Two of the Yakima Valley’s premier vineyards — Boushey (60%) and Red Willow (40%) — come together in the hands of Woodinville winemaker Chris Peterson for this brisk, crisp yet approachable Sauvignon Blanc. His winemaking incorporates seven months of surlie aging in mostly neutral French oak barrels with juice from concrete egg (15%), an approach that removes any meow. The nose … [Read more...] about Avennia 2015 Oliane Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $28
Washington
Eufloria by Pacific Rim Winemakers NV Aromatic Rosé, Washington, $11
Best Buy! Created in a blush style, this might not hold as much appeal to those who seek out rosés inspired by Provence, but Pacific Rim in Washington’s Columbia Valley offers this pink quaffer that serves as a fruity introduction for those just becoming interested in wine. It’s built almost entirely upon aromatic white varieties — Riesling (54%), Muscat (30%) and … [Read more...] about Eufloria by Pacific Rim Winemakers NV Aromatic Rosé, Washington, $11
Boomtown by Dusted Valley 2014 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $19
One of Washington state’s most consistently outstanding examples of Syrah — regardless of the price — is Boomtown by Dusted Valley Vintners. This latest release marked the debut vintage of Griffin Frey, whose oversight for brothers-in-law Corey Braunel and Chad Johnson involves the continued collaboration on this brand with Wahluke Wine Company. Gorgeous aromas of blueberry, … [Read more...] about Boomtown by Dusted Valley 2014 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $19
Cadaretta 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $50
Walla Walla winemaker Brian Rudin, now with famed Duckhorn, handed this project off to Kendall Mix, a veteran of more than 20 vintages in Washington state alone. The winemaking transition appears as seamless as the wine. Four respected sites for Cab — Obelisco, Red Mountain Vineyard, Alder Ridge in the Horse Heaven Hills and Heather Hill in the Walla Walla Valley — received … [Read more...] about Cadaretta 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $50
L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sèmillon, Columbia Valley, $21
It can be argued that the little schoolhouse near Walla Walla is the leader in Washington for its work with this white Bordeaux grape, and Mike Sharon’s latest collaboration with Stillwater Creek viticulturist Ed Keely on Sèmillon is predictably stunning. Charming aromas of starfruit, Lemonhead candy, marshmallow cream and smoked lemon pepper lead to a lemony and delicious … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sèmillon, Columbia Valley, $21