It's bargain-basement time again at Washington liquor stores, with Washington wines being offered on sale until Sept. 30 at prices that would please Ebenezer Scrooge. People who buy a bottle of two at a time should seriously consider going for a case this time, as the state gives a 10 percent discount on any mixed or matched case. All of prices listed include the standard 10 percent case discount. Hogue barrel-select chardonnay, 7.97. Kestrel 1996 cabernet sauvignon - Concentrated fruit with rich flavors, including coffee.
Smooth tannins offer a pleasing finish.
Paul Thomas 1998 riesling Columbia Valley - Nice flavors of the grape touching a bit on nectarines with excellent sugar to acid balance. Johannisberg riesling - Peachy floral with aromas of honey blossom and just enough sugar at 1.8 percent to make it interesting. Bob Woehler has been writing about grapes and wines of the Pacific Northwest since 1978.