Best Buy! Otis Harlan created this vineyard back in 1957, making the Rattlesnake Hills planting one of the state's most historic sites. The late David Lake brought fame to Otis Vineyard while at Columbia Winery for his work with the fan-trained Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and this Puget Sound winery reached in Oct. 3 to produce a delicious Chardonnay. There's no oak involved, … [Read more...] about San Juan Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $14
Washington
Harbinger Winery 2009 Rapture Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $28
Cabernet Franc is beginning to get the respect of wine lovers and winemakers alike. It is a red Bordeaux variety that often is relegated to blending, but we are seeing more and more standing alone. This example from a winery west of Port Angeles, Wash., opens with classic aromas of black cherry, cola and sage, followed by flavors of pomegranate, Bing cherry and plum. It's all … [Read more...] about Harbinger Winery 2009 Rapture Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $28
Grantwood Winery 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $24
This young Walla Walla Valley winery is producing delicious wines at fair prices. It uses grapes from famed Seven Hills Vineyard for this tasty Cabernet Sauvignon, which offers aromas of black cherry cola, black olive, black pepper, currant and cocoa powder. On the palate, it shows off elegant flavors of cherry, plum, olive and sweet herb. It's fairly hedonistic with rich, … [Read more...] about Grantwood Winery 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $24
Harbinger Winery NV La Petite Fleur Dynamo White, Washington, $15
Best Buy! This is a tasty blend of Chardonnay (43%), Pinot Gris (37%) and Riesling from a small producer west of Port Angeles, Wash. This opens with aromas of baked pear, apple and pear, followed by flavors of sage and orchard fruit. This is an easy-drinking white that will pair well with a plate of linguine topped with Alfredo sauce. Rating: Recommended Production: 360 … [Read more...] about Harbinger Winery NV La Petite Fleur Dynamo White, Washington, $15
Andrew Will Winery 2010 Two Blondes Vineyard, Yakima Valley, $52
Named for Chris Camarda's late wife (who was blonde) and one of their vineyard partners (who also is blonde), this is an estate vineyard near Zillah in the northern Yakima Valley. This blend leads with Merlot (43%), followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Malbec. It opens with aromas of lilac, black cherry, blackberry and pomegranate, followed by flavors … [Read more...] about Andrew Will Winery 2010 Two Blondes Vineyard, Yakima Valley, $52