Best Buy! Maine winemakers Aaron and Christina Peet helped learn their craft at Walla Walla Community College in 2007-08. During their time in the Northwest, they came to know the Yakima Valley is an ideal source for Chenin Blanc and Sèmillon — a blend that's been embraced in Argentina. Here, the Chenin comes from Willard Vineyard, same planting that’s at the core of L’Ecole N° … [Read more...] about Cellardoor Winery 2021 The Buoy White Wine, American $18
Indian Creek Winery 2022 For the Mountains Benefit Series Malbec, Snake River Valley $25
Mike McClure uses Malbec from Williamson Vineyard along the Sunnyslope Wine District as one of the building blocks for his family’s always-stellar Star Garnet. Malbec takes center stage in this bottling, the latest in a fundraising series for outdoors-related non-profits that he and his wife Tammy support. The label designs are provided by Boise artist Rachel Teannalach. This … [Read more...] about Indian Creek Winery 2022 For the Mountains Benefit Series Malbec, Snake River Valley $25
Huston Vineyards 2023 Rosé, Snake River Valley $24
The next generation of vintners along Chicken Road near Huston, Idaho, includes winemaker Jacob Alger, and the effort here with Grenache for his family's brand ranks among the best in the Northwest. The 2023 Idaho Winery of the Year by Great Northwest Wine followed up with a juicy 2023 rosé that offers notes of soft peach, candied pear, strawberries and cream, supported by a … [Read more...] about Huston Vineyards 2023 Rosé, Snake River Valley $24
Wautoma Springs 2022 Grenache Blanc, Columbia Valley, $25
Washington State University grad Jessica Munnell grew up near the Columbia River in Richland. Less than an hour upriver is young JMST Vineyard — a Sustainable WA site near storied Cold Creek that’s owned and managed by Wautoma Springs co-owner Tom Merkle. Those who appreciate tantalizing expressions of Sauvignon Blanc or Picpoul (another Rhône white) will have a fondness for … [Read more...] about Wautoma Springs 2022 Grenache Blanc, Columbia Valley, $25
Gordon Estate 2020 Mega Red Red Wine, Columbia Valley $30
Some of Washington state’s oldest plantings — first established in 1980 by Jeff Gordon above the Snake River near Pasco — factor into this blend of varieties native to Rhône, Bordeaux and Rioja. Syrah (36%), Merlot (26%) and Tempranillo (18%) lead the way, while the deft blending by Joe Hudon of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec brings subtle complexity. It’s a wine … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate 2020 Mega Red Red Wine, Columbia Valley $30