Napa-based Richard “Brock” Brockmeyer, a longtime consultant for wine industry investors, primarily sources tiny lots from historic plantings near where he grew up in Central California. His winemaking son Brett recently took a job in the Walla Walla Valley, so they’ve decided to add a SKU from Washington to their boutique eponymous brand. Here, they work with one of … [Read more...] about Brockmeyer Family Wines 2022 Albariño, Yakima Valley, $22
Washington
Long Shadows Vintners 2022 Julia’s Dazzle Rosé, Columbia Valley $20
Best Buy! A perennial favorite, this dry rosé of Pinot Gris is made in the Provençal style and set the standard in the Northwest for this Burgundian variety. Long Shadows founder, the late Allen Shoup, named this for his granddaughter, and winemaker Gilles Nicault — who trained in Provence — makes it beautiful vintage after vintage. Light and refreshing aromas of lime, white … [Read more...] about Long Shadows Vintners 2022 Julia’s Dazzle Rosé, Columbia Valley $20
Mosquito Fleet Winery 2020 SS Crest Cabernet Franc, Rattlesnake Hills, $38
A decade ago, Dr. Brian Petersen used acclaimed Rattlesnake Hills site Elephant Mountain to earn high scores from critics for his Cabernet Franc. In recent years, he shifted about 10 miles southeast as the crow flies into Dineen Vineyard — another storied higher-elevation site for Bordeaux varieties in the Yakima Valley. That certified sustainable planting helped him to triple … [Read more...] about Mosquito Fleet Winery 2020 SS Crest Cabernet Franc, Rattlesnake Hills, $38
Boomtown by Dusted Valley 2021 Chardonnay, Washington State, $18.99
Best Buy! On occasion, Corey Braunel and Chad Johnson will work on their Boomtown wines in Walla Walla, that's case with this Chardonnay, which they've historically sourced from sites including The Cliffs Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills near McNary Dam and Two Gun in the Columbia Basin. This is delightfully drinkable and crisp from start to finish, opening with fun aromas of … [Read more...] about Boomtown by Dusted Valley 2021 Chardonnay, Washington State, $18.99
Caprio Cellars 2020 Eleanor Estate Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $68
Owner/winemaker Dennis Murphy established Eleanor Estate Vineyard in 2005, not long after he purchased the land that would later be home to his production facility and tasting room. Those vines named for his grandmother made up nearly a third of this Left Bank-inspired blend. The Hayden Homes executive also owns two vineyards in the prized SeVein project — Octave and Sanitella … [Read more...] about Caprio Cellars 2020 Eleanor Estate Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $68