There's a nice sense of elegance to this Chardonnay, beginning with aromas of dusty pear, lemon, kumquat and banana. A light creaminess shows on the entry to the palate, yet the acidity builds right alongside delicious butterscotch and apricot flavors, backed by pineapple, apricot and lemon zest. Enjoy this at the on-premise Sorrento's Restaurant, where they may suggest chicken … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2010 Estate Chardonnay, Lake Chelan, $19
Washington
Dusted Valley Vintners 2009 Stone Tree Vineyard BFM, Wahluke Slope, $49
There's truth in advertising with this blend of Bordeaux varieties featuring big "freaking" Merlot (41%). Nearly everything about this wine from Tedd Wildman is done on a large scale. The nose brings punches of black licorice, freshly stripped cedar, baked gingersnap cookie, toasted marshmallow, attractive leafiness and a squirt of lime peel. The mouth is big and chewy, yet … [Read more...] about Dusted Valley Vintners 2009 Stone Tree Vineyard BFM, Wahluke Slope, $49
Saviah Cellars 2008 Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, $35
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
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