Some of the Pacific Northwest’s most decorated and highly educated winemakers knew Albariño would thrive in our region. That makes it a bit curious as to why more haven’t followed the lead of brands such as Abacela, Barnard Griffin, Clearwater Canyon Cellars, Coyote Canyon Winery, Maryhill Winery, Palencia Wine Co. and Thurston Wolfe. Of course, the story starts in the … [Read more...] about Top vineyards, leading winemakers help Albariño grow in Northwest
albarino
Michael Florentino Cellars 2020 Albariño, Yakima Valley • $20
Woodinville winemaker Brad Sherman focuses his eponymous brand on Bordeaux varieties, but he and Jared Whelchel work with Italian and Spanish varieties under the Michael Florentino Cellars label. Albariño is an ideal fit and their flair with it is apparent. It all starts with Crawford Vineyards near Prosser, Wash. In the cellar, 75% of the lot is fermented in stainless steel … [Read more...] about Michael Florentino Cellars 2020 Albariño, Yakima Valley • $20
Crayelle Cellars 2021 Albariño, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $25
For years, soft-spoken Ivy League graduate Craig Mitrakul has turned Albariño into gold and best-of-class awards at West Coast wine competitions. A key and constant ingredient has been pixie dust found in famed Evergreen Vineyard, the site managed by Ryan Flanagan and the source of some of the country’s top examples of Riesling. As usual, this example of Albariño brings … [Read more...] about Crayelle Cellars 2021 Albariño, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $25
Coyote Canyon Winery 2021 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Albariño, Horse Heaven Hills • $24
Mike Andrews was a rancher in the Horse Heaven Hills when he graduated from Washington State University. His transition to the wine industry began in 1994 with 20 acres of Cab planted for Columbia Crest. In 2006, he established what are believed to be the first Albariño vines in the state. Since then, he’s earned five Platinum Awards for the white Spanish grape, and he may have … [Read more...] about Coyote Canyon Winery 2021 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Albariño, Horse Heaven Hills • $24
Barnard Griffin Winery 2021 Albariño, Columbia Valley • $25
Next-gen winemaker Megan Hughes spearheads the white wine program at her family’s Barnard Griffin Winery, and her work here with Albariño adds more acclaim for Crawford Vineyard, a relatively cool site along the Roza in the Yakima Valley near Prosser. There’s no oak involved in the winemaking, which keeps the spotlight on the blend of green apple, lime, peach and tropical notes … [Read more...] about Barnard Griffin Winery 2021 Albariño, Columbia Valley • $25