Reviews of top-scoring red and white wines from Washington producers worthy of a summer romance
Adams Bench 2023 “The Gem” Chardonnay
96 pts.
From one of the state’s acclaimed benchmark producers of red wine comes this Chardonnay debut. It’s a single-vineyard version of Clone 548 from the well-established Celilo Vineyard. And it truly is a gem, introduced by floral and citrusy aromas of white stone fruit, kiwi, lemon zest and nutty hints. Rich and luscious, offering flavors of pear tart, honey mango and lemon curd nuanced with refined minerality and ginger accents. Complex and elegant. $58
Try with Petit Basque cheese sliced very thin, or grilled Copper River Salmon with toasted ciabatta.
Maryhill Winery 2020 Syrah Proprietor’s Reserve
95 pts.
This generous red reveals a contoured structure as it opens, offering generous ripe boysenberry and black raspberry encased by intriguing layers of applewood bacon and wild blueberry. The expressive finish shows flashes of iron minerality ending with a savory richness. A blend of three premium vineyards—McKinley Springs, Les Collines and Tudor Hills. $50
Try with anything barbecued, especially ribs to bring out the fruitiness of the wine. Stinky cheeses are another great pairing, or even a tapas plate with olives, cheese and shrimp.
Lone Point Cellars 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
95 pts.
This Columbia Valley red is rich, full flavored and brooding with dark fruit, expressing a rich center of juicy blackberry, black currant and huckleberry. Strikingly nuanced, this over delivers with cascading layers of pencil shavings, fresh vanilla bean, black cherry and hints of cola. A firm grip of muscular tannins wade through the long, lavishly structured finish. $55 Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc
Try with the winery chef’s summer steak bites served over a bed of arugula, with creamy gorgonzola sauce, cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze.
Tsillan Cellars 2024 Estate Sempre Amore Lake Chelan AVA
93 pts.
Green apple, floral and spice notes waft from the glass, progressing to lush pear, apricot, lemon oil and honeysuckle flavors on the sleek frame. Well-cut acidity adds definition, with refined ground ginger and mineral accents that punctuate the full-flavored finish in a graceful style. A proprietary estate white blend of Pinot Grigio and Riesling. $34
Try with pesto and heirloom tomato flatbread, fried calamari, or burrata with fig, pear mostarda topped with roasted macadamia nuts served with crostini.
El Mochuelo Viñedo 2021 La Espuella
95 pts.
Ethereal and captivating, this Right Bank Bordeaux-style red combines fruit from a tour de force of vineyards—El Mochuelo’s Lake Chelan estate, as well as DuBrul, Tapteil and Weinbau vineyards. Blanketed by a posh and pure layer of crushed blackberry infused with gentle white pepper and a lick of top grain leather, the structure is encased by velvety-textured tannins. A fresh burst of acidity on the long finish leads to secondary notes of graphite, cherry, cedar and mineral earth. $50 Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Try with Try with ribeye steaks or dry-rubbed beef ribs.
Capital Call Vintners 2024 Gold Standard Grüner Veltliner
93 pts.
Fermented and aged in stainless steel tank, only 136 cases of this Yakima Valley AVA wine were produced. A spear of crisp acidity bursts through the citrusy-driven structure, brimming with engaging peach, zesty key lime and limestone minerality, followed on the heels by an underlay of tangerine and white pepper that criss-cross the vibrant finish. $27
Try with Chilean sea bass, salted/buttered popcorn, or creamy salmon dip with corn chips or cucumbers for dipping.
Côte Bonneville 2022 Red Label Merlot
95 pts.
Sleek and concentrated, yet pure and fresh, this red displays a seamless nucleus of red and black fruit structured around fine sweet tannins. Crushed black cherry and black currant flavors swirl with nuanced details of dried sage, thyme, cocoa and mineral inflections. Aged 22 months in new French oak barrels, this is the first time this Yakima Valley estate winery has showcased Merlot on its own. $150
Try with garden fresh ratatouille with grilled lamb chops and new potatoes.teak bites served over a bed of arugula, with creamy gorgonzola sauce, cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze.
Hard Row to Hoe 2021 GSM
94 pts.
Vivacious and complex across the board, with a saline-infused core of bright red fruit that rides high on the viscous mouthfeel inlaid with herbaceous notes. A seamless front of red cherry and cranberry fall in league with complementary savory accents of white pepper, rosemary and tapenade, followed by a flash of toffee on the rounded finish, punctuated by pleasing spice. $49
Try with dry-rubbed baby back ribs or herb crusted pork loin on the grill in the sunshine.
Mercer Estates 2022 Small Lot “Maltos” Malbec 20th Anniversary Edition
94 pts.
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, Mercer Wine Estates introduces this lush red honoring cellar master Michael Maltos. Finely balanced, the medium body is filled with vibrant red fruits of fresh strawberry and mulled cherry, lightly spiced with peppercorn and clove accents. Graceful in every respect, ending with stellar length and a dusting of fine tannins. $42
Try with seared lamb chops with olive tapenade, burgers with blue cheese, or a grilled skirt steak.
Rolling Bay Winery 2019 Upland Vineyard Grenache
93 pts.
Silky yet powerful, this Grenache is blended with 20% Mourvedre and a dash of Syrah, resulting in a harmonious unison of red and black berries, licorice, red currant and river rock. Garrigue and peppercorn spice details entrench the juicy, minerally-driven finish. $39
Try with lamb kabobs, ratatouille, or assorted cheeses from creamy Brie to aged cheddar and Gouda.
Tinte Cellars 2022 Cabernet Franc
94 pts.
This single-varietal red gets its yin and yang as a result of a complex blend of grapes from a cooler and warmer vineyard site, respectively Dineen Vineyard and Tinte Estates Vineyards. Highly aromatic, packed with luscious, jammy blueberry cobbler accented with briar patch, herbal and spice details that truly shine. Texturally smooth tannins add a wonderful density, evolving with touches of boysenberry, violet, cocoa and white pepper notes on the rich and savory finish. $50
Try with paté, seared duck and grilled veggies.
Jacob Williams Winery 2022 GSM
94 pts.
This Grenache-forward blend was inspired by the great wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Supple and lithe, with briary-infused notes of raspberry, cherry and red licorice bearing complementary savory notes of peppercorn, bay leaf, pipe tobacco and river rock. Pillowy tannins and mineral spice enhance the complex finish. $40
Try with aged cheeses, charcuterie or grilled lamb chops.
Bosma Estate Winery 2020 Cattle Baron Cabernet Sauvignon
94 pts.
Velvety and dark-fruited, leading with macerated blackberry, cassis and red currant that wrap generously around hints of leather, cola, black cherry, stony minerality and spice details that gain prominence midpalate. Firm, dry tannins are well integrated into the framework. A standout, made solely from Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon. $46
Try with BBQ grilled steak and cherry pie.
Sightglass Cellars 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec
94 pts.
A perennial favorite consisting of equal parts sleek Cabernet Sauvignon from Boushey Vineyard and lush Malbec from Stillwater Creek Vineyard. This teems with rich blackberry and cassis flavors that roll with precision through the midpalate, unveiling singed alder, crushed pebbles and graphite with blueberry accents that peek through on the savory-edged finish. $40
Try with crostini topped with beef bourguignon or aged hard cheese like Manchego.
Devison Vintners 2024 Evergreen Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
94 pts.
Vibrant and intensely floral, offering enchanting aromas and flavors of kiwi, guava, gooseberry, passionfruit, pineapple rind and lime blossom. A majestic white that’s pure, balanced and complex, yet lithe and fruity, that soars on the aftertaste with oyster shell and saline minerality details. Sourced from Evergreen Vineyard, one of the pioneering vineyards of the Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley appellation. $28
Try with herbed goat cheese spread over rosemary focaccia, topped with a dollop of tomato and basil bruschetta infused with aged balsamic vinegar.
Henry Earl Estates 2018 Shaw Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
94 pts.
Powerfully built with a well-chiseled structure, this Red Mountain single-varietal is packed with dense blackberry, cassis and gorgeous black cherry flavors. Plush on the midpalate, adorned with anise, cedar and graphite details supported by firm acidity and grainy tannins. Ends with concentration, richness and superb length. $65
Try with bison burger topped with aged cheddar and grilled onions, or stuffed portobello mushrooms.
Woodward Canyon 2021 Estate Merlot Walla Walla Valley
94 pts.
Velvety smooth from front to finish, built with good structure and supple tannins. There’s a savory side to this red that comes through underneath the black cherry and Italian plum fruit, infused with expressions of cedar-wrapped herbs, roasted coffee, baker’s chocolate and hints of black licorice that persist on the lengthy finish. $55
Try with baked pasta dishes, grilled cheeseburgers, or roasted Italian peppers and sausage.
AniChe Cellars 2024 Baba Yaga Grenache Blanc
93 pts.
This single-varietal white was sourced from renowned Boushey Vineyard, displaying citrusy aromas of peach, honeysuckle and apricot. Textural and dry, delivering a tang of salty minerality underscoring zesty flavors of vibrant lemon, kumquat and river rock. Sleek acidity carries fresh herb notes across the mouthwatering finish. $34
Try with seasonal salad from the Columbia Gorge with Maryhill peaches, fresh mozzarella, and local basil and shallots.
Genoa Cellars 2018 Mainstay Sangiovese
95 pts.
