Best Buy! Michael Florentino Cellars owner Brad Sherman creates wines under this label at his Woodinville, Wash., facility, and he chose to co-ferment Pinot Gris from Todd Newhouse's historic vineyard with Riesling (15%). The result conjures up clean, bright and inviting aromas of orange, quince, kumquat and clove. There are clean lines that come with the flavor profile of … [Read more...] about Gecko Cellars 2012 Pinot Grigio, Snipes Mountain, $15
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Daven Lore Winery 2010 Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Wine lovers who visit the farmers market in Prosser, Wash., undoubtedly know Gordon Taylor and his Australian Outback hat. He continuously creates wines of distinction at his efficient facility on the northern slope of the Horse Heaven Hills overlooking the Yakima River. And this is yet another. Using fourth-leaf fruit from Double Canyon Vineyard, he's turned what is typically … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2010 Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Gifford-Hirlinger 2009 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $32
Mike Berghan makes what he grows around his stylish winery and tasting room on Stateline Road south of Walla Walla, and he dotes on his Merlot by dropping it into a French oak program — 50% new barrels — for 24 months. That makes for beautiful aromas with black cherry, strawberry jam, cocoa powder, nutmeg, violets and cedar. The entry is bold with dark plums, black cherry and … [Read more...] about Gifford-Hirlinger 2009 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $32
Grande Ronde Cellars 2007 Seven Hills Vineyard Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $30
This Spokane, Wash., winery is proud of its Walla Walla Valley connections, and the group led by Dave Westfall focuses on two renowned vineyards founded by Norm McKibben — Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills. Their treatment of this fruit goes into French oak, and that shows with expensive aromas of bittersweet chocolate, vanilla extract and campfire smoke in front of black cherries … [Read more...] about Grande Ronde Cellars 2007 Seven Hills Vineyard Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $30
Brooks Wines 2010 Ara Riesling, Willamette Valley, $25
Named after a Southern Hemisphere constellation, few Northwest wineries showcase the beauty and potential of aged dry Riesling as does Chris Williams for Brooks. There's a sense of baked pineapple, poached pear, apricot, cloves and oiliness in the aromas, yet the palate is dry and dramatic. Flavors feature Asian pear and the second-cut of fresh pineapple, backed by bold acidity … [Read more...] about Brooks Wines 2010 Ara Riesling, Willamette Valley, $25