Best Buy! Fiona Mak’s rosé house — inspired in part by her trips to the French Riviera — relies on Pinot Gris for her “Summer” program, so she submitted her two most recent vintages. Both merited gold. Here, its theme of starfruit and cantaloupe creates an appealing sense of fleshiness on the midpalate that’s whisked away with a racy burst of blood orange, lemon zest and … [Read more...] about SMAK Wines 2020 Summer Rosé, Columbia Valley $18
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Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2018 The Expedition Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $17
Best Buy! Plantings in Horse Heaven Hills helped show the promise of Malbec in Washington state, and this vintage marked New Zealand native Haydn Mouat's return to the Precept team - this time as head winemaker of Canoe Ridge Vineyard. Classic blue fruit notes start with the aromas that include cinnamon, sandalwood and allspice. There's a rich reward on the smooth palate that's … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2018 The Expedition Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $17
Julia’s Dazzle 2021 Rosé, Columbia Valley, $18
Best Buy! Over the past decade, winemaker Gilles Nicault has methodically nudged up the production while also gradually dialing down the dryness. For example, the 2013 vintage of Julia's Dazzle carried nearly 9 grams of residual sugar. This latest release has no perceptible sweetness at a scant 3 grams (0.3%). As a result, it might be the best resemblance to those rosés from … [Read more...] about Julia’s Dazzle 2021 Rosé, Columbia Valley, $18
Washington Hills 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State, $11
Best Buy! There are four decades of history behind this brand, which helps explain why Hal Landvoigt, director of winemaking for Precept Wine, remains involved in development of these bottlings that routinely overly deliver for the price. It starts with the vineyard sourcing — Alder Ridge and Wallula in the Horse Heaven Hills, Goose Ridge just south of Red Mountain, and … [Read more...] about Washington Hills 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State, $11
Nine Hats Wines 2020 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! While these wines are poured in Seattle's SODO Urbanworks, they are made at the Long Shadows facility in the Walla Walla Valley and the pedigree stems from some of Washington's top breeding grounds for Riesling — the historic White Bluffs and the still-underrated Horse Heaven Hills. The nose offers a light whiff of petrol that's followed by cotton candy, Granny Smith … [Read more...] about Nine Hats Wines 2020 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $14