Redmond, Wash., chemist-turned-dentist Kit Singh proved to be a quick study with his debut bottling of Malbec, and it began with Todd Newhouse’s Upland Vineyard on Snipes Mountain in the heart of the Yakima Valley. Aromas of Marionberry, cherry vanilla and Jolly Rancher grape candy are joined by eucalyptus, gravel and black pepper. Those notes are mirrored on the palate with an … [Read more...] about Lauren Ashton Cellars 2012 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $45
Malaga Springs Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $22
This winery south of Malaga, Wash., is coming into its own, winning four gold medals at the 2016 Wenatchee Wine Competition. This delicious and juicy Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of oak, blueberry, mocha and a hint of cola. On the palate, it offers flavors of pomegranate and cranberry, with just a hint of tell-tale fresh herbs. It’s all backed by well-managed tannins. This … [Read more...] about Malaga Springs Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $22
SuLei Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $38
College Cellars graduate Tanya Woodley reaches into two local vineyards - Les Collines and Nume - for this youthful Cabernet Sauvignon. Her barrel program of 30% new oak from France and Hungary leads to aromas of chai spice, toffee and toasted cumin with black cherry, Marionberry and menthol. Inside, there’s a focus on dark tones of black currant and macerated cherries, backed … [Read more...] about SuLei Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $38
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2015 The Expedition Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Skyfall Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, one of Precept Wine’s latest acquisitions, allowed Walla Walla winemaker Bill Murray to double his production of this Sauvignon Blanc that’s built for Northwest seafood. Aromas of pear, Granny Smith apple, lime juice and fresh-cut celery lead to a clean entry of sliced apple, baked pear with herbal notes. Rating: … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2015 The Expedition Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $15
Chardonnay gains strength in Washington wine country
Thanks to California, Chardonnay is America's favorite wine. And in the country's second-largest wine producer, the white wine continues to gain strength. Starting about 20 years ago, Washington winemakers and grape growers began to go big with Chardonnay, and it was the state's No. 1 wine grape for several years until Chateau Ste. Michelle's focus on Riesling drove that … [Read more...] about Chardonnay gains strength in Washington wine country