PROSSER — The term "naked" has special meaning at Snoqualmie Winery in Prosser -- its line of wines is made from organically grown grapes.
The grapes are grown as "au natural" as possible in a certified organic vineyard.
It has helped Snoqualmie, a sister winery of Columbia Crest and Chateau Ste. Michelle, find its own market niche under the direction of winemaker Joy Andersen, who began making wines 25 years ago when Washington had only 24 winemakers.
She also makes wines that are not certified organic, but all of her wines share an important, distinctive quality and they regularly win awards.
First, some notes on the "naked" wines.
2007 Naked Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $9-$13 -- Juicy citrus aromas and flavors with a clean finish. Perfect with mussels.
2008 Naked Gewürztraminer, Columbia Valley, $8-$12 -- Aromas of Meyer lemon and spice, plus mouth-watering grapefruit flavors. Try it with seafood salad and tangy dressing.
2008 Naked Riesling, Columbia Valley, $8 -$12 -- Blossom aromas and easy-drinking clean orchard fruit flavors. Sip it with chicken fajitas with peach salsa.
2007 Naked Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $9-$13 -- Outstanding for the price, showing oak aromas and balanced berry flavors. It's a match for wine-basted beef roast.
2006 Naked Merlot, Columbia Valley, $9-$13 -- Sweet oak and spice aromas, plus rich cherry flavors. Try it with lamb rib chops.
Snoqualmie wines that aren't labeled "naked" also are good bargains.
2008 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $7-$10 -- A rich tropical fruit and citrus Chardonnay, perfect as a cocktail.
2008 Winemaker's Select Riesling, Columbia Valley, $6-$9 -- Loaded with aromas and flavors, including apricots, lemons and honey. Match with melon ball salad drenched in the wine.
2006 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $7-$10 -- Loaded with smooth, dark cherry flavors. Perfect for spaghetti and meatballs.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $9.99 -- A bargain that usually sells for $16. This one leads with oak and spice, backed by big tannins and berry flavors. Rub down a sirloin and grill it.
2007 Whistle Stop Red, Cabernet-Merlot, Columbia Valley, $7-$10 -- The winery's most popular wine, it's a bargain with tasty black fruit and supple tannins. Great with a pinwheel skirt steak stuffed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
-- www.snoqualmie.com
* Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net.
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