Best Buy! Using grapes from estate vineyards on the warm Wahluke Slope, winemaker Victor Palencia continues to show his skills as one of Washington’s finest white wine producers. This opens with intriguing aromas of lemon bar and orange zest, followed by flavors of crisp lime and lemon, all backed by elegant acidity that gives way to a lengthy finish. Enjoy this with grilled … [Read more...] about Jones of Washington 2014 Estate Chardonnay, Wahluke Slope, $14
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Cave B Estate Winery 2012 XXVII Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $48
Since taking over as head winemaker in 2007, Freddy Arredondo has shown his talents in the cellar by raising the profile of this longtime winery near the town of George. This Cabernet Sauvignon uses estate grapes in the Ancient Lakes, and it provides complex aromas of perfumy oak, ginger, violet and cherry, followed by flavors of sweet oak, blackberry, raspberry and cocoa … [Read more...] about Cave B Estate Winery 2012 XXVII Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $48
Malaga Springs Winery 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $24
Syrah is the third-most-popular red wine grape in Washington, and it continues to gain traction even as Syrah sales have slowed internationally. This is a delicious example that should have no trouble attracting wine lovers, thanks to aromas of spice, cedar, blueberry and blackberry. On the palate, it is a rich, complex red with notes of mocha, black licorice, vanilla extract … [Read more...] about Malaga Springs Winery 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $24
Roller Girl 2013 Jammer Red, Walla Walla County, $18
College Cellars alumna Tanya Woodley recently doubled production for SuLei Cellars, and the success of her entry-level Roller Girl Jammer Red is powering much of that growth. She admits that her goal for this blend of Merlot (43%), Cabernet Franc (31%) and Cabernet Sauvignon is one of approachability. It finds the mark, thanks in part to vineyards Les Collines and Lodmell. The … [Read more...] about Roller Girl 2013 Jammer Red, Walla Walla County, $18
Nicole Reese Wines 2013 Syrah, Oregon, $22
Elisabeth Grunwald graduated from Umpqua Community College’s Southern Oregon Wine Institute and transitioned into the assistant winemaking position at Pallet Wine Co., in Medford. The Chicago native has proven to be a quick study with her own young brand, Nicole Reese, named after her two children. And she’s earned a helping hand from Pallet owner Linda Donovan, whose sister … [Read more...] about Nicole Reese Wines 2013 Syrah, Oregon, $22