This brisk and steely Pinot Gris from two Prosser, Wash., sites — Willow Crest and Canyon Vineyard Ranch — carries enough gooseberry aromas one might mistake it for a Sauvignon Blanc. Behind that are scents of lemongrass, Golden Delicious apple, honeysuckle and fresh-cut celery. Ripe apple and fresh-squeezed lemon lead the flavors, backed by celery leaf and a scrape of … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2011 Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, $12
Washington
Anelare 2010 Ciel du Cheval Syrah, Red Mountain, $59
Last year, this high-end boutique producer moved its tasting room from the Southridge area of Kennewick, Wash., to the production facility it shares with Cañon de Sol Winery. It also has a tasting room presence in Spokane at Nectar. This is a delicious Syrah from one of Washington's finest and oldest vineyards. In fact, grape grower Jim Holmes was one of the pioneers to first … [Read more...] about Anelare 2010 Ciel du Cheval Syrah, Red Mountain, $59
Pleasant Hill Cellars 2009 Third Renaissance, Columbia Valley, $29
Larry Lindvig is a graduate of the Boeing Wine Club, an amateur winemaking society made up of Boeing employees that, through the years, has sent many winemakers into the professional ranks. Lindvig runs his winery in the Cascade foothills town of Carnation, Wash., and has crafted a delicious red wine that undoubtedly is unique to Pleasant Hill. This is a blend of Lemberger … [Read more...] about Pleasant Hill Cellars 2009 Third Renaissance, Columbia Valley, $29
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2010 Indian Wells Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $17
While the Indian Wells tier of wines now indicates more of a style than terroir, Bob Bertheau takes most of the fruit for this Chardonnay off the warm Wahluke Slope that's home to that vineyard. And while there are lots of tropical aromatics and flavors, it's a classic oak-driven Chardonnay with creamy and buttery notes. The aromas include carmel corn and fresh-cut grass, while … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2010 Indian Wells Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $17
Forsyth Brio 2006 McKinley Springs Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $50
For years, David Forsyth has enjoyed sourcing the Horse Heaven Hills to create some of Washington's best Cabernet Sauvignon for Hogue Cellars and Mercer Estates. This bottling marks the debut of his own boutique label, and he's served up a properly aged red wine for his devotees. There's a tiny tinge of brick to the color, followed by attractive and mature aromas of cordial … [Read more...] about Forsyth Brio 2006 McKinley Springs Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $50