Best Buy! Doyle Hinman proved to be a trailblazer in the southern Willamette Valley, and the Chambers family continues to honor his accomplishments more than two decades after buying his inaugural brand with this Pinot Gris that’s made in an Oregon style. Pleasing aromatics of brioche, peach pie, apple blossom and hominy lead to a pleasing body featuring orchard fruit flavors … [Read more...] about Hinman Vineyards 2014 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $12
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Delfino Vineyards 2014 Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $26
Jim and Terri Delfino farm their vineyard a short drive from famed Tempranillo producer Abacela, and this is another example of how the delicious Iberian variety has found a home in Southern Oregon. They’ve partnered with winemaker Denise Aaron on this rather hedonistic Temp built upon the shoulders of an all-French oak program with 25% new barrels, leading to aromas of brownie … [Read more...] about Delfino Vineyards 2014 Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $26
Lone Birch 2015 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $12
Best Buy! One of Washington state’s largest vineyards in the state’s oldest American Viticultural Area continues to produce delicious aromatic whites for the Miller family, and their latest Riesling is a fun one. Tropical aromas mimic Juicy Fruit gum, peach and Mandarin orange with touches of jasmine, spearmint and a whiff of petrol. Inside, its bright entry comes with flavors … [Read more...] about Lone Birch 2015 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $12
Ryan Patrick 2014 Naked Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! Unoaked and unadorned, Ryan Patrick's Naked Chardonnay from Columbia Valley grapes is exactly what a steel Chardonnay should be: crisp, clean pear, lemon and lime elements show off on both the nose and palate, with a Granny Smith underlay and then bright acidity to close. Pair with a delicate wine-poached Dover sole and cilantro garnish. This earned a gold medal at … [Read more...] about Ryan Patrick 2014 Naked Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $12
Mercer Estates Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Jessica Munnell crafted another winner with her 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from estate grapes in the Horse Heaven Hills. Spice, blueberries, late summer blackberries and cassis show off their aromas and flavors in this lush wine, which closes with grippy, sweet tannins. Serve it with a char-grilled steak. This earned a gold medal at the 2016 Cascadia Wine Competition. Rating: … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $28