Moe Momtazi purchased his 540 acres in the McMinnville American Viticultural Area back in 1997, and the abandoned wheat ranch soon became one of the most important biodynamic vineyards in the Pacific Northwest wine industry. Alex Fullerton’s work with these 16 barrels — two of which were brand new French oak — includes a program of 25% whole cluster fermentation. The cooling … [Read more...] about Fullerton Wines 2014 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville, $55
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Fujishin Family Cellars 2015 Gewürztraminer, Snake River Valley, $16
Snake River Valley native Martin Fujishin continues to champion Gewürztraminer grown at Skyline Vineyard, Idaho’s largest, and he does so in a dry style tribute to the cool-climate grape from Germany. Its theme is tropical, led by lychee nut with vanilla, clove and lightly toasted almond. There’s also the variety’s classic grapefruit pith to balance what little sugar is left … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2015 Gewürztraminer, Snake River Valley, $16
Stoller Family Estate 2014 Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $35
Melissa Burr and her expanding team on the lower slopes of the Dundee Hills continue to produce a reserve-style Chardonnay for Bill Stoller that shows considerably more toastiness than the program of 18% new French oak might otherwise suggest. Aromas cast out a wealth of toasted oak with hints of lemon pepper and fine-grained sandpaper. There’s more fruitiness to the drink, … [Read more...] about Stoller Family Estate 2014 Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $35
Isenhower Cellars 2013 Jongleur Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley, $34
The Isenhowers often see themselves as jugglers with having to manage winemaking, entrepreneurialism and raising three daughters, so they’ve adopted a medieval term for a juggler as a proprietary name for their Petit Verdot. This work with Dionysus Block 13 Petit Verdot shows some magic, too, because its richness and juicy profile is more approachable than most standalone … [Read more...] about Isenhower Cellars 2013 Jongleur Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley, $34
Baer Winery 2015 Shard White Wine, Columbia Valley, $25
Sept. 2 marked the earliest harvest at Stillwater Creek Vineyard by this Woodinville winery for its Chardonnay, and the stainless steel angle makes for a bright Chardonnay that screams for oysters. Aromas of Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear, Key Lime Pie and slate are matched on the palate with mouthwatering acidity. The surlie aging adds to the mouth feel, and a sliver of … [Read more...] about Baer Winery 2015 Shard White Wine, Columbia Valley, $25