Entertainment - Wine column

POSTED: Monday, Jun. 22, 2009

Rattlesnake Hills packed with good wineries

Today we wrap up our tour of Washington's Rattlesnake Hills Appellation with an overview of a few more wineries I visited there last month.

All of the wineries are north of Interstate 82, between Yakima and Sunnyside.

A mainstay in the Yakima Valley for almost 30 years, Portteus Vineyards continues to impress. A perfect example is their 2006 Zinfandel (about $26), an absolute knockout with intense, blackberry jam flavors and a spicy, peppery finish.

At the appellation's west boundary is Masset Winery, which offers a great selection of red, white and dessert wines. One of my favorites was le Petit Rouge (about $17), a delicious blend of sangiovese, syrah and cabernet sauvignon.

Piety Flats Winery offers several choices for under $20, including a couple of nice red blends from accomplished winemaker Dave Minick. The winery is just off the freeway in a folksy tasting room that's packed with gourmet foods.

Steppe Cellars' tasting room is a bit more off the beaten path, but it's one of a trio of relative newcomers that are producing some nice wines that deserve your attention. Try the 2007 Semillon (about $17) and the Big Sage Red, a steal at only about $12.

Also new to the area is Severino Cellars, located in a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century farm house in Zillah. I especially enjoyed the 2008 Viognier (about $20) and the Red Table Wine (about $15), a lighter-style, merlot-based blend.

And finally, be sure to take in the scenic views at recently opened Knight Hill Winery. Owners Anne and Terry Harrison currently feature three enjoyable, well-priced choices: a 2008 Riesling (about $17), 2008 Chardonnay (about $15) and the 2007 Roundtable Red (about $19).

If you'd like to learn more about the Rattlesnake Hills Appellation and its wines, attend the upcoming wine dinner class I'll be teaching at Bellingham Technical College on Aug. 15. For information, see www.btc.ctc.edu, or call the registration office, 752-8350.

Dan Radil is a wine enthusiast who lives in Bellingham. Reach him at www.danthewineguy.com.

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