Best Buy! Some folks may think of Casey McClellan and Seven Hills Winery for only their world-class red wines. That would be a mistake, especially considering their recent releases of Pinot Gris, Dry Rosé and this Riesling — traditionally focused on historic blocks at Snipes and Willard vineyards in the Yakima Valley. From a greenish tint reminiscent of a Grüner Veltliner come … [Read more...] about Seven Hills Winery 2013 Old Vines Riesling, Columbia Valley, $15
Outstanding
Northwest Cellars 2012 Scooteney Flats Vineyard Malbec, Red Mountain, $48
Kirkland vintner Robert Delf continues to explore single-vineyard wines with Yakima Valley winemaker Robert Smasne, and their work with Malbec from this young Red Mountain site ranks among their best efforts. Aromas of Jolly Rancher grape candy, black currant jam, dusty minerality, wet basalt and arugula lead to a deep, dark and juicy palate. Flavors of black currant, … [Read more...] about Northwest Cellars 2012 Scooteney Flats Vineyard Malbec, Red Mountain, $48
Tsillan Cellars 2012 Estate Reserve Syrah, Lake Chelan, $35
Chelan winemaker Shane Collins continues his string of success with Syrah, and there’s a theme of hedonism from start to finish, opening with the 20-month wood program of 80% new French oak. The nose is dense with toast, black currant, dark cherry and blueberry, backed by chalkboard dust and a hint of saddle leather. The drink is rich and bold with dark fruit and sweet … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2012 Estate Reserve Syrah, Lake Chelan, $35
Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2013 Naked Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $10
Best Buy! Jeremy Santo was raised in the Yakima Valley by research scientists and starred as a defensive back for the Prosser High Mustangs. This vintage marks his second as head winemaker for Ryan Patrick Vineyards, and he’s created a marvelous stainless steel Chardonnay with fruit from Sagemoor, Wautoma Winds and Sundance vineyards. Aromas of fresh-cut pineapple, guava, … [Read more...] about Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2013 Naked Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $10
14 Hands Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! Keith Kenison’s team in Prosser continues to grow in scale, but they don’t seem to be losing their touch with any part of their program as this marks back-to-back vintages in which they’ve received our top rating for Merlot. The aromas are layered with hints of Rainier cherry, smoky milk chocolate, light tar, toast and a pinch of Italian herbs. Its structure carries … [Read more...] about 14 Hands Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $12