Woehler on Wines: Waterbrook winery

Walla Walla's Waterbrook Winery has come a long way since founder Eric Rindal opened it in 1984 on Frog Hollow Road just outside Lowden.

This May, the Walla Walla Valley's fourth oldest winery plans to open a new $10 million facility a few miles from Lowden on the north side of Highway 12.

The tasting room on Main Street in downtown Walla Walla will remain open, but the main attraction will be the new visitors center at the huge 55,000-square-foot winery.

Rindal sold the winery in 2007 to Seattle's Precept Wine Brands, which also sells wines under a number of other labels.

Today, Waterbrook is the Walla Walla Valley's largest winery and ships to all 50 states.

It's also well positioned for today's economy, with many of the wines in the $10 to $12 range, which quite frankly is a novelty in the Walla Walla area.

2007 sauvignon blanc, Columbia Valley, $10-$12 -- Long a favorite at Waterbrook, this vintage delivers tasty crisp citrus with a touch of oak. Pan-fried oysters will do nicely.

2007 riesling, Columbia Valley, $10-$12 -- Orchard blossoms greet you, followed by crisp apricots, apples and melons. Try a fruit salad laced with the wine.

2007 chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $10-$12 -- Good oak aromas and rich pineapple flavors. Try it with king crab and a bit of lemon butter.

2007 Melange Blanc, Columbia Valley, $13-$15 -- Balanced orange and crisp lime characteristics. Pair with baked ling cod with lemon garlic butter.

2007 sangiovese rosé, Columbia Valley, $10-$12 -- Light strawberries with a refreshing finish make this ideal with Easter ham.

2006 merlot-cabernet, Columbia Valley, $10-$12 -- Smooth cherry notes and a touch of cocoa powder. A match for baby back ribs.

2006 Melange Noir, Columbia Valley, $13-$15 -- A blend of six red varieties. Spice, chocolate and pepper with a smooth mouth feel. Try the Colonel's original recipe fried chicken.

-- www.waterbrook.com

*Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com.