Best Buy! This Puget Sound winery near Friday Harbor relies on Eastern Washington fruit for its red program, and this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Cabernet Franc (30%) and Merlot from Coyote Canyon, Destiny Ridge and Alder Ridge vineyards. It opens with aromas of boysenberry, plums, black cherry, coffee, vanilla bean and black pepper. The entry is bold with flavors … [Read more...] about San Juan Vineyards 2010 Cabernet-Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, $14
Grantwood Winery 2010 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $15
Best Buy! Walla Walla natives Joe Grant and Doris Wood don't stray from their valley for grapes, and they work with tiny lots from top vineyards. Somehow, these retirees continue to offer their wines at jaw-dropping prices compared to the majority. This Merlot from Les Collines is a big wine with many layers, starting with a nose of dark chocolate, plum, blueberry, nutmeg, … [Read more...] about Grantwood Winery 2010 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $15
Oak Knoll Winery NV Frambrosia Raspberry Wine, Oregon, $14
Success with homemade fruit wines inspired the Vuylsteke family to launch Oak Knoll Winery in 1970, and 30 years ago, they won the Governor's Trophy at the Oregon State Fair for this wine. The nose screams of strawberry-rhubarb pie, raspberry jam and cinnamon toast, but the raspberry presents itself more in the mouth. There's nice richness on the entry and the spritzy acidity … [Read more...] about Oak Knoll Winery NV Frambrosia Raspberry Wine, Oregon, $14
Silvara Vineyards 2012 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $24
Wenatchee Valley winemaker Gary Seidler and his partner — professional golfer Cindy Rarick — are among those helping to revive interest in Chenin Blanc. The profile is akin to ambrosia salad, backed by lemongrass, honeydew melon and Golden Delicious apple. It's no doubt a hit in the tasting room on a warm summer day with its fanciful off-dry approach (2.5% residual sugar) and … [Read more...] about Silvara Vineyards 2012 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $24
Winter’s Hill Vineyard 2010 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $34
Quite a neighborhood has sprung up around the Gladhart farm in Dayton, Ore., which the family started in 1961. Their 35-acre estate vineyard, certified as sustainable in 1999, is bordered by Domaine Serene, Stoller and Vista Hills, and this release from a nerve-wracking vintage certainly stands alongside those producers. It’s classic Dundee Hills from start to finish, opening … [Read more...] about Winter’s Hill Vineyard 2010 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $34