This brisk and steely Pinot Gris from two Prosser, Wash., sites — Willow Crest and Canyon Vineyard Ranch — carries enough gooseberry aromas one might mistake it for a Sauvignon Blanc. Behind that are scents of lemongrass, Golden Delicious apple, honeysuckle and fresh-cut celery. Ripe apple and fresh-squeezed lemon lead the flavors, backed by celery leaf and a scrape of … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2011 Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, $12
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Sawtooth Winery 2010 Vineyard Select Skyline Red, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Sawtooth Winery is one of Idaho's oldest producers, having started life as Pintler Cellars in 1987. Today, it is owned by Precept Wine in Seattle, and the wines are made by Bill Murray. This red blend from the Gem State's largest vineyard includes no fewer than eight varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Malbec and … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Winery 2010 Vineyard Select Skyline Red, Snake River Valley, $12
Sweet Cheeks Winery 2011 Vintage Riesling, Oregon, $14
Best Buy! Estate vineyards first planted in 1978 at the southern end of the Willamette Valley, south of Eugene, Ore., make up most of this blend definitely appeals to the tasting room crowd. It’s hugely tropical from beginning to end, flashing aromas of guava and lychee, backed by minerality and a whiff of petrol. The drink is akin to fruit cocktail in a medium syrup, finished … [Read more...] about Sweet Cheeks Winery 2011 Vintage Riesling, Oregon, $14
Waterbrook Winery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! This large-production, historic winery in Walla Walla produces a fruit-forward, yet bone-dry Sauvignon Blanc that should pair quite well with ceviche. The nose leads with bake pears, lemon custard, pineapple, honeydew melon, gooseberry and chalkboard dust. Lime and gooseberry lead the flavor profile, finished with more lemon and some lemongrass. Rating: … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $12