Best Buy! The first time our panel staged a comparative tasting for a magazine was in 1998. The focus was Merlot, and one of the best was the Washington Hills 1995 Merlot. Twenty-two years later, this Precept brand ranks among the most delicious Merlots, and the...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Best Buy! Southern Idaho winemaker James Holesinsky celebrated the 20th anniversary of his eponymous project in 2021, and he and chemist/wife Caitlin, are producing the best wines in the history of the Hagerman Valley brand. This project with Syrah from nearby...
Best Buy! Three of the Conway family’s six career Platinums have been for their work with Malbec, and this marks their second time for the rosé with fruit from near the Gorge Amphitheater. Mountain berries, white peach and citrusy notes are cast within brilliant...
Best Buy! Camano Island winemaker Carl Engebreth sources this charming example of Gewürz from Tulip Valley’s estate vineyard across the Cascades near Sunnyside, Wash. The Salmon Safe site proves the fruit for a beautifully texture experience that’s classic with...
Best Buy! The bubble house for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has picked up 14 Platinums in the 22 years of the judging, and this marks the fifth time for its bargain Brut. Paula Eakin took over the program in 2015, and the University of Idaho graduate produces this...
