Best Buy! Victor Palencia, the winemaking talent behind Jones of Washington — Wine Press Northwest’s 2012 Washington Winery of the Year — is branching out in some fascinating ways. Later this summer, he’s opening his own winery in Walla Walla, but earlier this year he began his keg program for Northwest restaurants. The Prosser High product makes some of the best Riesling in … [Read more...] about Palencia Wine Co., Selección Series 2011 Blanco Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $9
Washington
Pondera Winery 2009 Prima Donna, Columbia Valley, $42
Shane Howard works in Woodinville, Wash., with small lots from some of the state’s top vineyards, and he deems this Merlot-led blend as his finest wine. He’s made some stunning reds since his first release in 2005, and this is certainly in the discussion. This dark purple fluid carries classic aromas of blackberry, black currant, Baker’s chocolate, cedar and Italian herbs. The … [Read more...] about Pondera Winery 2009 Prima Donna, Columbia Valley, $42
Columbia Crest 2010 H3 Les Chevaux, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Best Buy! Juan Muñoz Oca earned his promotion to Columbia Crest’s head winemaking position by developing reds such as this stunningly balanced and elegant blend — regardless of the price. Named for the French word for “the horses,” Merlot (80%) dominates the formula, and the use of 33% new oak gives this chocolaty and toasty aromas and flavors that join blackberry, black … [Read more...] about Columbia Crest 2010 H3 Les Chevaux, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2011 Ryan’s Riesling, Columbia Valley, $10
Best Buy! Jeremy Santo of Wahluke Wine Co., makes the wine for the Flanagan family, and this off-dry Riesling continues to pick up honors. The nose flashes hints of white peach, apricot, baked apple and slate, setting the stage for a nearly seamless transition. There’s a thin trail of pie cherry juice and orange acidity to balance the residual sugar of 2.4%. It’s widely … [Read more...] about Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2011 Ryan’s Riesling, Columbia Valley, $10
William Church Winery 2012 Viognier, Yakima Valley, $23
Viognier has been a bit of a specialty for this Woodinville, Wash., winery, which has won a coveted Platinum medal for its 2008 and 2010 vintages. This delicious example opens with aromas of pineapple, pear and Gala apple, followed by fruit-driven flavors of orange cream and Golden Delicious apple. Pair this with halibut topped with mango salsa. Rating: … [Read more...] about William Church Winery 2012 Viognier, Yakima Valley, $23