Best Buy! Precept’s most prized Washington brand continues its tradition with Pinot Gris by blending estate fruit from Canyon Vineyard Ranch in the Yakima Valley with another recently acquired planting: The Benches in the Horse Heaven Hills. John Freeman’s work with Pinot Gris has more than doubled since 2012, but the attention to detail remains. Aromas of crisp apple, kiwi … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2014 Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, $13
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Lone Birch 2013 Red Blend, Yakima Valley, $13
Best Buy! Airfield Estates winemaker Marcus Miller continues to excel with this bargain blend under his family’s second label, named for a cherished tree on their 900-acre ranch near Prosser, Wash. Rather than compiling it from nearly a dozen grape varieties as he did in 2012, he takes a Right Bank-style Bordeaux perspective with Merlot (41%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Malbec … [Read more...] about Lone Birch 2013 Red Blend, Yakima Valley, $13
Waterbrook Winery 2014 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! John Freeman’s bargain Syrah is 100% and hails from Mirage and Waterbrook Estate as well as Yakima Valley sites Canyon Vineyard Ranch and Skyfall, both owned by parent company Precept Wine. There’s a fruit-forward, minimal-oak theme throughout, starting with a nose of Marionberry taffy, red plum, Bing cherry and pipe tobacco. It’s lively on the palate with an easy and … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2014 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $15
14 Hands Winery NV Brut, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! The Washington wine industry’s fastest-growing brand continues to expand its portfolio by taking advantage of the sparkling wine expertise within Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. It offers classic aromas of dusty Granny Smith apple, yeasty sourdough, lime, toast and fresh-cut celery. Beyond the frothy entry of fine mousse, there’s an enjoyable off-dry approach of Golden … [Read more...] about 14 Hands Winery NV Brut, Columbia Valley, $15
Lone Birch 2014 Pinot Gris, Yakima Valley, $12
Best Buy! This historically warm vintage allowed the Miller family of Airfield Estates in Prosser to produce more affordable Pinot Gris, and their farming and winemaking practices allowed Marcus Miller to create this with crispness. It opens with aromas of peach pie and apricot with melon and kiwi fruit as lime zest and grassiness in the background offer Sauvignon Blanc-like … [Read more...] about Lone Birch 2014 Pinot Gris, Yakima Valley, $12