Winemaker Garrett Grubbs has been instrumental in putting this Leavenworth winery on the map, thanks to his deft touch with seemingly every red variety. This elegant and classic Cabernet Franc is loaded with aromas and flavors, starting with notes of toast, mocha, wheat Chex and cherry. On the palate, flavors of pomegranate, cranberry and cherry cola meld with notes of coffee … [Read more...] about Plain Cellars 2013 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $28
Washington
Chelan Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan, $25
One of the few places in Washington where Pinot Noir has the opportunity to be successful is along the shores of Lake Chelan. Thanks to the region’s somewhat higher elevation and the lake’s tempering effect, Pinot Noir has the ability to ripen slowly without a lot of sugar accumulation. This is a lovely example with delicate aromas of violet, red cherry and toffee, followed by … [Read more...] about Chelan Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan, $25
Lost River Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $18
Winemaker John Morgan brought in his Chardonnay grapes from Wallula Vineyard in the eastern Horse Heaven Hills, one of the top plantings in Washington. The vineyard is on dramatic benches that stretch all the way down to the Columbia River. This stylish wine opens with aromas of lemon zest, Asian pear and lime juice, followed by flavors of Bartlett pear, bright citrus and a … [Read more...] about Lost River Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $18
Airfield Estates 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $15
Best Buy! Marcus Miller spearheads the wine production for this fourth-generation farming family in the Yakima Valley near the town of Prosser, and he expertly managed a historically hot vintage, pulling his Sauvignon Blanc in time to preserve the all-important food-friendly acidity in this white Bordeaux variety. Aromas of Uncola, white peach, starfruit and fresh-mowed grass … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $15
Gordon Estate 2013 Block 3 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $30
Jeff and Vicki Gordon established their Kamiak Vineyard north of Pasco, Wash., starting in 1980, and it ranks as the state’s oldest estate winery devoted entirely to family fruit. Two winemakers have their fingerprints on this reserve-style Merlot, first Tim Henley, now at Jones of Washington, then Tyler Tennyson, now at Dunham Cellars. The barrel program of 22 months in 40% … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate 2013 Block 3 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $30