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It has long been rumored that the few rows of vines at the entrance to Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Wash., were required so the winery could be called a "chateau."
PROSSER -- Construction is expected to start soon on the next phase of what backers say will be the state's premier educational and promotional center for Washington's wines and food products.
Bargain Bob traditionally gets excited when he finds a wine under $10, so how come he's all energized by a red wine that costs around $20?
It's simple. The wine is made by Woodward Canyon Winery's Rick Small, who has crafted some of the best and longest-lived Cabernet Sauvignon to come out of the Pacific Northwest.
He also makes a second label called Nelms Road. In a blind tasting, it outranked some of his higher-priced Cabs.
Nelms Road 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $21: This is made from young vines along with some pressed wine from celebrated vineyards such as Champoux and Sagemoor. The wine shows aromas of herbs, spices and vanilla with smooth flavors of currants, loganberries and tasty chocolate.
OK, so $20 is too steep for your budget. How about $5 a bottle?
That's what Badger Mountain Vineyards/Powers Winery in Kennewick, Wash., offers in its 3-liter, bag-in-the box Pure Red and Pure White. The box is equivalent of four bottles.
These may not be up to the overall character of the Nelms Road, but both Pure releases are well made, tasty and have the added convenience of being able to keep around for a month without losing much quality. That's because no oxygen reaches into the plastic pouch inside the box.
Also for those who don't liked added sulfites, both Pure Red and White are no sulfites added (NSA) wines. Because NSA wines don't include sulfur as a preservative, the winery tries to keep the wines fresh. And they should be drunk young.
Badger Mountain 2007 Pure White (NSA), Columbia Valley, $20: A tasty blend of Müller-Thurgau, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. It goes well with lighter foods and as a cocktail wine. Lots or citrus, clean and tasty.
Badger Mountain 2007 Pure Red (NSA), Columbia Valley, $20: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot showing off some raspberries, spice and a juicy finish.
A 10-minute drive west, Goose Ridge Winery has come out with a second label called Stonecap. It shows promise for both the palate and the pocketbook.
Stonecap 2006 Monson Family Estates Riesling, Columbia Valley, $10: These are screwcap wines. Envision tangerines, tropical and an orchard fruit medley. It's well-balanced with 1.6 percent residual sugar. Great for Dungeness crab or salmon.
Stonecap 2005 Monson Family Estates Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $10: Unoaked but not unloved. A great food-friendly Chardonnay with plenty of crispness. It's bright and flavorful with pineapple and apple characteristics.
BOB WOEHLER has been writing about wine since 1976.
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