The wines discussed below were tasted on our third and final day of winery visits in the Walla Walla Valley. Short descriptions of the wineries, reviews for the $20 Above wines tasted, and links to the wineries can be found here. Three wines scored a perfect 20/20.

• Charles Smith Wines “Kung Fu Girl” Riesling Columbia Valley 2011 ($12.00)- Bright, with apple and floral aromas. Balanced, with nice but not over-the-top acidity. As good of a wine that you’ll find for $12.00. 20/20
• The Charles Smith Family “Vino” Pinot Grigio 2011 ($12.00)- Tart grapefruit, lemongrass, and melon rind. 18/20
• Charles Smith Wines “The Velvet Devil” Merlot 2010 ($12.00)- Interesting smokiness, with black cherry aromas. 18/20
• Charles Smith Wines “Boom Boom!” Syrah 2011 ($15.00)- Smoke, earth, and red raspberry dance around on the nose. 17/20
• Charles Smith Wines “Chateau Smith” Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2010 ($20.00)- An easy-going, pleasant Cab, with tomato leaf and plum. 19/20

• Tamarack Cellars Rose of Mourvedre Wahluke Slope 2011 ($14.00)- 100% Mourvedre. Tart raspberry dominated the nose/mouth. 17.5/20
• Tamarack Cellars Chardonnay 2010 ($15.00)- A shocking value at $15.00. Bright and crisp, with orange blossom and a dab of vanilla. 20/20
• Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red Columbia Valley 2010 ($16.00)- Unique–nine different varietals went into this bottling. Medium-bodied and spicy. 18/20

• Tempus Cellars Evergreen Vineyard Riesling 2011 ($16.00)- Lots of golden delicious apple, with plenty of acidity to balance the beautifully ripe fruit. One of the better–maybe even the best–Riesling tasted on the trip. 20/20
• Tempus Cellars Grenache Rose Yakima Valley 2011 ($19.00)- A beautiful light purple in color, with tropical notes, grapefruit, kiwi and bubble gum. 19.5/20