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It has long been rumored that the few rows of vines at the entrance to Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Wash., were required so the winery could be called a "chateau."
PROSSER -- Construction is expected to start soon on the next phase of what backers say will be the state's premier educational and promotional center for Washington's wines and food products.
A batch of Mid-Columbia wines that earned coveted platinum awards in the current edition of Wine Press Northwest magazine are not only top quality but also bargain-priced.
The annual competition conducted by the magazine, which is owned by the Tri-City Herald, includes only wines that already have earned gold medals or an equivalent in competitions held throughout 2009.
And what's amazing is that 13 platinum winners from our region's wineries cost less than $20 a bottle and most are readily available at your local retail outlets.
Among the double platinum winners, which means all the judges agreed these wines were worthy of a platinum award, were:
Barnard Griffin 2006 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $17 -- Velvety smooth with tasty chocolate, cherries and berries.
Barnard Griffin 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17 -- Mocha, pie cherries and blueberries hallmark this elegant, complex red.
Domaine Ste. Michelle Nonvintage Extra Dry sparkling wine, Columbia Valley, $13 -- This often can be found for about $9. It's a simply delicious bubbly, in perfectly balance.
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2008 Framboise, Washington, $14 --A dandy dessert wine that compares to drinking a lighter-style raspberry liqueur.
Platinum award winners, which means a majority of judges awarded a platinum, included:
Hogue Cellars 2008 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $10 -- Hogue has been making great Riesling forever. This one has plenty of citrus and orchard fruit, with pleasing acids.
Barnard Griffin 2008 Ros&eactue; of Sangiovese, $12 -- Always a charmer and perfect for any time, this vintage shows off fresh cherry and cranberry flavors.
L'Ecole No 41 2007 Semillon, Columbia Valley, $16 -- This one's a food-friendly wine with lemon and a hint of nuttiness.
Thurston Wolfe 2007 Howling Wolfe Zinfandel, Horse Heaven Hills, $18 -- Move over California: Here's a lusty Zin that both affordable and enjoyable.
Windy Point Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $19 -- Cola, ripe plums and currant describe this steak-friendly red wine.
Domaine Ste. Michelle nonvintage Blanc de Blancs, Columbia Valley $13 -- This is laden with pear and pineapple aromas and fizzy flavors of crisp green apples and coconut. And it's often priced a few bucks less.
Hogue Cellars 2008 Pinot Grigio, Columbia Valley, $10 -- The latest in a string of winners from Hogue, this one is delightfully fruity with pears and pineapples.
Snoqualmie Vineyards 2008 Winemaker's Select Riesling, Columbia Valley, $8 -- It's like taking a bite from a sweet, crisp summer peach -- with a kick.
Coyote Canyon, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $18 -- This one shows off blackberries, black olives and Baker's chocolate.
*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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