Poet’s Leap Riesling 2010

★★★

Columbia Valley, Wash., $20 ($23 in Virginia)

This consistently lovely wine is one of the best Rieslings produced in the United States, and the price indicates tremendous value. It’s part of the Long Shadows project that brings acclaimed winemakers from around the world to explore the potential of Washington state’s Columbia Valley. German Riesling artist Armin Diel crafts this beauty, which is fresh and lively with impressive minerality and complexity.

Monument Fine Wines in the District and Maryland: Available in the District at Ace Beverage and Potenza; on the list at BLT Steak, Georgia Brown’s and J&G Steakhouse. Available in Maryland at Balducci’s in Bethesda, Finewine.com in Gaithersburg; Pine Orchard Wine in Ellicott City; Silesia Liquors in Fort Washington; and Wine Source in Baltimore; on the list at Black’s Bar & Kitchen in Bethesda and Oregon Grille in Baltimore. Kysela in Virginia: Available in Virginia at Cork & Bottle and Unwined in Alexandria.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars FAY Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

★★★

Napa Valley, Calif., $105

A cabernet from the Fay vineyard convinced Warren Winiarski to grow the variety in the Stags Leap District (no apostrophe, just to make things as confusing as possible for copy editors) of southeastern Napa Valley. Unfortunately, it’s now priced for collectors. Today the wine is softer and modern in style, but still luscious, velvety and full. And yes, it still needs time to strut its stuff.

Country Vintner: Available in Virginia at Cork & Fork in Gainesville and Total Wine & More in Alexandria, Chantilly, McLean and Sterling; and on the list at Ruth’s Chris in Tysons Corner.

Stags’ Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2008

★★★

Napa Valley, Calif., $44

Petite sirah (not the same grape as syrah, though it has some similarities) can be rough and tannic, yet the Stags’ Leap always manages to achieve a velvety texture and smooth, soft tannins that quietly creep up on the finish, just enough to make you want another sip. This is a stylish wine.

Washington Wholesalein the District: Available in the District at Calvert Woodley, Circle Wine & Liquor and Safeway in Georgetown; on the list at Againn, Capital Grille, Caucus Room, Chef Geoff’s Downtown, DC Coast, Fogo de Chao, Maggiano’s, Morton’s of Chicago, the Palm, Prime Rib, Sixth Engine, Smith & Wollensky, and Town Hall. Reliable Churchill in Maryland: Available in Maryland at Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits in Annapolis, Calvert Discount Liquors in Cockeysville and King Discount Liquors in Baltimore.