Two Whatcom County Winery White Wines That Should Sell Out Quickly

Let me premise today’s column by saying this – go buy these wines now.

Two local wineries are currently offering a newly released white wine, each of which provides consumers with even more good choices from an already impressive portfolio of wines.

Mount Baker Vineyards features its first ever 2006 Roussanne (about $20). I like to think of this wine as somewhat of an upgraded chenin blanc without the high acidity. With a fragrant nose, gentle flavors of honeysuckle, and a soft, lingering finish, it makes an excellent aperitif and also pairs well with a variety of mild cheeses. It’s unique, delicious, and first class in every respect.

At Chuckanut Ridge Wine Company, the much-anticipated 2006 Bunny LeBlanc (about $15) is, quite simply, off the charts.

It starts with a base of 80 percent chardonnay, with the balance consisting of equal parts viognier and pinot gris. The viognier provides the wine with a fragrant aroma and a nice, well-rounded mouth feel while the pinot gris adds just a touch of bright acidity. Lovely flavors of lychee nut and subtle peach are capped by a lengthy finish. This wine truly is the complete package and, in my opinion, sets a very high bar for Washington white wine blends.

Production for the Roussanne was only 106 cases while the LeBlanc topped out at about 100 cases. Sources have told me that a good portion of these wines have already been accounted for and the remaining quantity – no one is saying exactly how much – is going to go fast.

In other words, go buy these wines now.