Prosser High grad Victor Palencia was part of the first graduating class in Walla Walla Community College’s winemaking program. Before he long, he was working for the Jones family in the Columbia Basin and making stellar wine for them under their Jones of Washington brand in Quincy. That experience has opened the door for Palencia to stunning sources for grapes, and the Ancient … [Read more...] about Palencia Winery 2016 Albariño, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $20
Wine of the Week
Woodward Canyon 2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Walla Walla Valley, $29
Kevin Mott arrived at Woodward Canyon in 2003, which coincides with the earliest examples of Sauvignon Blanc produced by founding winemaker Rick Small. This vintage marked the 13th for this white Bordeaux grape grown on the family’s Salmon Safe vineyard in Walla Walla County, and four clones of Sauvignon Blanc went into this Sept. 1 harvest of 3.4 tons at 22 Brix. Stylish use … [Read more...] about Woodward Canyon 2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Walla Walla Valley, $29
Alloro Vineyard 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $35
Owner/grower David Nemarnik grew up tightly connected to his family’s Portland produce company, and he lives and now farms the 78 acres he came upon in the Chehalem Mountains while cycling. The devotion to his second career is unquestioned, and the wines developed by Tom Fitzpatrick took Nemarnik’s brand to the next level soon upon his arrival in 2010. While they grow six … [Read more...] about Alloro Vineyard 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $35
Leah Jørgensen Cellars 2015 Tour Rain Vin Rouge, Oregon, $25
Portland urban winemaker Leah Jørgensen continues to further the cause for "Loiregon," and she works closely with State of Jefferson grower Herb Quady in Oregon’s Applegate Valley to continue her success with Cabernet Franc. Tour Rain, inspired by the Touraine blends of France’s Loire Valley, is her flagship bottling, a blend of Cab Franc (60%) and Gamay Noir from Havlin … [Read more...] about Leah Jørgensen Cellars 2015 Tour Rain Vin Rouge, Oregon, $25
Mosquito Fleet Winery 2013 Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $29
Kitsap Peninsula winemaker Brian Petersen showcases how marvelous Malbec can be from Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills with this bottling from the warm 2013 vintage. His 22-month barrel program of 40% new French oak begins with a year of surlie aging. That extraction leads deep aromas and flavors of black currant, black cherry, nutmeg and tobacco leaf. Impeccable balance hints at … [Read more...] about Mosquito Fleet Winery 2013 Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $29