60+ wines reviewed below, including the latest from Airfield, Anacréon, Array, Block Wines, Devison, Esja, Full Pull & Friends, Gramercy, Grosgrain, Lange, Lone Birch, Love That Red, Mount Si, Ocelli, Prospice, Revelation by Goose Ridge, and Virtue.
The 2022 vintage is looking like an excellent one for Northwest rosé, producing wines that are flavorful while also having plentiful acidity. Looking at Washington specifically, the state excels at producing ripe fruit across all wine types, but for rosés that can, at times, leave the wines feeling weighty, without the acid to fully stand them up.
In contrast, 2022 yielded ripe fruit flavors along with elevated acidity. As a result, the producers who wanted to pick at lower alcohols and go after a light, bright style rosé could do so. Producers who sought a fuller style pink wine could do so while still retaining acidity. The result is a strong vintage for rosés overall for the state. It also bodes well for whites and red wines from the vintage.
Anacréon, named after a Greek poet, is located in the Chehalem Mountains appellation in Willamette Valley. Owners Danell and Kipp Myers, originally from Utah, fell in love with Willamette Valley while traveling to the region and determined to move there once their children were out of school. In 2016 they purchased the property now named Belle Colline Vineyard.
The Anacréon wines, both white and red, are shockingly good. They are exquisitely made and also speak to a sense of place. These are wines worth seeking out, or better still, plan a visit. While a tasting room is currently being constructed, tastings are currently conducted in the family’s garden.
Gramercy is a winery that aims to produce lower alcohol, higher acid, restrained wines. However, in recent years Mother Nature has been serving up increasingly hot vintages, making that style more challenging to achieve.
While Gramercy’s wines have remained top-notch despite the heat, the cool-finishing 2019 vintage played directly into the winery’s style. The result is a series of extraordinary wines. Gramercy’s 2022 Picpoul and Rosé reviewed below are also, as always, delicious.
We don’t talk much about aging white wines from Washington. We should. Certainly DeLille’s Chaleur Blanc, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, has shown it can withstand the test of time. I’ve had many beautiful older Chardonnays from Washington as well.
Still, the 2014 and 2016 Array Chardonnays reviewed below come as a revelation. These are beautiful wines, drinking exceptionally well. They are in full-bloom but with plenty of life ahead of them. I, for one, will start aging more Washington whites.
Without further ado.
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At Northwest Wine Report, all scores come from blind tastings in varietal/style sets. Read more about this site’s process for rating and reviewing wines. Read about the Northwest Wine Report rating system and special designations. Read how to interpret scores. Read definitions of closure type listings. Wineries do not need to be subscribers to receive or use ratings and reviews. To receive a copy of the reviews after they have been published, contact [email protected]. Please allow two weeks for reviews to be sent via email after they have been requested.
ROSÉ
Devison East of the Sun Boushey Vineyard Rosé Yakima Valley 2022 $30
93 points
Coming from one of the state’s premier Rhône variety sites, this is a blend of Mourvèdre (78%) and Grenache. The aromas are still unfurling, with notes of strawberry, herb, peppery spice, orange rind, and whiffs of grapefruit. Medium-bodied, layered flavors follow, showing generous texture and length. The acid is impressive, as is the depth and complexity. It’s a serious wine, one to think about as much to enjoy. 13.0% alcohol. 150 cases produced. Natural cork.
