McClellan Vineyard figured into a number of the top wines from Wine Press Northwest's 2009 "Bordeaux Gems" judging. Fruit of that quality in the hands of someone as talented at Richard Funk produces something as marvelous as this. He invested 100% new French oak barrels into this, which helps account for dense aromas of Marionberry, blueberry, white chocolate and vanilla. The … [Read more...] about Saviah Cellars 2008 Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, $35
Washington
Waterbrook Winery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! This large-production, historic winery in Walla Walla produces a fruit-forward, yet bone-dry Sauvignon Blanc that should pair quite well with ceviche. The nose leads with bake pears, lemon custard, pineapple, honeydew melon, gooseberry and chalkboard dust. Lime and gooseberry lead the flavor profile, finished with more lemon and some lemongrass. Rating: … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $12
SuLei Cellars 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $18
Walla Walla Valley vintner Tanya Woodley, winemaker of Wine Press Northwest’s 2012 Washington Winery to Watch, produces a rather fascinating version of Sauvignon Blanc using grapes from Spring Creek Vineyard near Benton City, Wash. It brings a tropical nose featuring fresh-peel lychee, backed by grassiness and a hint of tomcat. The tropical and herbal complexity continues … [Read more...] about SuLei Cellars 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $18
Pondera Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $28
This small-production winery in Woodinville, Wash., launched with the 2005 vintage, and winemaker Shane Howard has produced one superb wine after another. For this delicious Cabernet Franc, he turned to Dineen Vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills, adding 5% Merlot into the final blend. It opens with alluring aromas of boysenberry, mint, cedar, black tea and fresh-from-the-oven … [Read more...] about Pondera Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $28