Tudor Hills Vineyards in the Yakima Valley seems to be an ideal site for cool-climate whites, particularly in the hands of nearby winemaker Andrew Martinez. These grapes hail from his wife Monica’s side of the family, and the wine carries a theme of Rose’s Lime Juice, pineapple and Lemonhead candy. Ample acidity applies some bite to the finish. There’s a touch of residual sugar … [Read more...] about Martinez and Martinez 2015 Tudor Hills Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $18
Washington
Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Evergreen Vineyard Traditions Sweet Katherine White Wine, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $13
Best Buy! Two decades ago, 1997, the Milbrandts began to establish their vineyards along the Wahluke Slope and the Ancient Lakes. Evergreen Vineyard is arguably their most prized planting, and the Milbrandt brothers named this off-dry Riesling for their late mother — Katherine Leone Milbrandt. Few Rieslings from famed Evergreen are made in a sweet style, but this one is … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Evergreen Vineyard Traditions Sweet Katherine White Wine, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $13
Chateau Ste Michelle 2015 Indian Wells Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $18
Interest in Chardonnay continues to grow, and Chateau Ste. Michelle is proceeding accordingly by increasing production by 6,000 cases of its pleasing, oak-influenced Indian Wells tier that relies on Wahluke Slope grapes. It is indeed luscious, yet fruity and balanced after six months of barrel aging. White winemaker David Rosenthal dialed down the new wood involved from 35% to … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste Michelle 2015 Indian Wells Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $18
Owen Roe 2014 Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $28
Behind most Owen Roe wines is a fascinating story shared by Yakima Valley grower/winemaker David O'Reilly. In this case, there are two historical references, starting with Drumlane Abbey on the label. The O'Reilly clan controlled land near the abbey in the 17th century until the Irish Rebellion of 1641. And sadly, Owen Roe O'Neill died at the abbey in 1649 while battling … [Read more...] about Owen Roe 2014 Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $28
Pepper Bridge Winery 2013 Trine Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $65
Three branches of ownership are behind this family-owned winery and vineyard project in the Walla Walla Valley that’s been together for two decades. This marks the sixth vintage for their Meritage-style bottling from their three vineyards - Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and Octave. And a year after pushing Cabernet Franc to the lead in the 2012 Trine, Jean-François Pellet returns … [Read more...] about Pepper Bridge Winery 2013 Trine Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $65