Best Buy! This is one of the largest-production Rieslings in the United States, and it is delicious. It's a low-alcohol wine with a high dose of sweetness (6.9%) that is tempered by bright acidity (3.03 pH). The result is a bright, balanced wine with aromas of fresh-cut yellow rose, green apple, orange zest and nutmeg. On the palate, it offers pleasing flavors of peach, pear, … [Read more...] about Pacific Rim Winemakers 2011 Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley, $11
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Pacific Rim Winemakers 2011 Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley, $11
Nobody has a more laser-like focus on producing Riesling than Pacific Rim in West Richland, Wash. This deliciously lip-smacking Riesling is fermented mostly dry, and the bright acidity highlights the superb fruit. It opens with aromas of Cameo apple, Lemonhead candy and gingerbread spice. On the palate, it offers flavors of lime, Red Delicious apple, ripe pear and spice. Enjoy … [Read more...] about Pacific Rim Winemakers 2011 Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley, $11
Columbia Crest 2009 Grand Estates Syrah, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! Winemaker Juan Muñoz Oca put together this delicious and affordable Syrah using grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope and Yakima Valley. It opens with aromas of milk chocolate, pink peppercorn, red currant and toast, followed by rich, jammy, delicious flavors of cherry, blackberry jam and spice. This is widely distributed, so add this to your list of … [Read more...] about Columbia Crest 2009 Grand Estates Syrah, Columbia Valley, $12
Washington Hills 2011 Syrah, Washington, $10
Best Buy! It doesn't get much better than buying a great wine for a 10-spot. Make this offering from a longtime Washington winery your summer grilling wine. Syrah is great with roasted pork loin, grilled ribeye, buffalo wings, burgers or pizza - making it perfect for outdoor dining. This yummy red opens with aromas of black currant, blackberry jam, red plum and spice, followed … [Read more...] about Washington Hills 2011 Syrah, Washington, $10
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2011 The Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Best Buy! Canoe Ridge is back with a vengeance, thanks to Precept Wine in Seattle, which purchased this longtime Walla Walla winery a couple of years ago. This is a delicious and affordable Cab with aromas of lavender, vanilla, dark chocolate, blackberry and spice. On the palate, it offers flavors of dark ripe berries backed with assertive tannins, which give this wine a nice … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2011 The Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $15