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March of the 2011 White Wines


2011 was Washington’s second consecutive cool growing season, with the vintage winding up to be the coolest on record in many locations. Cooler than average years often seem to be particularly good for white wine grapes in Washington. While I don’t believe the 2011 vintage, in general, reached quite the same heights for white wines as the previous vintage - which was one of my favorites for Washington whites - there were still an abundance of quality wines produced. Below is a look at white wines from the 2011 vintage.

Maison Bleue Notre Vie Viognier Arthur's Vineyard Yakima Valley 2011 $25
 (Exceptional) An aromatically compelling wine with white peach, honeysuckle, cream, spice, and mineral notes. The palate is full and drawn out with a textured feel and crisp flavors with a pronounced spice and citrus filled finish. Retains an incredible sense of lightness while still displaying great depth. 100% Viognier. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 10/2/2012

Abeja Chardonnay Mill Creek Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2011 $NA
 (Excellent/Exceptional) Very aromatically distinct from the winery’s Washington State offering, the Mill Creek Chardonnay is mineral driven with light toasty spices. The palate is medium bodied, textured and drawn out with incredible length on the finish. A thoroughly arresting wine.

Milbrandt Vineyards The Estates Dry Riesling  Ancient Lakes Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011 $17
 (Excellent/Exceptional) Pale lemon-green. An aromatic wine full of mineral, peach, and green apple. The palate is taught and nervy with vibrant acidity. Lingers on the finish. 100% Riesling. 12.0% alcohol. 0.4% Residual Sugar. TA 8.5g/L. 1,200 cases produced. 200 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Abeja Chardonnay Washington State 2011 $36
 (Excellent) A lightly aromatic wine with spice, straw, yellow apple, and tropical fruit. The palate is medium bodied, soft and silky with a creamy texture and abundant spice flavors. 100% Chardonnay. Celilo, Conner Lee, and French Creek vineyards. Aged in French oak (40% new). Sample provided by winery.

Amavi Semillon Walla Walla Valley 2011 $20
 (Excellent) A lightly aromatic wine with honeysuckle, white peaches, fig, and citrus. The palate is medium bodied, textured and full of lemony flavors that draw out on the finish. 89% Sémillon, 11% Sauvignon Blanc. 59% Les Collines, 21% Seven Hills, 20% Goff vineyards. Aged in used French oak. 13.9% alcohol. 704 cases produced.

Charles Smith Wines Kung Fu Girl Riesling Washington State 2011 $12
(Excellent) Pale lemon yellow. An aromatic wine with tangerine, citrus, mineral, and floral notes. The palate is just off dry with mouthwatering acidity. A very pretty wine. 100% Riesling. Evergreen Vineyard. 12.5% alcohol. TA 92g/100mL. Residual Sugar: 1.8% g/100mL. Reviewed 6/8/2012

Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc Horse Heaven Hills 2011 $16
(Excellent) Pale lemon green. A lightly aromatic wine with herbal notes, pink grapefruit, and pear. The palate is medium bodied and textured with crisp, tart fruit flavors and a drawn out feel. 94% Sauvignon, 6% Semillon. 40% barrel fermented in neutral French oak. TA 0.70g/100ml. 13% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Dowsett Family Winery Gewürztraminer Celilo Vineyard Columbia Gorge 2011 $22
(Excellent) An aromatic wine redolent with spice, rose petal, lychee, and grapefruit. The palate is medium bodied, laden with spices and mineral with a tart, drawn out finish. Less acid driven than it’s 2010 counterpart but still more than enough to take this wine where it wants to go and another beautiful offering from this winery. 100% Gewurztraminer. Fermented in neutral French oak. 0.4% Residual Sugar. 7.1 g/100ml T.A., 12.7% alcohol. 170 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 5/10/2012

Efeste Feral Sauvignon Blanc Evergreen Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011 $18
 (Excellent) An aromatically intriguing wine chock full of mineral aromas and lime. The palate pops with white grapefruit flavors, a briny feel, and bright acidity. An intensely flavorful wine with a long, drawn out finish. Reviewed April 4, 2012

Gorman Winery Big Sissy Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2011 $35
 (Excellent) Medium yellow. An aromatic Chardonnay full of spice, tropical fruit, and marzipan notes. The palate is full-bodied with a rich, creamy feel. 100% Chardonnay. Conner Lee Vineyard. Barrel fermented and aged in 100% new French oak. Partial malolactic fermentation. Wild yeast fermented. 14.3% alcohol. 225 cases produced. Reviewed 7/30/2012

Guardian Cellars Angel Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2011 $20
(Excellent) Pale lemon yellow. An aromatic wine with gooseberry, lemon, and lime. The palate is medium bodied with drawn out fruit flavors that persist on the finish. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Klipsun and Spring Creek vineyards. 14.0% alcohol. 385 cases produced.

