Best Buy! A single birch tree stands out among the Miller family's 830 acres of vineyards near the Roza Canal, and this large-production Cab is one of Marcus Miller's seven bottlings under his consumer-friendly second label of Airfield Estates. The nose offers a pleasing variety of dusty Montmorency cherry and blood orange oil backed by thyme and licorice Necco wafer. It's a … [Read more...] about Lone Birch Wines 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $13
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Sagelands Vineyard 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! A trio of respected vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills — Alder Ridge Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyards and Wallula Vineyards — now all controlled by owners of Precept Wine, contribute to this nicely priced and food-friendly Merlot. There are contributions of Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) and Malbec (3%), too. There's little influence of barrel, which allows aromas of … [Read more...] about Sagelands Vineyard 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $12
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2020 Harvest Select Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley, $9
Best Buy! David Rosenthal’s succulent execution of the vision for the acclaimed Eroica project is evident in this now decade-old tier for Ste. Michelle’s Riesling program. On International Riesling Foundation’s Taste Profile Scale, this checks in as “medium sweet/sweet,” and the tropical profile of the aromas is irresistible, but there’s also honeysuckle, peach and pear inside. … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2020 Harvest Select Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley, $9
Ryan Patrick Wines 2020 Pinot Grigio, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Considering that storied Evergreen in the acclaimed Ancient Lakes region contributed to this blend with Holmason Vineyard near Sunnyside goes a long way in explaining why this Pinot Gris is so appealing. Orange blossom, clover, lychee and caramel corn pick up white peach and papaya for a pretty and delightful drink balanced by quince and peach pit. The result is a … [Read more...] about Ryan Patrick Wines 2020 Pinot Grigio, Columbia Valley, $15
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2018 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $9
Best Buy! Two dozen of the Woodinville giant’s 45 career Platinums have been for work with Riesling, and this is the world’s largest bottling of the noble white grape from Germany. It rides the fine line between medium dry and medium sweet, bringing slices of peach and apricot, a tiny whiff of petrol because of its age, and a masterful amount of lime juice acidity to check the … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2018 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $9