Oregon winemaker Jim Sanders furthers his reputation with Pinot Gris with this reserve approach, which began high in the Chehalem Mountains and includes oak fermentation for 16 months on the lees. There’s very little sign of that oak in the aromas, which feature lemon pepper, lime zest and Bosc pear with Gala apple and a pinch of basi. There’s nice complexity and richness to … [Read more...] about Aubichon Cellars 2014 Reserve Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $35
Airfield Estates 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $15
Best Buy! Marcus Miller spearheads the wine production for this fourth-generation farming family in the Yakima Valley near the town of Prosser, and he expertly managed a historically hot vintage, pulling his Sauvignon Blanc in time to preserve the all-important food-friendly acidity in this white Bordeaux variety. Aromas of Uncola, white peach, starfruit and fresh-mowed grass … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $15
Gordon Estate 2013 Block 3 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $30
Jeff and Vicki Gordon established their Kamiak Vineyard north of Pasco, Wash., starting in 1980, and it ranks as the state’s oldest estate winery devoted entirely to family fruit. Two winemakers have their fingerprints on this reserve-style Merlot, first Tim Henley, now at Jones of Washington, then Tyler Tennyson, now at Dunham Cellars. The barrel program of 22 months in 40% … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate 2013 Block 3 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $30
Affordable red wines from the Great Northwest
Finding a red wine for $15 or less is always so much fun. It's so much easier to say, "Let's open a bottle of wine tonight for dinner" when the price is not much more than a couple of lattes. The Pacific Northwest has long been a haven for affordable red wines, primarily because vineyard land is less expensive, thus keeping the price of the resulting grapes at a level that … [Read more...] about Affordable red wines from the Great Northwest
Malaga Springs Winery 2015 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $16
The husband-wife team of Al and Kathy Mathews runs this small, energetic operation about 10 miles from downtown Wenatchee. This remarkable Chenin Blanc opens with aromas of lemon-lime and peach, followed by flavors of apple, peach and lemon zest. This versatile white wine will pair beautifully with grilled halibut, mildly spicy Thai dishes or grilled pork chops. This won gold … [Read more...] about Malaga Springs Winery 2015 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $16