AL WAS NTR HI CE
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Double Gold AWARDS
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
Errant Cellars 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $24 (68 cases)
Benson Vineyards 2019 Chardonnay, Lake Chelan, $21 (370 cases)
Ancestry Cellars 2019 Le Cortège Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $22 (121 cases)
Judges’ comments: Any time someone earns a best-ofclass award with Cabernet Sauvignon, the most important variety in Washington, it commands attention. Megan Couture deserves that for her work with this Cab off the Wahluke Slope that received a unanimous vote for gold among the judging panel. The nose of blackberry and blackcurrant includes pinches of violet and white pepper. Pleasing herbs and spices come through on the palate behind those blackberries and mocha. It’s well-balanced, delicious and complex.
Judges’ comments: One of the state’s most picturesque vineyards is home to one of the region’s top expressions of America’s most popular grape variety. There’s amazing freshness to the nose of fruit cocktail with orange, pineapple, pear and lime, and the light approach of oak and low profile of alcohol lifts the beautiful flavors of nectarine, Bosc pear and pineapple, making for a stellar example of Northwest Chardonnay.
Judges’ comments: Early on, this grape native to the Loire Valley in France played a significant role in the Washington wine industry. Thanks to efforts such as this one by Manson winemaker Jason Morin, Chenin is making a comeback. A change in sourcing to Riverview Vineyard near Desert Aire has been integral, allowing him to capture charming accents of white peach, jasmine and white pepper. Perfect acidity and a fascinating sense of minerality lead to a bright finish of Asian pear.
For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 15 B St. SE, Quincy (509) 794-2030 errantcellars.com
42
Foothills
November / December 2020
For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 754 Winesap Ave., Manson (509) 687-0313, Ext. 106 bensonvineyards.com
For current tasting room hours, call the winery or visit its website. 50 Wapato Way, Suite B, Manson (509) 741-9006 19510 144th Ave. NE, Suite C-1, Woodinville (206) 607-9115 ancestrycellars.com
