Five Wines to Ring in Spring

In this month’s Five Wines Under $15, we bring you wines to get this spring kick started.

Idilico is winemaker Javier Alfonso’s (Pomum Cellars) project dedicated to Spanish varieties. The winery’s 2011 Albariño hails from plantings in the Yakima Valley, with fruit coming from the vineyard’s second crop. Based on the first two vintages, the future looks bright for this variety here.

Lone Birch is a second label for Airfield Estates. Founded by fourth generation farmers, the winery is named after a 70 year-old birch tree in the family vineyard. At Lone Birch, winemaker Marcus Miller focuses on wines in the value category.

The Tranche Cellars Pink Pape is our inaugural rosé from the 2012 growing season. Since the release of the first vintage in 2010, the winery has developed a strong following for this blend of southern Rhone varieties. As before, the 2012 vintage hails from Blackrock Vineyard in the Columbia Valley.

Chateau Ste. Michelle makes six different Chardonnays each year from vineyard designated wines (Canoe Ridge Estate, Cold Creek) to Reserve (Ethos). The Columbia Valley Chardonnay is the winery’s entry level offering.

Read previous Five Wines Under $15 here. Happy spring!

Idilico Albariño Washington 2011 $15
(Good) An aromatically complex wine with green apple, citrus, floral notes, and kiwi. The palate is medium bodied and tart with racy acidity and a grapefruit pith finish. 100% Albariño. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 12.5% alcohol. Sample provided by winery. Recommended

Lone Birch Pinot Gris Yakima Valley 2011 $13
 (Good) An aromatic offering of Pinot Gris with candied red apple and peach. Drinks almost dry and medium plus bodied with a lot of texture. 100% Pinot Gris. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 13.0% alcohol. 0.63% Residual Sugar. 2,934 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Recommended

Lone Birch Chardonnay Yakima Valley 2011 $13
 (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with yellow apple and white peach. The palate is medium-plus bodied with a nice lick of acid and a lemon pith finish. 100% Chardonnay. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 12.5% alcohol. 3,507 cases produced.

Tranche Cellars Pink Pape Dry Rosé Wine Columbia Valley 2012 $15
 (Good) An aromatically intriguing wine with pink grapefruit, watermelon, and spice. The palate is medium bodied with a creamy mouthfeel and a zing of acid, finishing a touch bitter. 12.9% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2011 $13
(Good) Very lightly aromatic with grass, toasty oak, banana, and spice.  The palate has a broad feel with light fruit flavors accented by wood spices. 100% Chardonnay. 13% tank fermented. Aged seven months in French and American oak (13% new). 13.5% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.