Prospice Lonesome Springs Ranch Vineyard Rosé Yakima Valley 2022 $25
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Prospice consistently makes some of the very best rosé in Washington. This vintage only continues that trend. A blend of Grenache (49%), Cinsault (27%), and Counoise, it’s an eye-catching pale peach color. The aromas bring appealing notes of orange rind, strawberry, and white watermelon. Well-balanced, medium-bodied fruit and straw flavors follow, with the acid driving it. More please. 13% alcohol. 293 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Gramercy Olsen Vineyard Rosé Columbia Valley 2022 $25
92 points, Critic’s Choice
This wine is half Cinsault, with the rest equally split between Grenache and Syrah. An appealing pale salmon color, the aromas pop and show complexity, with notes of wild strawberry, flower, sweet herb, and melon. Medium-bodied flavors follow, carrying on the finish. It’s summer in a glass. 13.0% alcohol. 575 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Grosgrain Blush Walla Walla Valley 2022 $22
91 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of Grenache (86%) and Carignan, with the former including the first fruit from the winery’s estate vineyard in the SeVein project along with fruit from Blue Mountain. The Carignan comes from the winery’s Old Milton Vineyard. Fermented in stainless steel (40%), neutral barrel (38%), and concrete, it’s pale peach colored. The aromas show some initial reduction, belying the wine’s youth. Beyond that are notes of whole orange, strawberry, lanolin, and wet stone. Light, bright flavors follow, with a tart, cleansing acidity on the finish. It’s delicious, well-suited on its own or at the dinner table. Decant if still reduced. 11.5% alcohol. 350 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Lange Rosé of Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2022 $29
91 points, Critic’s Choice
A very pretty pale peach color, the aromas bring appealing notes of whole satsuma, yellow strawberry, and pomegranate. Full-feeling, textured flavors follow. Bright acid stands it up straight. It’s delicious. 12.9% alcohol. 1,100 cases produced. Screwcap.
Airfield Sangiovese Rosé Yakima Valley 2022 $17
89 points
Pale pink in color, the aromas bring notes of freshly scooped cantaloupe, herb, and watermelon candy. Just off-dry, medium-bodied, fleshy-feeling flavors follow, showing bright, plentiful fruit. 12.2% alcohol. 10,500 cases produced. Screwcap.
Ocelli French Creek Vineyard Grenache Rosé Columbia Valley 2022 $18
89 points
The aromas show some reduction, causing initial distraction. Beyond that are notes of herb, orange rind, and strawberry. Medium-bodied flavors follow, with pleasing length. Decant if still reduced. 13.5% alcohol. 50 cases produced. Synthetic cork.
Love That Red Rosé All Day Rosé Columbia Valley 2021 $22
88 points
Aromas of flower, white peach, and dried herb lead to bone-dry, medium-bodied flavors that hang on the finish. It’s tasty. 12.3% alcohol. 300 cases produced. Screwcap.
Lone Birch Estate Grown Rosé Yakima Valley 2022 $12
87 points, Value Pick
Pale salmon colored along with slightly darker hues, the aromas offer bright notes of strawberry candy and cantaloupe that lead to plump-feeling, medium-bodied flavors. It’s an enjoyable, porch-pounder style, going down easy and finishing with a touch of sweetness. 12.8% alcohol. 750 cases produced. Screwcap.
Mount Si Kiss of a Rosé Columbia Valley 2021 $22
85 points
This is darker in color than most modern Washington rosés. A blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, the aromas bring notes of red cherry and bubble gum. Thick, weighty flavors follow, showing bitterness on the finish. 14% alcohol. 50 cases produced. Synthetic cork.
RED WINES
SYRAH
Gramercy John Lewis Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2019 $95
95 points, Cellar Stocker
John Lewis is Gramercy’s top-end offering, and this wine brings it – an ideal mixture of vintage conditions and producer style. The aromas offer bountiful notes of smoked meat, fresh herb, raspberry, violet, pepper, cigar box, stem, and cherry. Svelte, textured flavors follow, broadening with time open. The oak is dialed way back, the acid up. The balance is impeccable. It’s classic Gramercy and quintessential John Lewis, all about restraint and purity of expression. Food is an absolute requirement to see this wine at its best. Pair it with grilled lamb and enjoy after 2028. Give it a multi-hour decant if drinking sooner. 13.0% alcohol. 240 cases produced. Natural cork. NB: This was an unintended re-taste of a wine that had been reviewed last fall. Given the discrepancy in scores, I am replacing the previous score with this one.
Devison Phantom Lamb Lawrence Vineyard Syrah Royal Slope 2020 $59
94 points
Royal Slope is quickly establishing itself as a top site for Syrah. The aromas pop, with notes of peppery spice, smoked meat, bacon fat, and a good whiff of menthol and eucalyptus. Full-bodied, rich, layered flavors follow, showing tremendous mid-palate depth and density. It boasts an outrageously long finish, with smoked meat notes threaded throughout, along with bountiful eucalyptus notes. There’s a medicinal aspect that is common in Syrah in this appellation that will not be for all tastes. Others will swoon. 14.8% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Natural cork.
