Wine on the Radio - November 11, 2003

Columbia Valley Wines    Our Picks of Columbia Valley Wines

Out in the great state of Washington there's a wine region you should know about - the Columbia Valley.

Usually, when you think of Seattle , you think of rain!  But the Columbia Valley is on the other side of the Cascade Mountains. They block the cool Pacific air and those rain systems so the Columbia Valley is actually very dry and hot - with tons of sunshine.

All the major varietals are grown here and if you're looking for quality and value in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay, this could be the place for you.

We like the Rieslings too, which tend to be fruitier and maybe a touch sweet and less acidic than many imports. They're perfect for Asian influenced, Pacific Rim foods.

Columbia Valley wines may remind you of Australian wine - increasingly popular, lush and well made. They're ready to drink and priced to enjoy. But this time, the accent is from the great Pacific Northwest!

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Our Picks and Recommendations of Columbia Valley Wines . . . All Prices Approximate

Hogue 2001 Fruit Forward Chardonnay $10
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Classic balance, with aromas of apple, poached pear, vanilla, and toasty oak-spice complexity

Ch. Ste. Michelle 2001 Chardonnay $10
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Aromas of apple and juicy pear integrate smoothly with toasty oak and a tantalizing scent of honey

Columbia Crest 2001 Grand Estates Chardonnay $10
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Apple, pear and caramel are evident in the nose and on the palate

Ch. Ste. Michelle 2000 Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay $30
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Toasty oak aromas, framed in spice, are followed by the rich, creamy flavors of pear and refreshing green apple

Hogue 2000 Genesis Syrah $16
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
The Genesis Syrah has excellent weight and balance, with intense fruit flavors and aromas of chocolate

Snoqualmie 1998 Cabernet-Merlot $12
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Smooth, bright and generous

Snoqualmie 1999 Merlot $10
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Columbia Valley Merlot is truly among the worlds best, and this wines fruit-filled aroma and soft, luscious mouthfeel is classic

Columbia Crest 2000 Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon $13
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
“This is a deep, dark wine with black cherry, blueberry and mocha aromas woven with cedar and toast

Sagelands 2001 Merlot $15
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
This crowd pleasing juicy Merlot shows why Washington state is the next hot region for value priced red wines

Ch. Ste. Michelle 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon $15
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Sweet wood, clove and cassis aromas introduce the dark, ripe stone and berry fruit flavors

Ch. Ste. Michelle 2002 Johannisberg Riesling $9
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Intense honeysuckle, peach, ripe apricot and citrus blossom aromas

Columbia 2002 Cellarmaster Johannisberg Riesling $10
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Fine rich aroma of apricot and honey, crisp clean acidity with fine lingering aftertaste

Columbia Crest 2000 Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon $13
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
“This is a deep, dark wine with black cherry, blueberry and mocha aromas woven with cedar and toast

Covey Run 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon $10
Columbia Valley, Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Wonderful berry fruit, subtle, chalky tannins and a superb balance of acidity