College Cellars graduate Tanya Woodley continues her success with this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) and Syrah named for Beet Road near Milton-Freewater, Ore. Graceful use of oak leads to aromas of black raspberry, strawberry shortcake, baking spices and cranberry taffy. Fine-grained tannins make for a remarkable texture on the entry of dark strawberry, Rainier cherry and … [Read more...] about SuLei Cellars 2014 Beet Red, Walla Walla Valley, $30
Washington
Mercer Canyons 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $11
Best Buy! Prosser winemaker Jessica Munnell somehow delivers a reserve Chardonnay at an everyday price, and it starts with vineyards such as Sagemoor, Zephyr Ridge and Sunnyside. An enchanting nose of lemon oil, ripe peach and pear includes hints of clarified butter, light toast, Spanish almond and white pepper. The drink is rich and plush, in part because of the partial barrel … [Read more...] about Mercer Canyons 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $11
Tsillan Cellars 2013 Estate Reserve Syrah, Lake Chelan, $35
Shane Collins continues to show his broad skills, which from crisp, aromatic whites to rich and opulent reds such as this Syrah from Dr. Bob Jankelson’s storied Tuscan-themed estate above the south shore of Lake Chelan. The nose of cocoa powder and molasses features fruit notes of blackberry, blueberry and cherry taffy. Inside, there’s a focused entry of toffee, dark chocolate … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2013 Estate Reserve Syrah, Lake Chelan, $35
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2014 Hahn Hill Vineyard Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, $14
Best Buy! Planted in 1968, Hahn Hill ranks as one of the oldest vineyards in Washington state, which makes it a sacred site for Nicolas Quillè and Steven Sealock of Pacific Rim Winemakers. Fanciful aromas of Ambrosia Salad and marshmallow cream include ripe Fuji apple, gooseberry and lime peel. It’s approach to the palate is delightful, dry and fruity as flavors of peach, pear … [Read more...] about Pacific Rim Winemakers 2014 Hahn Hill Vineyard Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, $14
Plain Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snipes Mountain, $26
Bob Sage launched his Wenatchee Valley winery in 2005, and young winemaker Garrett Grubbs helped bring continued success to Plain Cellars since his arrival in 2012. There’s a perception of light oak behind the abundant fresh pineapple and Okanagan Dried Apple Chips in the nose. Its crisp entry of citrus leads to a creamy mouth feel of butterscotch with tropical flavors. Lemon … [Read more...] about Plain Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snipes Mountain, $26