Best Buy! Pinot Gris is a hot grape in Washington state, where production has surpassed Oregon in recent vintages. Here's a delicious and affordable example by one of Walla Walla's older producers. This opens with aromas of yellow rose petal, Granny Smith apple and slate, followed by bright flavors of nectarine, Asian pear and melon. It is loaded with upfront acidity and should … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2012 The Expedition Pinot Gris, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Best Buy
Columbia Crest 2010 H3 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Best Buy! Thirty years ago, Ste. Michelle moved to Paterson, Wash., and began making wine in this town overlooking the Columbia River from the Horse Heaven Hills. Several years ago, they launched this mid-level tier for Columbia Crest, and the wines under Juan Muñoz Oca continue to be among the best values in the Northwest. Enticing aromas of Nutella, black cherry, plums and … [Read more...] about Columbia Crest 2010 H3 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Waterbrook Winery 2010 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! A pair of vineyards near the Yakima Valley town of Prosser — Oasis Farms and Canyon Vineyard Ranch, formerly Snipes Canyon Ranch — make up this widely available and easy-drinking Merlot from this Walla Walla, Wash., winery. The nose provides bright red cherry, raspberry and boysenberry, backed by a pinch of sage, vanilla and cedar. The fruit gets a bit darker on the … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2010 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $12
Columbia Crest 2011 Grand Estates Moscato, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! Three varieties of the Muscat grape — Muscat Canelli (48%), the ancient Muscat of Alexandria (15%) and Black Muscat (14%) — along with the Pinot Blanc-Silvaner cross of Morio-Muskat (13%) and Gewürztraminer (10%), make for fun and tasty study. It will tickle your nose with passionfruit, tangerine, lemongrass and grapefruit. The approach to the palate is akin to a … [Read more...] about Columbia Crest 2011 Grand Estates Moscato, Columbia Valley, $12
Mercer Estates 2011 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $15
Best Buy! A serious Sauvignon Blanc from a cool vintage, it opens with classic gooseberry, lime zest and lemongrass aromas, and there's more of the same on the palate. It features a bone-dry approach with racy grapefruit acidity and grass shavings in the finish. Enjoy with ceviche. Rating: Excellent Production: 508 cases Alcohol: 12.6% Website … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates 2011 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $15