Certified sommelier Brad Binko grew up in upstate New York and lorded over wine lists in Charleston, S.C., before moving cross-country to make wine in Washington state. He’s already operating in the Walla Walla airport complex and winning gold medals for the wines he made while completing his degree in Walla Walla Community College’s vaunted winemaking program. The sparkling … [Read more...] about Drink Washington State Winery NV Sparkling Riesling, Yakima Valley, $19
D’Anu Wines 2015 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $14
Best Buy! Former restaurateur Joe Williams moved production for his D'Anu brand from Carlton, Ore., to Portland’s new Urban Crush facility last summer, and this Pinot Gris from Harlow Hills Vineyard in Gaston is one of the first releases out of the Ladd’s Addition winery. Aromas of starfruit, lemon, orange, minerality and sandalwood are presented with an off-dry approach. Tasty … [Read more...] about D’Anu Wines 2015 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $14
Coyote Canyon Winery 2013 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Viognier, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Best Buy! Justin Michaud’s first harvest for Coyote Canyon produced this delicious example of the white Rhône variety often soft on acidity, but not here. It offers charming aromas of orange cream soda, dusty white peach, apple blossom, fresh-cut lemon and a slice of artichoke heart. Mandarin orange and its pith lead the entry to the palate, followed by an enjoyable creamy … [Read more...] about Coyote Canyon Winery 2013 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Viognier, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2014 Estate Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $30
This reserve style of Chardonnay made with Dijon clones 76 and 96 from a trio of estate vineyards - Elton, Tualatin Estate and Jim Bernau’s 30-year-old site in Turner, Ore. - spent 10 months fermenting in French barrels. Nearly a third of those casks were new, leading to buttery and butterscotch aromas with banana, pear butter and bees wax. The palate shows a deft hand with … [Read more...] about Willamette Valley Vineyards 2014 Estate Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $30
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley, $23
The Umikers helped spark the renaissance of the historic Lewis-Clark Valley wine industry when they launched Clearwater Canyon Cellars with this proprietary blend in 2004. The first 100 cases of the 2014 vintage were labeled with the Washington/Idaho appellation. However, the blend is made from Umiker Vineyard in Lewiston, Idaho, and Rock n’ J Vineyard near Asotin, Wash., so on … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley, $23