On Wednesday, June 8, we drove to the Yakima Valley on our way to Walla Walla. We visited several wineries, some for the first time. Here's a summary of our visits. Reviews of the wines will be in the August issue of the Review of Washington Wines.

 

Southard - Scott Southard is an earnest young winemaker who has much potential. The winery in Selah, northeast of Yakima, is next door to his parents' home. He makes a very nice Roussanne and Cabernet called "whipping boy."

 

Gilbert Cellars - We visited the winery over in the Ahtamum Valley south of Yakima. We tasted the 2009's, including winemaker Justin Neufeld's JB Neufeld wines. At the tasting room downtown, we tasted some 2008's which will be in the August issue.

 

Treveri Cellars - Jurgen and Julie Grieb make methode champenoise varietal sparkling wines (Riesling, Muller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris and more) at their downtown facility. The wines range from dry to sweet. Some make delightful dessert bubblies.

 

Two Mountain - Located a few miles north of Zillah, this winery, owned by Matt and Patrick Rawn, makes wines from nearby vineyards which the brothers manage.

 

Maison Bleue - In Prosser, we met with Jon Martinez and sampled his newly released 2010 French Creek Chardonnay. We also tasted the 2010 Viognier and Marsanne which will be released in September.

 

Gamache Vintners - Roger and Bob Gamache have a new 2007 Merlot and a 2006 50% Gamache / 50% Champoux Cabernet Sauvignon which were quite impressive.

 

Bunnell Family Cellar - We had lunch at Susan Bunnell's Wine O'clock wine bar and had her husband Ron's striking 2008 Petit Sirah from the Northridge Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope