Monday, Dec. 15, 2008

Prosser, Wash., a boom town for value

By 'Bargain' Bob Woehler, Wine Press Northwest

Bargain Bob is always willing to go that extra mile to find cheap but good wines. This time, he's in Prosser, Wash.

Of course, you can always find wines for less than $10 from the big guys such as Hogue Cellars and Snoqualmie Vineyards. 

But did you know about wines in the $6 to $16 range from wineries such as Airfield Estates, Desert Wind Winery, Kestrel Vintners, Thurston Wolfe and Willow Crest Winery?

Prosser is a mecca for bargain wines under Bargain Bob's criteria and for folks who enjoy the classic, even reserve wines at reasonably decent prices.

This tidy farming community now has about 25 wineries within a compact area that makes it easy for folks on the tasting room trail.

One of the best stops in Prosser is the new winery park featuring The Winemaker's Loft, an incubator building for startup wineries. The Loft is surrounded by several newer stand-alone wineries off of Exit 80 on Interstate 82.

Airfield Estates 2007 unoaked Chardonnay, $16: Ripe citrus and tropical fruit carry through to a crisp, dry finish. This fruit-forward wine is delightful on its own or pairs nicely with seafood dishes. 

Desert Wind Winery 2006 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $15: Lush peach and orange blossom on the nose give way to crisp acidity and lingering fruit on the palate. Pair with Hawaiian chicken.

Kestrel Vintners NV Lady in Red 6th Edition, Columbia Valley, $10: Worth the price just for the blue bottle that has a Marilyn Monroe-like figure on it. This balanced blend shows aromas of blueberry and cherry. It's followed by flavors of bright red fruit with some tobacco notes. Marilyn would love a burger with this.

Kestrel Vintners NV Pure Platinum 4th Edition, Columbia Valley, $10: A Rita Hayworth-like redhead graces the colored bottle. Inside is the brilliant spice of Gewürztraminer and the floral perfume of Viognier. Aromatic hints of honeysuckle and orange blossoms with flavors of citrus and peaches.

Thurston Wolfe 2006 Wolfe's Family Red, Columbia Valley, $16: A sassy berry food-friendly blend of Syrah, Primitivo, Lemberger, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. Great with spaghetti and meatballs.

Willow Crest Winery 2006 Rockin' Rosé, Washington, $6: A rockin' price, too for this fruity, yet dry, Lemberger rosé, that's sure to be a patio favorite.