By his standards, these 20-year-old vines of Tocai Friulano planted by Dr. Robert Gross at his Johnson School site are middle-aged. (His original vineyard west of Portland — he now owns seven — was established in 1978.) In Italy, the variety is labeled simply as Friulano because of European Union restrictions. Elsewhere, it might be referred to as a Sauvignon Vert, even though … [Read more...] about Cooper Mountain Vineyards 2021 Biodynamic Tocai Friulano, Willamette Valley $30
Wine of the Week
Liquid Light Wines 2022 Chardonnay, Washington State $16
Best Buy! Ste. Michelle Wine Estates had scheduled to launch an innovative, nationwide marketing campaign for its young Liquid Light brand back in New York on March 12, 2020 — so many of those efforts woven into the ēlicit Wine Project subscription service didn’t play out as once hoped. However, Liquid Light has grown into a force with four bottlings: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, … [Read more...] about Liquid Light Wines 2022 Chardonnay, Washington State $16
Airfield Estates 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $17
Best Buy! Thanks to the Miller family and winemaker Travis Maple, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most prolific efforts of Sauvignon Blanc also ranks among the very best. And least expensive. It also might be the easiest to enjoy for those new to this white Bordeaux variety. White peach takes the lead over gooseberry as Key lime and Meyer lemon combine for an enticing citrusy … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $17
Indian Creek Winery 2022 Dry Rosé of Syrah, Snake River Valley $20
Best Buy! Mike McClure’s rosé is created with Syrah (87%) and Sangiovese from scenic Arena Valley Vineyard near Parma. Made by the saignée method, the lightly floral nose brings notes of strawberry, nectarine and fruit punch. Tangy flavors of cranberry and raspberry with watermelon allows for bright acidity to shine all the way through. This was among the seven gold medals … [Read more...] about Indian Creek Winery 2022 Dry Rosé of Syrah, Snake River Valley $20
L’Ecole N° 41 Winery 2022 Old Vines Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, $19
Best Buy! The late Jean Ferguson, founding winemaker of L'Ecole, had a soft spot in her heart for Vouvray, so Chenin Blanc has been part of the portfolio at this Walla Walla Valley icon since 1987. In fact, the erstwhile schoolhouse in Lowden produces two expressions of the Loire Valley grape each vintage. Here is the flagship bottling by winemaker Marcus Rafanelli, and it is … [Read more...] about L’Ecole N° 41 Winery 2022 Old Vines Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, $19