This reserve single-varietal red is made with fruit from the famed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. Alluring dark cherry and currant fruit introduce this aged beauty, accented by dried herb, mineral spice and distant toffee notes. Offers fine length and balance, leaning in with a muscular edge of tannins that drive the lingering finish $46
Try with charcuterie board, tomato-basil tart on filo dough, or meatballs marinated in marinara (hot or cold). Or simply a toothpick with a grape tomato, mozzarella pearl, and basil leaf drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Abeja 2022 Columbia Valley Merlot
94 pts.
This 100% Merlot is a blend of three AVAs: Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley and White Bluffs. Very alluring and polished, this red shows plush layers of plum, strawberry and pencil lead layered with a mix of rhubarb, mocha, pepper, sage and black olive. Finely integrated tannins and a cut of fresh acidity seal the deal as the flavors meld harmoniously and glide through the finish. $55
Try with Waygu filet with a demi-glace and market-fresh grilled vegetables.
Sin Banderas 2020 Syrah Mourvedre Blend
93 pts.
This expressive red is the sixth consecutive vintage of their signature Yakima Valley appellation blend, comprised of Syrah (57%) and Mourvedre (43%). Lightly mouthwatering, with streaks of tar and juniper berry underscoring black cherry, ripe plum and anise. Leaves a lingering aftertaste joined by sweet notes of black fruit and saline minerality. $42
Try with grilled lamb skewers or wood-fired Mediterranean flatbread.
Anelare 2023 Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard Cuvée White Wine
94 pts.
Ultra-creamy on the mouthfeel, offering floral hints and a sense of elegance. The lush texture of this Red Mountain white wine delivers succulent honey mango and pineapple fruit sprinkled with spice-laden minerality and white pepper notes. Shows purity yet fantastically complex throughout. $32 Roussanne, Viognier
Try with goat cheese, cheddar and Gruyère, or lobster and crab, and spicy stir-fry or curries.
Reininger 2017 Tahoma Walla Walla Valley
94 pts.
Cellared nearly seven years in barrel, this proprietary red is lavishly smooth and textured, delivering a core of rich red cherry, plum and jammy blackberry backed by worn leather, tobacco and fig notes. Well-burnished tannins lend support and a swath of fresh acidity gives it a lift on the broad, long finish. A mix of elegance and power, crafted with grapes from Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge vineyards. $85 Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot
Try with Tuscan-style grilled meats rubbed with rosemary, thyme and garlic.
Eleven Winery 2024 Sugarloaf Vineyard White Mourvedre
92 pts.
Pale golden in hue, this exotic white is both dry and fruity, with crisply-cut texture and good weight. There’s sophisticated refinement to the aromas and flavors of white stone fruit, melon, pineapple and spring flowers, leading to lemon pith and zingy mineral accents that linger on the well-structured finish. $34
Try with veggie burgers, crab cakes, panko prawns or grilled white fish.
South Hill Vineyards 2021 Estate Gamay Noir
93 pts.
Delightfully appealing, this light-footed yet flavor-filled red was fermented using its own native yeast. Dark hued in the glass, offering jammy berries, anise and a whiff of baking spice that grace the nose, joined by earthier flavors of pomegranate, wild strawberry and red licorice. The finish is threaded with gentle loamy expressions and a kiss of spice. $38.
Try with bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes, olive oil and basil.
Castle & Crown Cellars 2023 White Pinot Noir
93 pts.
A uniquely gorgeous rendition made with grapes grown at Rainmaker Vineyard, a site in the Columbia Gorge AVA renowned for its sought-after Pinot Noir. Light coral in hue, there’s a delicate canvas of pear blossom, apple, honeydew, ginger and pineapple rind that finds an elusive ‘sweet spot’ somewhere between floral, fruity and semi-dry. A real treat. $30
Try with asparagus and lemon orzo salad with Dungeness crab.
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2023 Orange Moscato
92 pts.
Creamy, with an unctuous mouthfeel enlivened by an underlay of light effervescence, this sweet varietal wine was made with grapes grown at Lonesome Spring Ranch Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. A signature wine of Latah Creek, this hard-to-find varietal is floral and fruity, with highly distinctive expressions of orange blossom, jasmine, honeysuckle and candied orange. A value buy! $17
Try with fruit and cheese platters, or with a savory mushroom tart.
Freehand Cellars 2021 Yakima Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
92 pts.
Supple and appealingly herbaceous, featuring seamless dark fruit of cassis, blackberry and plum studded with eucalyptus, toasted cedar and hints of tar. Ends ultra-smooth, with a shimmer of fresh acidity joined by pomegranate and smoked caramel notes. $39
Try with steak salad—place steak strips atop a gorgeous salad of arugula, mixed greens, a bold cheese (like blue cheese or gorgonzola) and a balsamic dressing to cut through the tannins.