PASCO -- Claar Cellars north of Pasco can trace its roots to an early-day Columbia Basin Project farm.
Crista Claar Whitelatch’s parents, Russell and Audrienne Claar, developed the land on a bluff overlooking the Hanford Project in 1950.
The first wine grapes were planted in 1980, and when Crista and her husband Bob Whitelatch decided to make their own wines, they named the winery after the pioneer Claars.
The winemaking facility still is out in Franklin County, but the main tasting room is just off Interstate 82 at Zillah.
Claar Cellars, like a lot of other wineries I have visited this year, keeps most of its prices low, well below $20 a bottle.
2008 Sauvignon Blanc, White Bluffs, Columbia Valley, $12.99 -- This one begins with a touch of herbs, then follows up with light lemon flavors that would complement grilled prawns drizzled with lemon butter.
2008 Chardonnay, White Bluffs, Columbia Valley, $12.99 -- Unoaked, it shows off its tropical fruit and Asian pear characteristics. Great with mahi mahi and papaya salsa.
2007 Riesling, White Bluffs, Columbia Valley, $12.99 -- Classic German style, this wine offers apple and apricot essences. It’s sweet, with 4 percent residual sugar, yet has good acids to balance it. Any spicy Asian dish should do.
Nonvintage Busty Blush Sangiovese rosé, White Bluffs, Columbia Valley, $12.99 -- Clean, inviting strawberry aromas lead into a sweet but tart taste. It’s a perfect summer sipper to go with grilled chicken.
2008 Late Harvest Riesling, White Bluffs, Columbia Valley, $15.49 -- There’s lots to love in this gem -- peach and honey flavors and 9.5 percent residual sugar. Excellent wine to serve with friends on the patio.
2006 Cabernet-Merlot, White Bluffs, Columbia Valley, $12.99 -- I have to confess this was my favorite. It’s smooth with toasty oak and appealing berry flavors and the price is right. Serve with spareribs.
2006 Sangiovese, White Bluffs, Columbia Valley, $18.49 -- Nice oak and bright fruit flavors with tannins to match a pasta dish with tomato sauce.
2006 Merlot, White Bluffs, Columbia Valley, $18.49 -- This one is rich and tasty, offering blackberries and some leather spice aromas. Sirloin steak anyone?
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, White Bluffs, Columbia Valley, $18.49 -- This one shows off tobacco and green bean aromas with plum flavors. Try a beef-stuffed enchilada.
On the net: www.claarcellars.com
* 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.
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