Block Wines Ankleroller Block Stones Speak Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2020 $70
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Block Wines is a house project for Seattle-based Full Pull Wines, pairing top winemakers with single blocks of standout fruit from the Northwest. With fruit here hailing from the Rocks District, the aromas are exuberant, with notes of black pepper, stargazer lily, fresh herb, soot, orange rind, and sauvage. Soft, undulating fruit and savory flavors follow. It lingers on the finish. A more apt name for this classic-style Rocks wine would be Knee-Buckler. 14.0% alcohol. 75 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Gramercy Red Willow Vineyard Lagniappe Syrah Columbia Valley 2019 $65
93 points, Cellar Stocker
Red Willow is the site of the first Syrah plantings in Washington in 1986. Dark plum, raspberry, brown stem, and flower aromas lead to svelte, reserved, purple fruit flavors. It’s a very pretty showing of the variety at this esteemed site, expanding with time open. Food is required to see it at its best. Pair with seared lamb chop topped with a cherry glaze. Enjoy after 2026. 13.5% alcohol. 646 cases produced. Natural cork.
Gramercy Forgotten Hills Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2019 $65
92 points, Cellar Stocker
Forgotten Hills, an estate site for Gramercy, is one of the most distinctive vineyards in Walla Walla Valley for Syrah, planted in 1999 on a cobblestone riverbed (though not in the Rocks District). The aromas bring notes of red fruit, chopped parsley, and stem, along with whiffs of smoked meat. The palate is restrained, fresh, and bright, showing dazzling purity. As always with this producer, put it on the dinner table to see it at its best. Enjoy after 2025. 12.5% alcohol. 234 cases produced. Natural cork.
Lone Birch Estate Grown Syrah Yakima Valley 2021 $13
90 points, Value Pick
Lone Birch is beginning to establish itself as the state’s top value Syrah. This is an aromatically appealing, fruit-forward offering, with notes of boysenberry, blueberry syrup, briquette, smoked meat, fresh herb, and flower, showing impressive clarity. Plump, silky-feeling, medium-bodied flavors follow. There’s not necessarily a lot of complexity, but that’s missing the point. It’s straight-up delicious and a terrific value. 14.5% alcohol. 1,375 cases produced. Screwcap.
Love That Red Stakes Race Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2017 $55
87 points
Fruit for this wine comes from Les Collines Vineyard, 25% destemmed and aged in a mixture of new and neutral French oak. Extremely ripe aromas of black fruit accented with barrel spice lead to full-bodied, quite hot flavors. The ripeness seems to have run away with it. 15.5% alcohol. 1,500 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Mount Si Arianses Vineyard Syrah Wahluke Slope 2017 $32
84 points
The aromas push well past the edge of volatility, with notes of red licorice, red vines, and anise that are unsettled. The flavors are quite ripe, impacting the cohesion. 14.5% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Natural cork.
GRENACHE & MOURVÈDRE
Gramercy The Third Man Grenache Columbia Valley 2020 $44
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Though varietally labeled, this is blended with 21% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre, with both varieties expressing themselves. Red and blue fruit aromas are at the fore, accented by herb, whole tangerine, and a whiff of pepper. The flavors show pleasing elegance and purity. There’s lovely sophistication, precision, and complexity. 14.0% alcohol. 251 cases produced. Natural cork.
Grosgrain XL Vineyard Mourvèdre Walla Walla Valley 2021 $36
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Grosgrain is making a thrilling lineup of wines. This one is 100% varietal, 12% whole cluster fermented before aging in neutral French oak. Coming from a vineyard high up in the SeVein project, it shows some reduction initially, which is not unusual for the variety and blows off shortly. Beyond that are aromas of peppery spice, earth, and sauvage. Silky-soft dark fruit flavors follow, putting a premium on sophistication. The flavors carry on the finish. It’s beautiful. Decant if still reduced. 14.4% alcohol. 135 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Esja Stillwater Creek Vineyard Grenache Royal Slope 2021 $33
91 points, Critic’s Choice
Esja is a new producer based out of Woodinville making some attention-getting wines. This is a compelling offering of this variety from an esteemed vineyard. Aromas of flower, tangerine zest, raspberry, herb, stem, and cherry lead to medium-bodied red fruit flavors that show purity and freshness. A juicy finish ups the interest. The winemaking is impeccable. 14.1% alcohol. 75 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Grosgrain Grenache Walla Walla Valley 2021 $36
91 points
100% varietal, this is a blend of Los Rocosos (79%, Rocks District) and Seven Hills vineyards. Fermented 10% whole cluster and aged in neutral French oak, the red fruit-focused aromas include raspberry and red cherry gummy, along with light herb and white pepper accents. Plump, silky flavors follow, showing just a touch of warmth on the very long finish. The purity is impressive. 14.8% alcohol. 180 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Love That Red Fillies & Mares Grenache The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater 2017 $55
91 points
Syrah typically gets top billing in the Rocks District, but Grenache can be its equal, though it is a challenging variety to grow in the appellation. The aromas offer notes of freshly peeled satsuma, raspberry, and moist soil. Full-feeling, silky-soft flavors follow. It’s delightful, with the feel providing as much enjoyment as the flavors. 14.2% alcohol. 75 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Ocelli Upland Vineyard Grenache Columbia Valley 2020 $38
91 points
This vineyard on the top of Snipes Mountain grows some of the best Grenache in the state, but designated bottles remain rare. Aromas of cigar box, stem, crushed flower, pepper, and red and black fruit lead to full-bodied flavors. It sails on the finish. 13.8% alcohol. 195 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Ocelli Grenache Columbia Valley 2020 $28
89 points
Aromas of just-peeled orange rind, fresh flower, and red fruit lead to exquisitely soft orange rind and creamsicle flavors. It’s all pleasingly understated. 13.0% alcohol. 195 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Ocelli French Creek Vineyard Grenache Columbia Valley 2020 $38
88 points
This wine brings aromas of creamsicle, cigar box, dried satsuma, potpourri, white pepper, and red licorice. Elegant, plump-feeling flavors follow. 13.3% alcohol. 97 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
RHÔNE-STLYE BLENDS
Grosgrain Stonewashed Stoney Vine Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2021 $50
94 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre, with the latter a rare ingredient from the Rocks District. The aromas pull you into the glass, with notes of red and blue plum and herb, along with citrus and black pepper that show appealing purity. Full-feeling, supremely pure fruit flavors follow, coating the palate in waves, with citrus accents. There’s exquisite detail, precision, and balance. An extended finish keeps the interest way up. 14.0% alcohol. 120 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Full Pull & Friends CVSIP Columbia Valley 2021 $20
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Full Pull and Friends is a négociant label for Seattle-based Full Pull Wines. This is a blend of 41% Syrah and 40% Grenache (both Yakima Valley), along with 19% Petite Sirah (Wahluke Slope). The aromas explode from the glass, with a mixture of red and blue fruit along with orange zest, dried herb, smoked meat, soot, and potpourri. The full-bodied flavors are exquisitely soft, polished, and balanced. The Petite Sirah provides fullness, with Yakima Valley orange peel notes speckled throughout the ultra-long finish. This is a run, do not walk, but definitely walk-out-with-a-case value. It drinks like a wine easily twice the price. Enjoy it at 62 degrees to see it at its best. 14.5% alcohol. 135 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Gramercy Lower East The Bowery Columbia Valley 2018 $28
93 points, Critic’s Choice
The Gramercy Lower East wines, generally speaking, make their way to restaurant glass pours, with the fruit coming from declassified barrels. Snap them up if you see them, as they consistently represent exceptional quality and value, which is what we have here. A blend of 46% Carignan (!), 29% Mourvèdre, 15% Grenache, and 10% Syrah, it’s an aromatic wine that offers notes of freshly chopped parsley, smoked meat, stem, black pepper, and green flower. The palate is silky, soft and layered, showing sophistication and elegance. The finish is near endless. It’s somewhat riper in style than the norm for this producer’s main lineup, though still very much in check. It’s also flat out delicious. 14.0% alcohol. 525 cases produced. Natural cork.
Airfield Michael L Miller Founders Series Red Wine Yakima Valley 2020 $50
89 points
This is a blend of 80% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 9% Mouvèdre, and 1% Viognier. Aromas of blackberry, cherry paste, fresh herb, flower, and red and black licorice lead to flavors that are front-loaded. Oak notes speckle the finish. 14.4% alcohol. 263 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
PINOT NOIR
Anacréon Mine Yours and Ours Estate Grown Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountain 2020 $80
95 points, Cellar Stocker
This is all Coury and Pommard clone, harvested on September 8th, in advance of the smoke event. Aged in French oak, the aromas provide intrigue and enjoyment, with notes of whole satsuma, dark fruit, soil, cinnamon stick, and plum. Lighter-bodied, juicy fruit flavors follow, backed by cinnamony tannins. The length of the finish is outrageous. It’s a spectacular wine, all about elegance, detail, and length. Enjoy after 2027. 12.7% alcohol. 50 cases produced. Natural cork.
Anacréon Deep End Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains 2020 $65
94 points, Cellar Stocker
While many Pinots from the valley were impacted to lesser or greater degrees by wildfire smoke in 2020, fruit for this wine was picked on September 8th, in advance of that event. A blend of Coury, 943, 667, 777, and Pommard clones all aged 11 months in French oak, it shows some initial reduction. Beyond that are notes of dried herb, black cherry, and dark plum. The flavors are full-feeling, layered, and penetrating, showing class and freshness. Cinnamony tannins back it all up. It’s flat out beautiful – a statement of a wine with exquisite balance. Best after 2025 with a long life beyond that. 12.75% alcohol. 125 cases produced. Natural cork.
Anacréon Deep End Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains 2021 $65
93 points, Cellar Stocker
This is a blend of Coury, 943, 667, and 777 clones, all aged in Hungarian and French oak. Showing some initial reduction, aromas of stem, mineral, and dark cherry lead to medium-plus bodied plum and darker fruit flavors, backed by lightly grainy tannins. It shows impressive depth and dimension. Best after 2026. Decant if drinking in the near term. 13.7% alcohol. 280 cases produced. Natural cork.
Anacréon Center of Gravity Estate Grown Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains 2020 $90
92 points, Cellar Stocker
Fruit was harvested September 10th, prior to the smoke event in the valley. A blend of 667, 777, and 943 clones all aged in Hungarian oak, it shows initial reduction, blowing off with time open. The aromas are subdued, with notes of plum, dark strawberry, cinnamon stick, and dried herb. Elegant, supple flavors follow, backed by lightly sandy tannins. It’s all about class and sophistication, bringing both in abundance, along with juicy flavors. Best after 2026. Decant if drinking in the near term. 12.7% alcohol. 50 cases produced. Natural cork.
Lange Estate Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2021 $80
92 points
This is a delicious example of what Dundee Hills has to offer. The aromas show notes of dark fruit, cola, herb, and flower. Soft, fuller-bodied dark fruit and black tea flavors follow. Coffee notes accent the finish. It’s a classic representation of the appellation – power and sophistication all wrapped into one. 13.5% alcohol. 575 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON & BORDEAUX-STYLE BLENDS
Devison Southwind Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2020 $65
92 points
All of the fruit for this wine is clone 191, coming from a single block at this ridgeline vineyard. The aromas offer notes of coffee, herb, cassis, kirsch, dried leaf, vanilla bean, dried orange rind, and a whiff of smoke. Full-feeling dark fruit flavors follow, backed by bright acid and firm tannins. It’s a classically styled, downright old-school Cabernet. There’s a kiss of smoke influence, but for those who don’t notice – and most likely won’t – the rewards are plentiful and the impression goes way up. 14.5% alcohol. 75 cases produced. Natural cork.
Airfield Dauntless Yakima Valley 2021 $20
87 points
This is a blend of 58% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of green herb, green pepper, and raspberry lead to quite light flavors that are fuller around the edges, lighter in the middle. It all comes off as quite green, particularly for the vintage. 14.2% alcohol. 225 cases produced. Screwcap.
Airfield H Lloyd Miller Yakima Valley 2019 $50
87 points
Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) takes the lead in this wine, followed by Merlot (22%), Cabernet Franc (16%), and Petit Verdot. Raspberry and cherry candy aromas are accented by cola, licorice, and generous barrel notes. Medium-bodied flavors follow, with herb notes speckled throughout and coffee notes persisting on the finish. 14.3% alcohol. 248 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Mount Si Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2018 $32
87 points
Fruit for this wine comes from Portteus Vineyard. Plum, black cherry gummy, cedar, and asphalt aromas lead to understated flavors. The pieces don’t all fit together. 14.1% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Natural cork.
Mount Si Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2017 $32
87 points
All Portteus fruit, aromas of cedar, green pepper, black cherry, cocoa, and dried herb lead to fuller-bodied black fruit flavors with coffee accents. A warm finish caps it off. It seems simultaneously ripe and green. 14.8% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Natural cork.
MERLOT & MISCELLANEOUS BORDEAUX VARIETIES
Mount Si Arianses Vineyard Merlot Wahluke Slope 2017 $32
90 points
Sweet barrel spice, graphite, and cherry aromas intermingle. Soft, full-bodied red fruit and plum flavors follow. It’s all about ripe fruit flavors and hedonism. 14.8% alcohol. 75 cases produced. Natural cork.
Love That Red Maiden Race Malbec Columbia Valley 2017 $45
89 points
The aromas are high-pitched, with notes of cherry, plum, and orange rind, along with coffee and other barrel spices. Full-bodied, palate-coating flavors follow, mixing fruit and barrel. The finish shows warmth, causing some distraction. 15.2% alcohol. 1,200 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Virtue Authenticity Merlot Columbia Valley 2020 $35
89 points
Fruit for this wine comes from Conner Lee Vineyard. The aromas are locked up initially, offering notes of black raspberry and green herb. Textured red and darker fruit flavors follow. There’s appealing polish and detail. 14.3% alcohol. 49 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Mount Si Lonesome Springs Ranch Malbec Yakima Valley 2019 $36
87 points
The fruit is quite ripe, pushing at the edge of volatility. The aromas offer notes of ripe black currant and dark plum. Full-bodied, fleshy flavors follow. 14.8% alcohol. 60 cases produced. Synthetic cork.
WHITE WINES
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Devison Evergreen Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2022 $28
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Devison is making the most compelling, acid and terroir-driven Sauvignon Blanc in the Pacific Northwest. For the first time, this wine saw 17% new oak in French demi-muids. The aromas start out reserved and pick up steam over time, with notes of talc, mineral, pink grapefruit, lemon pith, flower, and herb. A hyper-textured palate follows, with layers of fruit backed by puckering, nervy acidity. The balance is impressive, with loads of hang time on the finish. It’s glorious, an acid lover’s delight. Drinks best on the higher end of 55-60 degrees. 12.5% alcohol. 350 cases produced. Natural cork.
Revelation by Goose Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Goose Gap 2022 $18
92 points, Value Pick
This wine offers exceptional quality and value. The aromas are light initially, opening to show notes of herb, pink grapefruit zest, and talc. Lemony, medium-bodied flavors follow, showing compelling balance, with the tart acid of the variety and vintage propelling it forward. It’s a food lover’s delight. Pair it with grilled halibut with a lemon beurre blanc. Drinks best on the higher end of 55-60 degrees. 12.% alcohol. Natural cork.
Airfield Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley 2022 $17
90 points, Value Pick
This is an aromatic offering of the variety, with notes of fresh herb, melon, kiwi, and banana. Lighter-bodied, rounded-feeling citrus and tropical fruit flavors follow. Lively acidity ties it all together. 12.7% alcohol. 2,552 cases produced. Screwcap.
CHARDONNAY
Anacréon The Epicure Chardonnay Chehalem Mountains 2021 $65
94 points, Cellar Stocker
Like its counterpart from this vintage, this is a blend of clones 75, 95, and 96, harvested five days later than the As You Are, on September 6th. The aromas bring notes of lemon pith, clarified butter, toast, squash, cardamom, and straw, showing pleasing detail and nuance. Medium-bodied, textured flavors follow, with poise and length. The balance is exceptional. It’s a stunning wine. Drinks best between 55-60 degrees. 13.2% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Natural cork.
Anacréon As You Are Chardonnay Chehalem Mountains 2021 $65
93 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of clones 75, 95, and 96, harvested on September 1st. Barrel fermented and aged in French oak, the aromas offer notes of toast along with straw, lemon zest, and walnut skin. The palate brings flavors that are on the lighter side of medium-bodied, beautifully understated and showing impressive depth and distance. Lemony acidity backs it all up. It’s an outstanding, exceptionally classy wine. Drinks best 55-60 degrees. 12.8% alcohol. 125 cases produced. Natural cork.
