The following Yakima Valley wines have been recognized as exceptional throughout the State and Country.  The wines listed are either produced in the Yakima Valley or the grapes are grown in the Yakima Valley.

Look for these wines on the shelves of your local wine shop or pick them up while visiting the Valley.

The Wine Advocate: October 2011
 
08 Thurston Wolfe The Teacher Cabernet Sauvignon (90+ Points)  The 08 The Teacher Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Destiny Ridge and McKinley Springs Vineyards, both in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.  It was aged for 22 months in a mix of new and used French, American, and Hungarian oak. It sports an inviting nose of pain grille, pencil lead, earthy minerals, Asian spices, violets, and assorted black fruits. This sets the stage for a savory, spicy, full-bodies, incipiently complex Cabernet that has the structure and balance to evolve for 2-3 years. It will provide prime drinking from 2012 - 2023.                                                            Jay Miller (October, 2011)

08 Thurston Wolfe Petite Sirah Reserve Zephyr Ridge (94 Points).
Jay Miller's personal favorite of the portfolio is the 08 Reserve Petite Sirah Zephyr Ridge Vineyard. The 48 case production, by the way, makes Thurston Wolfe the largest producer of this varietal in Washington. It was aged for 26 months in 100% new American oak. Aromas of smoke, cedar, black pepper, leather, black cherry, and blackberry inform the nose of a smooth textured, dense, layered, full-flavored offering that conceals enough structure to evolve for at least another 5-6 years. This impeccably balanced, lengthy Petite Sirah will provide optimum drinking from 2016 to 2028 if not longer.                                        Jay Miller (October, 2011)

07 Thurston Wolfe The Geogolgist (93 Points)
The 07 The Geogolist is a multi-regional blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, and 12% Syrah aged for 23 months in French, American, and Hungarian oak and 12 months in bottle prior to release. It exhibits an already complex aromatic array of pain grille, graphite, Asian spices, violets, dried herbs, blackberry, and blueberry. Savory on the palate with layers of fruit and the tannin to mach this burly effort will benefit from an additional 4-5 years of cellaring and has a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2027.           Jay Miller (October, 2011)

09 Thurston Wolfe Howling Wolfe Zinfandel Zephyr Ridge (91 Points)
The largest in production of the new releases, the Howling Wolfe Zinfandel was aged in American and European oak for 14 months. It offers up a fragrant, expressive bouquet of black raspberry and bblack cherry with a hint of brier and underbrush. Elegant on the palate (despite its 15.5% alcohol) with splendid varietal character, it is a Zinfandel that would please even the Martinelli's and Turley's. It is an outstanding value.   Jay Miller (October, 2011)

Thurston Wolfe is an artisanal producer of wines with personality. The production of these wines ranges from 48 cases to 588 cases so interested parties are advised to get on the mailing list.          Telephone 509 786-3313, www.thurstonwolfe.com.

2010 Kiona Estate Red Mountain Dry Riesling (90 Points)

Airfield Estates 2009 Aviator - (91 POINTS)

Airfield Estates 2009 Lightning - (91 POINTS)

Airfield Estates 2009 Reserve Syrah - (90+ POINTS)

Airfield Estates 2010 Runway Late Harvest Riesling - (92 POINTS)

Airfield Estates 2009 Spitfire - (90 POINTS)

Airfield Estates 2009 Tempranillo - (90+ POINTS)

2011 November Wine Spectator
Tempranillo
2009 Desert Wind Tempranillo ($20) - 90 points

2011 October Wine Spectator
Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends
Arch Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Terra Blanca Estate Vineyard 2007  $20  Polished and effusive, with blackberry, cherry, herb and spice flavors that zing through the lively finish.  Drink now through 2015.

Chardonnay & Blends
Airfield Winery - Chardonnay Yakima Valley Unoaked 2010  $13
Lively and focused, this white is silky in texture and juicy with pear, citrus and floral flavors, which persisit on the deftly balanced finish.  Drink now through 2015.

Stonecap  Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2009 $8
On the lighter side, offering pretty floral overtones to the lime and apple flavors. Finishes with a refreshing lilt.  Drink now through 2013. 

Riesling
Stonecap Riesling Columbia Valley 2009 $8
Bright and jazzy, this is lightly sweet but lively with apple, peach and floral flavors that linger easily on the finish.  Drink now through 2015.

Syrah & Blends
Stonecap Syrah Columbia Valley 2009  $8
Firm in texture, this is lively with blueberry and spice flavors, dancing seductively through the expressive finish.  Drink now.

Goose Ridge G Red columbia Valley 2008 $18
Fresh and lively, this is juicy with blueberry and spice flavors, finishing with deft balance.  Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2014.

Other
Airfield Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley 2010 $13
Bright and lively, this is juicy with grapefuruit and herb flavors, finishing with pizzazz.  Drink now.

Olsen Blanc Des Coteaux Yakima Valley 2009 $12  Ripe and vibrant, this is supple in texture, brimming with pear, floral and almond flavors, hinting at almond blossom on the long finish.  Roussane, viognier and Marsanne.  Drink now through 2014.

Mercer Estates Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2009 $15
Bright and tangy, showing lemony apples and herb flavors that remain lively through the deftly balanced finish.  Drink now.

Northwest Palate September/October issue

Recommended    Kana Winery 2007 Red Wine, Dark Star, Yakima Valley $20
Scents of red fruits with subtle earthy quality and notes of dried herbs. Supple flavors of black raspberry with a pleasing sweetish cast are complemented by background notes of mocha and espresso. Good acidity imparts a light feel, and polished tannins are subtle.

Recommended  Willow Crest Yakima WA  $16
2006 Syrah, Yakima Valley  Spicy and peppery aromas at first compete with the rasberry and blackberry scents on the nose, but with swirling the fruit moves forward and adds an uplifting floral quality.  Supple red raspberry and cherry flavors are full and forward with plenty of fuit sweetness.

Recommended  Kana Winery, Yakima WA  2007 Red Wine, Old Vines, Red Willow Vineyard, Yakima Valley $18
Attractive, medium-to-lightly hued rosy red color.  Full aromas of caramel-dipped cherries with a drizzle of chocolate. Sweet cherry and raspberry flavors are carried on a supple texture and at first appear rather soft-perhaps accentuated by distinct chocolate notes in the background.  But soon sufficient acidity and noticeable, but never in the way.

September Issue Wine Spectator
Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends
This wine is made from Yakima Valley wine grapes
Januik Merlot Red Mountain Klipsun Vineyard 2008 $30
Tight, focused and impressive for the depth of its cherry, currant, espresso and wet slate flavors, which are coiled tautly on the expressive finish, playing against a layer of refined tannins.  Best from 2013 through 2018.

This wine is made from Yakima Valley wine grapes
Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Klipsun Vineyard 2008 $35
Ripe and spicy, focusing its black cherry, cassis, wet earth and smoke flavors beautifully as they sail over a bed of mildly chewy tannins.  This has depth and grace. Best from 2013 through 2018.

Olsen Malbec Yakima Valley $30
Fresh and vibrant, offering a juicy, stylish mouthful of plum, pepper and savory meat notes. Finishes with refined tannins. Drink now through 2014.

Stonecap Merlot Columbia Valley 2009 $8
Firm and focused, this red is light on its feet but substantial in its cherry, wet earth and sage flavors. Lingers nicely.  Drink now through 2016.