July 17, 2002
Prosser's Chinook Winery
true to descriptions

Crisp, food-friendly semillons and sauvignon blancs, flavorful chardonnay and smooth, easy-to-drink reds are some of the adjectives Chinook Winery of Prosser uses to describe its new releases.

And you know what? Their descriptions hit the nail on the head.

I've always been a fan of Chinook wines because they are so straightforward, clean and food-friendly.

The current array of wines is no exception, including the delightful cabernet franc rose, a perfect wine for picnics or a summertime backyard repast.

Winemaker Kay Simon and her grape-growing husband, Clay Mackey, are celebrating their 17th year in a converted old farmhouse outside Prosser.

Chinook is a small winery with a big following. When you go to taste wines there, either Kay or Clay is on hand to greet you.

Their current lineup includes four reds, three whites and the rose.

Chinook likes to add a couple of extra years of aging on its cabernet sauvignon and merlot before releasing them.

2001 Cabernet Franc Rosé, Yakima Valley, $20 - A delightful picnic wine with great character. Nice berry components, a dry touch, fruity and crisp.

2000 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $15 - Light herbs and orchard fruit aromas. Nicely balanced with a crisp, food-friendly finish.

2000 Semillon, Yakima Valley, $15 - Lush with just the right amount of oak. Citrus and cream soda flavors. Kay Simon says this will stand up to spicy food, including salsa.

1999 Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $20 - An excellent food chardonnay with great balance of oak and fruit. Clean tropical fruit flavors.

1996 Red Table Wine, Yakima Valley, $16 - A best buy for an aged cabernet. Concentrated fruit with balanced oak and a good finish make this a fine wine to serve with red meat.

1999 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $20 - Dry and flavorful with hints of black pepper and berry fruit. Soft and consumer-friendly.

1998 Merlot, Yakima Valley, $22 - This is a rich, cherry fruit merlot with nice oak elements. Smooth, ripe berry flavors.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $32 - Superb balance of oak and fruit starting with understated berry flavors along with nice plums. Dry and European style with a great finish. This is a well-aged cabernet ready to drink.