Best Buy! The Mercer family continues to grow its reach while promoting the Horse Heaven Hills growing region with this second label that’s available across the country in 47 states thanks to its partnership with industry giant Southern Wine and Spirits. Dead Canyon Vineyard and vaunted Spice Cabinet fruit are funneled into an oak program of French and American barrels for 17 … [Read more...] about Mercer Canyons 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $14
Washington
Lone Birch 2015 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $12
Best Buy! One of Washington state’s largest vineyards in the state’s oldest American Viticultural Area continues to produce delicious aromatic whites for the Miller family, and their latest Riesling is a fun one. Tropical aromas mimic Juicy Fruit gum, peach and Mandarin orange with touches of jasmine, spearmint and a whiff of petrol. Inside, its bright entry comes with flavors … [Read more...] about Lone Birch 2015 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $12
Ryan Patrick 2014 Naked Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! Unoaked and unadorned, Ryan Patrick's Naked Chardonnay from Columbia Valley grapes is exactly what a steel Chardonnay should be: crisp, clean pear, lemon and lime elements show off on both the nose and palate, with a Granny Smith underlay and then bright acidity to close. Pair with a delicate wine-poached Dover sole and cilantro garnish. This earned a gold medal at … [Read more...] about Ryan Patrick 2014 Naked Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $12
Mercer Estates Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Jessica Munnell crafted another winner with her 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from estate grapes in the Horse Heaven Hills. Spice, blueberries, late summer blackberries and cassis show off their aromas and flavors in this lush wine, which closes with grippy, sweet tannins. Serve it with a char-grilled steak. This earned a gold medal at the 2016 Cascadia Wine Competition. Rating: … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Rocky Pond Winery 2013 Late Harvest Riesling, Lake Chelan, $24
Using grapes from its estate vineyard on the south shore of Lake Chelan, this young producer has crafted a luscious dessert wine using Riesling. It is a delicious white with aromas and flavors of white blossoms, poached pear and honey. Alluring aromas of purple lavender provide a lovely layer of complexity, and all of the flavor and sweetness are kept in balance with remarkable … [Read more...] about Rocky Pond Winery 2013 Late Harvest Riesling, Lake Chelan, $24