Best Buy! Rob Griffin shepherded one of Washington’s first highly decorated Chardonnays to an array of honors back in 1977-78 and his 2014 shows he’s only honed his talents over the past four decades. Made from Columbia Valley grapes and bargain priced, its complex nose marshals a line of pear, lime, lemon and apple flavors across the palate, then closes with a lingering nip of … [Read more...] about Barnard Griffin 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14
Washington
Wind Rose Cellars 2015 Pinot Grigio, Yakima Valley, $16
Olympic Peninsula winemaker David Volmut adopts the Italian name for this Burgundian variety, which he sources from Pontin del Roza near Prosser. He styles this for protein found near Dungeness Spit and Puget Sound restaurants. His use of all stainless fermentation creates aromas of mint, kiwi, guava and hint of sachet. Its flavors open with kiwi and pear, backed by a midpalate … [Read more...] about Wind Rose Cellars 2015 Pinot Grigio, Yakima Valley, $16
Auclair Winery 2015 Artz Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Red Mountain, $20
Charlie Auclair uses this Sauvignon Blanc to offer a taste of history - wine using the first commercially harvested vinifera grapes from the earliest crush in Washington history. On Aug. 6, he pulled from the late Fred Artz’s plantings for a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (75%) and Sèmillon, which he sent through a program of 50 percent barrel fermentation. It starts with aromas of … [Read more...] about Auclair Winery 2015 Artz Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Red Mountain, $20
Smasne Cellars 2012 County Line Red, Columbia Valley, $25
Robert Smasne grew up along County Line Road in the Yakima Valley, and so this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (48%), Petit Verdot (21%), Merlot (6%), Carménère (3%) and Cabernet Franc is no afterthought for him. In fact, he traditionally features many of his prized grape sources, Coyote Canyon and Phinny Hill in the Horse Heaven Hills along with Yakima Valley vineyards Upland and … [Read more...] about Smasne Cellars 2012 County Line Red, Columbia Valley, $25
Jones of Washington 2012 Jack’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25
The legacy of the late Jack Jones lives on with this age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, made from his Columbia Basin grapes by the talented Victor Palencia. Classic notes of cassis, boysenberry and pie cherry with tobacco leaf and cigar box aromas from the Cabernet Franc (11%). Dusty cherry and Craisin flavors swirl within firm tannins and pleasing acidity, backed by light … [Read more...] about Jones of Washington 2012 Jack’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25