This young winery near Leavenworth is best known for its delicious red wines, but it shows its breadth with this delightful and balanced white. Using grapes from tiny Snipes Mountain in the center of the Yakima Valley, this Chardonnay unveils aromas of bosc pear, dried pineapple and freshly cut apple. On the palate, a hint of richness is followed by subtle flavors of apple … [Read more...] about Plain Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snipes Mountain, $26
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Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 The Estates Northridge Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $42
Northridge Vineyard on the arid Wahluke Slope is one of Washington’s top vineyard, particularly for Syrah, and that quality shows in this beautiful bottling. Aromas of vanilla, cherry pipe tobacco and cherry jam lead to flavors of Marionberry, Saskatoon berry and pie cherry filling. A delicious wine crafted by head winemaker Josh Maloney and his team. This won gold at the 2016 … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 The Estates Northridge Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $42
Lost River Winery 2012 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $25
Winemaker John Morgan was a civil engineer in Bellingham before deciding to open this winery in 2002 in the Methow Valley. It was a good move for him and wine lovers, as he has proven to be one of North Central Washington’s most talented winemakers. This gorgeous Merlot offers aromas of honeycomb, black licorice, black cherry and minerality, followed by jammy and complex … [Read more...] about Lost River Winery 2012 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $25
Crayelle Cellars 2015 Neve’s Blanc Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $21
For the better part of two decades, Craig Mitrakul has a well-earned reputation as one of the top winemakers in North Central Washington for different producers. Crayelle is his own project, and this stunning Sauv Blanc is named for his daughter and uses grapes from Cave B Vineyards. It opens with aromas of tropical fruit, including pineapple and kiwi. On the palate, this zesty … [Read more...] about Crayelle Cellars 2015 Neve’s Blanc Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $21
Rio Vista Wines 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé, Columbia Valley, $25
Rosés have become seriously delicious in a fairly short period of time in the Northwest, thanks to winemakers’ dedication to providing examples that are low in sweetness and bursting with fresh fruit flavors. This is a perfect example, thanks to aromas of light strawberry, apricot and vanilla, followed by flavors of raspberry, peach and cherry. It’s all perfectly balanced with … [Read more...] about Rio Vista Wines 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé, Columbia Valley, $25