Lauren Ashton Cellars Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2011 $25           
(Excellent) An aromatically appealing wine with pear, spice, vanilla, and yellow apple. The palate is medium bodied with a textured, rich feel with a zip of lemony acidity on the finish that stitches it all together. 100% Chardonnay. Fermented and aged in stainless steel with a limited amount aged in French oak. Arete Vineyard (Royal City). 13.1% alcohol. 200 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 9/20/2012       

Mackey Vineyards Off-Dry Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $15           
 (Excellent) An aromatic wine with abundant pear and apple aromas along with a touch of lime. The palate is off-dry with tart green apple flavors and mouthwatering acidity. 100% Riesling. Bacchus and Dionysus vineyards. 11.8% alcohol. 11.6g/L Residual Sugar. 8.3g/L TA. 161 cases produced. Reviewed 9/21/2012

Maison Bleue Au Contraire Chardonnay French Creek Vineyard Yakima Valley 2011 $25
(Excellent) This is a complex and intriguing expression of Chardonnay full of Bosc pear, hazelnut, melon, white peaches, lime zest, and spice on a surprisingly aromatic wine. A stylistic departure from previous vintages, the palate is medium plus bodied - a textured wine with richness without ripeness – with drawn out acidity, full of spice and citrus flavors. 100% Chardonnay. Fermented and aged in two and three year old French oak for five months. 100% malolactic fermentation. 13% alcohol. 650 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 5/10/2012

Milbrandt Vineyards Traditions Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $13
(Excellent) An aromatically compelling wine with abundant mineral notes, white peach, grapefruit, and spice. The palate is just off dry, full of fruit flavors with pronounced acidity. A superb value at this price. 100% Riesling. 66% Evergreen, 34% Yakima Valley. 12.0% alcohol.

Milbrandt Vineyards The Estates Viognier Wahluke Slope 2011 $20
(Excellent) Draws you into the glass with vanilla, spice, and peach. The palate is full and drawn out with richness and weight and abundant fruit flavors. 100% Viognier. Clifton (73%) and Talcott vineyards. Aged in 5 months neutral French oak. 400 cases produced.

Novelty Hill Sauvignon Blanc Stillwater Creek Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011 $18
(Excellent) An incredibly appealing wine with citrus peel, spice, and melon. The palate has a creamy feel full of tart citrus flavors. 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon. Barrel fermented in new and used French oak. Aged 7 months sur lie. 13.5% alcohol. 816 cases produced.

Saviah Cellars Star Meadow White Wine Columbia Valley 2011 $20
(Excellent) Pale lemon-green. A moderately aromatic wine with herbal notes, citrus peel, and lime. The palate is medium bodied with tart, crisp fruit flavors. 62% Semillon, 38% Sauvignon Blanc. Rosebud and Stillwater Creek Vineyards. Aged seven months in neutral French oak (75%) and stainless steel. 13.4% alcohol. 180 cases produced.

Sparkman Cellars Apparition Roussanne Yakima Valley 2011 $32
(Excellent) Pale lemon-green. A lightly aromatic wine with spice and melon. The palate is medium bodied with broad fruit flavors and a textured feel leading to a long, persistent finish. 13.9% alcohol. 137 cases produced.

Tempus Cellars Riesling Evergreen Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011 $16
 (Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine with mineral and lime. The palate has a real zing of acidity that draws out on the finish. 100% Riesling. 11.7% alcohol. 1.3% Residual Sugar. 250 cases produced.

Woodward Canyon Estate Sauvignon Blanc Walla Walla Valley $26
 (Excellent) Pale lemon-green. A moderately aromatic wine with melon, spice, pear, and light herbal tones. The palate has a textured mouthfeel with lively acidity. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented in stainless steel. Aged in neutral French oak. 13.2% alcohol. 139 cases produced.

Woodward Canyon Chardonnay Washington State 2011 $44
 (Excellent) Pale lemon yellow. Very lightly aromatic with spice, the underside of a pineapple, and almond. The palate is medium bodied, understated with a great deal of subtlety with lively acidity. 100% Chardonnay. Fermented in French Burgundy barrels (20% new). Celilo (67%) and Woodward Canyon Estate vineyards. 13.3% alcohol. 733 cases produced. Sampled at 57 degrees.

Avennia Sauvignon Blanc Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley 2011 $25
 (Good/Excellent) An aromatically intriguing wine with smoke, toast, roasted nuts, citrus, and a complex medley of grass and herbal notes. The palate in medium bodied with a creamy feel, starting out broadly and then pulling back and showing a sense of lightness and elegance on the back half accented by tart, lemony acidity throughout. A style that will fit in best at the dinner table rather than sitting and sipping. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel fermented in French oak (10% new) and aged sur lies for eight months. 225 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 10/2/2012

Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $20
 (Good/Excellent) An aromatic wine with peach, lime, hibiscus and wet stone. The palate is off dry with stone fruit and citrus flavors, losing a little of its rhythm in the middle before pulling back together for a tart, lingering finish. 100% Riesling. 11% alcohol. 2.28g/100ml Residual Sugar. TA .82g/100ml. 24,000 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Cor Cellars Alba Cor White Wine Celilo Vineyard Columbia Gorge 2011 $16
 (Good/Excellent) Pale in color. An aromatic wine with floral notes, spice, and green apple. The palate is tart and just of dry with mouthwatering acidity that draws out on the finish. 52% Pinot Gris, 48% Gewurztraminer. Fermented and aged five months in concrete. 11.7% alcohol.

Gård Vintners Viognier Lawrence Vineyards Columbia Valley 2011 $22       
(Good/Excellent) Sourced exclusively from Block 10 of Gard’s estate vineyard, this is an aromatic wine with peach, banana, white flowers, and vanilla. The palate is full bodied and fleshy with citrus peal flavors and a creamy feel leading to a long, white grapefruit filled finish. 100% Viognier. Aged in neutral French oak. 13.1% alcohol. 176 cases produced. Reviewed 11/5/2012       

Hestia Cellars Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley 2011 $16
(Good/Excellent) Almost water white. An aromatically intriguing wine with citrus peel, pear, and straw. The palate is bone dry, medium bodied with abundant pear flavors and a tart finish. Fits in well at the dinner table. 100% Chenin Blanc. Hahn Hill Vineyard. Aged in stainless steel. 12.5% alcohol. 1,500 cases produced.

Lauren Ashton Cellars Cuvee Meline Columbia Valley 2011 $28           
 (Good/Excellent) Named after a Greek word that translates to ‘honey,’ this wine is composed of 83% Sauvignon Blanc and 17% Semillon. It’s lightly aromatic with vanilla, herbal notes, and spice. The palate is medium bodied and textured with subdued fruit flavors that lead to a lemony finish. 83% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Semillon. Den Hoed (Sauvignon Blanc) and Dineen vineyards. Aged in stainless steel (33%) and French oak (50% new). 13.4% alcohol. 163 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 9/20/2012

Lauren Ashton Cellars Roussanne Columbia Valley 2011 $25           
(Good/Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine with straw, exotic spice, herbal tea, and citrus. The palate is medium-plus bodied with the focus more on texture than ripe fruit flavors. Draws out on the finish. 100% Roussanne. Dineen Vineyard. Aged in stainless steel (33%) and French oak (50% new). 13.2% alcohol. 97 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 9/20/2012

Milbrandt Vineyards The Estates Chardonnay Evergreen Vineyard 2011 $20
(Good/Excellent) A very pretty, aromatically elusive wine with spice and mineral notes. The palate is medium bodied with a drawn out feel. 100% Chardonnay. Barrel fermented and aged 5 months in 20% new French oak. 50% Malolactic. 13.5% alcohol. 450 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Milbrandt Cellars Traditions Pinot Gris Columbia Valley 2011 $13           
 (Good/Excellent) A lightly aromatic wine with apple, mineral and spice. The palate is medium bodied with crisp acidity and tart fruit flavors that stretch out across the palate. 12.5% alcohol. Reviewed 7/20/2012

Obelisco Estate Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $18
(Good/Excellent) An aromatically appealing wine full of mineral and lime. The palate drinks dry with abundant tart citrus flavors. 12.1% alcohol. 1.2% Residual Sugar.

