One of the Idaho wine industry’s rising stars relies on Syrah grown in the Snake River Valley for its flagship wine, a blend that includes Merlot (19%), Malbec (19%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (2%). The 20 months in French barrels creates aromas of roasted coffee beans and Weetabix with grilled strawberries and smoked charcuterie. There’s less oak influence on the pleasing palate … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Turas Red Wine, Snake River Valley, $32
Tsillan Cellars 2014 Estate Riesling, Lake Chelan, $18
Lake Chelan winemaker Shane Collins is among the most passionate Riesling producers in Washington state, and he’s a regular attendee of the international Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle. Each vintage for Dr. Robert Jankelson allows him to bottle that devotion and talent, and his 2014 Estate Riesling is only beginning to hit its stride. Lovely spice aromas of saffron, lavender … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2014 Estate Riesling, Lake Chelan, $18
Westport Winery 2015 Conner Lee Vineyard Shorebird Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $26
The Roberts family recently began to focus its efforts with Chardonnay on Conner Lee Vineyards, a site near Othello, Wash., established in 1980 with direction from Walter Clore. Of the 150 acres planted, more than 25 of those are devoted to Chardonnay, and Dana Roberts’ work with his allotment offers notes of buttered toast, baked apple with cinnamon and jasmine. There’s … [Read more...] about Westport Winery 2015 Conner Lee Vineyard Shorebird Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $26
Plan for Walla Walla’s Fall Release Weekend
WALLA WALLA, Wash. - As the 2016 harvest draws to a close, winemakers celebrate by scrubbing the deep purple stains from their hands and popping corks on new wines to share with friends, family and customers old and new. Fall Release Weekend is a tradition in Walla Walla, and the majority of wineries will be pouring special bottles. This year, it will run Nov. 4-6, and if … [Read more...] about Plan for Walla Walla’s Fall Release Weekend
Columbia Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $17
Canadian native Sean Hails has made more wine than most as a result of his years of work in California on behalf of Gallo. His latest release of Merlot for the Woodinville showpiece also ranks as one of the largest in Washington. It hints at dark currants and cherries in the aromas with lavender, jasmine and smoked meats - perhaps a sign of the Syrah (11%). There’s a match on … [Read more...] about Columbia Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $17