A region that offers distinct terroir and incredible values, we bring you some of the top value wines out of Washington State. Washington grows over 70 varietals, from Riesling to Merlot to Syrah and everything in-between. As the nation’s second largest state producer of wine, and home to nearly a thousand wineries, quality in the bottle has risen dramatically over the past decade. At Washington Wine Blog we bring you some of the top values that are available to you on the retail market.
Red Wines:
2014 Block Wines 'Discovery Vineyard Block 1' Cabernet- This extremely dense cored wine begins with aromatics of red cherry, red bell pepper, white pepper, and blackberry jam. There are rich flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, sagebrush and cassis. This has wonderful mid-palate weight and balance. The texture on the tongue is smooth, as the finish lingers nicely. This structured Cabernet will cellar beautifully for at least another decade. Drink 2017-2018- 91
2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Indian Wells’ Merlot- The nose is wonderfully rich with dark currant, black tea and mocha with chocolate covered cherry. The palate shows good richness and tension with black tea, blackberry cobbler and black cherry preserve flavors. This is an outstanding value. Drink 2018-2024- 91
2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Mimi’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Forward and juicy, the ‘Mimi’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a soft and downright plush mouthfeel with loads of black fruits that mingle with tar and dark chocolate on the palate. While quite forward, this has the stuffing and acidity to pack a punch. Drink 2019-2024- 90
2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This is the second year that Chateau Ste. Michelle have made this limited production bottling. Inky once in the glass, the ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon opens with toasty oak that wraps around tar and kirsch aromatics with hints of coffee grounds. Soft, with a nice, plush mouthfeel, this unveils black tea and blackberry cobbler flavors with a hint of vanilla. Drink 2019-2024- 90
2015 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Canoe Ridge Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Canoe Ridge Estate’ by Chateau Ste. Michelle is another fantastic effort from this storied estate. Toasty oak wraps around dark and red fruits with hints of leather and chocolate on the nose. The palate is plush showing off a soft mouthfeel. Blackberry cobbler, milk chocolate and sagebrush tones fill the palate. This is seriously good for the price. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2016 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Grand Estates’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastic value. The nose shows dark fruits and chocolate with red bell pepper on the nose. The palate shows a good combination of freshness and richness with good acidity. Black and blue fruits dominate with a touch of chocolate. Drink 2018-2024- 90
2014 Covington Cellars ‘Rough House’ Red Wine- A blend of near equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine was aged in 50% new French & American oak for 22 months and was soured from the Dineen, StoneTree, Sheridan, and Pepper Bridge Vineyards. Lovely red fruits with shades of Christmas spice and damp earth line the nose. The balance and poise of the wine is really good, as medium-bodied red cherry, raspberry cordial and black tea with exotic spice flavors all combine nicely on the palate. This is drinking right at its sweet spot. Drink 2019-2024- 90
2017 Dunham Cellars ‘Three Legged Red’ Red Wine- Named after their former winery dog, ‘Port,’ the 2017 ‘Three Legged Red’ begins with aromas of toasty oak that wraps around bright Bing cherry, cigar box and shades of cherry tomato that all come together in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, showing good freshness and delivering bright red and dark fruits with a touch of chocolate. This is a seriously good value. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2015 Helix ‘Phinny Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from this warm vintage in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the wine shows off lovely deep and dark fruits that mingle with shades of sagebrush, clove and milk chocolate on the expressive nose. The palate offers wonderful freshness with medium to full-bodied roasted fig, mocha, tar and blackberry cordial flavors that mingle with the good brightness. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2017 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- A smoky whiff takes over the wine as ripe dark fruits and chocolate fill the nose. The palate has great freshness and verve with rich roasted figs, smoked pork shoulder and mocha flavor with shades of tar. Drink 2019-2026- 91
