Best Buy! Diversion is part of Rainier Wine, a Seattle-based operation that now produces more than 100,000 cases of wine. This is a delicious and refreshing Chardonnay with aromas of pear, fresh caramel and apple, followed by flavors of butterscotch, oak, tropical fruit and spice. It's a tasty, approachable wine to pair with pasta, salmon or chicken. Rating: … [Read more...] about Diversion NV Chardonnay, Washington, $15
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Rainstorm 2011 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $14
Best Buy! This delicious and refreshing Pinot Gris is part of VinMotion, which includes Pacific Rim Winemakers in Washington. This opens with aromas of alyssum blossom, dried apricot and watermelon, followed by flavors of pinapple, Asian pear, lemon zest and apple. Pleasing acidity gives way to good length. This will pair well with everything from pasta tossed with grilled … [Read more...] about Rainstorm 2011 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $14
Naked Winery NV Outdoor Vino Wanderlust White, America, $15
Best Buy! Naked is a Columbia Gorge winery that so far has built its reputation on racy wine names as much as its wines. This white blend is different, however. It's bottled in a plastic bottle with a screwcap. This makes it lighter in weight and more portable, making it a perfect wine to take with you on a picnic or camping trip. It opens with aromas of lemon zest, fresh … [Read more...] about Naked Winery NV Outdoor Vino Wanderlust White, America, $15
Mercer Estates 2011 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $15
Best Buy! The Mercer family has a great farming history in Eastern Washington that stretches back more than a century. Now it is in the winemaking business with a winery in the Yakima Valley town of Prosser. The grapes for this Riesling came from two Yakima Valley vineyards. It opens with aromas of marigold flowers, Gravenstein apple and clove. On the palate, it offers … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates 2011 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $15
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2011 Gewürztraminer, Columbia Valley, $9
Best Buy! Washington's flagship winery has been making Gewürztraminer for a good part of its time, as the Germany variety was among the first planted in the state. White winemaker Wendy Stuckey has it dialed in as well as her Riesling, by all appearances. This opens with huge aromas of classic clove, grapefruit, pear and lychee, followed by luscious flavors of maraschino … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2011 Gewürztraminer, Columbia Valley, $9