Array Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay Columbia Gorge 2014 $32
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Almost nine years in, the aromas bring notes of corn silk, clarified butter, flower, cardamom, and whiffs of stone fruit and caramel, showing pretty aged nuances. Then, boom! The palate explodes with the flavors of a wine in full bloom. It’s full of texture and layers of richness, while always keeping one hand on the throttle. It’s completely stunning, alternately showing the warmth of the vintage and the coolness of this site. 14.1% alcohol. Natural cork.
Array Dijon Clone Chardonnay Yakima Valley 2016 $32
91 points, Critic’s Choice
A full six and a half years in, the aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of caramel, lemon butter, corn husk, and mineral. Full-feeling, generous, richly layered flavors follow. Lees notes linger on the finish. It’s in a really beautiful spot, though it still has lots of life ahead of it. 14% alcohol. Natural cork.
Airfield Donald D Miller Founders Series Chardonnay Yakima Valley 2021 $40
89 points
Aromas of toast and char meld with peach, white flower, and melon rind. Full-bodied, almost viscous-feeling flavors follow. Roasted corn-on-the-cob notes dominate the finish. 13.3% alcohol. 132 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
OTHER WHITES
Esja Stillwater Creek Vineyard Roussanne Royal Slope 2021 $25
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Esja is a new producer making some attention-getting wines. The aromas offer notes of chalk, straw, herb, lees, and stone fruit. Textured, rounded, exquisitely balanced flavors follow. The finish just won’t quit. Quite a debut. 13.5% alcohol. 75 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Grosgrain Phillips Vineyard Albariño Walla Walla Valley 2022 $26
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine was fermented and aged in concrete egg, neutral barrel, and stainless steel. Aromas of citrus, wax, and melon lead to medium-bodied flavors, energized by tart, vibrant, lemony acidity. A hyper-extended, mineral-filled finish caps it off. It’s the best offering of this wine the winery has made to date. Pair it with ahi nachos topped with sweet, pinapple chutney. 13.2% alcohol. 140 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Lange Classique Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2022 $25
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Lange consistently produces exceptional Pinot Gris. This is another in a long line of examples. The aromas are exuberant, with notes of yellow apple, star fruit, peach, and whole kiwi. The palate is rich, textured, and loaded with fruit flavors while remaining poised and balanced throughout. As with the best examples of this variety from the valley, the acid propels it forward and keeps the exuberant fruit in vivid focus. 13.2% alcohol. 8,100 cases produced. Screwcap.
Lange Reserve Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2022 $32
92 points
This wine is still aromatically in its shell, with light aromas of pear, yellow apple, and a whiff of petroleum jelly. The flavors are medium-bodied, showing class and detail. An exceptionally long finish is the capstone. While the Classique is all about exuberant fruit, this Reserve brings seriousness, balance, and length. 13.3% alcohol. Screwcap.
Gramercy Picpoul Walla Walla Valley 2022 $22
91 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from Los Oidos and Les Collines vineyards. Aged five months in stainless steel, aromas of chalk, white flower, fresh herb, and Meyer lemon lead to a lighter styled palate accented by bright acidity. This one wants food to fully reveal its charms. Pair it with scallop ceviche. 12.5% alcohol. 905 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Prospice Gamache Vineyard Viognier White Bluffs 2022 $30
91 points
Gamache Vineyard has made its name, in part, by producing top quality Viognier. This is a delicious example, with aromas of white peach, flower, creamsicle, and sweet herb. Fuller-feeling, well-balanced stone fruit flavors follow. The appeal is as much about feel as flavor, along with impeccable balance. 14.0% alcohol. 163 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Prospice Les Collines Vineyard Grenache Blanc Walla Walla Valley 2022 $30
90 points
This is the first offering of this wine. Barrel fermented in neutral oak with regular lees stirring, the aromas offer a mixture of stone and tropical fruit, with notes of papaya, mango, kiwi, and peach. The palate brings purity of flavor and feel. A warm finish caps it off. 14.0% alcohol. 93 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
Lone Birch Estate Grown Riesling Yakima Valley 2022 $12
87 points, Value Pick
One sniff, and there’s no mistaking the variety, with notes of lime zest, citrus, and flower. Off-dry drinking, medium-bodied Nestea Iced Tea, lime, and orange rind flavors follow. It provides good value. 12.6% alcohol. 1,071 cases produced. Screwcap.
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