Highly regarded Les Collines Vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Mountains provided the fruit for this 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, and winemaker Richard Batchelor crafted it into a gold medal wine. Its nose offers sweet herbs, dark cherries and blueberries followed on the palate by blackberries, blueberries and chalky tannins that close with some dark chocolate. This earned a … [Read more...] about Maryhill Winery 2013 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $40
Plain Cellars 2013 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $28
This little winery north of Leavenworth in the town of Plain, Wash., has been on our radar for a couple of years, thanks to the immense quality of its red wines. This Cab Franc is a new variety for vintner Bob Sage, who brought in fruit from Chandler Reach Vineyard not far from Red Mountain. Aromas of succulent spices from 100% French oak aging meld with notes of black currant … [Read more...] about Plain Cellars 2013 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $28
Ross Andrew Winery 2013 The Huntsman Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Ross Andrew Mickel labeled this bargain Cabernet Sauvignon "The Huntsman," and it clearly hits the mark at any price. It displays aromas and flavors of blackberries, John Robertson raspberries and cassis, then finishes with restrained tannins and a bit of chocolate. This earned a gold medal at the 2016 Cascadia Wine Competition. Rating: Outstanding! Production: … [Read more...] about Ross Andrew Winery 2013 The Huntsman Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $15
Wedge Mountain Winery 2014 Evergreen Vineyard Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $23
This Wenatchee Valley winery reached into famed Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes region for this refined, elegant Chardonnay. It shows an enticing slip of oak and a delicate flash of fleshy lemon, then the lemon slides into a subtle melon cleavage on the palate. A whisper of acid and an elegant layer of minerality at the end suggest the careful sipper can find even more … [Read more...] about Wedge Mountain Winery 2014 Evergreen Vineyard Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $23
History runs deep in soils of Yakima Valley wine country
Washington's Yakima Valley not only is the Pacific Northwest's oldest wine region, but it's also among its most diverse. Grape growing and winemaking has been going on here since before Prohibition, and Washington's oldest vines still used in wine production are here in the valley, planted in 1917. The Yakima Valley was the Northwest's first approved American Viticultural … [Read more...] about History runs deep in soils of Yakima Valley wine country