On February 15th, we moved to Walla Walla full time. The past week has been a frenzy of unpacking and putting things in place at our new home. But we've found time to eat and drink wine. Here are some of the wines we've been drinking lately.

 

2011 Waters Prelude White Blend, Columbia Valley ($30)

We had this 63% Roussanne/37% Viognier blend with Jim Robison's recipe for stir-fried chicken breast with shallots and sundried tomatoes in cream sauce. The intriguing oriental-like aromas and flavors made for an interestring combination. 18.5+/20 points. (Reviewed July 2012)

2009 Glencorrie Merlot, Columbia Valley, Stillwater Creek Vineyard ($29)

We had this with sandwiches from the Walla Walla Baking Co. The Merlot was true to variety and deliciously ripe and supple. 18.5/20 points (Reviewed February)

2009 Laurelhurst Cellars "El Humidor" Petite Sirah, Horse Heaven Hills ($38)

This robust, peppery, spicy red went nicely with grilled hamburgers. Petite Sirah, I think is an up and coming varietal. 19/20 points. (Reviewed January)

2011 Waterbrook Chardonnay, Columbia Valley (purchased for $10 at Harvest Foods)

This nice, lively Chardonnay with bright flavors and good varietal character is a great bargain. We had it for lunch with chicken salad. 17.5+/20 points.

2009 Three Rivers Malbec, Columbia Valley ($29)

One night, we had pizza delivered by Hempler's Big Cheese (Walla Walla's best). With it, we had this ripe, peppery, full flavored Malbec. 18.5/20 points. (Reviewed January)

2009 Milbrandt Mourvedre, Wahluke Slope, Clifton Vineyard ($29)

We had this with bread, cheese and salami from Salumerie Cesario on Main Street. An ideal combination for lunch. 18.5/20 points. (Reviewed September, 2012)

2009 Saviah Cellars Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley ($35)

This made a nice accompaniment to sautéd chicken thighs with rosemary. The somewhat smoky, perfumed aromatics made this an enjoyable wine. 18.5+/20 points. (To be reviewed in the March issue)

2009 Three Rivers Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley ($29 - winery only)

This is another attractive rendition of an up and coming variety. We had it with grilled lamb chops and white and wild rice. 18.5+/20 points. (Reviewed February)

2008 Reininger Winery "Mr. Owl's Red," Walla Walla Valley ($28)

This blend is Chuck Reininger's tribute to cellar master Raul Morfin ("Mr.Owl" to the Reininger children). The slightly herbacious character made it a good accompaniment with grilled chicken sausage. 18.5/20 points. (Winery only, not reviewed)

2010 Hard Row to Hoe, Primitivo, Columbia Valley ($32)

This brawny, high alcohol (15.5%) clonal Zinfandel went nicly with meat loaf sandwiches from the La Reina Rosado delicatessen on Main Street (when in Walla Walla check it out). 18.5/20 points. (Reviewed October 2012)