Wine Press Northwest magazine’s Platinum Judging wine competition stimulates the palates of professional wine judges year after year.  Wines achieving Gold and higher awards within the prior year vie for Platinum honors.

Favorite White and Rosé wines from my panel in this 20^th annual Platinum Judging included the following Platinum (P) and Double Platinum (PP) winners: 

Trella Vineyards 2016 Gewurztraminer, Southern Oregon ($24):  Fragrant florals on the nose.  Vivid layers of lychee, spiced tisane, honeysuckle nectar and orange zest are transported across the palate with brisk acidity and underlying notes of salinity.  A bright clementine note pops on the finish. (P)

50^th Parallel Estate Winery 2018 Gewurztraminer, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada ($20):   This zesty Gewurz offer up kiwi and lemon on the nose.  A colorful display of tart and sweet lemon drops, kiwi, lychee jelly, fruit cocktail, and candied pastilles unfold and remain bright and vivid through the close. (P)

Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2017 Green Lizard Gruner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley, OR ($32):  Wildly aromatic with a lively entry, this vivacious Gruner is classic.  Elements of stone fruit, white pepper, fresh harvested snap peas, lemon grass, and chamomile paint a brilliant explosion of aromas and flavors on the palate.  Finely balanced and the finish is long and exhilarating. (P)

Trella Vineyards 2018 Gruner Veltliner, Southern Oregon ($29):    Expressive stone fruit and citrus aromas speak clearly to the variety, and the entry is vibrant and fresh.  Flavors of nectarine, apple skin, Ruby grapefruit, citrus blossom, and a hint of white pepper are well defined, and the lingering finish is uplifting.  (P)

Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2017 Estate Cuvee Hefeabzug Gruner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley, OR ($26):  Minerally notes at first whiff stay present through the silky palate.  Granny Smith apple, white pepper, star fruit and lemon verbena notes are enlivening, and lead to a finish that keeps on delivering long after the last sip.  (P)

Carlton Cellars 2017 Auxerrois, Yamhill Carlton ($22):  This exuberant Auxerrois is refreshing and full of flavor.  Juicy summer sweet nectarines, lemon-lime soda, apple blossom and oyster shell salinity merge gracefully on the palate.  Lovely acidity and a satin-like texture carry it to a bright finish. (P)

Gehringer Brothers Estate 2018 Old Vines Auxerrois, Golden Mile Bench, BC Canada ($14):   This crisp and mouthwatering Auxerrois shows a touch of florals on the nose.  The entry is vivacious, and the wine builds on the palate as citrus fruits, white peach, a touch of lemon verbena, and a thread of minerality meld in harmony all the way through. (P)

Gehringer Brothers Estate 2018 Ehrenfelser, Okanagan Valley, BC Canada ($14):  The expressive, fragrant aroma of this white wine (a grape of German origin) drives you into the glass.  Juicy, bright and fresh with flavors of crisp pear, lime sorbet, star fruit, and lemon LifeSavers invigorating the palate. Finishes with verve.  (P)

Iris Vineyards 2015 Chalice Estate Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, OR ($25):  The brilliant hue is eye opening, and a stone fruit aroma lead to notes of fresh pear, kiwi and buttered toast.   Herbs and lemon curd complement the pear notes on the palate, and citrus highlights lift the long finish. (P)

Cougar Crest Estate 2017 Albariño, Walla Walla Valley, WA ($24):  Shimmering with electricity this wine really lights up the palate.  Steely and bright with tropical fruit, lime zest and bracing acidity, and a thread of minerality holds through the vivacious finish. (P)

Terra Blanca Winery & Estate Vineyard 2018 Signature Series Albariño, Red Mountain, WA ($28): Hints of minerality join white fruits engaging the nose up front. Star fruit, key lime pie, fresh apricots and mandarin orange interlace and lead to a finale that is long and lifted. (P)

Thurston Wolfe Winery 2018 Crawford Vineyard Albariño, Yakima Valley, WA ($18):  Juicy and full of energy from the fresh cut apple aroma, to the sweet Meyer lemon, Macintosh apples, hints of lychee and brilliant acidity decorating the palate, to the perky finish. (P)

Coyote Canyon Winery 2018 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Albariño, Horse Heaven Hills, WA ($20):   Fresh and very aromatic with florals and citrus on the nose.  Sun-kissed crushed pineapple, chopped herbs, lemon sorbet, and poached pear join brisk acidity, and the wine concludes with a refreshing tangy note. (P)

Intrigue Wines 2018 “Social Sparkling” Okanagan Valley, BC ($17):  The perfumed nose of rose petals gets the party started.  Crisp apple, honeysuckle, pear and candied orange peel align with racy acidity, tickling the taste buds through the lively last sip. (P)

Cooper Ridge Vineyard NV Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Riesling, Umpqua Valley, OR ($29):  Inviting peaches and white flowers on the nose.  A lively bead carries peach sorbet, summer fresh nectarines, citrus accents and lovely minerality across the palate.  Refreshing and well balanced with extended length. (P)

Cave B Estate Winery 2018 Cave B Vineyard Cuvée Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, WA ($27):  Striking citrus and tree fruit aromas engage the senses with this Sauv Blanc dominant blend.  Crisp and bright with interlinking layers of pear, grapefruit, fresh chopped herbs and orange zest.  Rocking acidity keeps it vibrant through the last drop.  (PP)

Cliff Creek Cellars 2018 White White Wine, Southern OR ($22):  Aromas of stone fruit rise from the glass with this Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier blend.  Vivid flavors of peaches and nectarines on entry meld with apple skin and minerality mid palate, and the balancing acidity rocks.  Citrus notes peek through on the refreshing finish.  (P)

