Best Buy! Mirage Vineyard along the Columbia River north of Pasco, Wash., and famed Klipsun Vineyard on Red Mountain and Browne Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley come together for this Syrah by John Freeman that's both fabulous and a bargain. Fun aromas of blueberry taffy, blackberry pie and smoked meat funnel into a wine of remarkable depth. Creamy flavors of rich … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2017 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $15
Outstanding
Locus Wines 2015 Red, Yakima Valley, $25
Rich Burton continues to produce thoughtful and marvelously balanced wines, and the Seattle urban winemaker focuses much of his attention on Rhône-inspired project. In fact, the Washington State University product uses this GSM-ish blend as his flagship red wine, and the inclusion of Cinsault (23%) the formula of Syrah (58%), Mourvèdre (11%) and Grenache adds to the brightness. … [Read more...] about Locus Wines 2015 Red, Yakima Valley, $25
Joleté Wines 2017 Summit View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $35
A growing number of Oregon producers are reaching into Walla Walla Valley vineyards for their big red programs, and Summit View Vineyard near Milton-Freewater is growing in prominence, a Cab-dominated planting flanked by historic Seven Hills Vineyard. Joleté, a sister label for Le Cadeau Vineyard and owner Tom Mortimer near Newberg, Ore., this Cab offers an array of entry … [Read more...] about Joleté Wines 2017 Summit View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $35
Vale Wine Co. 2018 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $21
Tim Harless of Hat Ranch Winery added the Vale Wine Company label to his holdings in 2013, and the retired Air Force pilot focuses on standalone varieties under this brand. His work with Chardonnay from Sawtooth Vineyard just west of Lake Lowell has brought him back gold medals from international competitions, and this is on par with those. It's bright and all about the fruit, … [Read more...] about Vale Wine Co. 2018 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $21
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2018 Olsen Estate Vineyard Captain Gray Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $32
Dana Roberts and his family at Westport Winery near Grays Harbor have dramatically pivoted their tribute to Captain Gray away from Gewürztraminer to Chardonnay. In doing so, they've invested in fruit from one of Washington's top Chardonnay sites — Olsen Estate near Prosser. This lightly oaked example is stunning as tropical tones in the nose lead to lively flavors of Asian … [Read more...] about Westport Winery Garden Resort 2018 Olsen Estate Vineyard Captain Gray Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $32