Italian-themed Mellisoni Vineyards along the south shore of Lake Chelan takes inspiration for this sparkling wine project from the Veneto region where Prosecco is made with Glera grapes. The work here with Chardonnay is just as lively and festive, starting with daisies in a summer rain and light caramel. Its concentrated and fun bubbles blast in support of Granny Smith apples … [Read more...] about Mellisoni Vineyards NV Bollincini Brut Bubbly Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $60
Washington
Tucannon Cellars 2022 Estate Rosé of Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley $31
In 2022, Kevin and Carol-Lynn denHoed purchased this showpiece along the western shoulders of Red Mountain overlooking the ambling Yakima River. They wisely hired Victor Palencia to get them started down a path that has included their first Platinum Award. Fanciful aromas of Rainier cherry, Granny Smith apple and jicama usher this rosé into a flirty and juicy palate of … [Read more...] about Tucannon Cellars 2022 Estate Rosé of Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley $31
Chelan Ridge Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc, Lake Chelan $59
In the past two years, William and Candace Swayne have quickly racked up six Platinum Awards since their purchase of the estate in 2021, and Chelan Valley winemaker Jeff Crowder has played a key role in their wine company’s rapid rise to prominence. Here is the second consecutive vintage that a Cabernet Franc grown by founding winemaker Lynn Munneke has won a Platinum. The … [Read more...] about Chelan Ridge Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc, Lake Chelan $59
Convergence Zone Cellars 2019 Squall Line Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $33
Scott Greenberg recently moved east across the Cascades to Richland, Wash., where he’s now within an hour’s drive of the vineyards that have helped him to earn six Platinum awards in the past six years. And he’s now won a Platinum from back-to-back vintages for his Bordeaux-focused Squall Line program. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Malbec (35%), Petit Verdot (7%), … [Read more...] about Convergence Zone Cellars 2019 Squall Line Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $33
Chris Daniel Winery 2019 Syrah, Columbia Valley $32
A product of Washington State University’s winemaking program, Chris Stewart has now earned five Platinums for his work with red Rhône varieties. It’s a wine filled with red plums and dark cherry, classic notes of savory Kalamata olive, smoky leather and gunmetal, and supported by well-integrated tannins. Qualifying award: North Central Washington Wine Awards (gold) Rating: … [Read more...] about Chris Daniel Winery 2019 Syrah, Columbia Valley $32