In terms of their carbon footprint, the Isenhowers take a road less traveled than most wineries in the Pacific Northwest with their long list of sustainable approaches in and around their Walla Walla, Wash., winery. For this Cabernet Franc, they relied on clone 214 fruit from Dineen Vineyard with a bit of Olsen Ranch (14%) included. Toasty aromas include black raspberry, … [Read more...] about Isenhower Cellars 2014 Road Less Traveled Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $34
Washington
Coyote Canyon Winery 2012 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Tres Cruces Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills, $25
One of the most delicious trends in the Pacific Northwest wine industry is the growth of GSM-style offerings — bottlings using Rhône Valley varieties Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. John Gabriel’s final vintage as winemaker for owner/grower Mike Andrews produced this blend that leads with Syrah (42%), and the barrel program leads to deep and smoky aromas of toast, roasted coffee … [Read more...] about Coyote Canyon Winery 2012 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Tres Cruces Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills, $25
Amavi Cellars 2015 Estate Sémillon, Walla Walla Valley, $24
The Walla Walla Valley deserves more acclaim as a growing region for white wines, and Jean-François Pellet adds more evidence at the sister property of Pepper Bridge. Three estate vineyards — Les Collines (57%), Goff (28%) and Seven Hills - all were picked before Labor Day for this blend with Sauvignon Blanc (12%). A key factor is the complete devotion to neutral French oak … [Read more...] about Amavi Cellars 2015 Estate Sémillon, Walla Walla Valley, $24
Martinez and Martinez 2015 Tudor Hills Vineyard Pinot Grigio, Yakima Valley, $17
The Martinez family launched their winery in 2005 using estate fruit from the Horse Heaven Hills, but here Andrew Martinez furthers his work with Tudor family grapes. (Andrew’s GM/wife is Monica Tudor-Martinez.) Festive and fruity aromas of peach, pear and pineapple include hints of tutti frutti, cotton candy and jasmine. On the palate, it’s filled with flavors of Ambrosia … [Read more...] about Martinez and Martinez 2015 Tudor Hills Vineyard Pinot Grigio, Yakima Valley, $17
Cadaretta 2015 sbs, Columbia Valley, $23
There’s continued interest in Washington with bottlings of white Bordeaux blends, and Walla Walla winemaker Kendall Mix leans heavily on Frenchman Hills Vineyard near Royal City for the Sauvignon Blanc in this blend with Sèmillon (11%). A record-early harvest of Aug. 20 set the table for its theme of gooseberry, starfruit and Juicy Fruit Gum aromas that are joined by a sprig of … [Read more...] about Cadaretta 2015 sbs, Columbia Valley, $23