Best Buy! In 1982, Spokane winemaker Mike Conway used Muscat Canelli to help launch Latah Creek. Now, it’s his daughter, Natalie Barnes, heading up the program and using Hyatt Vineyards in the Yakima Valley. This grape remains Mike’s favorite, and it’s easy to see why – starting with its early arrival (Aug. 30) into the winery. Beautiful aromas include lychee nut, Bartlett pear, rosewater, cinnamon and clove with a rub of zesty hops. Inside, there’s more lychee, rosewater and pear, joined by ripe peach. A flash of spritzy orangy acidity and finish of fennel balance the 4% residual sugar. The late Tom Stockley, the famed Seattle Times wine writer, would enjoy Latah Creek’s Muscat Canelli with clam fettuccine. Natalie’s mother, Ellena Conway, pairs it to her Mussels with Sweet Chili Twist.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 280 cases
Alcohol: 10.5%
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