Best Buy! Perhaps it's the magic of pixie dust from the region around tiny Paterson, Wash., where Snoqualmie's Joy Andersen made this 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon from organic Columbia Valley grapes. Whatever the source, this Ste. Michelle Wine Estates product stands out for its spicy black cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors, backed by chalky tannins and a delicate layer of … [Read more...] about Snoqualmie Vineyards 2014 ECO Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $13
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Del Rio Vineyards NV Rouge Jolee, Oregon, $13
Best Buy! In the 1990s, Lee Traynham took control of this peaceful setting near the Oregon town or Rogue River and began to transform it orchards to vineyards. Restoration of the historic Rock Point Hotel has turned it into the tasting room and showcase for the wines by partner/grower Rob and Jolee Wallace and their team. Their non-vintage blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon … [Read more...] about Del Rio Vineyards NV Rouge Jolee, Oregon, $13
Windy Bay Cellars 2013 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $16
Best Buy! South Seattle Community College product Sarah Cabot has been making wine in the Willamette Valley since 2008, and she shepherded this consumer-friendly Pinot Noir for Precept Wine after taking over its Oregon operations a couple of years ago. The nose is reminiscent of rhubarb pie, dried strawberry, blood orange and lime peel with hints of light oak. There’s no sign … [Read more...] about Windy Bay Cellars 2013 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $16
Abiqua Wind Vineyard 2014 Caleb Knorr Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $15
Best Buy! Cascade Foothills vigneron Pete Buffington has the benefit of working with some of the oldest Pinot Gris vines in Oregon, cuttings that came from David Lett and were planted by John Schmidt in the late 1970s. Buffington, a longtime commercial fisherman, remains enchanted with growing and winemaking, crediting luminaries such as Joe Dobbes and Eola Hills’ Steve … [Read more...] about Abiqua Wind Vineyard 2014 Caleb Knorr Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $15
Sagelands Vineyard 2014 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $9
Best Buy! This brand, which Precept rescued several years ago, celebrated its 30th anniversary with this vintage. A trio of Yakima Valley sites near Prosser - Canyon Vineyard Ranch, Willard and Willow Crest - traditionally come together for this expressive, off-dry and affordable Riesling that gets a boost from Gewürztraminer (15%) and Chenin Blanc (7%). Orange blossom, pink … [Read more...] about Sagelands Vineyard 2014 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $9