The gradual rise of Ryan Harms within the Oregon wine industry has made his Union Wine Company the fourth-largest producer in the state, and he’s done that largely on the shoulders of his successful and accessible entry-level Underwood brand. Meanwhile, his Alchemist Pinot Noir has captured our top rating from both cool vintages (2011) and warmer ones such as this. Here, the … [Read more...] about Union Wine Co. 2013 Alchemist Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
Outstanding
Côtes de Ciel 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Petit Verdot, Red Mountain, $39
Red Mountain pioneer Jim Holmes planted Petit Verdot just after Y2K, which makes it a relatively young block for Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, and his son, Richard, shows why this Bordeaux grape, traditionally a blender, can make an expressive and powerful wine on its own. The nose of black plum, black raspberry and cola includes dark tones of black licorice, vanilla extract and … [Read more...] about Côtes de Ciel 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Petit Verdot, Red Mountain, $39
Palencia Winery 2014 Albariño, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $18
Victor Palencia continues to grow his eponymous brand in Walla Walla, and while he nearly quadrupled production of this Spanish white variety over his award-winning 2013 version, he hasn’t lost a step in terms of quality. It opens with beautiful aromas of honeydew melon, Gala apple, pear and bright spices. Inside, there’s great fruit balance of melon, apple and peach flavors, … [Read more...] about Palencia Winery 2014 Albariño, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $18
Bitner Vineyards 2013 Reserve Riesling, Snake River Valley, $17
Idaho traditionally has produced Riesling in a sweet style, but the country’s renaissance for the noble white grape is making an impact in the Gem State. Greg Koenig’s winemaking for longtime friend/grower Ron Bitner includes this reserve tier for Riesling, and old blocks planted in 1981 help paved the way for the region’s top examples. Aromas of Key Lime, peach pie, pineapple … [Read more...] about Bitner Vineyards 2013 Reserve Riesling, Snake River Valley, $17
Mercer Estates 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $14
Best Buy! Spring Creek Vineyard is among the Mercers’ partnership sites with the Hogue family, and the Hogue brothers were raised on this 330-acre parcel north of Prosser, Wash., that’s often referred to as Headquarters. White grapes dominate this vineyard, first transitioned from hops to grapes in 1979, and Sauvignon Blanc thrives here. Aromas range from gooseberry, lime peel, … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $14