This unusual but traditional Burgundian blend of Gamay (52%) and Pinot Noir (48%) is known as "passe-tout-grains," hence the name "PTG." Owners Michael Dinn and Heidi Noble focus on food-friendly wines, and this red fits their strategy perfectly. It opens with aromas of fresh boysenberry juice, milk chocolate, Bing cherry and forest floor. On the palate, it offers huge flavors … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2011 PTG, Okanagan Valley, $24
Waterbrook Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $11
Best Buy! Walla Walla's Waterbrook has long been known for producing high-quality, value-minded wines, and this continues under Precept Wine's ownership. This bright, delicious Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of apple, slate and lemon, followed by flavors of lime, sweet herbs and apple. It has a touch of residual sugar and should pair nicely with salmon, fish and chips, … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $11
Raptor Ridge Winery 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $25
Kentucky native Scott Shull is the owner/winemaker at this Newberg, Ore., winery and next year will celebrate his 20th vintage at Raptor Ridge. This delicious Pinot Noir opens with aromas of fresh cherry, tarragon, saddle leather and black truffle, followed by flavors of red plum, mushroom and rhubarb. Pair this with sirloin, smoked salmon or wild mushroom ravioli. Rating: … [Read more...] about Raptor Ridge Winery 2011 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $25
Raptor Ridge Winery 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $38
Scott and Annie Shull launched Raptor Ridge in 1995, and they named the winery after the hawks, owls and kestrels that share the property. This delicious reserve-level Pinot Noir opens with aromas of dried strawberry, pie cherry, earth and a hint of oak. On the palate, it reveals flavors of raspberry, strawberry, red currant and a hint of forest floor, all backed with bright … [Read more...] about Raptor Ridge Winery 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $38
Lookout Point Winery 2011 Grenache, Rattlesnake Hills, $24
This small producer in the town of Selah, Wash., is crafting some superb red wines. This Grenache, in fact, is spectacular, and it is heartening to see this variety perform so well in Washington. This wine opens with aromas of black cherry leather, thyme, raspberry and spice, followed by yummy flavors of Rainier cherry, pomegranate, cranberry and raspberry. Bright acidity and … [Read more...] about Lookout Point Winery 2011 Grenache, Rattlesnake Hills, $24