The Isenhowers often see themselves as jugglers with having to manage winemaking, entrepreneurialism and raising three daughters, so they’ve adopted a medieval term for a juggler as a proprietary name for their Petit Verdot. This work with Dionysus Block 13 Petit Verdot shows some magic, too, because its richness and juicy profile is more approachable than most standalone … [Read more...] about Isenhower Cellars 2013 Jongleur Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley, $34
Baer Winery 2015 Shard White Wine, Columbia Valley, $25
Sept. 2 marked the earliest harvest at Stillwater Creek Vineyard by this Woodinville winery for its Chardonnay, and the stainless steel angle makes for a bright Chardonnay that screams for oysters. Aromas of Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear, Key Lime Pie and slate are matched on the palate with mouthwatering acidity. The surlie aging adds to the mouth feel, and a sliver of … [Read more...] about Baer Winery 2015 Shard White Wine, Columbia Valley, $25
Zena Crown Vineyard 2013 Slope Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $100
Idaho-born Shane Moore graduated form Washington State University’s wine program in 2008 and worked around the world before love led him to Northern California, where he landed at Jackson Family Wines' renowned La Crema Pinot Noir project. The Sonoma giant’s impressive investments in Oregon’s Willamette Valley began with its 2013 purchase of Zena Crown Vineyard west of Salem, … [Read more...] about Zena Crown Vineyard 2013 Slope Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $100
Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2013 Northridge Vineyard Reserve Grenache, Wahluke Slope, $35
This late-ripening red grape native to the Rhône Valley has no trouble finishing up on the Wahluke Slope, one of the hottest growing regions in Washington wine country. Jeremy Santo, a native of Prosser and product of Washington State University, pulled the trigger Oct. 28 on this lot from Milbrandt-owned Northridge Vineyard. Ripeness achieved 26.5 Brix, and after seven days in … [Read more...] about Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2013 Northridge Vineyard Reserve Grenache, Wahluke Slope, $35
Columbia Winery 2013 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! Stainless steel fermentation with a bit of oak and eight months on the lees results in this fruity, butterscotchy and refreshing Chardonnay from historic Columbia Winery. Aromas also include Bosc pear, Jonagold apple and a hint of sweetened lemon, which come through on the dry and crisp palate. Touches of melon, hazelnut and pineapple add complexity. The Woodinville … [Read more...] about Columbia Winery 2013 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14