25. Woodward Canyon Winery 2012 Estate Barbera, Walla Walla Valley, $29
Rick Small’s sustainably farmed vineyard has been growing this Italian variety since the 1990s, and the results from this remarkable vintage are stunning. He used 500-liter Italian barrels, as well as new French oak, to create aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate, walnut and forest floor. A bold entry leads to ripe and dark black fruit flavors, backed by easy tannins and good acidity. It’s a luscious drink crafted to serve with dishes from northern Italian such as braised beef, pork or veal with risotto. This wine earned a gold medal at the 2014 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition.
Production: 270 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
Luna Snoqualmie says
Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling is my entertaining go-to. Pairs beautifully with almost everything on the buffet, from cold cuts, chips and finger food to smoked salmon pate’ and sushi. An affordable crowd-pleaser.