Tunnel Hill is a charming family operation on the southern shore of Lake Chelan. A visit to the tasting room includes a beautiful stone building and soothing water feature. This Syrah jumps out of the glass with classic Côte-Rôtie aromas of cured meat and boysenberry. ON the palate, it is a hedonistic red with flavors of blueberry, black tea, black pepper and ripe plum. It’s … [Read more...] about Tunnel Hill Winery 2014 Syrah, Lake Chelan, $30
Washington
Brender Canyon Vineyard 2012 Merlot, Washington, $28
Warm Springs Inn is a gorgeous B&B with stunning views overlooking the Wenatchee River, and now it has an award-winning winery to go with it. This Merlot is a classic Washington red with aromas of mint, cedar, cherry and forest floor, followed by complex flavors of Rainier cherry, red currant and shaved dark chocolate. This should pair perfectly with grilled or braised … [Read more...] about Brender Canyon Vineyard 2012 Merlot, Washington, $28
Beaumont Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $32
Winemaker Pete Beaumont caught our eye a few years ago with his initial release of red wines, and his talent in the cellar continues to grow. This remarkable Cab Franc unveils aromas of Bing cherry and dried blueberry, followed by elegant flavors of cherry, red currant and loganberry. It’s all balanced with fine-grained tannins that lead to a long, elegant finish. This won gold … [Read more...] about Beaumont Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $32
Plain Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snipes Mountain, $26
This young winery near Leavenworth is best known for its delicious red wines, but it shows its breadth with this delightful and balanced white. Using grapes from tiny Snipes Mountain in the center of the Yakima Valley, this Chardonnay unveils aromas of bosc pear, dried pineapple and freshly cut apple. On the palate, a hint of richness is followed by subtle flavors of apple … [Read more...] about Plain Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snipes Mountain, $26
Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 The Estates Northridge Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $42
Northridge Vineyard on the arid Wahluke Slope is one of Washington’s top vineyard, particularly for Syrah, and that quality shows in this beautiful bottling. Aromas of vanilla, cherry pipe tobacco and cherry jam lead to flavors of Marionberry, Saskatoon berry and pie cherry filling. A delicious wine crafted by head winemaker Josh Maloney and his team. This won gold at the 2016 … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 The Estates Northridge Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $42