Earl and Hilda Jones helped pioneer this Spanish white variety some 15 years ago, and they continue to make one of the best examples. This opens with exotic aromas of jasmine, lychee and Asian pear, followed by inviting flavors of pear, apple and kumquat, all backed with bracing acidity and a brisk lime finish. A perfect wine to pair with crab cakes. Rating: … [Read more...] about Abacela 2012 Albariño, Umpqua Valley, $18
Oregon
Chateau Figareaux 2011 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $29
Owner/winemaker Byron Dooley uses grapes from Hellsgate Vineyard on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge near the town of Goldendale to craft this tasty Merlot. It opens with aromas of huckleberry, red cherry and red licorice, followed by flavors of dark fruit, coffee and toast. Rating: Recommended Production: 25 cases Alcohol: 13.4% Website … [Read more...] about Chateau Figareaux 2011 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $29
Chateau Figareaux 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $29
Owner/winemaker Byron Dooley and his wife, Dana, moved from San Francisco to Napa Valley and planted a small vineyard. That love for Cabernet Sauvignon remained after they moved to Oregon's Willamette Valley, so they bring in a bit of Cab from Washington's Columbia Valley. This offers aromas of pie cherry, minerality and blackberry, followed by flavors of pomegranate, black … [Read more...] about Chateau Figareaux 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $29
Abacela 2012 Viognier, Umpqua Valley, $22
Viognier tends to be a difficult grape to grow - and, ultimately, wine to make. One of the issues is the grape tends to be high in pH and, thus, low in acidity. Not so with this superb example from Southern Oregon. This opens with aromas of mint, lemon curd and Golden Delicious apple, followed by a gorgeous mouth feel with flavors of orange creamcicle, clove and abundant … [Read more...] about Abacela 2012 Viognier, Umpqua Valley, $22
Seven of Hearts 2011 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $18
This Carlton, Ore., winery began in 2006 and produces a wide array of wines from Oregon and Washington. This classy Pinot Gris offers aromas of fresh fig, jasmine, rose petal and lemon, followed by flavors of ripe pear, apricot, lemon and lime. It's a zesty wine that will pair well with scallops, salmon or pasta in a cream sauce. Rating: Excellent Production: 385 … [Read more...] about Seven of Hearts 2011 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $18