This iconic downtown Walla Walla winery saw the increased thirst for Sauvignon Blanc on the horizon, and Bobby Richards bottles about 10,000 cases of it under the Columbia Valley tier for Seven Hills. For club members and the tasting room, there’s also this effort that involves separate lots that involve oak fermentation, bâtonnage and concrete egg. There’s a fresh and delicate … [Read more...] about Seven Hills Winery 2022 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, White Bluffs $38
Washington
DeLille Cellars 2021 Chaleur Blanc, Columbia Valley $42
In 2020, The Seattle Times selected the Chaleur Blanc as its No. 1 wine of the year, and critics across the country have come to view it as a prototype for white Bordeaux blends from the New World. For the bottling from the 2021 vintage, Jason Gorski arrived at a blend of 67-33 of Sauvignon Blanc and Sèmillon from storied sites Boushey, Conner Lee, Klipsun, Phinny Hill and … [Read more...] about DeLille Cellars 2021 Chaleur Blanc, Columbia Valley $42
Mellisoni Vineyards 2020 Stillwater Creek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Royal Slope $75
For the third time in four years, Rob and Donna Mellison have received a Platinum for their Cabernet Sauvignon program, and the secret sauce is the vineyard managed by Ed Kelly for the Alberg family. This four-barrel bottling offers notes of dark purple fruit, smoky bramble in moist earth and browned butter, supported by well-managed tannins and a delicious finish of pepper and … [Read more...] about Mellisoni Vineyards 2020 Stillwater Creek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Royal Slope $75
Chris Daniel Winery 2018 Petite Sirah, Columbia Valley $32
This Columbia Basin winery that’s a short drive from the Gorge Amphitheater has earned a second Platinum for the same bottling — a third time for this boisterous Rhône grape. He’s built his history with the variety via Jerry Milbrandt’s Northridge Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, where achieving ripeness is virtually guaranteed. The nose brings hints of black cherry, bergamot, … [Read more...] about Chris Daniel Winery 2018 Petite Sirah, Columbia Valley $32
Maryhill Winery 2021 Classic Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley $21
It’s a natural that New Zealand native Richard Batchelor produces one of the Pacific Northwest’s most delicious examples of Sauvignon Blanc, and he relies on Tudor Hills fruit in the Yakima Valley to get there. Enticing aromas of fresh-sliced pineapple, passion fruit and plumeria pour into a palate that is an explosive burst of kiwi, starfruit and hula berry, joined by charming … [Read more...] about Maryhill Winery 2021 Classic Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley $21