HOOD RIVER, Ore. - Dunham Cellars added a page to its history of award-winning winemaking Thursday when the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon XIX from the Walla Walla winery was selected as best of show at the fourth annual Great Northwest Invitational. The judging, held at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel, began Wednesday and concluded Thursday afternoon. The Invite, as it's known, is … [Read more...] about Walla Walla Cab wins best of show at Great NW Invite
Ryan Patrick 2014 Naked Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! Unoaked and unadorned, Ryan Patrick's Naked Chardonnay from Columbia Valley grapes is exactly what a steel Chardonnay should be: crisp, clean pear, lemon and lime elements show off on both the nose and palate, with a Granny Smith underlay and then bright acidity to close. Pair with a delicate wine-poached Dover sole and cilantro garnish. This earned a gold medal at … [Read more...] about Ryan Patrick 2014 Naked Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $12
Mercer Estates Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Jessica Munnell crafted another winner with her 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from estate grapes in the Horse Heaven Hills. Spice, blueberries, late summer blackberries and cassis show off their aromas and flavors in this lush wine, which closes with grippy, sweet tannins. Serve it with a char-grilled steak. This earned a gold medal at the 2016 Cascadia Wine Competition. Rating: … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Rocky Pond Winery 2013 Late Harvest Riesling, Lake Chelan, $24
Using grapes from its estate vineyard on the south shore of Lake Chelan, this young producer has crafted a luscious dessert wine using Riesling. It is a delicious white with aromas and flavors of white blossoms, poached pear and honey. Alluring aromas of purple lavender provide a lovely layer of complexity, and all of the flavor and sweetness are kept in balance with remarkable … [Read more...] about Rocky Pond Winery 2013 Late Harvest Riesling, Lake Chelan, $24
Silvara Vineyards 2014 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, $42
Leavenworth vintner Gary Seidler knows a bit about producing top red wines, as this is the second time in four years that he has brought home the top award in this competition. In 2013, Seidler’s Malbec-based blend was best of show, and he rose to the top this time with Malbec. This seductive red wine opens with aromas of complex spices, caramel, ripe berry and smokiness, … [Read more...] about Silvara Vineyards 2014 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, $42