Yesterday, Wednesday, June 17, we had a tasting and lunch at Valdemar Estates, the showpiece winery in the South Valley. As per requirements for wine tasting rooms under Phase 2, the staff wore masks and scrupulous sanitation was observed. Luckily, the layout of the tasting and dining areas is spacious and amenable for the seating spacing requirements (tables 5 feet apart). There is outdoor seating as well including cross seating spaces. The dining menu has been updated with plates such as Spanish stew and Lamb pinchos in addition to the usual jamón and chorizo tapas. We had delicious roasted asparagus wrapped with jamón and sprinkled with grated Manchego. Lynn took the white wine flight and I took the Valdemar Estates flight. Here are my abbreviated notes (full reviews to be in the August issue of the Review of Washington Wines).

2019 Valdemar Estates Roussanne, Columbia Valley ($40) - This shows a brilliant gold color and seductive aromas of Bosc pear, white nectarine, blood orange, white lilac and white incense. The flavor are mouth filling and resonant, with notes of herbal tea, and poire William and Grand Marnier liqueurs. 19/20 points.

2018 Valdemar Estates Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, DuBrul Vineyard ($50) - This barrel-fermented Chardonnay shows wonderful purity, with ripe, floral aromas and simultaneously rich and racy flavors that are underpinned with peach stone, pear skin and stony minerals. This recalls the Anvil Chardonnays that Marie-Eve Gilla used to make at Forgeron Cellars. 19.5/20 points.

2018 Valdemar Estates Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($65) - This Syrah (with 5% Grenache) shows a semi-opaque ruby color and seductive aromas of wild fruits, star anise and spiced incense. The flavors are generous yet full bore, showing great elegance throughout. 19.5/20 points.

2018 Valdemar Estates Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Blue Mountain Vineyard ($75) - This possesses an inky color and intoxicating aromas of wild fruits, lavender, violets, sage and oriental incense. The flavors are thick, almost massive yet refined. The penetration continues on the back, followed by a long, opulent finish. 19.5/20 points.

2018 Valdemar Estates Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Stoney Vine Vineyard ($75) - From the "Rocks," this shows a deep ruby-crimson color and rich, smoky nose of black and blue fruits, with scents of lavender, violets, cracked pepper and incense. The flavors are bold and authoritative yet elegant with distinct cobblestone and loam minerals and a long, long finish. 19.5/20 points.