This emerging Central Washington winery recently opened tasting rooms in Woodinville and Chelan, and this highly aromatic blend of Gewürztraminer (50%), Viognier (33%) and Riesling comes off their estate vineyard overlooking Lake Chelan. Its beautiful nose of Ambrosia salad comes with hints of Circus Peanut candy and lovely Gewürz spice. That influence of Viognier, fermented in … [Read more...] about Rocky Pond Winery 2014 Clos Chevalle Vineyard Glacial Treasure White Wine, Lake Chelan, $17
Washington
Auclair Winery 2013 Artz Vineyard Left Blend Red Wine, Red Mountain, $48
The late Fred Artz was a key figure in the development of vineyards on Red Mountain, and Woodinville boutique winemaker Charlie Auclair continues to pay homage with this Bordeaux blend that’s heavy on Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) and new French oak (75%). Aromas of red cherry and cassis are joined by California red peppercorn, cinnamon bark and a pinch of dried herbs. It turns a … [Read more...] about Auclair Winery 2013 Artz Vineyard Left Blend Red Wine, Red Mountain, $48
Browne Family Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $35
A product of two Yakima Valley sites - Precept Wine’s estate Canyon Vineyard Ranch and the Corliss-owned Blackrock Vineyard - John Freeman pulled from this warm vintage aromas of smoky blueberry, inviting herbal tones and a big puff of chalkboard dusty. There’s less herbaceousness at play on the palate, which is broadly framed by chocolate-covered pomegranate, blueberry skins … [Read more...] about Browne Family Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $35
Smasne Cellars 2012 Verhey Vineyard Malbec, Yakima Valley, $28
Prosser winemaker Robert Smasne continues to do a delicious job both as an ambassador for Malbec and Dave Verhey’s 2001 planting of the lesser-known Bordeaux grape near Union Gap, Wash. This represents one of Smasne’s larger bottlings, and it opens with aromas of dusty blueberry, black cherry, light toast and cracked black peppercorns. The palate funnels in racy flavors of … [Read more...] about Smasne Cellars 2012 Verhey Vineyard Malbec, Yakima Valley, $28
Avennia 2013 Sestina Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $65
Impeccable and storied vineyards in Washington state history such as Red Willow and Sagemoor Farms’ Bacchus and Dionysus present Woodinville vintner Chris Peterson all he needs for this Meritage-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (73%), Merlot (18%) and Cabernet Franc. The investment of time and finances in 70 percent new French oak for 21 months exudes aromas of light caramel, … [Read more...] about Avennia 2013 Sestina Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $65