College Cellars is the working winery at Walla Walla Community College's Center for Enology & Viticulture, and the faculty and students at the college are making some superb wine. Jeff Popick handles the viticulture side, while Tim Donahue is the enology instructor and winemaker. The 2011 vintage was small and cool, and fruit was difficult to come by, which is one reason … [Read more...] about College Cellars 2011 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, $20
Washington
Airfield Estates 2012 Unoaked Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $13
Best Buy! Using estate grapes on the northern edge of the Yakima Valley near Prosser, winemaker Marcus Miller has crafted a delicious tree-free Chardonnay from grapes planted in 1995. It opens with aromas of lemon water, minerality, green apple and a spritz of lime. On the palate, it shows off refreshing flavors of dried mango, pineapple and banana. It's an easy wine to enjoy … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2012 Unoaked Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $13
Martinez & Martinez Winery 2011 Selina Méchelle Orange Muscat, Horse Heaven Hills, $25
The father-son team of Sergio and Andrew Martinez have used Orange Muscat to produce one of the more delicious white Port-style wines you’ll find in the Northwest. The aromas and flavors carry strong tones of baked apple and flán with flecks of orange rind. There’s no mistaking it is fortified, but there’s a delicious texture of custard to the palate. Rating: … [Read more...] about Martinez & Martinez Winery 2011 Selina Méchelle Orange Muscat, Horse Heaven Hills, $25
Cloudlift Cellars 2010 Panorama, Columbia Valley, $26
Tom Stangeland began his love affair with wine as a University of Washington student trying to make ends meet by cooking in restaurants such as Julia’s. Then, he began his career designing high-end furniture. He went back to school two decades later at the Northwest Wine Academy, and he’s earned high marks with his first two vintages. This looms as the finest from his Release … [Read more...] about Cloudlift Cellars 2010 Panorama, Columbia Valley, $26
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Limited Release Cold Creek Red, Columbia Valley, $35
The late Walter Clore urged Chateau Ste. Michelle to plant Cold Creek Vineyard, and the company began to heed his advice in 1973. It’s proven to be one of the top vineyards in the state — and one that almost no outside winemaker has access to. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (51%), Merlot (12%) and Cabernet Franc (7%) is juiced up by Syrah (30%). They combine for a nose of … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Limited Release Cold Creek Red, Columbia Valley, $35