Consumer Reports likes Washington wines

The newest issue of Consumer Reports magazine rates wine just in time for the holidays. Of the 15 wines recommended, a third are from Washington.

Among the “very good” Cabernets are two Columbia Crest offerings, the 2008 Grand Estates and H3,  and Chateau Ste. Michelle’s 2009 Indian Wells.

Among Chardonnays, Snoqualmie’s 2009 and Columbia Crest’s 2009 Grand Estates are likewise rated “very good.”

Only one wine was deemed “excellent,” the 2009 Chalk Hill Chardonnay. At $37 a bottle, it ought to be.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s something called Cherrywood Cellars cab, which costs $9 and comes from 7-Eleven.