Best Buy! Portland vintner Nicolas Quillé expands his work with Pinot Gris by more than 40 percent and does so inline with the style that has emerged from the Willamette Valley — floral and citrusy. This latest version opens with lovely floral aromas of orange blossom, alyssum and yellow rose in front of kiwi, honeydew melon and lemon. On the attack, it launches with crisp … [Read more...] about Rainstorm Winery 2014 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $14
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Indian Creek Winery 2014 Mountain Syringa, Snake River Valley, $14
Best Buy! Mike McClure moved into Skyline Vineyard for his dry expression of Gewürztraminer, and it’s a particularly floral, well-crafted version named for the Idaho state flower. The nose of rosewater, citrus fruit and basil transitions to clean, bright and delicious flavors of fleshy orchard fruit backed by good acidity. The McClures reach for this when going for sushi, but … [Read more...] about Indian Creek Winery 2014 Mountain Syringa, Snake River Valley, $14
Washington Hills 2014 Riesling, Washington, $9
Best Buy! Germany's noble white grape excels in the Evergreen State, and the source for this latest bottling of Riesling comes from the Yakima Valley in this off-dry presentation that offers a prelude of flint, apple blossom, fresh thyme, mint, honeysuckle and sweet lime. Inside, there’s a fascinating dry entry that quickly leads to rich and luscious flavors of ripe pear. The … [Read more...] about Washington Hills 2014 Riesling, Washington, $9
Ste. Chapelle NV Chateau Series Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $10
Best Buy! Longtime Idaho winemaker Maurine Johnson offers some of the Northwest’s best values, particularly with this complex and quaffable Chardonnay in Ste. Chapelle’s entry tier. Wide-ranging aromas of lemon preserves, pineapple, baked apple with nutmeg, butterscotch, ghee and toast lead to a rich and round entry of sweet lemon, lemongrass and spearmint. Silky acidity adds … [Read more...] about Ste. Chapelle NV Chateau Series Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $10
Airfield Estates 2014 Viognier, Yakima Valley, $15
Best Buy! Traditionally, Marcus Miller steers the Viognier from his family’s 860-acre vineyard into bottlings such as the popular Flygirl White. This time, however, he chose to showcase the white Rhône grape and offers it with a program that includes 10 percent neutral French oak. It comes with a theme of orange blossom, mango, orange Creamsicle and a hint of butter, making for … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2014 Viognier, Yakima Valley, $15