Best Buy! Producing a low-priced Oregon Riesling is not easy, yet Union Wine Co. in Tualatin has managed to craft a delicious example for under $15. Kudos to winemaker Greg Bauer, who has made a Riesling with aromas that unveil the purity of fruit. It opens with aromas of pear, apple, mineral and lime, followed by bright flavors of green apple, lemon zest and a hint of clove. … [Read more...] about Union Wine Co. 2012 Kings Ridge Riesling, Willamette Valley, $13
Harbinger Winery NV La Petite Fleur Dynamo White, Washington, $15
Best Buy! This is a tasty blend of Chardonnay (43%), Pinot Gris (37%) and Riesling from a small producer west of Port Angeles, Wash. This opens with aromas of baked pear, apple and pear, followed by flavors of sage and orchard fruit. This is an easy-drinking white that will pair well with a plate of linguine topped with Alfredo sauce. Rating: Recommended Production: 360 … [Read more...] about Harbinger Winery NV La Petite Fleur Dynamo White, Washington, $15
Andrew Will Winery 2010 Two Blondes Vineyard, Yakima Valley, $52
Named for Chris Camarda's late wife (who was blonde) and one of their vineyard partners (who also is blonde), this is an estate vineyard near Zillah in the northern Yakima Valley. This blend leads with Merlot (43%), followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Malbec. It opens with aromas of lilac, black cherry, blackberry and pomegranate, followed by flavors … [Read more...] about Andrew Will Winery 2010 Two Blondes Vineyard, Yakima Valley, $52
Camaraderie Cellars 2009 Tempranillo, Yakima Valley, $28
This red Spanish variety has gained a small but solid foothold in recent years in the Pacific Northwest, and Washington is proving to be a great place to grow the robust grape. This wine from a longtime Port Angeles winery uses grapes from Two Coyote Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills and Crawford Vineyard near the Yakima Valley town of Prosser. It opens with aromas of juicy … [Read more...] about Camaraderie Cellars 2009 Tempranillo, Yakima Valley, $28
Harbinger Winery NV Blackberry Bliss, Washington, $22
Blackberries are a late summer gift in western Washington, and a longtime tradition is picking berries and turning them into pies, cobblers and jams. Winemaker Sara Gagnon turns hers into a delicious wine. It opens with aromas of blueberry, maple syrup, vanilla and, of course, blackberry. On the palate, it is nicely textured with off-dry flavors of blackberry and vanilla ice … [Read more...] about Harbinger Winery NV Blackberry Bliss, Washington, $22