Despite what many maintain, there is still a market for great Syrah, and here's one from a legend in Walla Walla that you don't need to be on a waiting list for. It opens with aromas of black cherry, poached plum, blueberry, vanilla and minerality. The drink brings a bold and rich structure of boysenberry, chocolate-covered cherries and fig with Marionberry and earthiness in … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $34
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Ghost Hill Cellars 2012 Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir Blanc, Yamhill-Carlton, $25
Rebecca Pittock-Shouldis, a winemaking member of the Oregon Air National Guard, dials in one of the Northwest's more fascinating wines, and she describes it as made in the style of a Champagne "just minus the bubbles." This estate blanc de noir comes from Dijon clones, and while it is done in all stainless steel, it is aged on the lees for several months. All of the above … [Read more...] about Ghost Hill Cellars 2012 Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir Blanc, Yamhill-Carlton, $25
Union Wine Co. 2011 Alchemist Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $28
One of Oregon's fastest-growing wineries, Ryan Harms uses this tier to highlight specific sites. This is 100% Carabella Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, and no new oak gets in the way. Aromas hint early at dusty lemon, kumquat and pineapple, but the barrel program brings some butter and baked apple. The hallmark of this wine is the abundance of lemony acidity and lingering … [Read more...] about Union Wine Co. 2011 Alchemist Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $28
San Juan Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $14
Best Buy! Otis Harlan created this vineyard back in 1957, making the Rattlesnake Hills planting one of the state's most historic sites. The late David Lake brought fame to Otis Vineyard while at Columbia Winery for his work with the fan-trained Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and this Puget Sound winery reached in Oct. 3 to produce a delicious Chardonnay. There's no oak involved, … [Read more...] about San Juan Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $14
Harbinger Winery 2009 Rapture Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $28
Cabernet Franc is beginning to get the respect of wine lovers and winemakers alike. It is a red Bordeaux variety that often is relegated to blending, but we are seeing more and more standing alone. This example from a winery west of Port Angeles, Wash., opens with classic aromas of black cherry, cola and sage, followed by flavors of pomegranate, Bing cherry and plum. It's all … [Read more...] about Harbinger Winery 2009 Rapture Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $28