Budget-Friendly Bottles

2006 Corvidae Lenore, $13

Washington is establishing a reputation for producing high-quality syrah. If you haven’t tried one yet, then this one with ripe blackberry and plum and hints of smoke and spice is a great place to start.

2007 Evesham Wood WV Pinot Noir, $19

On the southern slopes of the Eola-Amity AVA at Les Puits Sec vineyard, Mary and Russ Raney farm the land organically and practice natural winemaking in the cellar, including using natural yeast strains, and the result is amazing. The only problem is that there is so little of it to go around.

2007 Chehalem Pinot Gris Reserve, $24

A pinot gris that actually has character—how strange! It is dry and complex with rich pear and citrus flavors and an exciting, mineral acidity.

2008 Owen Roe Abbots Table Red Blend, $21

This kitchen sink blend of zinfandel, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot, cab franc, blaufränkish, and malbec shows dark fruit but is not overly extracted. It has balance and grace with lovely layers of fruit.

2006 Alexandria Nicole Quarry Butte Red Blend, $20

This is a velvety wine with remarkable backbone and luscious fruit.

2007 Substance Malbec, $18

A malbec that is rich and structured with flavors of dark berries, cherries, spice, smoke, and vanilla.

2006 Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz, $8

Blueberries, currants, and cassis leap from every glass of this unspendy shiraz.

2007 Cor Cellars Momentum, $18

No new oak is used in Young vintner Luke Bradford’s blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, and malbec (in almost equal parts), and the profile of the grapes comes through wonderfully. It has nice spicy aromas with a bit of cocoa and coffee and a long bright finish.

2005 Fidélitas Merlot, $25

Charlie Hoppes is another of Washington’s best wine­makers. His merlot is earthy, with flavors of black fruits.

2005 Anna Maria Tempranillo, $24

Just darn tasty. This tempranillo offers red plums and red and black raspberries with hints of vanilla and toast on the palate, and bright acidity.

2007 Methven Family Vineyards Pinot Gris, $18

Ripe crenshaw and honeydew melon flavors mix with white floral notes—it’s crisp and tart with a hint of residual sugar.

2007 Saviah Cellars The Jack, $14

A supergood, supercheap full bodied cab blend from winemaker-owner Rich Funk. It’s rich and structured, full of black fruit, cocoa, and baking spice. Yum!

2006 Watermill Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, $24

Black cherry and currant, a hint of spiced vanilla oak, and friendly wet tannins make this a food-friendly, mouthwatering winner.

2006 Stoller JV Estate Pinot Noir, $25

This Oregon pinot noir features ripe red cherry and black raspberry fruit framed by caramel spiced oak and velvety tannins.

2007 Wallace Brook Pinot Noir, $15

This is a second label for Adelsheim, but they’ve gone to great lengths to keep it from being associated with their brand. The best cheap Oregon pinot noir I’ve had, with juicy cherry and strawberry, spicy herbs, and surprising complexity.

Find budget-friendly white wines HERE, and read about more noteworthy Northwest wines HERE.