The Bayliss family, joined by son-in-law Cameron Bower, is showing a flair for growing Pinot Noir on the Savannah Ridge near Carlton, Ore., and Rebecca Pittock-Shouldis creates a skillfully serious pink that’s protected by screwcap. The amazingly fruit-forward nose of raspberry, strawberry and Elberta peach transitions to flavors of white strawberry, pink raspberry and Red … [Read more...] about Ghost Hill Cellars 2011 Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Spirit of Pinot Noir Rosé, Yamhill-Carlton, $18
JoieFarm 2011 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $23
Put this winery from British Columbia's Okanagan Valley on your "stuck on a desert island" list because Heidi Noble and Michael Dinn are simply making some of the most beautifully balanced wines in the Pacific Northwest. This superb Riesling is a bold wine with aromas of baked pear, candy corn and tangerine, followed by marvelous flavors of apple, lime, peach and grapefruit. It … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2011 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $23
Forsyth Brio 2006 McKinley Springs Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $50
For years, David Forsyth has enjoyed sourcing the Horse Heaven Hills to create some of Washington's best Cabernet Sauvignon for Hogue Cellars and Mercer Estates. This bottling marks the debut of his own boutique label, and he's served up a properly aged red wine for his devotees. There's a tiny tinge of brick to the color, followed by attractive and mature aromas of cordial … [Read more...] about Forsyth Brio 2006 McKinley Springs Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $50
Tsillan Cellars 2010 Estate Chardonnay, Lake Chelan, $19
There's a nice sense of elegance to this Chardonnay, beginning with aromas of dusty pear, lemon, kumquat and banana. A light creaminess shows on the entry to the palate, yet the acidity builds right alongside delicious butterscotch and apricot flavors, backed by pineapple, apricot and lemon zest. Enjoy this at the on-premise Sorrento's Restaurant, where they may suggest chicken … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2010 Estate Chardonnay, Lake Chelan, $19
Dusted Valley Vintners 2009 Stone Tree Vineyard BFM, Wahluke Slope, $49
There's truth in advertising with this blend of Bordeaux varieties featuring big "freaking" Merlot (41%). Nearly everything about this wine from Tedd Wildman is done on a large scale. The nose brings punches of black licorice, freshly stripped cedar, baked gingersnap cookie, toasted marshmallow, attractive leafiness and a squirt of lime peel. The mouth is big and chewy, yet … [Read more...] about Dusted Valley Vintners 2009 Stone Tree Vineyard BFM, Wahluke Slope, $49