Best Buy! Martin Fujishin works with Chardonnay from nearby vineyards Polo Cove and Bitner, and he presents this in what he refers to as a “Central Coast” style inspired by trips to California. As a result, this bargain-priced Chardonnay offers aromas and flavors of toasty oak, starfruit and dried apricot, backed by butter and lemon pepper. Rating: Recommended Production: … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $13
Panther Creek Cellars 2014 Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $65
Tony Rynders wanted to be the one to take over the winemaking at Panther Creek when Ken Wright stepped away in 1994. Twenty years later, and after a storied career at Domaine Serene, Rynders is heading up the brand that helped make Wright and Oregon famous. In 2015, Wright purchased this vineyard near Bethel Heights from Jack and Kathleen Carter, so this wine carries a … [Read more...] about Panther Creek Cellars 2014 Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $65
Martinez and Martinez 2015 Tudor Hills Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $18
Tudor Hills Vineyards in the Yakima Valley seems to be an ideal site for cool-climate whites, particularly in the hands of nearby winemaker Andrew Martinez. These grapes hail from his wife Monica’s side of the family, and the wine carries a theme of Rose’s Lime Juice, pineapple and Lemonhead candy. Ample acidity applies some bite to the finish. There’s a touch of residual sugar … [Read more...] about Martinez and Martinez 2015 Tudor Hills Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $18
Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $40
Here’s yet another release from the stunning 2014 vintage in Oregon by Stephen Cary and venerable McMinnville producer Yamhill Valley Vineyards. It also serves as a marker for the balance and yields off those estate vines in 2014. In 2012, they were farmed at 2.3 tons per acre by Oct. 14. In 2014, Cary brought the fruit in from the Hilltop and Morning Light blocks by Oct. 9 and … [Read more...] about Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $40
Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Evergreen Vineyard Traditions Sweet Katherine White Wine, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $13
Best Buy! Two decades ago, 1997, the Milbrandts began to establish their vineyards along the Wahluke Slope and the Ancient Lakes. Evergreen Vineyard is arguably their most prized planting, and the Milbrandt brothers named this off-dry Riesling for their late mother — Katherine Leone Milbrandt. Few Rieslings from famed Evergreen are made in a sweet style, but this one is … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Evergreen Vineyard Traditions Sweet Katherine White Wine, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $13