While much of Oregon has embraced Dijon clone fruit for its Chardonnay, Kestrel Vintners in Prosser, Wash., remains committed to the Wente clone. And now Justin Michaud gets to work with what is widely believed to be the oldest Chardonnay planting in the state. This marks his debut vintage at Kestrel working with some vines that began life in 1972, and he sent those lots … [Read more...] about Kestrel Vintners 2015 Falcon Series Estate Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $21
Indian Creek Winery 2015 Viognier, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Snake River Valley winemaker Mike McClure and his wife, Tammy Stowe-McClure, work with two of Idaho’s top vineyards in Sawtooth and Williamson to make this remarkably inexpensive Viognier a reality at their inviting and popular tasting room, winery and estate vineyard in Kuna. Its theme of orange cream, vanilla, almond and tropical fruit comes with a clean entry, … [Read more...] about Indian Creek Winery 2015 Viognier, Snake River Valley, $12
Cinder Wines 2014 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $29
Often hailed as Idaho's best winemaker, Cinder co-owner Melanie Krause is making her reputation — and perhaps that of Idaho — with this Spanish variety. This is another great example from the Garden City winery, pulling from three vineyards, Martin Brothers, Sawtooth and Williamson. It releases aromas of bright red fruit, including raspberry and Rainier cherry, followed by … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2014 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $29
Mazzacano Cellars 2013 L’armonia, Columbia Valley, $60
Flint Nelson worked for just two wineries the past 15 years, first Apex Cellars and then Kestrel, before launching Wit Cellars in Prosser, Wash., with Cat Warwick. The Mazzacano wines represent his own brand, and both releases have been stunning, including this Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend from the Milbrandt’s Northridge Vineyard. It’s dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) … [Read more...] about Mazzacano Cellars 2013 L’armonia, Columbia Valley, $60
College Cellars spins Muscat into gold year after year
WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Grapes in the Muscat family were cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans, but many wine lovers haven’t experienced Muscat Ottonel. College Cellars of Walla Walla is working to change that. It’s a relatively new variety by comparison, developed in France’s Loire Valley in 1852 by crossing a local Muscat with Chasselas. It’s a variety that’s not … [Read more...] about College Cellars spins Muscat into gold year after year