Best Buy! Seattle-based Precept Wine has rescued and revived this Yakima Valley brand that dates to 1984, and it continues to keep the prices affordable. Contributing vineyards include Canyon Vineyard Ranch, Doval, Oasis and Wallula. There's no shortage of fruit in the nose with its hints of cherry pie crust, vanilla and strawberry fruit leather. Thankfully, there's a match on … [Read more...] about Sagelands Vineyard 2010 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $13
Boomtown 2010 Merlot, Washington, $15
Best Buy! Dusted Valley Vintners in Walla Walla began collaborating with Wahluke Wine Company in 2006, and this mellow Merlot ranks among their best efforts. Its expressive nose includes dark aromas of dusty black cherry, black licorice, raspberry, Craisins and pipe tobacco. The entry is downright yummy with plush boysenberry and more ripe raspberries. Its pleasing structure … [Read more...] about Boomtown 2010 Merlot, Washington, $15
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2010 Four Vineyards Merlot, Columbia Valley, $18
This second-generation winery overlooking Spokane Valley, Wash., sources from some of the top vineyards in the Columbia Valley, and Kristina Mielke-van Löben Sels reaches into four of them — Bacchus, Conner Lee, Dionysus and Klipsun — for this expressive Merlot. Its greeting begins with notes of white mocha, red raspberry, black cherry and toasted hazelnut. There's a rich entry … [Read more...] about Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2010 Four Vineyards Merlot, Columbia Valley, $18
Woodinville Wine Cellars 2009 Indomitable, Columbia Valley, $45
This is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (30%) and Cabernet Franc, using grapes from Stillwater Creek and Conner Lee, both vineyards in the vast Columbia Basin. This offers aromas of rosemary, cherry, mocha, black pepper and tar, followed by rich, elegant flavors of red plum, dark chocolate, coffee and cherry. It's all backed with sturdy … [Read more...] about Woodinville Wine Cellars 2009 Indomitable, Columbia Valley, $45
JoieFarm 2011 Gamay, Okanagan Valley, $24
Gamay is a rare grape in the Pacific Northwest, and the examples we do see tend to be delicious. It is best known in Beaujolais nouveau, a young Burgundian wine that is released each November, as well as the Loir Valley. This example from a top British Columbia producer offers alluring aromas of jasmine rice, plum, pomegranate and vanilla, followed by flavors of Montmorency … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2011 Gamay, Okanagan Valley, $24