Get ready to explore the essence of Columbia Valley with us! 👏🏻 We’re diving into five outstanding wines that epitomize the innovation and rich terroir of Washington State, the United States’ second-largest premium wine region.🥈Join us as we journey through the heart of Washington’s wine country, where each bottle tells a story of tradition, terroir, and the tireless pursuit of perfection.
Table of Contents
1. Basics: Washington Wine Industry
Washington State is located in the far northwest of the United States, bordering Canada to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Just to the south lies Oregon, famous for its Pinot Noir, and further south is California, home to the largest wine-producing region in the United States.
Washington ranks as the second-largest premium wine region in the United States, following California. With over 14,000 hectares of vineyards, it boasts more than 800 wineries and around 400 grape growers.
The region cultivates over 80 different grape varieties, allowing for a diverse array of wines to be produced. Despite its northern location, Washington produces a higher proportion of red wines, with a ratio of about 6:4 compared to white wines. 🍷
Key grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah dominate the production of structured red wines.
However, the region also excels in producing high-quality white wines, with Riesling playing a significant role in establishing Washington’s wine reputation. Chardonnay, the most widely planted white grape variety, exhibits various styles depending on the region and producer.
Additionally, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc have gained popularity as noteworthy grape varieties in recent years. The diversity of wines produced in Washington can be attributed to the expansive and varied terroir extending eastward across the state.
2. Terroir of Washington
The first notable geographical features to mention are the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range, which stretch north to south on the western side of Washington State.
These mountain ranges were formed millions of years ago due to tectonic plate collisions, with the resulting lava flows creating a thick basaltic bedrock to the east.
The plateaus formed from these lava flows, ranging from 656 to 1,969 feet (200 to 600 meters) in elevation, provide ideal terrain for grape cultivation.
Next, we have the Missoula Floods, which occurred approximately 15,000 years ago. This immense flooding event, recurring over 2,000 years, shaped various landscapes and soils. It carved beautiful canyons and stratified layers while depositing soils conducive to grape cultivation across the region.
Lastly, wind plays a significant role. Over time, wind-blown loess deposits enriched the topsoil of Washington’s premier wine region, the Columbia Valley.
This fertile loess, comprised of light and fine particles, offers excellent drainage yet maintains a certain level of moisture, ideal for grape cultivation. Additionally, it is rich in minerals, further enhancing its suitability for viticulture.
Washington’s wine regions span across latitudes around 46 degrees, similar to France’s Burgundy and Northern Rhone regions, making it ideal for grape cultivation.
Firstly, it enjoys ample sunlight, with the Columbia Valley receiving an average of 14-16 hours of sunshine per day during the growing season, surpassing Napa Valley by an hour.
Moreover, the significant diurnal temperature variation of 63-66°F(7-19°C) during the grape ripening period allows grapes to reach physiological ripeness while retaining fresh acidity.
Crucially, precipitation levels are low, with the Columbia Valley averaging only 6 – 8 inches (150-200 mm) of rainfall annually, and over 300 rainless days. This is attributed to the Rain Shadow Effect of the Olympic Mountains and Cascade Range.
Moist Pacific winds deposit rain on the western slopes, leaving the eastern side dry. However, concerns about water scarcity are alleviated by the Columbia River’s ample water supply and the positive microclimate it creates for grape cultivation.
Washington’s producers have established the Wine Science Center in 2015, a state-of-the-art research facility aimed at studying terroir, varietals, clones, viticultural practices, and winemaking techniques tailored to each region. Furthermore, efforts are underway to further delineate sub-AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) within the Columbia Valley, enhancing the expression of regional characteristics.
While still in its infancy, this initiative promises a future with an even greater diversity of Washington wines. For now, it’s essential to remember key AVAs like the Columbia Valley, along with Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, and Yakima Valley.
Washington wines are often described as combining the ripe fruit flavors of the New World with the elegant balance of the Old World.
This, coupled with their exceptional value for money, positions them as a compelling choice for wine enthusiasts. If you haven’t yet experienced Washington wines or haven’t paid much attention to them, you’re missing out. Most Washington wines offer undeniable value and are worthy of exploration and appreciation.
Before you get to five Columbia Valley wines, watch the movie below, for your information.
3. Five Exquisite Wines of Washington
(1) Poet’s Leap, Columbia Valley Riesling 2020
Poet’s Leap, Columbia Valley Riesling 20s presents a delicate first impression with subtle white floral aromas, lemony citrus zest, and hints of white peach. Its diverse bouquet intertwines seamlessly with gentle mineral notes, creating a pleasant olfactory experience.
