The Isenhowers often see themselves as jugglers with having to manage winemaking, entrepreneurialism and raising three daughters, so they’ve adopted a medieval term for a juggler as a proprietary name for their Petit Verdot. This work with Dionysus Block 13 Petit Verdot shows some magic, too, because its richness and juicy profile is more approachable than most standalone … [Read more...] about Isenhower Cellars 2013 Jongleur Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley, $34
Washington
Baer Winery 2015 Shard White Wine, Columbia Valley, $25
Sept. 2 marked the earliest harvest at Stillwater Creek Vineyard by this Woodinville winery for its Chardonnay, and the stainless steel angle makes for a bright Chardonnay that screams for oysters. Aromas of Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear, Key Lime Pie and slate are matched on the palate with mouthwatering acidity. The surlie aging adds to the mouth feel, and a sliver of … [Read more...] about Baer Winery 2015 Shard White Wine, Columbia Valley, $25
Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2013 Northridge Vineyard Reserve Grenache, Wahluke Slope, $35
This late-ripening red grape native to the Rhône Valley has no trouble finishing up on the Wahluke Slope, one of the hottest growing regions in Washington wine country. Jeremy Santo, a native of Prosser and product of Washington State University, pulled the trigger Oct. 28 on this lot from Milbrandt-owned Northridge Vineyard. Ripeness achieved 26.5 Brix, and after seven days in … [Read more...] about Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2013 Northridge Vineyard Reserve Grenache, Wahluke Slope, $35
Columbia Winery 2013 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! Stainless steel fermentation with a bit of oak and eight months on the lees results in this fruity, butterscotchy and refreshing Chardonnay from historic Columbia Winery. Aromas also include Bosc pear, Jonagold apple and a hint of sweetened lemon, which come through on the dry and crisp palate. Touches of melon, hazelnut and pineapple add complexity. The Woodinville … [Read more...] about Columbia Winery 2013 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14
Ross Andrew Winery 2015 Celilo Vineyard Pinot Gris, Columbia Gorge, $21
One of the Pacific Northwest’s top sites for crisp whites is Celilo Vineyard, a prized high-elevation site in Columbia Gorge near the town of Underwood, Wash. Most of this lot came from a Pinot Gris block planted in 1975, harvested at 22 Brix on Oct. 6 at nearly 1,400 feet elevation. Ross Andrew Mickel’s winemaking allows for a fascinating theme of both tropical and citrus … [Read more...] about Ross Andrew Winery 2015 Celilo Vineyard Pinot Gris, Columbia Gorge, $21