Best Buy! Evergreen Vineyard, one of Washington state’s premier sites for cool-climate whites, shines yet again with this bargain Riesling. This planting not far from Jerry Milbrandt’s home saw Riesling for this program begin to get pulled on Oct. 16, and winemaker Emily Haines presents it in a dry, but not a geeky style. Amazing aromas include cotton candy, jasmine, Jolly … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Evergreen Vineyard Traditions Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $13
L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sèmillon, Columbia Valley, $21
It can be argued that the little schoolhouse near Walla Walla is the leader in Washington for its work with this white Bordeaux grape, and Mike Sharon’s latest collaboration with Stillwater Creek viticulturist Ed Keely on Sèmillon is predictably stunning. Charming aromas of starfruit, Lemonhead candy, marshmallow cream and smoked lemon pepper lead to a lemony and delicious … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sèmillon, Columbia Valley, $21
Crossings Winery 2012 Zabala Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Snake River Valley, $19
Idaho winemaker Neil Glancey continues to show his skill with this less-appreciated Bordeaux variety. He pulls from nearby Zabala Vineyard in the Hagerman Valley for this stunning Cab Franc that offers a theme of sweet oak with plenty of red fruit flavor akin to cassis, raspberry and cranberry. There are pinches of leafiness and white pepper joined by great acidity, prized … [Read more...] about Crossings Winery 2012 Zabala Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Snake River Valley, $19
NW Sauvignon Blanc a seafood favorite
Sauvignon Blanc is a truly global variety, finding fame and fans from California to New Zealand to its native Bordeaux region in France. Here in the Pacific Northwest, Sauvignon Blanc is a favorite white variety. In 2014, some 6,700 tons were harvested in Washington behind Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris in importance. While Northwest Sauvignon Blanc doesn't have a … [Read more...] about NW Sauvignon Blanc a seafood favorite
King Estate 2015 Domaine Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $29
The largest biodynamic and certified organic vineyard in the U.S. is now also within the Willamette Valley American Viticultural Area, which explains why this bottling of estate fruit no longer lists “Oregon” as the AVA. There’s no oak involved in the production, and the tradition of five months on the lees builds aromas of baked orchard fruit, candy corn, jasmine and … [Read more...] about King Estate 2015 Domaine Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $29