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
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2013 Estate Merlot, Red Mountain, $25
In 1976, John Williams began establishing his Merlot with fan-trained trellising across what is now Washington’s most famous wine region. These days, the Kiona brand is steered by his son, Scott, and grandson J.J., and they prefer using second-fill barrels for the estate Merlot. That program, which tilts toward French oak, offers complex aromas of black currant and Damsom plum … [Read more...] about Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2013 Estate Merlot, Red Mountain, $25
Hinman Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $15
Best Buy! Doyle Hinman launched this Eugene winery in 1979, and second-generation vintner Liz Chambers continues to honor his legacy with this expressive and consumer-minded Pinot Noir from a vintage that allowed her to increase production by nearly 50 percent from the 2013 edition. Aromas of Dr Pepper, raspberry, saddle leather and smoked sage lead to penetrating textures of … [Read more...] about Hinman Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $15
Wit Cellars 2015 Rosé, Columbia Valley, $18
Yakima Valley winemakers Flint Nelson and Cat Warwick moved quickly and skillfully in launching their new Wit Cellars brand, and this 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Tempranillo from the Wahluke Slope doesn’t disappoint. Its light strawberry color brings aromas of fresh strawberry, cherry and raspberry with peaches and cream. There’s a match on the palate, which is clean and … [Read more...] about Wit Cellars 2015 Rosé, Columbia Valley, $18