Best Buy! Ste. Michelle Wine Estates' newest label is a national brand that debuted in June and focuses entirely on Riesling. The marketing for this wine targets women, but this is a refreshing wine for anyone who loves Riesling. It opens with alluring aromas of apple, pear, fresh-cut celery, slate and spice, followed by flavors loaded with jasmine, pineapple, pear and apple. … [Read more...] about Anew 2012 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $11
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Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $11
Best Buy! Sauvignon Blanc is a classic summer white wine that pairs perfectly with shellfish, salmon, chicken, salad and mild Asian dishes. Washington's flagship winery makes a delicious and affordable version that is fresh, balanced and delicious. It offers aromas of lime, gooseberry and apple, followed by flavors of bright green apple, slate and lemon-lime. It has … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $11
Willow Crest Winery 2011 Estate Riesling, Yakima Valley, $12
Best Buy! David Minick launched Willow Crest in the mid-1990s and has been making superb wines since using estate grapes from north of Prosser. Minick also oversees vineyard operations for Precept Wine in Seattle, which now partners with him at Willow Crest. This is a classic Yakima Valley Riesling and one of the best you're likely to taste in Washington. This opens with aromas … [Read more...] about Willow Crest Winery 2011 Estate Riesling, Yakima Valley, $12
Gordon Estate 2012 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! Jeff Gordon planted his vineyard in the 1980s on a beautiful location overlooking the Snake River just upstream from the Columbia River near Pasco, Wash. The winery has opened a tasting bar in Pasco and is working on a second one in Vancouver, Wash. This Chardonnay opens with aromas of lime zest, lemon, celery and mint, followed by flavors of fresh caramel, Asian pear … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate 2012 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14
Waterbrook Winery 2011 Reserve Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! This delicious and affordable Chardonnay is produced by one of Walla Walla's first wineries (circa 1984), which now is owned by Precept Wine in Seattle and has a beautiful showcase winery just west of downtown Walla Walla. This white wine opens with aromas of pear, apricot, apple and a hint of butter, followed by fruit-driven flavors of Asian pear and buttered … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2011 Reserve Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $15