CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE SAUVIGNON BLANC
This is the best-selling Sauvignon Blanc at Haggen grocery stores, so I figured it was only appropriate to put it on my list. This Sauv Blanc has unique flavors such as kiwi, melon, and grapefruit. If I’m shopping for a crowd-pleasing white wine, this is the one I reach for.
GLM WINERY ROCK FLOUR SAUVIGNON BLANC
GLM Winery owners Tom and Tracy are not only fantastic people—they’re also fantastic with wine. It’s made using old-world techniques that characterize the differences between this Sauv Blanc and others.
H3 SAUVIGNON BLANC
Wine Spectator gives this 2015 Sauvignon Blanc an outstanding 89 points. Citrus aromas and a layer of minerality combine with strong pear flavors to round out this gorgeous white wine. It’s crisp and clean and, before you know it, it’s gone.
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE COLUMBIA VALLEY DRY RIESLING
Most Rieslings on the market are quite sweet, so Chateau Ste. Michelle’s unique take is refreshing to those who appreciate drier wines. With tart fruit notes like lime and grapefruit, this 2016 Riesling earned 90 points from Wine & Spirits.
COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATE SYRAH
This elegant Syrah is bold, with flavors of currant, dried herbs, and pepper. The rich texture is complemented with flavors of cedar and dark fruits. Wine & Spirits gave the 2016 vintage 90 points.
AMAVI CELLARS SYRAH
This Syrah does not smell like oak—a refresher for some. Take a strong whiff of raspberry, blueberry, and allspice fragrances before tasting the boysenberry and blueberry. It’s rich, soft, and balanced.
L’ECOLE NO. 41 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Winning 89 points from Wine Spectator, this 2013 Cab Sauv is sweet with dark fruits, rounded out with coffee and baking spice flavors.
GILBERT CELLARS RESERVE NO. 1
This red is a blend of Gilbert Cellars’ “very best barrels.” It’s 50 percent Syrah, 33 percent Grenache, and 17 percent Mourvèdre aged 18 months in 33 percent new French oak barrels. The remainder is aged in once-used French oak barrels. Altogether it’s 100 percent delicious.
14 HANDS PINOT GRIGIO
The 2016 vintage won an impressive 89 points from Wine Spectator for its unique flavors. You’ll taste notes of fresh melon, green apple, and honeysuckle.
BOOMTOWN BY DUSTED VALLEY PINOT GRIS
Numerous flavors come together in this wine to create a beautiful fruity blend. You’ll taste grapefruit, apricot, mint, starfruit, orange, nectarine, lemon, lime, and Granny Smith apples. The finish is incredibly long for a white wine.
DYNASTY CELLARS RIESLING
Peter Osvaldik is the winemaker and owner at Dynasty Cellars, with a tasting room in Bellingham on East Bakerview Road. For only five dollars, you can sample up to five wines, the cost of which is forgiven if you purchase a bottle—which you’ll want to. All of Osvaldik’s wines are great, but his Riesling is my favorite.
LONG SHADOWS 2017 “JULIA’S DAZZLE” ROSÉ OF PINOT GRIS
This bright rosé has flavors of orange blossoms, strawberries, and ripe melon. The intense acidity lasts, creating a delectable off-dry finish.
WILLIAM GRASSIE WINE ESTATES CORAL ROSÉ
Mr. Grassie was kind enough to lend us a bottle of his Coral Rosé for our June Summer Barbecue feature story. I was lucky enough to take the bottle home to enjoy—and that I did. This rosé is amazing. It’s light and airy and not too syrupy, perfect for pairing with cheese on a sunny day.
GOOSE RIDGE WINERY PINOT GRIS
This fruity white wine highlights flavors such as Bartlett pear, green apple, and honeydew melon. There are also floral hints and kiwi tastes hiding in the smooth texture. It pairs well with just about everything.
VARTANYAN ESTATE WINERY SWEET RIESLING
Vartanyan’s tasting room may be a little off the beaten track, but it’s worth the adventure up Mount Baker Highway. I tend to like sweeter options, and this Sweet Riesling is nothing short of scrumptious. It’s like liquid wine candy.
PATTERSON CELLARS ROSÉ
This rosé, along with the next, is available at side-by-side tasting rooms in Woodinville. Fun fact: The tasting room are also next door to an incredible pizza place. There’s nothing better than eating some artisanal pizza and sipping an incredible rosé on the patio. Patterson’s rosé is crisp, light, and just plain enjoyable.
GORMAN WINERY ROSÉ
This delightful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot is sure to compliment any of the pizzas from the adjoined pie joint. Not only is the wine from Gorman perfect, but the experience of sitting on the covered patio, enjoying chilled wine, and nibbling on a great slice can’t be beat.
AMAURICE ESTATE BLEND “NIGHT OWL”
The 2014 blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Merlot is medium- to full-bodied. The flavors of ripe black cherries and licorice give it a sweeter taste, rounded out by wild herbs.
ALEXANDRIA NICOLE QUARRY BUTTE RED TABLE WINE
Featuring a combination of six different varietals, this red blend has sweet notes of black currant and red cherry. The sweetness is balanced with a mild tobacco leaf flavor, leaving the palette warm.
WALLA WALLA VINTERS CUT BANK ESTATE MERLOT
Because the Walla Walla Vinters vineyard sits on higher ground, the elevation produces a greater balance of fruit flavor and acidity. This 2014 Merlot has a large flavor profile that includes hints of espresso, mint, and vanilla.
ROCKY POND WINERY MALBEC
This Malbec features awards such as Double Gold in the 2019 Seattle Wine Awards, Gold in the 2018 Seattle Wine Awards, and Platinum in the 2018 Wine Press Northwest.
DELILLE D2
With 91 Wine Spectator points, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petite Merlot is a must-have. Impressive points aren’t the only accolade: This wine also won Gold in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
DYNASTY CELLARS ROSÉ
Only two wineries get a repeat on this list, and it’s because they deserve it. The Dynasty Rosé is one of the best rosés to come out of Bellingham. It’s a delicious combination of Riesling and Malbec that’s perfect for light sipping.
SAMSON ESTATES CHARDONNAY
I love pineapple, so when I see it listed in the tasting notes for a wine, it’s something I don’t let slip by. The Samson Estates Chardonnay is sweet with fruit flavors and has a good acid balance.
MARC RYAN WINERY “THE DISSIDENT”
The 2016 vintage boasts 93 Wine Spectator points, with a similar ranking expected for the 2017 vintage. While the 2016 was more flowery, the 2017 takes an earthy turn, with hints of cassis and ground herbs.
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