Best Buy! Winery owner Butch Milbrandt welcomed acclaimed Kendall Mix as his winemaker in the summer of 2017. The transition appears rather seamless because this marks the third consecutive vintage for Ryan Patrick's Riesling from the Olsen family to earn a gold medal at a Northwest competition. Bold aromas of lemon and lime are joined by a hint of zesty white pepper. Those are … [Read more...] about Ryan Patrick Wines 2017 Olsen Brothers Vineyard Riesling, Yakima Valley, $12
Outstanding
Alexana Winery 2017 Revana Vineyard Riesling, Dundee Hills $32
This marked the first vintage in which Oregon State grad Bryan Weil took over the head winemaking duties from renowned Lynn Penner-Ash. The Dundee Hills are famous for Pinot Noir, but Weil, whose résumé includes Constellation's Columbia Valley giant Hogue Cellars, shows a deft touch with Riesling, too. His work with Alexana owner Dr. Madaiah Revana's vineyard yields a barely … [Read more...] about Alexana Winery 2017 Revana Vineyard Riesling, Dundee Hills $32
Dunham Cellars 2015 Lewis Estate Vineyard Riesling, Columbia Valley, $19.50
One of the Walla Walla Valley's most popular wineries might be best known for suave red, but their work with Riesling from historic Lewis Vineyard in the Yakima Valley has been stellar for years. The aromas on this wine are a dead giveaway for Riesling - equally strong components of citrus, petrol and honey tantalize the nose, and the palate delivers everything the nose … [Read more...] about Dunham Cellars 2015 Lewis Estate Vineyard Riesling, Columbia Valley, $19.50
Knudsen Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $55
The historic Knudsen family, led by the late Cal Knudsen's daughter, Page, adds another delicious chapter to its young brand with this fruit-forward Pinot Noir crafted by Argyle winemaker Nate Klostermann. Clone 777 dominates this blend across four blocks, and the dark red fruit profile is reminiscent of boysenberry, blackcurrant and black cherry. The 16 months in 20% new … [Read more...] about Knudsen Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $55
Child’s Play by Tendril Wines 2017 Pinot Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $30
Tony Rynders has built one of the Pacific Northwest's most impressive winemaking résumés, and he continues to branch out under his own two brands headquartered in Gaston, Ore. Child's Play shows off a more playful side, and he's taken a fresh look at blending Pinot Noir (30%) with Chardonnay (70%). It's no surprise that its nose is reminiscent of a still blanc de noir, offering … [Read more...] about Child’s Play by Tendril Wines 2017 Pinot Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $30