Best Buy! Prosser winemaker Jessica Munnell somehow delivers a reserve Chardonnay at an everyday price, and it starts with vineyards such as Sagemoor, Zephyr Ridge and Sunnyside. An enchanting nose of lemon oil, ripe peach and pear includes hints of clarified butter, light toast, Spanish almond and white pepper. The drink is rich and plush, in part because of the partial barrel … [Read more...] about Mercer Canyons 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $11
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Pacific Rim Winemakers 2014 Hahn Hill Vineyard Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, $14
Best Buy! Planted in 1968, Hahn Hill ranks as one of the oldest vineyards in Washington state, which makes it a sacred site for Nicolas Quillè and Steven Sealock of Pacific Rim Winemakers. Fanciful aromas of Ambrosia Salad and marshmallow cream include ripe Fuji apple, gooseberry and lime peel. It’s approach to the palate is delightful, dry and fruity as flavors of peach, pear … [Read more...] about Pacific Rim Winemakers 2014 Hahn Hill Vineyard Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, $14
D’Anu Wines 2015 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $14
Best Buy! Former restaurateur Joe Williams moved production for his D'Anu brand from Carlton, Ore., to Portland’s new Urban Crush facility last summer, and this Pinot Gris from Harlow Hills Vineyard in Gaston is one of the first releases out of the Ladd’s Addition winery. Aromas of starfruit, lemon, orange, minerality and sandalwood are presented with an off-dry approach. Tasty … [Read more...] about D’Anu Wines 2015 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $14
Cavatappi Winery 2015 Pinot Grigio, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! Café Juanita founder Peter Dow and his partnership with Precept Wine continues with this Pinot Gris from Yakima Valley vineyards Canyon Vineyard Ranch and Willow Crest. Its brisk nose opens with lime, Bosc pear, melon and spearmint, backed by fruity flavors of honeydew melon on the entry and cantaloupe on the midpalate. The finish of peach pie with crust and a pinch … [Read more...] about Cavatappi Winery 2015 Pinot Grigio, Columbia Valley, $12
Balancing Act 2014 Chardonnay, Washington, $12
Best Buy! The Chardonnay portion of this second label for Tamarack Cellars in Walla Walla is unoaked and fruit-forward as it blends Ron Coleman’s grape sourcing and Danny Gordon’s skill with blending. Expressive aromatics instill thoughts of honey, dried pineapple, candied apricot, white peach, canned corn and lemon juice. There’s a touch of creaminess on the rich entry as … [Read more...] about Balancing Act 2014 Chardonnay, Washington, $12