Best Buy! This new brand has been a tasty value for fans of Mercer Estates. Some of these grapes came from nearby Zephyr Ridge in the Horse Heaven Hills, but venerable Sagemoor Vineyard upstream on the Columbia River made a significant contribution, too. Under the screwcap are aromas of dusty pear, starfruit, lemon and jasmine, supported by flavors of pear, Braeburn apple, … [Read more...] about Mercer Canyons 2011 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $13
Best Buy
Sagelands Vineyard 2010 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $13
Best Buy! Vineyards in the Yakima Valley (Canyon Vineyard Ranch), the Wahluke Slope (Weinbau) and the Horse Heaven Hills (Wallula) come together and form an approachable Chardonnay in terms of price and drinkability. Fun aromas of pineapple upside-down cake, coconut, apple pie and baking spices evolve into a more serious palate featuring pear, lemon pith, slate and coconut as … [Read more...] about Sagelands Vineyard 2010 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $13
Abiqua Wind Vineyard 2011 Caleb Knorr Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $12
Best Buy! This vintage marked the 10th anniversary of Pete Buffington taking over this vineyard east of Salem, Ore., which John Schmidt of Silver Falls Winery began planting in 1978. This delicious Pinot Gris, from vines traced back to David Lett, opens with aromas of lychee, Golden Delicious apple, lavender and minerality, followed by flavors of Granny Smith apple and slate. A … [Read more...] about Abiqua Wind Vineyard 2011 Caleb Knorr Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $12
Ross Andrew Winery 2012 Meadow Rosé, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! This Sangiovese rosé comes from a Woodinville winery that is crafting several superb and affordable wines. This offers aromas and flavors of raspberry, strawberry-rhubarb jam and Rainier cherry. It is dry and delicious and will pair with everything from pork chops to pasta. Rating: Recommended Production: 350 cases Alcohol: 12.7% Website … [Read more...] about Ross Andrew Winery 2012 Meadow Rosé, Columbia Valley, $15
Waterbrook Winery 2012 Sangiovese Rosé, Columbia Valley, $11
Best Buy! Sangiovese is still a niche grape in the Northwest, but it is proving its worth both as a red wine and a dry rosé. Here's a perfect summertime wine. It's bright, crisp and perfect with a variety of different outdoor foods. It opens with aromas of orange zest, rose hip, salmonberry and pink grapefruit. On the palate, it leads with a tart entry with flavors of … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2012 Sangiovese Rosé, Columbia Valley, $11