Dan Radil Wine Writer
that, of course, including touches of watermelon and cranberry and the signature, vibrant acidity from the sangiovese grape. Another insanely underpriced wine from the perennial gold-winning Columbia Valley winery. Based in Sheridan, Oregon, John and Jody Wrigley of J Wrigley Vineyards are producing some stellar wines from their estate grown, McMinnville Appellation grapes. Here are a trio of choices that can be enjoyed year-round but are especially good during the summer months: The J Wrigley 2014 Pinot Gris (about $18) is “lean and mean,” with vibrant green melon flavors, dazzling acidity, and a clean, linen-crisp finish. Try it with fresh shellfish or lobster with clarified butter sauce. Displaying a lovely salmon-pink hue, the 2014 Pinot Noir Rosé (about $20) was cold fermented using whole-cluster pressed grapes. Gentle strawberry and pie cherry flavors predominate, and a bright finish with great acidity makes this an outstanding wine when lightly chilled. Finally, the 2014 Riesling (about $20) opens with an aroma faintly similar to a fine Sauterne before yielding green apple flavors in more of a German-style white that suggest it may be appropriate for aging. The wine’s twopercent residual sugar content is hardly perceptible; impeccably balanced by brisk acidity and accentuated with a hint of spiciness on the extreme finish.
Dan Radil has lived in Washington for more than 50 years and has been an avid follower of Pacific Northwest wines since the 1980s. As a freelance wine writer, his articles have been included in publications such as Wine Press Northwest, Whatcom Magazine, and the Bellingham Herald, where he wrote a weekly wine column for more than 15 years. He also teaches wine classes at Bellingham Technical College. An avid WSU alumnus, his spare-time activities include traveling with his spouse, Alex, gardening, and entertaining.