Bob Sage launched his Wenatchee Valley winery in 2005, and young winemaker Garrett Grubbs helped bring continued success to Plain Cellars since his arrival in 2012. There’s a perception of light oak behind the abundant fresh pineapple and Okanagan Dried Apple Chips in the nose. Its crisp entry of citrus leads to a creamy mouth feel of butterscotch with tropical flavors. Lemon … [Read more...] about Plain Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snipes Mountain, $26
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L’Ecole No. 41 2014 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Luminesce, Walla Walla Valley, $22
The previous vintage for this white Bordeaux blend leaned more toward Sèmillon, but winemaker Mike Sharon’s latest offering is 50/50 with Sauvignon Blanc. All of it comes off one of the Northwest’s premier plantings, the 230-acre Seven Hills Vineyard, planted in 1981 and partially owned by Marty Clubb. A four-month program of neutral French oak and 30 percent malolactic … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2014 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Luminesce, Walla Walla Valley, $22
Balboa Winery 2015 Bloxom Slope Vineyard Grüner Veltliner, Yakima Valley, $20
Founding winemaker Tom Glase worked with some of the region’s largest vineyards during his days at L’Ecole No. 41 and Corliss Estate. Here, the Walla Walla Valley vintner reaches into a little-known Yakima Valley vineyard for an obscure white grape. Floral aromas include apple, ginger and steely minerality. Its pleasantly bright entry brings along pear and more apple flavors, … [Read more...] about Balboa Winery 2015 Bloxom Slope Vineyard Grüner Veltliner, Yakima Valley, $20
Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Mourvèdre, Snake River Valley, $35
Wine Press Northwest magazine’s reigning Idaho Winery of the Year reaches into acclaimed Washington vineyards for Bordeaux varieties, but Telaya doesn't roam nearly as far for its Rhône grapes. Earl Sullivan’s youthful Mourvèdre from Skyline Vineyard in the Snake River Valley creates aromas hinting at freshly cracked black pepper, black plum, black cherry, cigar box and savory … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Mourvèdre, Snake River Valley, $35
Valley View Winery 2014 Anna Maria Chardonnay, Applegate Valley, $22
The Wisnovsky brothers continue to pay tribute to their mother, Anna Maria, with this barrel-fermented Chardonnay from this historic Applegate Valley's reserve tier. Fun aromas of bubble gum and lambswool are joined by a complex fruit notes of Bosc pear, dusty apple and starfruit with a pinch of fresh cilantro. Delicious acidity arrives early with flavors of starfruit, Golden … [Read more...] about Valley View Winery 2014 Anna Maria Chardonnay, Applegate Valley, $22