Walla Walla winemakers Tanya Woodley and Elaine Jomwe continue their synergy with Oasis Vineyard near the Yakima Valey town of Prosser. That explains why for the second straight vintage their presentation with Sauvignon Blanc shows classic aromas of gooseberry and Granny Smith apple with fresh-cut celery, dried pineapple and butterscotch candy. On the palate, it’s clean and … [Read more...] about SuLei Cellars 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $18
Washington
Plain Cellars 2014 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $18
Wenatchee Valley viticulturist/winemaker Garrett Grubbs grew these grapes on his vineyard in Entiat, Wash. His six months of aging on the lees in neutral French oak barrels leads to aromas and flavors of Golden Delicious apple, dried pear, clove and slate. It was fermented to dryness, creating a tart finish of lime peel. These wines are available at the winery in Plain as well … [Read more...] about Plain Cellars 2014 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $18
Rocky Pond Winery 2014 Clos Chevalle Vineyard Riesling, Lake Chelan, $19
Ron Bunnell left Napa in 1999 to make red wine Washington, but he continues to show his wide-ranging talents with his work in the emerging Lake Chelan region for the Dufenhorst family. Their Riesling hails from high above the south shore of Lake Chelan in Clos Chevalle Vineyard, a 50-acre site that reaches to 1,600 feet elevation and woven within the tony Bear Mountain golf … [Read more...] about Rocky Pond Winery 2014 Clos Chevalle Vineyard Riesling, Lake Chelan, $19
Tucannon Cellars 2015 Gewürztraminer, Yakima Valley, $18
Red Mountain producers didn't become famous for their work with aromatic whites, but Demoss Road vintner Phil Warren offers this tasty late-harvest style Gewürztraminer along with views of the Yakima River. Aromas of pear butter, Golden Delicious apple, almond extract and honeysuckle include a whiff of petrol. The drink is akin to fruit cocktail in a glass with honeyed … [Read more...] about Tucannon Cellars 2015 Gewürztraminer, Yakima Valley, $18
Basalt Cellars 2013 G • S • M, Columbia Valley, $36
Pharmacist/winemaker Rick Wasem in Clarkston, Wash., shows his knowledge of chemistry with this blend of Grenache (36%) and Mourvèdre (32%) from Gilbert Cellars’ 24K Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope with Syrah not far downstream off Sagemoor’s historic Bacchus Vineyard. Enticing herbal aromas of thyme, California peppercorns and crushed oregano also offer black licorice, raspberry … [Read more...] about Basalt Cellars 2013 G • S • M, Columbia Valley, $36