Wednesday, May. 06, 2009

Woehler on Wine: Kiona Vineyards and Winery

By Bob Woehler, Wine Press Northwest tasting editor

BENTON CITY — Kiona Vineyards and Winery was founded in 1972 and has never lost sight of its credo -- to make consumer-friendly wines and sell them at consumer-friendly prices.

That concept is especially refreshing in these hard economic times.

Of the 20-plus wines produced by the oldest of the Red Mountain wineries, 15 fall into the $20 and under range, and five are under $10.

Few wineries make such a varied mix of wines as Kiona, with bottlings that range from dry whites to full-bodied reds to fruity dessert wines and a nectarlike ice wine.

Kiona also ranks as a pioneer producer of Lemberger, dry Riesling and dessert wines made from Gewurztraminer and Chenin Blanc.

Winemaker Scott Williams and his family are proud of their heritage, and visitors to their new winery and tasting room can sample almost everything they have on hand.

2007 dry white Riesling, Red Mountain, $11-$13 -- Floral aromas and wonderful fruity peach flavors that would go well with sushi and a bit of shaved ginger.

2005 Chardonnay, Red Mountain, $13-$15 -- Toasty oak aromas lead to crisp tropical fruit flavors. Match it with scallops or halibut.

Nonvintage Vivacious Vicky white, Washington state, $8-$10 -- A blend of mostly Chenin Blanc and Semillon, this makes a great cocktail wine or pair it with fried chicken.

2006 Lemberger, Red Mountain, $10-$12 -- Smooth and tasty berries with a bit of oak and spice. Lamb is the dish for it.

Nonvintage Vivacious Vicky red, Washington state, $8-$10 -- Mostly a Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend that is great with spaghetti.

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington state, $18-$20 -- A big drink-now cab with big currant and chocolate components. I'd try a sirloin steak, medium rare.

2007 late harvest Riesling, $8-$10 -- Flowers on the nose lead to pleasing citrus and apricot flavors. A pound cake soaked in the wine with whipped cream is a great match.

2005 late harvest Gewürztraminer, Red Mountain, $11-$13 -- Distinctively spicy with honey-citrus flavors that make this a great accompaniment to cheese cake.

*Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com.