William Church Winery Viognier Columbia Valley 2011 $22
 (Good/Excellent) Brightly aromatic with floral notes, peach, and jasmine. The palate is medium bodied with abundant stone fruit flavors. 100% Viognier. Conner Lee and Gamache vineyards. Aged 4 months in stainless steel. 13.6% alcohol. 480 cases produced. Reviewed 7/30/2012

Airfield Estates Unoaked Chardonnay Yakima Valley 2011 $15
 (Good) Pale lemon yellow. An aromatic interpretation of Chardonnay full of peach, plantain, and tropical fruit (melon and mango). The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied with abundant fruit flavors. 100% Chardonnay. Miller Vineyard. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 12.5% alcohol. 3,000 cases produced. Recommended

Balboa Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2011 $20
 (Good) An aromatically appealing wine with pear, straw, tropical fruit, and spice. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied with a fresh, clean feel. Alcohol occasionally shows through. 14.4% alcohol.

Barnard Griffin Fume Blanc Columbia Valley 2011 $9
 (Good) A lightly aromatic wine with herbal notes and citrus. The palate is medium bodied with citrus flavors. 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Semillon. Sagemoor, Gunkel, and Malli vineyards. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 12.8% alcohol. 9,200 cases produced. Reviewed 7/20/2012

Board Track Racer Cellars 'The Vincent' Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2011 $15
 (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with spice, melon, pear, and floral notes. The palate is medium bodied, just a hair off dry with abundant pear flavors. 95% Chardonnay. 5% Viognier. 13.9% alcohol. 1,050 cases produced. Sampled at 58 degrees. Reviewed 8/22/2012     

Cadaretta SBS White Wine Columbia Valley 2011 $23
 (Good) Alluring aromas of tropical fruit, gooseberry, herbal notes, and citrus. The palate is medium bodied, tart and full of citrus flavors. 76% Sauvignon Blanc and 24% Semillon. Frenchman Hills, Tagus One, Desert Hill, Southwind Estate, Rosebud, and Klipsun vineyards. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 13.1% alcohol. 820 cases produced. Reviewed 8/28/2012

Castillo de Feliciana Albarino Columbia Valley 2011 $22
 (Good) Lightly aromatic with spice and red apple. The palate is medium bodied with tart, citric acidity. 100% Albarino. 13.5% alcohol.

Charles Smith Wines VINO Pinot Grigio Washington State 2011 $12
 (Good) Lightly aromatic with pleasing notes of lime zest, yellow apple, and spice. The palate is dry and medium bodied with mouthwatering acidity and a green apple filled finish. 100% Pinot Grigio. Evergreen Vineyard. 13% alcohol. Recommended Reviewed 6/8/2012

Chateau Ste Michelle Dry Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $9
 (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with lime and lime zest. The palate is dry and tart with a big blast of acid. 100% Riesling. 12.0% alcohol. 0.72g/100ml Residual Sugar. TA 0.73g/100ml. Sample provided by winery. 75,000 cases produced. Recommended

Chateau Ste Michelle Harvest Select Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $9
(Good) An aromatic wine with floral notes, stone fruit, and pear. The palate is medium sweet with abundant stone fruit flavors. Residual Sugar 5.22g/100ml. 10% alcohol. TA 0.78g/100ml. 160,000 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Recommended

Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling Cold Creek Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011 $15
(Good) An aromatic wine with honeysuckle, pear, and lemon zest. The palate is off dry, full of citrus flavors. 12.5% alcohol. 100% Riesling. Residual Sugar 2.10g/100ml. TA 0.69g/100ml. Sample provided by winery.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $9
(Good) A moderately aromatic wine with pear, peach, and citrus notes. The palate is off dry, full of tart fruit flavors accented by crisp acidity. 11.0% alcohol. 900,000 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Recommended.  Reviewed 9/27/2012

Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2011 $11
(Good) Pale lemon green. An aromatically appealing, very varietally correct wine with white grapefruit, herbal notes, and citrus. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied with crisp, tart fruit flavors. 96% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% other white grape varieties. 35% barrel fermentation for five months in neutral French oak. TA 0.67 g/100ml. 12.5% alcohol. Sample provided by winery. Recommended Reviewed 8/27/2012

Covington Cellars Blanc Klipsun Vineyard Red Mountain 2011 $25
(Good) Lightly aromatic with citrus peel, gooseberry, and lemon. The palate is medium bodied with fleshy, tart fruit flavors. 54% Sauvignon Blanc, 46% Semillon. 13.2% alcohol. 182 cases produced.

Dunham Cellars Shirley Mays Chardonnay Lewis Estate Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011 $24
(Good) An aromatic wine with pear and yellow apple. The palate is light bodied with fresh, clean fruit flavors. 100% Chardonnay. Aged in stainless steel (70%) and French oak. 13.3% alcohol. 1,021 cases produced.

Efeste Riesling Evergreen Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011 $16
(Good) A beautifully clean, pure aroma profile of lemon, spice, melon, and mineral notes. The palate is just off dry with mouthwatering acidity and a minerally spine. Hangs on the finish. 12.10% alcohol. 1.1% Residual Sugar. 9.2g/L TA. Reviewed April 4, 2012

Hard Row to Hoe Semillon Columbia Valley 2011 $18
(Good) Though labeled as Columbia Valley this is single vineyard Semillon – with 8% Sauvignon Blanc added – from Rosebud Vineyard on the Wahluke slope. The winery’s first, it’s a moderately aromatic wine with fig, lemon, and spice. The palate is medium bodied - quite tart - with a creamy feel and abundant lemony flavors. Alcohol occasionally pokes through. 92% Semillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc. Aged 8 months in neutral French oak. 13.8% alcohol. 0.1g/100ml Residual Sugar. 100 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 10/2/2012       

J Bookwalter Notebook Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $15
(Good) An aromatic wine with jasmine, peach, and floral notes. The palate is off-dry with abundant apple flavors. 100% Riesling. Bacchus and Sugar Loaf vineyards. 13.2% alcohol. 1.6% Residual Sugar. 4,152 cases produced.

Januik Riesling Bacchus Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011 $20
(Good) An aromatic wine with peach and honeysuckle. The palate is off-dry with abundant peach flavors.

L'Ecole No 41 Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley 2011 $14
(Good) An aromatically appealing wine with mandarin orange, spice, citrus, and floral notes. The palate is medium bodied and fruit filled with abundant citrus flavors. Drinks just a hair off dry with Chenin’s natural acidity showing through. 100% Chenin Blanc. 100% Chenin Blanc. Upland, Rothrock, and Phil Church vineyards. 7.4g/L TA, 0.86% Residual Sugar. 13.5% alcohol. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 7/20/2012

Magnificent Wine Co. House Wine Fish House Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2011 $12
 (Good) An aromatically expressive wine with abundant herbal notes, lime, and gooseberry. The palate is tart and puckering with light fruit flavors. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 0.24% Residual Sugar. 13.5% Alcohol. 3,526 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. RecommendedReviewed 11/5/2012

Magnificent Wine Co. House Wine Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $12
 (Good) An aromatically appealing wine with ripe peaches, jasmine, and citrus peel. The palate is medium bodied, off-dry with well balanced acidity. 89% Riesling, 7% Chardonnay, 4% Gewurztraminer. 1.90% Residual Sugar. 12.5% alcohol. 5,000 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Recommended. Reviewed 11/5/2012

OS Winery Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $15
 (Good) An aromatic wine with Nestea ice tea and herbal notes. The palate is off-dry with tart fruit flavors. 100% Riesling. 9.8% alcohol. 2% Residual Sugar. 8.5g/TA.

Pacific Rim Dry Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $11
 (Good) Pale lemon yellow. An aromatic wine with abundant red apple, pear, citrus, and floral notes. The palate is just a hair off dry with abundant apple flavors and a crisp finish. 100% Riesling. 13.5% alcohol. 1% Residual Sugar.

Pacific Rim Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $11
 (Good) An aromatic wine with lime zest, jasmine, and hibiscus. The palate is off-dry with orange and jasmine flavors. 100% Riesling. 11.5% alcohol. 3.1% Residual Sugar.

