Best Buy! This is the sweetest of Ste. Michelle's mainline Rieslings, and at 4.71 percent residual sugar, it is not shy in that department. Yet the outrageously low pH of 2.92 keeps everything in check. It opens with aromas of peach, apricot, apple and Thompson seedless grape, followed by beautifully balanced flavors of pear and nectarine. The acidity offers a bright lemon-lime … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Harvest Select Riesling, Columbia Valley, $10
Latest wine reviews
Walla Walla Vintners 2010 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $32
More than half the grapes for this tasty Syrah came from the Vintners Estate east of Walla Walla, with the rest arriving from Morrison Lane Vineyard. It opens with aromas of alder-smoked bacon, boysenberry and blueberry, followed by flavors of Saskatoon berry and blackberry. It has a rich entry and nice roundness on the midpalate. We would suggest pairing this with lamb, veal … [Read more...] about Walla Walla Vintners 2010 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $32
JoieFarm 2012 A Noble Blend, Okanagan Valley, $24
We like the double meaning of this wine, as it refers to co-owner Heidi Noble as well as the Alsatian style of wine known as "Edelzwicker" - or, literally, "noble blend." This version includes Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Schoenberger and Muscat. It offers aromas of gooseberry, grapefruit, nutmeg, cinnamon and apple, followed by flavors of lime zest, spice … [Read more...] about JoieFarm 2012 A Noble Blend, Okanagan Valley, $24
Abiqua Wind Vineyard 2011 Sweet Noir Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $22
This is an unusual little dessert wine, as it's a sweet Pinot Noir that is not fortified. Rather, it's finished with a bit of residual sweetness. It's a pleasant sipper with aromas of orange slices candy, raspberry and violet, followed by ripe flavors of cherry juice, fresh raspberry and a hint of chocolate in the finish. Rating: Excellent Production: 71 cases Alcohol: … [Read more...] about Abiqua Wind Vineyard 2011 Sweet Noir Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $22
Koenig Winery 2010 Williamson Vineyards Sangiovese, Snake River Valley, $20
The high-elevation vineyards of Idaho's Snake River Valley do a great job of enhancing Sangiovese's already stellar acidity, and this is a superb example from one of the state's top vintners. This opens with aromas of white chocolate, dusty cherry, mint and tarragon, followed by flavors of raspberry and cherry on the entry, followed by flavors of dried cranberry and raspberry. … [Read more...] about Koenig Winery 2010 Williamson Vineyards Sangiovese, Snake River Valley, $20