Best Buy! Victor Palencia’s wizardry with white wines naturally extends to Chardonnay, and his 2022 bottling came in having qualified with a gold medal or better at five regional judgings. This expression reflects a blend of estate fruit from Lauzier Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes with that of Unit 20 on the Wahluke Slope, hence the use of “Columbia Valley” on the bottle. … [Read more...] about Jones of Washington 2022 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $14.99
Washington
Pomeroy Cellars 2020 Syrah, Yakima Valley $48
Lucia Valley grower/winemaker Dan Brink, a standout producer within the Southwest Washington Winery Association, has now won four Platinums in the past three years. Syrah from storied DuBrul Vineyard has played a supporting role in two earlier Platinums, yet Brink shows his versatility with the variety by pulling from Inland Desert’s vineyard in the western shadow of Red … [Read more...] about Pomeroy Cellars 2020 Syrah, Yakima Valley $48
Mercer Estates 2019 Spice Cabinet Vineyard Robert Willis Reserve Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills $55
A decade ago, Great Northwest Wine named the Mercer 2010 Spice Cabinet Vineyard Malbec as its No. 1 wine on its Top 100 list for 2013. This showing adds evidence that this vineyard overlooking Crow Butte Park and the Columbia River remains a garden spot for Bordeaux variety. Aromas of black and maraschino cherries are joined by tobacco, cocoa, bergamot and Earl Grey tea. … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates 2019 Spice Cabinet Vineyard Robert Willis Reserve Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills $55
Milbrandt Family Wines NV Lulu Méthode Contemporaine Blanc de Blanc, Washington State $20
Best Buy! Milbrandt-owned Washington Wine Group earned five Platinums in 2023, and all five are priced at $20 or less, including the Lulu sparkling wines. It’s easy to understand why judges in California awarded these Riesling-led bubbles the gold medals that grew into a Platinum. The fine beads send out notes of peach, honeydew melon, honeysuckle, Pink Lady apple and lemon … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Family Wines NV Lulu Méthode Contemporaine Blanc de Blanc, Washington State $20
Basalt Cellars 2018 Estate Cuvée, Lewis-Clark Valley $42
Even though ownership’s two estate vineyards are within the Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area, founding winemaker/retired pharmacist Rick Wasem has been reluctant to use that AVA on the bottles he’s produced with Lynn DeVleming. Their straightforward blend from the L-C Valley is equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot with a … [Read more...] about Basalt Cellars 2018 Estate Cuvée, Lewis-Clark Valley $42