WALLA WALLA — Canoe Ridge Vineyard and Whitman Cellars wineries are just a long cork toss apart.
And both have cozy tasting rooms, friendly staff and some tasty wines.
What sets them apart from many high-priced Walla Walla Valley wineries is that both also offer some very good moderately priced wine.
In fact, Canoe Ridge's Gewürztraminer has always been a favorite of mine, and the 2007 vintage is a classic example that offers everything needed in a great Gewürztraminer.
Both Canoe Ridge and Whitman are just off Highway 12. Turn south at 13th Avenue and go two blocks.
You'll find Canoe Ridge at 1102 W. Cherry St. and Whitman at 1015 W. Pine.
Here's what awaits:
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2007 Gewürztraminer, Columbia Valley, $16 -- Extremely aromatic, with spice and wonderful wake-up-your-tastebuds grapefruit flavors. Match with any New Orleans dishes.
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2007 dry Riesling, Columbia Valley, $17 -- Think of dried apricots with a crispy apple finish. Great with semi-spicy Asian dishes.
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2008, Columbia Valley, dry rosá, $15 -- Available only at the winery, it's made from lightly pressed Cabernet Sauvignon. Refreshing with essences of strawberries. Nice with cold chicken.
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2006 red table wine, Columbia Valley, $17 -- A rich, smooth blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah offering wonderful chocolate characteristics. Try with not-too-spicy Mexican beef dishes.
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Holiday Cuve, $20 -- An absolute bargain because this is a 1.5-liter bottle available only at the winery. It's mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, is berry-like, smooth and tasty. Match with a patty melt burger with sautáed onions and, of course, fries.
-- www.canoeridgevineyard.com
Whitman Cellars, 2007 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $19 -- Concentrated orange flavors with a delightful mouth feel. Look up Nat Decants' recipe for crispy scallop and potato sandwich with citrus butter sauce, yum!
Whitman Cellars 2008 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $14 -- Floral aromas with a peachy, crisp finish. In fact, it's great to try with a fresh, juicy Washington peach.
Whitman Cellars 2007 Killer Cab, Columbia Valley, $18 -- Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a quarter Syrah. Leather and oak aromas with inviting berry flavors. Try it with ribs.
* www.whitmancellars.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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