2017 Lydian Red Wine- Made by Avennia, the Lydian Red Wine is a ‘GSM’ style blend of mostly Mourvedre (53%) with smaller parts Syrah and Grenache. Black olive and smoke greet you alongside ripe red fruits and suggestions of cloves that all take their shape in the glass. The palate delivers forward red fruits with nice stony and smoky undertones, with a bright minerality. Enjoy this beautiful ‘GSM’ style red wine in the short-term. Drink 2019-2024- 90
2016 Novelty Hill ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- This begins with aromas of smoke, black olive and black cherry. Round and generous on the mouth, the wine unveils lovely red and dark fruit flavors. Easy drinking and delicious, and full of rich flavors, this is an outstanding value. Drink 2018-2025- 91
2017 Rasa Vineyards ‘Occam’s Razor’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Occam’s Razor’ is a compelling blend of a wide range of varietals including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional and Petit Verdot that were all aged in 12% new French oak prior to bottling, The herbal tones are really nice with black tea and exotic spices that mingle with the dark fruit character on the nose. The wine packs a punch showing a good combination of red and dark fruits that mingle with chocolate and herbal tones. While not hugely complex, this is very satisfying and delicious, particularly at this price point. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2017 Sleight of Hand ‘The Spellbinder’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘The Spellbinder’ delivers dense and rather straightforward red and dark fruit flavors with a touch of chocolate and pipe tobacco. Enjoy this marvelous value wine in its youth. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2017 Temporal Vintners Tempranillo- The 2017 Temporal Vintners is a seriously good wine for the price and is a wine that pushes the envelope for Washington Tempranillo. On the nose there is lovely earthy aromatics that meld with blackberry and sagebrush tones. The plush texture to the win really entices, as does the impressive acidity that races through the palate. The soft texture captures your attention, as does the milk chocolate covered cherry, licorice and sagebrush flavors. The combination of weight and balance makes this a must buy for any Tempranillo lover. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2017 The Jack Syrah- The 2017 The Jack Syrah shows smoky and oaky overtones on the nose with black fruits and exotic spice accents. The palate has good acidity with medium-bodied blackberry and cran-orange flavors with a hint of wet stone. Well-balanced and showing a nice level of terroir, this is seriously good for the price. Drink 2019-2024- 90
2017 The Jack Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 The Jack Cabernet Sauvignon shows off plenty of aromatic appeal with its black tea and blackberry pie aromatics that all meld in the glass. The silky texture entices as toasty oak wraps around the dark fruits with milk chocolate undertones. The long finish catches you off guard. Drink 2019-2025- 90
2018 The Jack Red Wine- The 2018 The Jack Red Wine is primary Merlot based (73%) as the wine delivers spicy tones with red fruits on the nose. I love the sense of balance here as this delivers medium-bodied red fruit and chocolate flavors. This is a marvelous wine for a juicy burger. Drink 2019-2024- 90
2017 The Unnamed Series ‘Christmas Cuvee’ Red Wine- Th 2017 ‘Christmas Cuvee’ is another sensational release by Mattt Reynvaan. As this slowly builds momentum in the glass the wine slowly unveils lovely wet stone character that mingles with the umami with dried herbal notes on this expressive nose. The palate has a plush texture and wonderfully soft mouthfeel that entices. A bright and lifted sense of minerality captivates with the underlying blood orange zest and red currant flavors that mingle with shades of damp stone. This is seriously good for the price. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2016 The Unnamed Series Syrah- The 2016 The Unnamed Series Syrah is a sensational new release that shows the wonderful warmth of the vintage. While vineyard sourcing is uncertain, the aromatics take me to their high elevation Foothills In The Sun Vineyard, with lovely thyme and sagebrush tones that mingle with suggestions of Hoisin sauce and wild blackberry. The palate has wonderful poise and a plush texture showing off ripe dark fruits and minerals — all leading to an exceedingly long and gratifying finish. Simply put, this wine is a steal at 25 dollars. 7Drink 2019-2025- 92
2017 The Unnamed Series Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc- Largely Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), with the remainder Cabernet Franc, this shows off ripe red ands dark fruits with a wonderful vibrancy on the palate. Silky tannins and a long finish complete this fantastic value bottling by Matt Reynvaan. Drink 2019-2025- 91
White Wines and Rose Wines:
2017 Ambassador Sauvignon Blanc- A blend of 78% Sauvignon Blanc and the remainder Semillon, this starts off with a bouquet of honeysuckle and lychee. The palate is ripe and lithe, showing off grapefruit, lychee, kumquat and orange zest flavors. This is seriously good. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2018 Block Wines ‘Boushey Vineyard Tauro Block’ Semillon- The ‘Boushey Vineyard Tauro Block’ is a fantastic wine that is truly one of its kind in Washington. The nutty edge aromatically is really nice, as bright orchard fruits mingle with shades of cinnamon and clove on the nose. The combination of texture, freshness and mouth-watering acidity is really good. Bright Pazzaz apple with lemon cream and shades of toasted macadamia nut flavors all collide on the palate. This is seriously good stuff. Drink 2019-2024- 91
2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Indian Wells’ Chardonnay- The 2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Indian Wells’ Chardonnay is a marvelous wine. The nose is intense with bright pear, green apple and creme brûlée aromatics with toasty oak. The texture is oily and is satisfying. Rich vanilla creme brulee, poached pear, lemon zest and marzipan flavors all impress. This tastes far more expensive than it is. Drink 2018-2024- 91
2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Horse Heaven Hills Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- Direct upon entry, the 2017 ‘Horse Heaven Hills Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc shows wonderful grassy tones with bright lemon zest and melon accents on this expressive nose. The palate unveils wonderful racy acidity with just the faintest kiss of sweetness. The long finish lingers. Enjoy this in its youth while the brightness remains. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling- Chateau Ste. Michelle has been making this special bottling for nearly twenty years now and I have sampled every vintage of the wine since 2003. This version is every bit as good as any that has been made in this partnership with Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle head winemaker Bob Bertheau. On the nose there is lovely Gravenstein apple and lemon blossom aromas that mingle with shades of wet stone on the complex bouquet. Once on the attack the palate displays gobs of mouth-watering acidity. Bright lemon zest with shades of wet stone and kumquat with green apple accents round out this beautiful wine. While a delight to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2019-2025- 93
2016 Cougar Crest ‘Estate Grown’ Chardonnay- The 2016 Estate Grown Grown Chardonnay is made in the riper style, this shows a bouquet of Challah bread and nutmeg with golden delicious apple. The palate has a creamy texture and a generous mouthfeel, as enticing ripe pineapple and vanilla creme brûlée flavors amalgamate. This is drinking nicely right now. Drink 2018-2024- 90
2016 Cougar Crest ‘Estate Grown’ Viognier- True to its style., the 2016 Cougar Crest Viognier shows excellent ripeness and opulence from this warm vintage. Ripe papaya, mango and pineapple with vanilla cream flavors all nicely build in the glass. This finishes long with heavy whipping cream. Enjoy this excellent wine in the short-term. Drink 2018-2022- 90
NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Rose Sparkling Wine- This gorgeous Rose Sparkling Wine begins with aromas of rose petals, orange rind and suggestions of wild strawberry. Beautifully astringent, the wine shows off guava, New York apple and strawberry jelly flavors that connect well with the minerality. Drink 2017-2022- 90
2017 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis VIneyard’ Riesling- The 2017 ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Riesling is a gorgeous bottling by Dunham Cellars. The petrol notes are really enticing as the wine shows bright white flowers and kumquat zest that mingle with the earthy undertones. The palate shows good freshness and intensity, with racy acidity that cuts through the bright orchard fruits, lime zest, ginger and ripe pineapple. This shows excellent mid-palate range and a soft, inviting texture. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next seven years. Drink 2019-2026- 92
2018 EFESTĒ ‘Feral’ Sauvignon Blanc- This was sourced entirely from the Evergreen Vineyard. The wine was fermented in one concrete egg as well as a stainless tank. The nose shows good gooseberry and cantaloupe aromas that all combine nicely in the glass. The palate shows really good texture and mouthfeel with good brightness. The palate shows good freshness with melon and gooseberry with an exceedingly long finish. Drink 2019-2024- 91
2016 Eternal Wines ‘Perspective’ Grenache Blanc-The 2016 'Perspective' Grenache Blanc by talented winemaker Brad Binko is sourced from the Painted Hills Vineyard. This attractive Grenache Blanc opens to aromatics of gooseberry, green papaya and green apple aromatics lead to flavors of Pazzaz apple, starfruit and whipping cream accents. This is a lithe and delicious wine that shows a great mineral streak through the finish. Drink 2017-2022- 90
