Best Buy! Seattle negoçiant Damian Davis worked with veteran Columbia Valley winemaker Katy Michaud and Milbrandt-owned Wahluke Wine Co., on this Merlot bottling that received a substantial boost from Petit Verdot (22%). The beautiful nose ushers out hints of vanilla bean, black cherry and sweet blueberry with rose petal. On the attack, there’s a mouthfilling rush akin black … [Read more...] about Diversion Wine 2014 Merlot, Washington, $15
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Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2015 The Expedition Rosé, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Walla Walla Valley winemaker Bill Murray continues to champion the cause for showcasing the virtues of Rhône varieties in rosé. As Precept’s director of Idaho winemaking, he has supported Meredith Smith’s stunning pink program at Sawtooth, starting with Cinsault from 2013 and recently Grenache. For his latest release at Canoe Ridge Vineyard, Murray led with Grenache … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2015 The Expedition Rosé, Columbia Valley, $15
Primarius Winery 2015 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $13
Best Buy! Sarah Cabot works for Seattle-based Precept Wine, but aside from her training at South Seattle Community College’s Northwest Wine Academy, her winemaking career largely has been focused on Oregon. Her time at Belle Pente, WillaKenzie Estate and Omero Cellars continues to serve her well with this Pinot Gris. She allowed for a touch of color and the aromas cast off … [Read more...] about Primarius Winery 2015 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $13
Jones of Washington 2015 Pinot Gris, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! A year ago, the Jones family raked in gold medals along the West Coast for the 2014 edition of Pinot Gris made by talented Victor Palencia. His recently released work from 2015 off the estate 2 Gun Vineyard near Winchester, Wash., in the Columbia Basin is on par, earning our top rating for the second straight vintage. The style leans toward orchard fruit with enticing … [Read more...] about Jones of Washington 2015 Pinot Gris, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $14
Barnard Griffin 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! Rob Griffin shepherded one of Washington’s first highly decorated Chardonnays to an array of honors back in 1977-78 and his 2014 shows he’s only honed his talents over the past four decades. Made from Columbia Valley grapes and bargain priced, its complex nose marshals a line of pear, lime, lemon and apple flavors across the palate, then closes with a lingering nip of … [Read more...] about Barnard Griffin 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14