Best Buy! Last year marked the 10th vintage for Two Mountain, and it also marked a decade since the first time the Rawn brothers pulled fruit off these family-planted vines. This site in a higher-elevation portion of the Yakima Valley was picked Oct. 17. There's a theme of floral notes with jasmine, honeysuckle, lime, Granny Smith apple, river rock and sea breeze. Its balance … [Read more...] about Two Mountain Winery 2011 Copeland Vineyard Riesling, Rattlesnake Hills, $15
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Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2012 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! The three-generation Williams family remains faithful champions of this charming variety that has cast a spell on visitors since its first release in 1980. JJ Williams, the clan's charismatic sales manager, is happy to report Chenin Blanc is "by far our most popular white wine in the tasting room." It's easy to see why, especially at this time of year with huge … [Read more...] about Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2012 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $15
Saviah Cellars 2012 The Jack Riesling, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! With a pedigree of vineyards such as Elerding (Yakima Valley) and Evergreen (Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley), two of the state's top spots for Riesling, Walla Walla Valley winemaker Richard Funk delivers a delicious drink that's ideal for summertime enjoyment. There's a theme of apple and peach in the bright nose that also hints at saffron and lemon pepper. … [Read more...] about Saviah Cellars 2012 The Jack Riesling, Columbia Valley, $15
Naches Heights Vineyard & Winery, 2012 Two Coyote Vineyard Can-Can, Yakima Valley, $12
Best Buy! Owner/winemaker Phil Cline more than doubled production of his proprietary blend of Viognier (53%), Chardonnay (28%) and Roussanne, which comes from a small vineyard he manages in the Rattlesnake Hills. The frolicking aromas kick out hints of candy corn, piña colada hard candy and banana chips. There are fun flavors of apricot and peach, joined by more tropical notes … [Read more...] about Naches Heights Vineyard & Winery, 2012 Two Coyote Vineyard Can-Can, Yakima Valley, $12
Waterbrook Winery 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! Leave it to this longtime Walla Walla Valley to continue to produce high-quality, high-value reds after three decades. Now owned by Precept Wine in Seattle, Waterbrook has a beautiful winery west of Walla Walla, where it also makes all its wine. This luscious red opens with aromas of Bing cherry, strawberry, fresh thyme, clove and brown sugar, followed by flavors of … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $14