Terry McDuffee’s vineyard near The Dalles, Ore., planted more than 30 years ago, ranks as a rare site in the Columbia Gorge for old vine Chardonnay. Sonoma winemaker Michael Sebastiani develops this for 14 months in neutral American oak to create a rich yet bright style with aromas of Sara Lee Lemon Pound Cake with hints of almond extract, tutti frutti and cinnamon. Inside, … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2014 McDuffee Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $44
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Terra Nativa Vineyards 2012 Reserve Merlot, Idaho, $40
Treasure Valley developer Richard Pavelek dotes on his vines of red Bordeaux varieties grown in the foothills east of Boise, making his perhaps the state’s highest elevation site for ongoing viticulture — 3,100 feet. His focus on estate fruit explains why Terra Nativa is one of Idaho’s tiniest wineries with an annual production of 600 cases. Here, Pavelek has crafted a superb … [Read more...] about Terra Nativa Vineyards 2012 Reserve Merlot, Idaho, $40
Eufloria by Pacific Rim Winemakers NV Aromatic Rosé, Washington, $11
Best Buy! Created in a blush style, this might not hold as much appeal to those who seek out rosés inspired by Provence, but Pacific Rim in Washington’s Columbia Valley offers this pink quaffer that serves as a fruity introduction for those just becoming interested in wine. It’s built almost entirely upon aromatic white varieties — Riesling (54%), Muscat (30%) and … [Read more...] about Eufloria by Pacific Rim Winemakers NV Aromatic Rosé, Washington, $11
Boomtown by Dusted Valley 2014 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $19
One of Washington state’s most consistently outstanding examples of Syrah — regardless of the price — is Boomtown by Dusted Valley Vintners. This latest release marked the debut vintage of Griffin Frey, whose oversight for brothers-in-law Corey Braunel and Chad Johnson involves the continued collaboration on this brand with Wahluke Wine Company. Gorgeous aromas of blueberry, … [Read more...] about Boomtown by Dusted Valley 2014 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $19
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Noah’s & Jezreel Block Estate Viognier, Umpqua Valley, $27
Southern Oregon vintner Stephen Reustle’s skill, versatility and complete control from grape to glass shows again in his latest Viognier from clone 1 fruit. It’s hugely aromatic with hints of lychee, rosewater, orange Creamsicle and banana, and there’s a match on the palate. He fermented the entire lot, pulled from 15-year-old vines, for five months on the lees in French oak. … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Noah’s & Jezreel Block Estate Viognier, Umpqua Valley, $27