This Wenatchee Valley winery reached into famed Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes region for this refined, elegant Chardonnay. It shows an enticing slip of oak and a delicate flash of fleshy lemon, then the lemon slides into a subtle melon cleavage on the palate. A whisper of acid and an elegant layer of minerality at the end suggest the careful sipper can find even more … [Read more...] about Wedge Mountain Winery 2014 Evergreen Vineyard Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $23
Washington
Barrister Winery 2013 Seven Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $37
Spokane attorneys Greg Lipsker and Michael White subpoenaed Cabernet Sauvignon from Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley, then had winemaker Tyler Walters crush them into a blend with Petit Verdot (2.5%) from Bacchus Vineyard and Merlot (2.5%) from Artz Vineyard. The result is a bountiful blend of black and blue fruit aromas and flavors that linger long on the palate … [Read more...] about Barrister Winery 2013 Seven Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $37
Desert Wind Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $18
The Fries family of Duck Pond Cellars fame in Oregon, also owns Desert Wind Winery in the Yakima Valley town of Prosser. While the listed American Viticultural Area is defined as "Washington," the fine print reveals the grapes came from the Wahluke Slope, where the family also grows grapes. The result is an elegant drink that shows off aromas and flavors of blackberry, black … [Read more...] about Desert Wind Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $18
Ledger David Cellars 2013 Cabernet Franc, Rogue Valley, $29
Based deep in Southern Oregon, this winery is gaining a reputation as a top Rogue Valley producer. It used estate grapes planted nearly a decade ago to craft a superb example of Cabernet Franc. Aromas of mild oak, vanilla and Bing cherry lead to flavors of dried herbs, blueberry and a hint of cocoa powder. Everything is backed by remarkable acidity and mild tannins - making … [Read more...] about Ledger David Cellars 2013 Cabernet Franc, Rogue Valley, $29
Armstrong Family Winery 2013 The Scotsman Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $32
Perhaps the best region in the Pacific Northwest for a winemaker to develop an Aussie-style Shiraz would be Washington’s Wahluke Slope. Woodinville boutique producer Tim Armstrong goes into Riverbend Vineyard and pays homage to James Busby, the Scot credited with first establishing vineyards Down Under in the 1830s. Armstrong’s approach includes the favoring of American oak … [Read more...] about Armstrong Family Winery 2013 The Scotsman Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $32