Best Buy! Washington wunderkind winemaker Victor Palencia produced another masterpiece rosé, this one with Syrah for Jones of Washington. Some might mistake its charming color of fruit punch as a blush-style wine, and the nose is brimming with hints of strawberry, deep cherry, Jolly Rancher Watermelon candy and Assam tea. The drink, however, is beautifully bone-dry with flavors … [Read more...] about Jones of Washington 2014 Rose of Syrah, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $13
Outstanding
Broadley Vineyards 2013 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $25
Second-generation winemaker Morgan Broadley has the benefit of working with classic clones of Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon, an assortment from five blocks his parents, Craig and Claudia, began establishing at their vineyard south of Corvallis, Ore., in 1982. Morgan continues his oak program with this tier — 15% new Francois Frères barrels — which helps him create a nose of red … [Read more...] about Broadley Vineyards 2013 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $25
Siren Song Wines 2013 The Muse Brut Blanc de Noirs, Lake Chelan, $45
Some of the best sparkling wines in Washington state now are coming out of Lake Chelan, and Kevin Brown invested time and resources into this remarkable bottle of vintage bubbles. It began Sept. 13 with Pinot Noir taken from his Siren of the Lake Estate Vineyard, followed by extended tirage — 18 months in bottle on the lees. Its appearance shows no sign of skin contact, while … [Read more...] about Siren Song Wines 2013 The Muse Brut Blanc de Noirs, Lake Chelan, $45
Amity Vineyards 2013 Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley, $22
A product of his final vintage as owner, iconoclast Myron Redford sold his historic Oregon brand last year to Ryan Harms of Union Wine Company. Among Harms' stated goals for Amity is to continue to promote the varieties that Redford championed, including this lesser-appreciated Burgundian grape that he grafted over from Chardonnay decades ago. Aromas of nectarine, jicama, … [Read more...] about Amity Vineyards 2013 Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley, $22
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2013 Reserve Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills, $20
One would expect a reserve-style Chardonnay such as this to cost twice as much, especially in the Napa Valley where Canoe Ridge Vineyard winemaker Bill Murray came from. Its rich color hints at the richness inside, and the nose opens with butterscotch, lemon curd, toast and jasmine. The drink continues that theme as flavors of tropical fruit and butterscotch are presented with … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2013 Reserve Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills, $20