2017 Eternal Wines Marsanne- Sourced from the Boushey Vineyard, this opens with a bouquet of macadamia nut and kumquat. Refreshing and crisp, this shows lovely elegance and old-world acidity. Bright and light on its feet, this is an excellent wine made by up-and-coming winemaker, Brad Binko. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Gard ‘Freya’ White Wine- This shows off deeply perfumed aromas of lychee, lemongrass and cantaloupe on the nose. The palate has a wonderful freshness as the wine reveals bright pear, kumquat, and green papaya flavors that give this an exotic edge. This is just a stunning value by Gard. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Gard ‘Grand Klasse Reserve’ Rose- This wine was aged in largely stainless steel and saw a touch of new oak (10%) prior to bottling. The nose is really lovely with delicate red fruits coming into play with a touch of citrus blossom. The palate is lithe, showcasing a wonderful texture. Kumquat, watermelon and red cherry candy flavors come to mind. This is a stunning effort by superstar winemaker Aryn Morell. Drink 2018-2024- 91
2017 Januik ‘Sagemoor Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The wine has 20% Semillon blended in. The wine begins with aromas of lychee, Lemon zest andkumquat. The palate shows a good minerality and weight. Tree fruit and pink grapefruot flavors connect with buttered brioche. Round and generous, this is an outstanding effort. Drink 2018-2023- 91
2017 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Seven Hills Vineyard Luminesce’ White Wine- The 2018 ‘Luminesce’ is a compelling blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Semillon which was sourced from the esteemed Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. On the nose this takes on bright Bosc pear and shades of kumquat rind that mingle with the baking spices undertones. The freshness and texture imparted is lovely, as lively acidity and a faint salinity runs through the core of the wine. Bright melon and lemon curd flavors collide with the copious minerals. Fantastic now, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next five to seven years. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2018 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Semillon- The ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ is a cooler climate site in the Columbia Valley AVA. On the nose this shows off buttered brioche and starfruit aromas that connect with shades of nutmeg that all mingle together in the glass. The palate has great freshness and intensity with medium-bodied Pazzaz apple, honeydew melon and nectarine flavors that mingle with the bright sense of minerality. Enjoy this beautiful wine in its youth while the freshness remains. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2018 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay follows the excellent long line of releases by L’Ecole. Nutmeg infused sourdough bread and shades of ripe pear that round out the beautiful aromatics in the wine. The soft texture greets you as the wine shows a seamless quality that runs through the wine on the palate. Seriously good right now, this will age well for a decade, picking up tertiary notes as it develops. Drink 2019-2026- 92
2017 Lauren Ashton Chenin Blanc- The nose screams bright cantaloupe, as the nutmeg and damp earth elements round out this beautiful bouquet. The freshness imparted is really good as bright cantaloupe and starfruit flavors mingle with suggestions of lemon rind and Gravenstein apple. The silky texture is seriously good. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2016 Long Shadows 'Poet's Leap' Riesling- Made by Armin Diel of Schlossgut Diel, this off-dry wine opens with aromatics of nectarine, wet stone, Granny Smith apple and suggestions of nutmeg. Showing wonderful poise and minerality, the wine glides through the mid-palate onto a mineral and wet stone laced finish. Flavors of Pazzaz apple, mulberry, kumquat and cantaloupe persist. While this shows wonderful elegance and fruit at this juncture, this will cellar gracefully for a decade. This is just an outstanding value wine by Long Shadows. Drink 2017-2026- 93
2016 L’Ecole No. 41 Chenin Blanc- Sourced from the Columbia Valley, this pale colored wine begins with aromas of kiwi, lemon rind, wet stone, starfruit, and green apple. This has really outstanding weight and poise. Kiwi, gooseberry, citrus blossom and Gravenstein apple flavors impress. This downright delicious wine will cellar well for the next five plus years. For a mere fifteen dollars, this is one of the great values in Washington wine. Drink 2017-2022- 92
