This spring, Wine Press Northwest magazine named Knudsen Vineyards its Oregon Winery to Watch, and Cal Knudsen’s kids continue their award-winning collaboration with Argyle winemaker Nate Klostermann. (Earlier this year, the Knudsen 2014 Chardonnay earned our top rating.) This latest example of Pinot Noir off the iconic 228-acre Dundee Hills estate is a cross-section of four … [Read more...] about Knudsen Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $55
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Wit Cellars 2014 Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $18
The veteran winemaking duo of Flint Nelson and Cat Warwick pull from one of Washington state’s premier plantings of Riesling — Evergreen Vineyard — for this stunningly fascinating bottling under their new brand. Crisp and complex aromas of pear, lemon and gooseberry pick up hints of ginger and alfalfa. Inside, the flavors are elegant and reminiscent of Ginger Gold apple and an … [Read more...] about Wit Cellars 2014 Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $18
Plain Cellars 2013 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $28
Winemaker Garrett Grubbs has been instrumental in putting this Leavenworth winery on the map, thanks to his deft touch with seemingly every red variety. This elegant and classic Cabernet Franc is loaded with aromas and flavors, starting with notes of toast, mocha, wheat Chex and cherry. On the palate, flavors of pomegranate, cranberry and cherry cola meld with notes of coffee … [Read more...] about Plain Cellars 2013 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $28
Chelan Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan, $25
One of the few places in Washington where Pinot Noir has the opportunity to be successful is along the shores of Lake Chelan. Thanks to the region’s somewhat higher elevation and the lake’s tempering effect, Pinot Noir has the ability to ripen slowly without a lot of sugar accumulation. This is a lovely example with delicate aromas of violet, red cherry and toffee, followed by … [Read more...] about Chelan Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan, $25
Lost River Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $18
Winemaker John Morgan brought in his Chardonnay grapes from Wallula Vineyard in the eastern Horse Heaven Hills, one of the top plantings in Washington. The vineyard is on dramatic benches that stretch all the way down to the Columbia River. This stylish wine opens with aromas of lemon zest, Asian pear and lime juice, followed by flavors of Bartlett pear, bright citrus and a … [Read more...] about Lost River Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $18