Today we share a newer producer from the Yakima Valley. Whitman Hill Vineyard sits at 1,200 feet on the south- and east-facing slopes above the Yakima Valley, where steady air movement, balanced sun exposure, and a natural cold-air drain create ideal conditions for even ripening and vineyard health. Beneath the surface, layers of sandy loam and fragments of caliche—a pale, porous rock unique to this area. Before establishing Whitman Hill, Scott and Denise Whitman co-owned a winery on Washington’s west side, sourcing grapes from the Yakima Valley and becoming deeply connected to the quality and character of its fruit. Their first wines for that project were made humbly in their garage. In 2020 the had the chance to acquire property in Zillah, which became Whitman Hill.
New wines were really good. I love the 2024 Whitman Hill Chardonnay (OB, 91) which is neatly textured stuff with good richness. Learn more about this project at https://whitmanhillwine.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Whitman Hill wines.
2024 Whitman Hill Chardonnay- Coming from the Yakima Valley, the 2024 Whitman Hill Chardonnay offers juicy pear and baked apple with starfruit and sourdough bread notes on the palate. Soft on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 91
2023 Whitman Hill Syrah- A terrific new bottling, the 2023 Whitman Hill Syrah offers black pepper dusted bacon, violets and shades of black olive tapenade. The palate is fresh and also viscous with medium bodied dark fruits with chocolate and dried herbs. Drink 2026-2032- 91
2022 Whitman Hill Merlot- This 2022 Merlot offers chocolate and coffee grounds on the palate with a smooth mouthfeel and good structure. Medium-bodied, with salty minerals, enjoy over the next six to eight years. Drink 2026-2032- 91
2022 Whitman Hill ‘Departure’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Departure’ opens with dried herbs, dark chocolate shavings and boysenberry compote aromatics. The palate is soft and elegant with medium-bodied dark fruits and pencil lead notes, with sagebrush accents. Drink 2026-2032- 91
2022 Whitman Hill Cabernet Franc- The 2022 Whitman Hill Cabernet Franc offers a plush mouthfeel and good freshness on the palate. Layers of loganberry and dark currants combine with espresso grind notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2032- 91
2021 Whitman Hill Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from their Yakima Valley estate, the 2023 Whitman Hill Cabernet Sauvignon shows off sagebrush and Arabica bean notes on the palate, with salty minerals. Medium-bodied, enjoy now and over the next few years to come. Drink 2026-2032- 91
2021 Whitman Hill ‘Captain Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Whitman Hill ‘Captain Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more hedonistic and dense than their ‘Estate’ bottling. Heady dark fruits combine with coffee grounds and shades of dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Drink 2026-2032- 92