 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $8
Best Buy! Kyle and Amy Johnson dedicate 15 percent of the proceeds from their new label to Seattle Children's Hospital for helping the cause of uncompensated care, which explains the support they've received for their wines, including this bright and crisp Sauv Blanc from Outlook Vineyard. Enticing aromas of dusty Red Delicious apple, orange yogurt, honeydew melon and lime turn … [Read more...] about Purple Star Wines 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $8
Silvara Vineyards 2010 Quartette, Columbia Valley, $42
This Malbec-based blend stole the show at the North Central Washington Wine Awards and it continues to shine under blind conditions. Gary Seidler, vintner at this scenic winery in Peshastin, Wash., worked with renowned Red Mountain winemaker Charlie Hoppes to get fruit from nine vineyards — including Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun. The trip begins with rich and dark aromas of … [Read more...] about Silvara Vineyards 2010 Quartette, Columbia Valley, $42
Airfield Estates 2010 Merlot, Yakima Valley, $20
The Miller family's vineyard program began 45 years ago, and they cropped this block of Merlot to 3.3 tons per acre as a result of the cool and problematic 2010 summer. Smoky oak produces aromas of white chocolate in front of notes of plum, saffron threads, rose hips, green peppercorn and Weetabix biscuit. Plum, black cherry and lavender arrive on the palate with sandy tannins … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2010 Merlot, Yakima Valley, $20
L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Perigee, Walla Walla Valley, $50
This historic little schoolhouse in Lowden, Wash., is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Marty Clubb's proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Malbec (10%) and Petit Verdot also is built for the long haul. Heady aromas of fresh boysenberry, cherry preserves, lavender, lilac and cedar are transformed into a creamy entry of plum sauce … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Perigee, Walla Walla Valley, $50