Best Buy! Precept’s Canyon Vineyard Ranch near in the Yakima Valley near Prosser, Wash., a 300-acre site formerly known as Snipes Canyon Ranch, takes this Pinot Gris down a trail with a brisk approach. Fruity aromas of Bosc pear, starfruit, jicama and minerality lead to more tart flavors of Asian pear and honeydew melon. Key lime juice makes for a finish that easily wipes away … [Read more...] about Sagelands Vineyard 2015 Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, $10
Best Buy
Ross Andrew Winery 2013 The Huntsman Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Ross Andrew Mickel labeled this bargain Cabernet Sauvignon "The Huntsman," and it clearly hits the mark at any price. It displays aromas and flavors of blackberries, John Robertson raspberries and cassis, then finishes with restrained tannins and a bit of chocolate. This earned a gold medal at the 2016 Cascadia Wine Competition. Rating: Outstanding! Production: … [Read more...] about Ross Andrew Winery 2013 The Huntsman Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $15
Lone Birch Winery 2015 Rosé, Yakima Valley, $12
Best Buy! The Miller family of Airfield Estates acclaim grows more than 20 grape varieties across its 950-acre vineyard near Prosser, Wash., and four of those varieties are blended for this serious and dry rosé. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese from the warmest vintage on record make for fruity aromas of strawberry-rhubarb compote, watermelon, raspberry and … [Read more...] about Lone Birch Winery 2015 Rosé, Yakima Valley, $12
Clearwater Canyon Cellars NV Lolo White Wine, Idaho, $15
Best Buy! Lewis-Clark Valley firebrand Coco Umiker produces only one white wine that’s even slightly off-dry — this friendly and aromatic blend from the 2014 and 2015 vintages off two sites within newly established American Viticultural Area - Arnett Vineyard in Clarkston, Wash., and the Clearwater Canyon Cellars' estate planting in Lewiston, Idaho. Her collection of Pinot Gris … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars NV Lolo White Wine, Idaho, $15
House Wine 2013 Mountain Merlot, American, $10
Best Buy! Precept’s Original House Wine project, founded by Washington iconoclast Charles Smith, goes a bit beyond the state for its Mountain Merlot. Complex aromas of warm blackberry cobbler and plum include red bell pepper, cinnamon bark, vanilla extract and chalkboard dust. There’s also a pinch of oregano, a sign of the Cabernet Franc (3%). It carries a round and supple … [Read more...] about House Wine 2013 Mountain Merlot, American, $10