Rio Vista is north of Lake Chelan along the Columbia River - making it perhaps the only winery where you can show up via boat or seaplane. It also now has a tasting room on the north shore of Lake Chelan in the town of Manson. This elegant Pinot Noir provides notes of mint, Rainier cherry and a hint of violet on the nose, followed by succulent flavors of raspberry, cherry and a … [Read more...] about Rio Vista Wines 2014 Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley, $42
SeVein Vineyards rises as some of best grapes in Great Northwest
MILTON-FREEWATER, Ore. - The unearthly shriek of the bird “cannon“ echoes off the gentle slopes of SeVein Vineyards, fired by soon-to-be assistant vineyard manager Oliver May as tries to deter, however briefly, flocks of birds from ravaging the grapes. It’s a sunny morning, the fruit is ripe, and birds are descending on the vines. There are 12 vineyards at SeVein, and Sadie … [Read more...] about SeVein Vineyards rises as some of best grapes in Great Northwest
VanArnam Vineyards 2013 Melange Red Wine, Yakima Valley, $30
Rattlesnake Hills grower/winemaker Kent VanArnam produced a stellar Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2013 harvest, and this proprietary blend is dominated by that estate Cab (73%), with contributions of Malbec (21%) and Cabernet Franc. It offers aromas of black raspberry, cherry and blueberry, backed by lavender, horseradish, cinnamon and caramel. It follows with smooth flavors of … [Read more...] about VanArnam Vineyards 2013 Melange Red Wine, Yakima Valley, $30
Lone Birch 2015 Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $12
Best Buy! This second label for the Miller family furthers its reputation for consistent quality and everyday pricing with the latest release with Chardonnay off the home base for Airfield Estates. Inviting aromas of starfruit, Juicy Fruit gum, Lemonhead candy and jasmine transition to up-front and smooth flavors of starfruit and white peach. It’s rather juicy on the back … [Read more...] about Lone Birch 2015 Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $12
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Pinot2 White Wine, Umpqua Valley, $23
Southern Oregon winemaker Stephen Reustle creates an estate blend of Pinot Gris (70%) and Pinot Noir (30%) for a lighter-style, easy-drinking white wine. Aromas of Ambrosia Salad include lemon, melon, lavender and mustard seed. It’s nicely rounded on the palate with flavors of Gala apple, dried pineapple and apricot, backed with pleasing lemon/lime acidity and finished with a … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Pinot2 White Wine, Umpqua Valley, $23