Browne Family Vineyards is a high-end label for Andrew Browne, CEO of Precept Wine in Seattle. This elegant Chardonnay offers aromas of oak, butter and lemon, followed by flavors of dried pineapple, butterscotch, toast, ghee and a bite of lemon on the finish. Enjoy this with baked chicken or oysters. Rating: Recommended Production: 348 cases Alcohol: 13.9% Website … [Read more...] about Browne Family Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $30
Washington
Airfield Estates 2012 Flygirl White, Yakima Valley, $15
Best Buy! This delicious and refreshing blend of Pinot Gris (47%), Viognier (34%), Semillon (17%) and Marsanne comes from estate grapes north of the Yakima Valley town of Prosser. It opens with alluring aromas of lavender, jasmine, lime, fresh linen and vanilla, followed by bright flavors of pear, quince and lemon. It's all backed by piercing acidity. Serve this with light … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2012 Flygirl White, Yakima Valley, $15
L’Ecole No. 41 2012 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Few are as dedicated to the noble Chenin Blanc as L'Ecole's Marty Clubb. This longtime Walla Walla Valley winery has produced a Chenin since 1987. This vintage uses grapes from four vineyards in three appellations. It opens with aromas of grass, lime, apple blossom and pear, followed by refreshing flavors of white peach, Asian pear and Waldorf salad. Clean, bright … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2012 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $15
Harbinger Winery 2009 El Jefe, Rattlesnake Hills, $27
Owner/winemaker Sara Gagnon is a Port Angeles, Wash., native who returned more than a decade ago to make wine at Olympic Cellars. She opened Harbinger a few years ago and is the northwestern-most winery in the continental United States. This Rhône blend blend of Syrah (62%), Mourvedre (25%) and Grenache opens with aromas of sarsaparilla, vanilla extract, black cherry and black … [Read more...] about Harbinger Winery 2009 El Jefe, Rattlesnake Hills, $27
Andrew Will Winery 2011 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $25
Owner/winemaker Chris Camarda has gravitated toward red blends for the past decade, but he could not resist putting Cabernet Franc in the spotlight with this delicious and reasonably priced wine. It opens with aromas of Italian seasonings, cherry, crushed leaf and red plum, followed by flavors of dark chocolate, cherry, plum and sage. It's a classic Washington Cab Franc with … [Read more...] about Andrew Will Winery 2011 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $25