Best Buy! The Milbrandt team sticks with its traditional slightly oaked program for this value-priced Chardonnay. It started with a mid-September harvest and stayed true to its six months in 25% new American oak, accounting for aromas of Honeycrisp apple, oak and vanilla with hints of candy corn and starfruit. There’s a pleasing balance of fruit and wood on the palate as pear … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Traditions Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $13
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Daven Lore Winery 2015 Sweet Riesling, Yakima Valley, $18
Prosser vintner Gordon Taylor and his winemaker, Sonya Symons, work with Prosser grower Patricia O'Brien for this peachy and tasty Riesling from 25-year-old vines that’s definitely on the sweeter side at 6% residual sugar. Aromas of nectarine, apricot and cherry blossom lead to delicious flavors of stone fruit and guava with a nice burst of lemon/lime acidity to balance the … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2015 Sweet Riesling, Yakima Valley, $18
Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $13
Best Buy! Martin Fujishin works with Chardonnay from nearby vineyards Polo Cove and Bitner, and he presents this in what he refers to as a “Central Coast” style inspired by trips to California. As a result, this bargain-priced Chardonnay offers aromas and flavors of toasty oak, starfruit and dried apricot, backed by butter and lemon pepper. Rating: Recommended Production: … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $13
Panther Creek Cellars 2014 Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $65
Tony Rynders wanted to be the one to take over the winemaking at Panther Creek when Ken Wright stepped away in 1994. Twenty years later, and after a storied career at Domaine Serene, Rynders is heading up the brand that helped make Wright and Oregon famous. In 2015, Wright purchased this vineyard near Bethel Heights from Jack and Kathleen Carter, so this wine carries a … [Read more...] about Panther Creek Cellars 2014 Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $65
Martinez and Martinez 2015 Tudor Hills Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $18
Tudor Hills Vineyards in the Yakima Valley seems to be an ideal site for cool-climate whites, particularly in the hands of nearby winemaker Andrew Martinez. These grapes hail from his wife Monica’s side of the family, and the wine carries a theme of Rose’s Lime Juice, pineapple and Lemonhead candy. Ample acidity applies some bite to the finish. There’s a touch of residual sugar … [Read more...] about Martinez and Martinez 2015 Tudor Hills Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $18