WASHINGTON WINES are getting a reputation for offering good value. Of the 44 "Great Values of 2006" (priced at $15 and below) wines from around the world listed in the January issue of Wine Spectator, four are from Washington.
They are:

•  Columbia Crest Merlot Columbia Valley Grand Estates 2003, $11
•  Gordon Brothers Merlot Columbia Valley 2003, $15
•  Hogue Merlot Columbia Valley Genesis 2002, $12
•  Snoqualmie Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Rosebud Vineyard 2004, $15

 
Six of Wine Enthusiast's top 40 value wines come from Washington.
They are:

•  Columbia Crest 2002 Grand Estates Shiraz, $11
•  Columbia Valley Sagelands 2003 Merlot, $13
•  Pine & Post 2004 Chardonnay, $5
•  Covey Run 2004 Pinot Grigio, $7
•  Latah Creek Johannisberg Riesling, $7
•  Snoqualmie 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, $7

 
Many of the above wines also made our own top-value list. To those we would add the following:

•  Pavin & Riley 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, $10
•  Covey Run 2003 Syrah, $8.99
•  Gordon Brothers 2005 Chardonnay, $12.99
•  DiStefano 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, $13.99
•  Terra Blanca 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, $14-$15
•  Arbor Crest 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, $10
•  Gordon Brothers Cellars Kamiak 2003 Cellars Select Red Wine, $10-$12
•  Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2005 Chardonnay, $14-$15