Entertainment - Wine column

POSTED: Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2009

Prosser's Airfield Estates' wines worth tracking down

Next to local winery Mount Baker Vineyards, Airfield Estates Winery in Prosser might have one of the most extensive selections of wines in the state.

During a recent tasting with owner and grape grower Mike Miller, I counted a staggering 22 wines on its list, with a handful of soon-to-be-released varietals that will push that number even higher.

The bulk of his wines fall into the nicely priced $12- to $25-a-bottle range. Simply put, there's something at Airfield Estates for nearly every style, price and taste preference.

Operations are truly a family affair at the winery, where Miller is assisted by his son Marcus, who is winemaker and general manager, and by daughter Lori, the company's marketing director.

The friendly and helpful staff in the tasting room always seem to provide customers with first-class service, and my experience on this latest visit was no exception.

A few of my white wine favorites include the 2008 Thunderbolt (about $14), a stunning sauvignon blanc with smidge of semillon blended in. The wine took gold medal honors at this year's Pacific Coast Oyster Wine Competition in Seattle.

The 2008 Pinot Gris (about $15) is also a grand slam, with gentle aromas and flavors of pear and honeydew melon, perfectly balanced by just the right touch of acidity.

Notable red wines include the 2007 Syrah (about $22), with compact, intense flavors of dark berry, coffee and bittersweet chocolate, and the 2008 Bombshell Red (about $16), a tasty, easy-to-drink blend of six varietals.

Airfield Estates' wines can be difficult to track down in the Bellingham area, but a special order should be available through your favorite wine shop proprietor or grocery store wine steward.

You also can purchase them online at airfieldwines.com, or visit the tasting room, conveniently located near a cluster of other Prosser wineries just off of Interstate 82.