Success with homemade fruit wines inspired the Vuylsteke family to launch Oak Knoll Winery in 1970, and 30 years ago, they won the Governor's Trophy at the Oregon State Fair for this wine. The nose screams of strawberry-rhubarb pie, raspberry jam and cinnamon toast, but the raspberry presents itself more in the mouth. There's nice richness on the entry and the spritzy acidity … [Read more...] about Oak Knoll Winery NV Frambrosia Raspberry Wine, Oregon, $14
Latest wine reviews
Silvara Vineyards 2012 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $24
Wenatchee Valley winemaker Gary Seidler and his partner — professional golfer Cindy Rarick — are among those helping to revive interest in Chenin Blanc. The profile is akin to ambrosia salad, backed by lemongrass, honeydew melon and Golden Delicious apple. It's no doubt a hit in the tasting room on a warm summer day with its fanciful off-dry approach (2.5% residual sugar) and … [Read more...] about Silvara Vineyards 2012 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $24
Winter’s Hill Vineyard 2010 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $34
Quite a neighborhood has sprung up around the Gladhart farm in Dayton, Ore., which the family started in 1961. Their 35-acre estate vineyard, certified as sustainable in 1999, is bordered by Domaine Serene, Stoller and Vista Hills, and this release from a nerve-wracking vintage certainly stands alongside those producers. It’s classic Dundee Hills from start to finish, opening … [Read more...] about Winter’s Hill Vineyard 2010 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $34
Saggi 2009 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $45
The Folonari family of Tuscany increased the amount of Sangiovese (62%) from two Yakima Valley sites — Candy Mountain and Boushey — for its latest edition of the Super Tuscan-style blend as part of the Long Shadows Vintners program. The 18 months in new French oak (55%) helps account for aromas of cherry chocolate cake, cassis, pomegranate, black pepper and saddle leather. It's … [Read more...] about Saggi 2009 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $45
House Wine 2011 Mountain Merlot, Columbia Valley, $11
Best Buy! Walla Walla wine rocker Charles Smith launched The Magnificent Wine Co. brand in 2004 as a value label, and two years later he partnered with Seattle-based Precept Wine. There's no pretense about these wines, which are widely distributed, easy to pick out on store shelves and open with a twist of a cap. This easy-to-enjoy Merlot sends out aromas of dark cherries, … [Read more...] about House Wine 2011 Mountain Merlot, Columbia Valley, $11