Argentine winemaker Juan Pablo Valot creates the Pinot Gris for this historic Eugene property in a crisp Oregon style that’s far from tropical. In fact, it’s a bone-dry Pinot Gris for Sauvignon Blanc lovers with the focus on gooseberry, lime and lemon with minerality and scintillating acidity that screams for oysters on the half shell. Rating: Excellent Production: 1,200 … [Read more...] about Silvan Ridge Winery 2015 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $16
L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $21
There’s a common baseline to a growing number of remarkable aromatic white wines from Washington state, and that’s the Milbrandts’ Evergreen Vineyard in the dramatic Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area near the Gorge Amphitheater. Evergreen makes up most of this blend with Yakima Valley sites Schmitt and Oasis. There’s a touch of oak involved and the six … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $21
Washington, the state of Riesling
No place in the United States produces more Riesling than the Columbia Valley, and nowhere else in the world does a winery make more Riesling. Welcome to Washington, the state of Riesling. Thanks to the leadership of Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, the Evergreen State leads the nation in Riesling production, more than California, Oregon, New York and Michigan. And … [Read more...] about Washington, the state of Riesling
Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Traditions Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $13
Best Buy! The Milbrandt team sticks with its traditional slightly oaked program for this value-priced Chardonnay. It started with a mid-September harvest and stayed true to its six months in 25% new American oak, accounting for aromas of Honeycrisp apple, oak and vanilla with hints of candy corn and starfruit. There’s a pleasing balance of fruit and wood on the palate as pear … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Traditions Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $13
Daven Lore Winery 2015 Sweet Riesling, Yakima Valley, $18
Prosser vintner Gordon Taylor and his winemaker, Sonya Symons, work with Prosser grower Patricia O'Brien for this peachy and tasty Riesling from 25-year-old vines that’s definitely on the sweeter side at 6% residual sugar. Aromas of nectarine, apricot and cherry blossom lead to delicious flavors of stone fruit and guava with a nice burst of lemon/lime acidity to balance the … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2015 Sweet Riesling, Yakima Valley, $18