Wine Country Farm near Dayton, Ore., celebrated the 10th anniversary of Armonéa Winery and cellar established by the late Joan Davenport. Summit View Vineyard fruit - across a fence from Domaine Drouhin's Block 11 - remains a key ingredient for the estate program of winemaker Alberto Alcazar, and this latest vintage continues his string of underappreciated success with … [Read more...] about Armonéa Winery 2014 Summit Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $35
Daven Lore Winery 2015 Dry Riesling, Yakima Valley, $18
While labeled as a “dry,” it’s a Riesling with wide appeal and just 0.4% residual sugar. Aromas of Minute Maid Limeade, ginger, Pink Lady apple and nectarine lead to a tasty and refreshing drink that’s reminiscent of an Arnold Palmer with a twist of lime, along with secondary notes of a slice of peach, a scrape of minerality and a subtle note of sage. It's one of two styles of … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2015 Dry Riesling, Yakima Valley, $18
Washington Malbec on the rise
It would have been difficult to imagine five years ago that Washington Malbec would be propelled onto the global wine stage today. Yet, here we are with more than 100 wineries producing Malbec from Washington grapes. Some are doing so with quality that can competeswith the best from Argentina. And Washington hasn't really dedicated itself to the grape, not as Argentina … [Read more...] about Washington Malbec on the rise
Coyote Canyon Winery 2014 Sweet Louise Late Harvest Viognier Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills, $22
Justin Michaud’s second vintage for Horse Heaven Hills grower Mike Andrews included this tasty desert wine that’s a Coyote Canyon traditional blend of Viognier (62%) and Riesling. It finished out at 21% residual sugar with a classic ice wine nose of apricot glacéed, fig, poached pear with cinnamon and honey. Those notes come through as flavors, too, wrapped in a texture of … [Read more...] about Coyote Canyon Winery 2014 Sweet Louise Late Harvest Viognier Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills, $22
Martin-Scott Winery 2013 Needlerock Vineyard Montepulciano, Columbia Valley, $30
This famed Italian grape named for the southern Tuscan town is slowly gaining an audience with a handful of Washington state winemakers, and Wenatchee Valley vigernon Mike Scott etablished his Montepulciano near his Tempranillo. In many instances throughout Italy, Montepulciano is blended with Sangiovese. Not here. Instead, Scott swirls in Aglianico (15%) to help develop aromas … [Read more...] about Martin-Scott Winery 2013 Needlerock Vineyard Montepulciano, Columbia Valley, $30