After earning a BS in Biology at WSU, winemaker Kelly Johnson spent 14 years working in and managing the winemaking lab at the Napa Valley-based Trinchero Family Estates. She returned to her hometown of Lyle, Wash. to launch Tetrahedron Wines in 2015. She offers lab services to the array of wineries in the area, too.
Tetrahedron Wines 2016 Graves Vineyard Chardonnay, $28
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-95 pts.)
The grapes were sourced from Graves Vineyard in nearby Dallesport, whose old vines were planted during the 1960s. Aromatic, creamy and lushly textured, lined with expressive minerality and complex layers of D’Anjou pear, apple, beeswax, apricot and lime zest. Elderflower and hazelnut notes add intrigue to the vibrant finish.
Production: 75 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
Website: www.tetrahedronwines.com