50+ wines reviewed below and in the database, including the latest from Among the Giants, Brian Carter, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Goose Ridge, Grosgrain, Julian Margot, L’Ecole No. 41, Ocelli, Primitive Road, Revelation by Goose Ridge, and Strata Varia.

The wines below include a few firsts. One of them is a Ribolla Gialla from Walla Walla Valley, produced by Grosgrain. This is the first example I’ve had of the variety from the Columbia Valley.

Winemaker Matt Austin made it in an orange wine style, with two weeks of skin contact during fermentation. It was subsequently aged 11 months in neutral oak. Like the best orange wines, it’s both thought provoking and hedonistically satisfying. With less than 50 cases made, it is sure to be gone in the blink of an eye.

The next is a white Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau Ste. Michelle, made by winemaker Lacey Steffey. Over the last decade, there have been a number of examples of white Cabernet Franc from the Columbia Valley, with the wines made without skin contact during fermentation. However, this is the first example I’ve seen of a white Cabernet Sauvignon. It was fermented and aged in stainless steel and is fresh and bright – a completely different take on the variety.

Last but not least are the inaugural wines from Strata Varia. Owner and winemaker Brent Roberts recently launched this Rhône-focused winery, which is located on San Juan Island. The initial offerings are both delicious and well-priced.

Without further ado.

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At Northwest Wine Report, all scores come from blind tastings in varietal/style sets. Read more about this site’s process for rating and reviewing wines. See the Northwest Wine Report rating system and special designations. Read about how to interpret scores. See a list of recently reviewed producers.

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