Upon tasting, refreshing lemony acidity dances on the palate, accompanied by a hint of ripe stone fruit and the nuanced richness of untoasted almonds. The wine finishes crisply, leaving behind a clean, lingering aftertaste.
This wine shines with its purity of fruit and impeccable balance, making it a versatile companion for various cuisines, from Korean and Chinese dishes to light finger foods, snacks, and fresh fruits. Poet’s Leap is a brand under Long Shadows, established in 2002 by former CEO of Chateau Ste.
Michelle, Allen Shoup. Collaborating with nine world-renowned winemakers, this particular Riesling was crafted by Armin Diel, hailing from Germany’s esteemed Riesling heritage. Blending Riesling grapes harvested from different regions within the Columbia Valley, this wine harmoniously captures the essence of Washington State’s terroir.
(2) Nine Hats, Columbia Valley Syrah 2017
Nine Hats, Columbia Valley Syrah 20s entices with ripe blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry aromas, complemented by notes of licorice, warm spices, and roasted coffee beans. Upon tasting, its dense tannins coat the palate, filling the mouth with a rich texture.
The deep fruit flavors harmonize with subtle oak nuances, leading to a creamy finish that lingers on the palate. This wine offers a robust structure, approachable body, and generous fruitiness, making it an inviting choice.
Blending 95% Syrah with 5% Grenache, Nine Hats pairs well with various meat dishes, such as beef steak, braised short ribs, and barbecue, especially those with rich sauces.
It also complements a variety of Korean dishes prepared with meat, showcasing its versatility. Nine Hats, a brand under Long Shadows along with Poet’s Leap, draws inspiration from the collaboration of nine esteemed winemakers, reflected in its name.
Supervised by Long Shadows’ head winemaker, Gilles Nicault, Nine Hats embodies excellence throughout its winemaking process.
(3) Intrinsic, Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Intrinsic, Cabernet Sauvignon showcases harmonious notes of dark cherry, blueberry, and pomegranate, intertwined with hints of leather. Upon tasting, its velvety tannins provide a smooth texture, leaving behind an enticing finish with subtle chocolate nuances. This wine pairs fantastically with various meats such as lamb, beef, and pork, as well as grilled vegetables. In short, it’s an excellent choice to accompany dishes like barbecue and grilled meats.
Crafted by renowned Washington winemaker Juan Muñoz-Oca, Intrinsic primarily features selected Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with a touch of Cabernet Franc blended in. The label, adorned with vibrant artwork by Brooklyn street artist ZIMER, adds an eye-catching touch to this wine.
(4) Betz Family, Clos de Betz, Columbia Valley
Betz Family, Clos de Betz 80s showcases pure red berry flavors of cherry, plum, and raspberry, complemented by delicate spices and herbs. Upon tasting, it presents a harmonious blend of dryness, robust fruitiness, and a refined, comfortable texture—an ironic harmony of acidity, tannins, and fruit flavors forming a large triangle in the mouth.
This wine interprets the Bordeaux wine style with Washington’s distinctive terroir, showcasing the region’s exceptional soil and the winemaker’s skill simultaneously.
While it’s delightful to enjoy now, I recommend aging for over 10 years to fully realize the wine’s potential. The blend typically features Merlot as the focal point, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, with the blending ratio changing annually.
Winemaker Bob Betz, who served as the senior winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle for 28 years and became the first American Master of Wine (MW) in 1988, founded Betz Family Winery in 1997. Even after transferring ownership in 2011, he remains the winemaker, showcasing his enduring commitment to crafting exceptional wines.
(5) DeLille Metier Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
DeLille Metier Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, ranked #66 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2023, delivers inviting aromas of black cherry and plum, leading to bold flavors of dark fruits and charming baking spice notes. With a juicy mid-palate and a firm, dry finish, it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
Awarded 91 points by Wine Spectator, it boasts refined flavors of blackberry, dusky spices, and black olive, supported by medium-grained tannins, promising aging potential until 2031. DeLille Cellars, a pioneer in Bordeaux-style blends in Woodinville, Washington since 1992, is renowned for its role in establishing Washington as a premier viticultural region.
With a focus on showcasing the powerful fruit of Washington State, DeLille blends Bordeaux and Rhône grape varieties sourced from esteemed vineyards like Ciel du Cheval and Red Willow, expressing the unique terroir of the region, particularly from the Red Mountain AVA.
If you are interested in the affordable American cult wines, please check out my other post, 10 Affordable Cult Wines You Should Taste.😀