William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

Taste Washington! 2012 Recommended Wines. I've been a fan of Ryan Patrick Vineyards since enjoying their 2009 Naked Chardonnay  two years ago. They grow their own grapes on land that has been in the family for three generations. They have two Estate vineyards, Bishops vineyard and Homestead vineyard. Their vineyards lie in North Central Washington on lands near the banks of the Columbia River. They are in a region near Quincy, WA soon to be listed as the Ancient Lakes AVA . Vineyards are under the direct supervision of Ryan Flanagan, the "Ryan" in Ryan Patrick Vineyards. Ryan came to the family venture after having worked at a number of positions at Chateau St. Michelle. Winemaking is under the supervision of Craig Mitrakul. Craig began his career as a winemaker in New York, he then moved West to Oregon, and then Walla Walla, he joined Ryan Patrick Vineyards in 2004. The Wines: 2009 Reserve Chardonnay. * Favorite: 2009 Reserve Chardonnay - Elegant, like. 100% ...

Ready to get naked? Once again, my wife brought home a wine I would not have selected. A wine I’m going to buy again and again. The Ryan Patrick 2009 Naked Chardonnay was fermented in stainless tanks, not touched by oak and no malolactic fermentation. The first thing I noticed was the color, a pale yellow with a hint of green. Ah, this is a crisp, crisp wine, with a butter-lemon and honey finish. This wine has qualities reminiscent of a dry Sauvignon Blanc, a really good Sauvignon Blanc. I totally enjoyed this wine, tart, crisp, thoroughly refreshing. Amazing value at $6.99 at the local Costco. Go buy some. Winemaker for Ryan Patrick is Craig Mitrakul , who joined Ryan Patrick Vineyards as Head Winemaker in 2004. Craig also instructs winemaking classes at the Wenatchee Valley Community College. I’d sign up for those classes if I lived closer. Ryan Patrick Vineyards has two Estate Vineyards providing the majority of the grapes for their wines. The 20 acre Bishops Vineyard is...