What: Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling Columbia Valley 2014 $10 

Where: Metropolitan Market (Kirkland), QFC (University Village), Fred Meyer (Ballard), Safeway (Bellevue) 

Why: Washington wines are known not just for their consistently high quality but also for providing great value. The reason for this is simple. With Washington a relative newcomer in the world of wine, both land and grapes are still relatively inexpensive. These lower costs get passed directly on to consumers. 

No lineup in Washington consistently shows the state’s nexus of quality and value better than the three Columbia Valley rieslings from Chateau Ste Michelle. The wines range in style from dry (labeled ‘Dry Riesling’) to off-dry (labeled simply ‘Columbia Valley Riesling’) to medium sweet (labeled ‘Harvest Select’). Each has plenty to offer depending on the meal, mood, or occasion. 

The Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling 2014 ($10) brings a whole lot of appeal with aromas of citrus, stone fruit and flowers. The ample fruit flavors are off dry with a zip of acidity bringing it all together. The wine is a bargain at its listed price, but - for locals - it can often be found on sale for considerably cheaper. Along with its dry and sweet counterparts, it’s consistently the best value in Washington wine.