Tony Rynders put Domaine Serene on the international map during the 2000s, and he’s quickly re-established Panther Creek Cellars as one of the Willamette Valley’s most delicious brands. A longtime friend of Ken Wright, who created Panther Creek in the 1980s, the University of California-Davis grad works with 18-acre Schindler Vineyard for this fruit-focused and lively Pinot … [Read more...] about Panther Creek Cellars 2014 Schindler Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $50
Cadaretta 2015 sbs, Columbia Valley, $23
There’s continued interest in Washington with bottlings of white Bordeaux blends, and Walla Walla winemaker Kendall Mix leans heavily on Frenchman Hills Vineyard near Royal City for the Sauvignon Blanc in this blend with Sèmillon (11%). A record-early harvest of Aug. 20 set the table for its theme of gooseberry, starfruit and Juicy Fruit Gum aromas that are joined by a sprig of … [Read more...] about Cadaretta 2015 sbs, Columbia Valley, $23
Acrobat 2015 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $13
Best Buy! King Estate winemakers Spencer Spetnagel and Brent Stone collaborate on this sister brand, which sources from their iconic Territorial Road property for 19% of the fruit and goes beyond for the majority of a harvest that came earlier than ever. Remarkable aromas of peach, Key lime and grapefruit pick up secondary notes of perfumy flannel sheets. Three months on the … [Read more...] about Acrobat 2015 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $13
Stag’s Hollow Winery 2015 Dolcetto, Okanagan Valley, $26
One of British Columbia’s most adventuresome and talented wineries continues to help pioneer work in the Okanagan Valley with varieties that could have been viewed as folly a decade ago. Winemaker Dwight Sick and grower/owner Larry Gerelus team up for this racy, vibrant and succulent Dolcetto that’s ripe without approaching sweetness. The Okanagan Falls project started in … [Read more...] about Stag’s Hollow Winery 2015 Dolcetto, Okanagan Valley, $26
Paterson takes Tantalus Vineyards to another level
KELOWNA, British Columbia - Many people say that good wine is made in the vineyard, not in the cellar. But when David Paterson, general manager and winemaker of Tantalus Vineyards in Kelowna, British Columbia says it, it’s with a passion that lets you know he really means it. Paterson, who came to Tantalus in 2009, was born in Vancouver B.C. but grew up in New Zealand. He … [Read more...] about Paterson takes Tantalus Vineyards to another level