Martinez & Martinez 2017 Viognier, Yakima Valley, WA ($18):  Hints of peach tantalize the nose, and a burst of citrus explodes with vibrancy when this gem greets the lips.  Layers of pomelo, pink grapefruit, white peach and a sprinkle of fresh herbs are carried by crisp acidity.  The finish is tangy and bright. (P)

Westport Winery Garden Resort 2017 “Lighthouse” Riesling, Yakima Valley, WA ($27):  Tropical fruits with a touch of wet stone engage the nose.  Fresh peaches, guava, lime zest, a light touch of tarragon, and a clear thread of minerality flow across the palate with bracing acidity.  Bright and enlivening all the way through.  (P)

Ancestry Cellars 2017 Reminiscence Riesling, Columbia Gorge, OR ($20):  Wet stone on the nose speaks vociferously to varietal correctness, and the flavor profile lines up equally well.  Petrol, grilled peaches, sugared lime peel, green apples and minerally tones create a brilliant kaleidoscope of flavors on the palate.  Finishes with impressive length and energy. (PP)

Whidbey Island Winery 2018 Rosato, Yakima Valley, WA ($15):  This well-balanced dry rosé crafted of Sangiovese and other Italian varieties shows off a beautifully expressive rose garden aroma.  Juicy and bright on the palate as peach, strawberry and melon flavors interlace with lively acidity. (P)

Puffin Wines 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR ($22): A crystal clear rosy pink hue captures the eye, and the aroma is alluring.  Sweetheart cherry, raspberry sorbet, and watermelon flavors are accented by bright citrusy notes. Well balanced with a snappy and refreshing finish. (P)

Locus Wines 2018 vintage 7 Mile Rosé, Rattlesnake Hills, WA ($15):  This sunny blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault opens with a dusty berry aroma.  Multi-layered and vivacious as raspberries, rambutan, orange blossom and lemon verbena flavors harmonize through the finish. (P)

Townshend Cellar, located just north of Spokane, Washington was founded in 1998 by Don Townshend.  Sons Michael and Brendon lead the operations there now, following in Don’s footsteps.  Grapes for all their wines are sourced from vineyards planted within the expansive Columbia Valley AVA.  Their wines are fruit driven, easy to drink, and good values across the board, too.

NV Brut Sparkling:  This easy to quaff sparkling wine (made in the traditional method) opens with a leesy, fruity aroma.  Crafted of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, it showcases creamy Rainier cherries, citrus blossom, fresh pie crust, lemon-splashed Honeycrisp apples, and a tiny stream of bubbles.  Lively and well balanced through the tingling finish.  SRP:  $14

2018 Chardonnay:  The pleasing aroma clearly speaks Chardonnay with its orchard fruits.  That theme continues through the palate, with flavors of creamy Comice pears and crunchy green apples joining lemon-lime notes, a trace of toast, and hints of honeysuckle.  Supple and well balanced through the lifted finish.  SRP:  $12

2017 Pinot Gris:  This refreshing and beautifully textured Pinot Gris opens with a tantalizing aroma.  Flavors of juicy fresh peaches, poached pears, minerally notes, and Meyer lemon ice unfold brightly on the palate.  Smooth and focused with lively acidity, it will have you reaching for more when the last vibrant drops glide to the long, heavenly finish.   SRP:  $12

2018 Sauvignon Blanc:  Citrus notes on the nose lead to Granny Smith apple, fresh squeezed grapefruit, and oyster shell salinity unfolding onto the palate.  Hints of hay and melon join in on the back palate, and a good level of acidity prevails.   Lean and straightforward with a punch of lemon zest on the finish.  SRP:  $12

NV Red Table Wine:  Here is a very appealing red wine crafted of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.  Bursting with sun-ripened fruit on the nose and entry, the generous fruit continues to deliver satisfying flavors throughout.  Layers of purple plums, Bing cherries and boysenberries accented by vanilla bean and toasted oak notes flow to a round, juicy finish.  SRP:  $12

NV Vortex Red:  Forest berry notes rise from the glass with this expressive and well-balanced blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot and Cab Franc.  Deeply fruited, it broadcasts aromas and flavors of plump blueberries, olallieberries, raspberries, and spiced plum jam, with a touch of crushed herbs adding dimension.  Gentle tannins and a velvety smooth texture lead to a finish that lingers.  SRP:  $16

NV T3 Red:  Also a blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot and Cab Franc, T3  leads off with black-fruited scents and a rich entry.  Succulent on the palate with plums, black currants, and blackberries, hints of pencil shavings, and savory spice.   Thirty months of barrel aging adds complementary toasty notes.  Balanced and smooth with cranberry and baking chocolate on the persistent finish.  SRP:  $20

2009 Cabernet Franc:  Supporting my outlook that Cab Franc shines in the Great Northwest, here is a nice example.  Dark, dense and delicious, it engages at first whiff with violets and berries.  Cassis, brambleberries, black raspberries, graphite, a twist of mixed peppercorns and hints of earthiness entwine, wrapped in approachable tannins.  The balance is fine-tuned, and flavors remain vivid through the long finish.  SRP:  $22

2009 Ice Riesling:  Aromas of orange blossom honey arouse the senses.  On the palate this gem is rich yet precisely balanced with a fine level of acidity.  Flavors of peach sherbet, roasted almonds, caramel, lemon custard, and butterscotch taffy create a delectable explosion of flavors on the palate.  The finish is zesty and extended, with a pop of candied orange peel; a delicious nightcap!  SRP:  $30

Greg in the tasting room provides a warm welcome.  He is professional, competent, knowledgeable and pleasant, with a positive attitude.  Visit Townshend Cellar’s tasting room Friday to Sunday, 12 noon to 5 pm.