Went to a great little Washington state wine tasting this week. Way lesser known than California and even Oregon, but great values and worth seeking out if you get recommendations. Here were my standouts!

Delille Cellars – Chaleur Estate Blanc

grape: 62% Sauvignon Blanc and 38% Semillon

AVA: Yakima Valley

yum factor: peach, perfumed, with a hint of ash in the good way (WA state has lots of volcanic soil from Mt. St. Helen’s and Mt. Ranier). Love when you can taste a funky soil taste in the wine.

price: $35

buy: the 2010 is sold out but you can get the 2011 here

Avennia – Arnaut

grape: Syrah

AVA: Yakima Valley

yum factor: Great deep blackberry flavor, and another one with that really cool ashy thing going on. This was my favorite out of the bunch.

price: $45

buy: They only make 170 cases so it’s pretty small, check it out here.

Pepper Bridge

grape: Merlot

AVA: Walla Walla

yum factor: Jammy juicy blueberry pie filling! A little rose petal mized in. I always say Merlot makes me taste blueberry, and this is a slamdunk example to try.

price: $50

buy: here

Efeste “Final Final”

grapes: 58% Cabernet, 42% Syrah

AVA: Columbia Valley

yum factor: Fresh bright blackberry, with a little dirt. Mild tannins but really nicely balanced.

price: $28

buy: here