In tough times, we continue the search for inexpensive wines. More Five Under Fifteen here.

Townshend Cellars is located in Spokane. The winery produced its first vintage in 1998. The winery is a family affair run by father Don Townshend and sons Michael, and Brendon

Kyra Wines is the work of Kyra and Bruce Baerlocher. The Baerlocher’s main focus is wine grape growing, although they also produce small lots of wine.

Charles Smith Wines is a venture of Charles Smith of K Vintners (the “artisan winery”) and Magnificent Wine Company (“wine for the people”). Smith calls Charles Smith Wines his “Modernist project.” The Velvet Devil replaces the Holy Cow Merlot.

Hogue Cellars is owner by Vincor International, a Canadian company whose portfolio also includesRobert Mondavi. The winery was founded by Mike and Gary Hogue in 1982 and is located in Prosser. Jordan Ferrier serves as winemaker. Hogue is one of the largest wineries in the state producing over 450,000 cases annually.

Could summer be far away with three white wines sampled this month? Both the Townshend Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc are excellent values and are recommended.


Wines:
Score

 Name

 Notes

 $

+

 Townshend Viognier Columbia Valley 2007

 Explodes with white peaches, honey, and mineral aromas. A very pleasant, easy drinking wine. 100% Viognier. 100% stainless steel fermented and aged. Willard Family Vineyard, Yakima Valley. 13.2% alcohol. Recommended. Purchased from Fremont Wine Warehouse for $10.96.

 $12

+

 Townshend Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2006

A pleasing nose with lychee, honeysuckle, and white grapefruit. Very dry and full of mineral tastes. An excellent wine to pair with seafood. 13.6% alcohol. Recommended. Purchased from Fremont Wine Warehouse for $10.96.

 $12

+

 Kyra Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley 2007

An enjoyable wine with apricot and floral notes on the nose and taste. Sweet with a viscous feel from the residual sugar (1.5%). Purchased from Poco Wine Room.

 $12

.

 Charles Smith Wines The Velvet Devil Merlot Washington State 2007

Loaded with oak aromas, notably vanilla and spice. Silky, oak dominated flavors. Simple but enjoyable. A lot of fruit but the oak gets in the way. Fruit is 44% Milbrandt Vineyards (Wahluke Slope), 36% Alder Ridge (Horse Heaven Hills), 20% Yakima Valley. 13.8% alcohol. Purchased from Pete’s Bellevue for $13.

 $13

.

 Hogue Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2007

A simple nose noted by black fruit. Lip smackingly tart. Very straight forward with a dog lick of tannins to finish things off. A cheap, easy drinker that would make a good barbeque wine. 13.7% alcohol. Purchased from Safeway for $8.

$13