The Umikers venture beyond the Lewis-Clark Valley and onto Washington’s side of the Columbia Valley for some of their most important wines. They have joined other wine- makers in making Crawford Vineyard in the Yakima Valley their prized source for Albariño. Coco Umiker has earned a Double Platinum for her work with the Spanish white, and this bottling seems to mirror those … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2021 Crawford Vineyard Albariño, Washington • $22
Palencia Wine Co. 2021 Albariño, Columbia Valley • $22
It was no surprise that one of the top expressions of Northwest Albariño, and one of its largest productions, also ranked among the best in this tasting. A key component is the role that Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley has historically played in Victor Palencia’s work as an ambassador of this Spanish grape. (His smaller bottling of Albariño is under … [Read more...] about Palencia Wine Co. 2021 Albariño, Columbia Valley • $22
Open Claim Vineyards 2018 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $75
The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay produced by acclaimed winemaker Tony Rynders for this young brand, created by Marnie Wall and her husband, Brett, will elevate the profile of the nascent Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon appellation — established July 5, 2022 as the state's 23rd American Viticultural Area. Two of the 10 blocks farmed organically by Oregon State University grad … [Read more...] about Open Claim Vineyards 2018 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $75
A56 Wines 2019 Red Blend, Red Mountain, $60
The Aquilini family uses this new brand to pay tribute to the year - 1956 — patriarch Luigi Aquilini moved from Italy to Canada and began a new life that led to him receiving the Order of British Columbia in 2011. This is the youngest of seven wine brands under the Aquilini Beverage Group, and here's a Right Bank Bordeaux-inspired assemblage of Merlot (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon … [Read more...] about A56 Wines 2019 Red Blend, Red Mountain, $60
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2020 Expedition Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $17
Haydn Mouat's third vintage at this Walla Walla winery produced a bottling of Malbec that features purity of fruit, part of the variety's charm and why it's helped raise the profile of Argentina's wine industry. Plum, black cherry and boysenberry dominate the aromas and flavors as the oak influence is minimal. It's bright but not tart, with nicely managed tannins. It could … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2020 Expedition Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $17