The Leutholds have tasked winemaker Richard Batchelor with becoming the Northwest's leading producer of Viognier, and the 2017 represents the largest bottling of this white Rhone variety in Washington. They branched out beyond their estate Gunkel Vineyard near the winery and Tudor Hills Vineyard in the Yakima Valley to expand their work with the Horse Heaven Hills with Coyote … [Read more...] about Maryhill Winery 2017 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $18
Outstanding
Youngberg Hill 2015 Natasha Pinot Noir, McMinnville, $50
Wayne Bailey's influences during the 15 years he's owned Youngberg Hill include Robert Brittan and the late Jimi Brooks, but this 6-acre block named after his oldest daughter got its start with iconic Ken Wright. He oversaw its planting in 1989 back in the early days of historic Panther Creek Cellars. Bailey continues to make history by using the Natasha Block's clonal makeup … [Read more...] about Youngberg Hill 2015 Natasha Pinot Noir, McMinnville, $50
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2016 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $23
Idaho winemaker Coco Umiker created her latest edition of her flagship wine - Renaissance Red - by blending Malbec (34%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (15%), Cabernet Sauvignon (12%) and Carmenere (2) with Syrah (9%) using vineyards overseen by her husband, Karl. It opens with spice, black and blue fruit and elegant oak aromas, backed by dark berries, cassis and black plum on … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2016 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $23
Compton Family Wines 2017 Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley $20
One of the Willamette Valley's most underrated winemakers and growers, Matt Compton of Spindrift Cellars in Philomath, Ore., recently launched this eponymous brand within his Small World Wine Co. This remarkably expressive example of Pinot Blanc hails from 20-year-old Deer Haven Vineyard in the shadow of Marys Peak - the highest mountain in the Oregon Coast Range. Its nose … [Read more...] about Compton Family Wines 2017 Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley $20
Mork Wines 2017 Rosé, Columbia Valley $13
Best Buy! Seattle-based Steve Mork and his family use delicious wines from the Wahluke Slope and Ancient Lakes to play up their Norwegian roots. That includes hiring Gunn Helene Nordgaard, a graphic designer from Norway. Mork's early releases show a lighthearted and easy-to-like approach, including this slightly off-dry rosé made with Merlot. Aromas of strawberry-rhubarb … [Read more...] about Mork Wines 2017 Rosé, Columbia Valley $13