Washington State

With 1,000+ wineries specializing in everything from robust Cabernet Sauvignon to delicate Chardonnay and even late-harvest Riesling, it would seem difficult to generalize the common thread that unites Washington’s winemaking community. However, most winemakers and grape growers live and work in small towns that reflect the genuine, humble and hard-working communities of the American West. Tasting rooms are as likely to be in a converted old home as they are to be attached to a state-of-art winery, but they share one thing in common: authenticity.

Because nature has blessed Washington State with ideal viticultural conditions, winemakers here never have to force things in the vineyard. Soils are diverse from ancient glacial floodwaters, the intensive use of chemicals is often unnecessary, and the resulting wines are expressive of the terroir from which they originate. Backed by a culture of intensive research, Washington’s wineries offer wines that are as genuine as the people who make them.

Lone Birch Red Blend 2022 $15 - 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec. Bountiful aromas of black currants, blueberry jam, roasted vanilla bean, and smoked figs. The palate is well-balanced with undertones of sweet espresso, cocoa, and toasted oak leading to a soft, smooth finish.

1889 Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 $16 - Rich flavors of dark fruit, oak and a hint of spice on the palate. full body and firm but smooth tannins.

Lone Birch, Syrah Estate Grown Yakima Valley 2023 $16 - Lone Birch Syrah features aromatics of black cherries, sweet plums, and spicy black olives. The palate is rich and bountiful with ample dark fruit flavors interwoven with layers of baker’s chocolate.

Lobo Hills Columbia Valley Right Bank Blend 2022 $23 - 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Vibrant aromas of strawberries, bing cherries and hazelnuts. On the palate, this merlot-heavy blend is carefully balanced with a lingering aftertaste of blackberries, cher- ries and dark chocolate. 

Casasmith Sangiovese Cinghiale Rosebud Vineyard 2022 $23 - Earthy undertones to the tomato leaf, sour cherry and olive aromas. Some paprika. So fresh and savory, with plenty of energy and a medium body. The tannins are tamed, making this so drinkable.

Bonus Wines

Novelty Hill, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2022 $30 - An expressive, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with concentrated aromas of black currant, dark plum, and a hint of cocoa. On the palate, layers of ripe black cherry, wild blackberry, and subtle spice unfold, supported by refined tannins that lend a silky texture. 

Mijita Columbia Valley Cabernet Franc Weets Vineyard 2023 $31 -  There's so much earthy, floral character, delivered with such finesse.

Bonus Bonus

K Vintners Rhone Blend, Charlotte Powerline Vineyard 2021 $67 - White pepper, tapenade, sour cherries and potpourri on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with beautiful freshness and finesse, and silky yet present tannins that give the wine tension. Lovely mouthfeel, and so long. 50% mourvedre, 26% grenache, 9% syrah, 8% counoise, 5% picpoul, 1% grenache blanc, and 1% cinsaut. 100% whole cluster. 96 Points Suckling.