2016 L’Ecole No. 41 Chardonnay- This Chardonnay weighs in at 14.5% alcohol and was sourced from the Schmitt, Oasis and Evergreen Vineyards. This shows creme brulee, apricot, nutmeg, and heavy whipping cream aromatics. This has a beautiful combination of weight and acidity. This showcases deep vanilla cream, nutmeg, roasted pineapple and creme brûlée flavors. Drink 2017-2024- 91
2017 L'Ecole No. 41 Rose- Sourced from Grenache vines in the Horse Heaven Hills, this begins with aromatics of orange blossoms, red cherries and rose water. The palate echoes the nose, with beautiful minerality and lovely vibrancy through the finish. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Lauren Ashton Rose- The 2017 Lauren Ashton Rose is a fantastic wine that shows some sterling minerality. Lighter rose petal and watermelon aromatics fill the nose. The palate has a nice texture with red cherry, red raspberry and guava flavors. This crisp wine is a gorgeous effort by superstar winemaker Kit Singh. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2017 Maryhill ‘Proprietor’s Reserve’ Albarino- The nose shows good range here from citrus oil, to melon to vanilla cream. This shows some excellent astringency and verve, with melon flavors and kiwi shining most brightly. This is a seriously good effort. Enjoy this young while the minerality is intense. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2017 Mark Ryan Viognier- Sourced from both the Olsen and Red Willow Vineyards, this standout bottling is best served a touch on the warm side for aromatics to be fully expressive. Once aroused, this unveils a bouquet of honeysuckle, white peach and mango, showing its exotic side. The combination of weight and astringency is really good here. Pink Lady apple, tangerine zest and lychee with starfruit flavors come to mind. Finishing with lovely heavy cream I can see this cellaring well for nearly a decade. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2018 Maryhill Chardonnay- The 2018 Maryhill Chardonnay has layers of toasty oak that mingle with shades of vanilla cream and nutmeg infused Challah bread on the enticing nose. The palate is soft and inviting, giving plenty of appeal with its soft texture and smooth mouthfeel. Baked apple and vanilla cream flavors all connect with a light minerality. This is seriously good stuff for the price. Serve this a touch warmer to fully experience the textural elements. Buy this by the case. Drink 2019-2025- 90
2016 Nine Hats Pinot Gris-Sourced from the esteemed, The Benches Vineyard, this opens with a bright bouquet of unripe pear, lemon zest, pink grapefruit blossom and cut grass. This shows wonderful minerality with medium weight flavors of Pazzaz apple, vanilla, white peach and a hint of Key Lime zest. This is another outstanding value from Nine Hats that would pair beautifully with Kumamoto oysters. Drink 2017-2022- 90
2016 Nine Hats Riesling- The 2016 Nine Hats Riesling was sourced from Vineyards in the Columbia Valley and weighs in at 13.4% alcohol, as well as 1.29 residual sugar. Petrol, white flowers and wet stone aromatics come to mind. This leads to. flavors of kulquqt, orange rind, and starfruit with crushed wet gravel. The stony aspect is lovely, as is the minerality and range of fruit flavors. This is an outstanding value buy. Drink 2017-2022- 90
2015 Nine Hats Chardonnay- This wine is essentially the second wine of the Long Shadows, the first wine being their ‘Dance’ Chardonnay. Primarily sourced from the Boushey Vineyard along with the Benches Vineyard, this impresses for the price. Buttered bread and banana aromatics hit you immediately. There is nice mid-palate weight to this wine as white peach, creme brûlée and bananas foster flavors that fit nicely with some minerals. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Novelty Hill ‘Stillwater Creek’ Sauvignon Blanc- The nose is reminiscent of pear, gooseberry and freshly cut grass. The palate has a wonderful texture and a lithe kmineraity with poached oear, starfruit and vanilla cream towards the back end. Drink 2018-2023- 91
2016 Novelty Hill Viognier- This begins with aromas of lychee, bright nectarine and candied ginger. The palate is lithe and rich as the wine shows an exotic edge with a wonderful freshness. Poached pear, lychee and starfruit flavors connect with a lovely minerality. Drink 2018-2024- 91
2018 Sleight of Hand ‘The Magician’ Riesling- Sourced from the esteemed ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ this shows off lovely petrol and white rose tones aromatically that take their shape in the glass. The texture and sense of weight and minerality is truly outstanding, as the long, bright green apple and lemon zest driven finish lingers on the tongue. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2018 The Jack Chardonnay- The 2018 The Jack Chardonnay opens with pear and lemon cream, with nutmeg accents that all collide on the nose. This has seriously good freshness with a lovely texture and a long mineral and vanilla cream finish that lingers. Drink 2019-2024- 90