This white wine is a blend of Viognier (41%), Sauvignon Blanc (38%) and Aligoté, all from Todd Newhouse's estate vineyard on Snipes Mountain near Sunnyside, Wash. It opens with aromas of fresh caramel, shortbread cookie, apple and Mandarin orange, followed by viscous flavors of pear, apple, anise and brioche. It provides a nice richness on the entry and is enjoyable … [Read more...] about Smasne Cellars 2010 Upland Vineyard Francis, Snipes Mountain, $24
Telaya Wine Co. 2010 Turas, Columbia Valley, $28
Telaya is a small producer in Garden City, Idaho, that uses Washington grapes. This blend includes Syrah (60%), Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It opens with aromas of oak, boysenberry syrup and black olives, followed by flavors of red plum, black cherry and chocolate. It's a pretty big wine that will pair well with grilled meats. Rating: Excellent Production: 150 … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2010 Turas, Columbia Valley, $28
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2010 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills, $22
Coming from a cool vintage, this Chardonnay is from one of the few estate vineyards for Chateau Ste. Michelle. It opens with aromas of baked apple, poached pear, butter and apricot, followed by flavors of butter, pineapple and butterscotch. It's a rich wine on the palate with nice length. Rating: Recommended Production: 5,300 cases Alcohol: 14.5% Website … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2010 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills, $22
Abacela 2012 Albariño Roble, Umpqua Valley, $25
Earl and Hilda Jones have made Albariño a signature white wine at Abacela in Southern Oregon's Umpqua Valley for the past 12 years. This year, Abacela produced two versions, with this fermented in new American oak. The oak never really shows up for us, with aromas of cantaloupe, dried pineapple and spearmint, followed by flavors of slate, apple and pineapple on the palate. It … [Read more...] about Abacela 2012 Albariño Roble, Umpqua Valley, $25
Apex Cellars 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $30
Famed winemaker Brian Carter crafted Apex back in the 1980s, '90s and '00s before launching his eponymous brand in Woodinville. Today, Apex is owned by Precept Wine in Seattle, and its tasting room is in Prosser. This delicious red opens with aromas of sweet oak, ripe strawberry, chocolate and rhubarb, followed by flavors of boysenberry, raspberry and black olive, all backed … [Read more...] about Apex Cellars 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $30