Washington

Country: US / Grenache Variety: Rosé Washington Winery: Browne Family Vineyards / Columbia Valley (WA) This wine is a very pale peach color. Aromas of strawberry candy, watermelon and citrus peel lead to light dry-fruit flavors. The concentration seems a bit lacking.

Country: US / Melange Founder’s White Blend Variety: White Blend Washington Winery: Waterbrook / Columbia Valley (WA) Vibrant aromas of pineapple, flowers, peach and lychee lead to an palate that leans sweeter than off dry. Stone-fruit flavors linger on the finish.

Country: US / Rosé Wine Variety: Sangiovese Washington Winery: Vital / Walla Walla Valley (WA) There’s just a trace of color on this wine. Light aromas of citrus and herb are followed by dry-fruit flavors. The concentration seems quite dilute.

Country: US / Variety: Merlot Washington Winery: Hogue / Columbia Valley (WA) The plum, herb and spice aromas are elusive. The cherry flavors are light but come straight down the fairway. One wants more concentration, but it delivers easy-drinking pleasure.

Country: US / Reserve Variety: Merlot Washington Winery: Hogue / Columbia Valley (WA) The aromas seem quite dried out, with notes of blackberry bramble and fruit leather. The flavors also seem considerably more evolved than its age. It’s a big miss.

Country: US / Trine Variety: Bordeaux-style Red Blend Washington Winery: Pepper Bridge / Walla Walla Valley (WA) This is the first offering of this wine where Cabernet Franc (37%) takes the lead, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Merlot (23%), Malbec (7%) and Petit Verdot. It’s drinking young now, with wound-up herbs, cherry, chocolate and cranberry […]

Country: US / Variety: Chardonnay Washington Winery: Foundry Vineyards / Columbia Gorge (WA) Aromas of mineral, burnt toast, talc and spice are lighter in style. Flavors show elegance and delicacy, with citrus notes lingering on the finish.

Country: US / Mr. Owl’s Variety: Red Blend Washington Winery: Reininger / Walla Walla Valley (WA) Aromas of Bing cherry, herbs, earth and exotic spices tussle a bit on this blend of Sangiovese (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Merlot and Syrah from Seven Hills and Stillwater Creek vineyards. Flavors are generous yet reserved, with a seamless […]

Country: US / Stillwater Creek Vineyard Variety: Viognier Washington Winery: Novelty Hill / Columbia Valley (WA) Aromas of pear, honeysuckle, cream and peach rise up from the glass. This is lightly creamy in feel, with elegantly styled but well-balanced fruit flavors that linger.

Country: US / Variety: Rosé Washington Winery: Julia’s Dazzle / Horse Heaven Hills This gris-de-gris-style wine is a pretty, pale salmon color. Aromas of cherry, watermelon and mineral lead to lightly spritzy, slightly off-dry fruit flavors and a fresh, drawn-out finish.

Country: US / Sagemoor Vineyards Variety: Sauvignon Blanc Washington Winery: Januik / Columbia Valley (WA) This wine is more a Bordeaux Blanc with Sémillon (15%) playing a prominent role. It leads with aromas of custard, barrel spices, pear and fig followed by lighter-styled fruit flavors. The concentration isn’t all there but the balance of what […]

Country: US / Katie Mae White Table Wine Variety: White Blend Washington Winery: Kana / Yakima Valley This bottling changes dramatically from year to year; here it is 100% Riesling rather than a blended white. A little sweet and a little sweaty, it falls flat on the palate, leaving you wondering why a wine barely […]