2007 Pine & Post Chardonnay, Washington State, 90% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, 13.0% alcohol, 0.26% RS, 0.68 TA, 3.7 pH, $7.75, tasted 10/1/09. Pear and apple with light butter and oak notes on the nose. Rather simple and short, but pleasant, easy-drinking Chardonnay. (Distributed by Joshua with Heidelberg.) Raymond Rating = 82
2006 Congress Springs Viognier, Lodi, California, 13.8% alcohol, $11.99, tasted 10/1/09. Melon and apricot with light earthy notes on the nose. Very good fruit with some complexity and a medium finish and length. A nice value. (Distributed by Joshua with Heidelberg.) Raymond Rating = 86
Non-Vintage Pine & Post Riesling, Washington State, 11.0% alcohol, $7.75, tasted 10/1/09. Honey and floral notes on the nose. Just off-dry. Good fruit, though simple and short. A refreshing, easy-drinking Riesling. (Distributed by Joshua with Heidelberg.) Raymond Rating = 81
2005 La Villa Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, DOC Abruzzo, Italy, $10.50, tasted 7/23/09 and 9/16/09. Cola and plum with lightly herbal and barnyard aromas on the nose. A light-bodied red with light fruit. Soft and simple. OK, but little of interest. (Distributed by Joshua with Heidelberg.) Raymond Rating = 78
2006 Pine & Post Merlot, Washington State, 75% Merlot, 20% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc, 13.5% alcohol, 0.52 TA, 3.68 pH, $7.75, tasted 10/1/09. Cherry and blueberry notes on the nose. Rather simple and short, but pleasant and easy-drinking with soft tannins. (Distributed by Joshua with Heidelberg.) Raymond Rating = 83
2005 Waterbrook Merlot (60%)-Cabernet (40%), Columbia Valley, Washington, $13.99, tasted 9/30/2009. Blackberries, blueberries, pencil shavings, and some light earthy notes on the nose. Medium fruit and tannins carry through the finish of medium length with some complexity. It could have more depth in the mid and late palate. Pair with steaks, lamb, or aged, firm cheeses. (Distributed by Joshua with Heidelberg.) Raymond Rating = 87