Rick Small and Kevin Mott continue to lead the trend and champion the cause for food-friendly, refined Chardonnay in the Pacific Northwest. In the 2014 vintage, there’s a significant increase in the percentage of clone 108 estate fruit (49%), but widely acclaimed Celilo Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge and its Wente clonal selection still takes a narrow lead (51%). They have … [Read more...] about Woodward Canyon 2014 Chardonnay, Washington, $44
Washington
Diversion Wine 2014 Merlot, Washington, $15
Best Buy! Seattle negoçiant Damian Davis worked with veteran Columbia Valley winemaker Katy Michaud and Milbrandt-owned Wahluke Wine Co., on this Merlot bottling that received a substantial boost from Petit Verdot (22%). The beautiful nose ushers out hints of vanilla bean, black cherry and sweet blueberry with rose petal. On the attack, there’s a mouthfilling rush akin black … [Read more...] about Diversion Wine 2014 Merlot, Washington, $15
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2015 The Expedition Rosé, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Walla Walla Valley winemaker Bill Murray continues to champion the cause for showcasing the virtues of Rhône varieties in rosé. As Precept’s director of Idaho winemaking, he has supported Meredith Smith’s stunning pink program at Sawtooth, starting with Cinsault from 2013 and recently Grenache. For his latest release at Canoe Ridge Vineyard, Murray led with Grenache … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2015 The Expedition Rosé, Columbia Valley, $15
Aluvé 2012 Primo Volo, Walla Walla Valley, $48
J.J. and Kelly Menozzi moved to the Walla Walla Valley after each served in the Air Force for two decades as pilots, and they have launched their new winery and vineyard they've planted near Mill Creek. Their debut release is this Left Bank-inspired blend that’s heavy on Cabernet Sauvignon (79%) from two nearby vineyards - Wild Rose and Yellow Bird - and they’ve named it for … [Read more...] about Aluvé 2012 Primo Volo, Walla Walla Valley, $48
Secret Squirrel 2012 Red Wine, Red Mountain, $30
There’s more and more delicious juice produced in the Northwest because of advancements in viticulture, the current string of warm vintages and the anticipated growing demand. As a result, more wineries are creating second labels or sister brands to appropriately present the wines that don’t line up with a particular program. Secret Squirrel is the young and fun vehicle for … [Read more...] about Secret Squirrel 2012 Red Wine, Red Mountain, $30