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 Gertschen Vineyard leads to an expressive rosé that’s filled with watermelon, golden raspberries and spice in the nose. … [Read more...] about Domaine Holesinsky 2019 Gertschen Vineyard Buhljolais Rosé of Syrah, Snake River Valley, $12
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Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2019 Familigia Vineyard Rosé of Malbec, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $14
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 acidity that’s reminiscent of biting into a golden raspberry. The family suggests serving their rosé with pork, … [Read more...] about Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2019 Familigia Vineyard Rosé of Malbec, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $14
Tulip Valley Winery 2019 Abberin Vineyard Gewürztraminer, Yakima Valley $15
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 orange blossom, lychee, melon and pink grapefruit, a structure sparked by gorgeous acidity to balance the 6% residual … [Read more...] about Tulip Valley Winery 2019 Abberin Vineyard Gewürztraminer, Yakima Valley $15
Domaine Ste. Michelle NV Brut, Columbia Valley $13
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 methode Champenoise uses the classic varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It’s incredibly bright with … [Read more...] about Domaine Ste. Michelle NV Brut, Columbia Valley $13
Nine Hats Wines 2019 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! While it comes from the same house with roots in the Horse Heaven Hills and White Bluffs, it would be misnomer to view this bottling as declassified Poet's Leap. Gilles Nicault and his team approach this Riesling project as a bit less dry, and it's charming from the opening of tropical aromas, lovely dustiness and white peach. There's jasmine, lavender and melon on … [Read more...] about Nine Hats Wines 2019 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $14