Best Buy! A number of historic family-owned Columbia Valley wine companies allow employees to launch their own brand. Casu Wines is a new project of Andrew Kowalski and John Sandoval, employed in Prosser, Wash., by the Lawrence family and on the winemaking team helmed by award-winning Matías Kúsulas. For their debut rosé, Kowalski and Sandoval work with Merlot from … [Read more...] about Casu Wines 2021 Rosé of Merlot, Wahluke Slope, $18
Washington
Beckstone Wine 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $20
Best Buy! Napa Valley visionary Bill Leigon continues his collaboration with Pacific Rim Winemakers in Richland, Wash., for Beckstone — a young value-driven brand that first earned our attention with a Cabernet Sauvignon. Here, the former J. Lohr marketing manager reaches into storied Horse Heaven Hills site Wallula Vineyard for Sauvignon Blanc, and veteran winemakers Tim … [Read more...] about Beckstone Wine 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $20
Arenness Cellars 2020 Les Collines Vineyard su_m Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley, $48
Portland winemaker Robert Bailey continues to focus his thoughtful gaze on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in storied sites east of the Cascades. Les Collines — a venerable site in the Blue Mountain foothills south of Walla Walla — fits that approach. This single lot of juice is both block and clone specific, Clone 8 from Block 45, and it spent two years in a neutral barrel. He … [Read more...] about Arenness Cellars 2020 Les Collines Vineyard su_m Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley, $48
Fortuity Cellars 2022 Grenache, Yakima Valley $45
Co-owner/winemaker Lee Fergestrom’s commitment to Yakima Valley vineyards continues with this well-textured Grenache from esteemed Elephant Mountain Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills above Fortuity Cellars. Investment in seasoned French oak puncheons allows the fruit from Joe Hattrup’s vines to shine as chalky strawberry and raspberry sauce nose join white pepper and lilac … [Read more...] about Fortuity Cellars 2022 Grenache, Yakima Valley $45
Cellardoor Winery 2021 The Buoy White Wine, American $18
Best Buy! Maine winemakers Aaron and Christina Peet helped learn their craft at Walla Walla Community College in 2007-08. During their time in the Northwest, they came to know the Yakima Valley is an ideal source for Chenin Blanc and Sèmillon — a blend that's been embraced in Argentina. Here, the Chenin comes from Willard Vineyard, same planting that’s at the core of L’Ecole N° … [Read more...] about Cellardoor Winery 2021 The Buoy White Wine, American $18