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
Split Rail Winery NV The Horned Beast Cernunnos Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Snake River Valley, $29
Boise-area winemaker Jed Glavin used Sawtooth and Williamson vineyards to produce the best red wine of the 2016 Idaho Wine Competition, a Rhône-style blend from the 2014 vintage leading with Syrah and named for Cernunnos, the horned god from Celtic mythology. Luscious aromas offer hints of gaminess, purple fruit and red tones. On the palate, there’s great depth and length, … [Read more...] about Split Rail Winery NV The Horned Beast Cernunnos Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Snake River Valley, $29
Forsyth Brio 2012 Kiona Vineyard Mourvèdre, Red Mountain, $35
Forsyth Family Vintners in Prosser, Wash., adopted brio as part of its brand name, and that Italian term for energy seems particularly applicable with their recent release of Mourvedre on Red Mountain. David Forysth’s work with this red Rhone grape is redolent with dark tones of blackberry and blueberry, joined by gaminess, savory hints of black olive and fun touches of … [Read more...] about Forsyth Brio 2012 Kiona Vineyard Mourvèdre, Red Mountain, $35
Coyote Canyon Winery 2015 LOL White Wine Fun, Horse Heaven Hills, $13
Best Buy! Mike Andrews first offered this white blend under his Downtown label, but he’s finding more success by labeling it as LOL, in large part because of the blends created by Justin Michaud. This time, it leads with Chardonnay (47%) that's backed by Albariño (25%), Roussanne (25%) and Viognier. There are charming aromatics that bring hints of grassiness with tropical … [Read more...] about Coyote Canyon Winery 2015 LOL White Wine Fun, Horse Heaven Hills, $13
Lake Chelan winery wins Tri-Cities Wine Festival with GSM
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Lake Chelan winemaker Charlie Lybecker proved at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival that he has a particular flair when working with Rhône-style red blends under his Cairdeas Winery brand. Last spring, his 2013 Tri Red Wine Blend won best of class at the Wenatchee Wine and Food Festival. On Saturday night, his young 2014 Tri ($39) — another blend of Syrah, … [Read more...] about Lake Chelan winery wins Tri-Cities Wine Festival with GSM