Palouse Winery Cloud 9 Riesling Washington State 2011 $20
 (Good) An aromatic Riesling with floral notes, ripe peaches, lime, and jasmine. The palate is medium sweet with sweet lime flavors. 100% Riesling. Bob Whitlach/Claar Cellars vineyards. 9.8% alcohol. 0.93g/100ml TA. 130 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 8/28/2012

Rotie Cellars Southern White Washington State 2011 $28
(Good) Pale lemon yellow. An aromatic wine with aromas of white flowers, honeysuckle, ripe peaches, and marzipan. The palate is medium-plus bodied with a textured feel, full of citrus flavors. 50% Viognier, 30% Roussanne, and 20% Marsanne. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Reviewed 8/8/2012

Ryan Patrick Vineyards Ryan’s Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 $10
(Good) An aromatically appealing wine laden with lime, peach, and mineral notes. The palate is off-dry with crisp lime and citrus peel flavors that persist on the finish. Reviewed 11/5/2012

Shooting Star Aligote Washington State 2011 $12
(Good) An aromatically appealing wine with melon, white grapefruit, smoke, and beeswax. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, full of white grapefruit flavors with a citrus peel filled finish. Dips a bit in the middle but, overall, an enjoyable offering of this seldom seen varietal. Barrel fermented in 30% new oak. 13.2% alcohol. Reviewed 9/27/2012

Sleight of Hand Cellars The Magician White Wine Evergreen Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011 $18
(Good) An aromatic wine with abundant green apple, white peach, and mineral notes. The palate is off dry, full of green apple flavors with mouthwatering acidity. 100% Riesling. 2% Residual Sugar. TA 1.1g/100 ml. 12.5% alcohol. 600 cases produced. Reviewed 8/8/2012

Sparkman Cellars Pearl Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2011 $22
(Good) Pale lemon green. A lightly aromatic wine with lime and spice. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied with tart citrus flavors.

Tamarack Cellars Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2011 $15
(Good) An aromatically appealing wine with pear, melon, and spice. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied with a textured feel and a lingering finish.

Two Vintners Grenache Blanc Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley 2011 $25
 (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with melon and pear. The palate is medium bodied with tart acidity. Alcohol occasionally pokes through. 14.3% alcohol.

Waterbrook Winery Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2011 $11
(Good) An aromatically appealing wine full of pineapple, gooseberry, and lime zest. The palate is full of tart, lively fruit flavors. A bit of a bite on the back end is all that holds this wine back. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 0.3% Residual Sugar. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed 4/30/2012       

Waters Winery Prelude White Wine Horse Heaven Hills 2011 $30           
(Good) Pale lemon green. A moderately aromatic wine with melon and pear. The palate is medium bodied with tart fruit flavors and just a touch of residual sugar. 60% Roussanne and 40% Viognier. Alder Ridge Vineyard. 13.5% alcohol. 175 cases produced. Reviewed 8/8/2012

Boomtown Pinot Gris Washington State 2011 $13
(Decent/Good) A moderately aromatic wine with red and yellow apple, spice, and a light nuttiness. The palate is medium bodied, off-dry with tart acidity. 100% Pinot Gris. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 13.5% alcohol.

Latah Creek Muscat Washington State 2011 $11
 (Decent/Good) An aromatic wine with lemon pledge, orange peel, jasmine, and floral notes. The palate is medium sweet with sweet fruit flavors. 55% Morio Muskat, 25% Muscat Canelli, 10% Orange Muscat, and 10% Muscadelle de Bordelaise. Newhouse, Coventry Vale, and Lonesome Springs Ranch vineyards. 10.5% alcohol. 4% Residual Sugar. 634 cases produced.

Lone Birch Gewurztraminer Yakima Valley 2011 $8
(Decent/Good) A moderately aromatic wine with lemon peel, floral notes, and pear. The palate is off dry and medium bodied with abundant spice flavors. 12.8% alcohol.

Gamache Vintners ‘Velida’ Viognier Columbia Valley 2011 $18
 (Decent) A lightly aromatic wine with floral notes and peach with the alcohol showing through considerably. The palate is medium bodied with a tart kick. 100% Viognier. Gamache Vineyards. Barrel fermented and aged in neutral French oak. 14.2% alcohol. 138 cases produced.

Hogue Cellars Pinot Grigio Columbia Valley 2011 $11
 (Decent) Moderately aromatic with melon, ripe banana, white flowers, and a citrus spritz. The palate is medium bodied with melon and citrus flavors that taper on the back half. Reviewed 9/27/2012

Open Road Wine Company Viognier Wahluke Slope 2011 $18
 (Decent) A lightly aromatic wine with spice, peach, and herbal notes. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied with abundant stone fruit flavors. 13.0% alcohol.


Rating System

Please note, my rating system was revised at the beginning of 2012 as follows. Read additional details here.

 (Exceptional)
 (Excellent)
 (Good)
 (Decent)
 (Not recommended/Flawed)

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