Below are Northwest Wine Report’s Top 60 Northwest Wines of 2023! These wines were selected from over 1,100 wines reviewed this past year from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia.

I selected the wines based the following factors: score, overall excitement, and, to a lesser extent, price. I limited selections to one wine per winery/estate. That is to say, if a winery has multiple projects, I only selected a wine from one of them. (I did make one exception where I felt the category demanded it.) Note that most of the producers below could easily have had several wines on this list. Additionally, there many others I considered that are not represented that could be. There are over 2,600 wineries in the Pacific Northwest, so this list is nothing if not very choosy.

Why 60 wines? I tried very hard to keep the list to 50. My desire was to be more selective with the list rather than less. I could not, however, whittle the list past 60 without it becoming less reflective of what I was excited about tasting this year. So there it is, a Top 60 list.

Wines are grouped by variety/style. Within each category, wines are ordered first by score, then alphabetically.

Some of the wines listed below are already sold out. Others are still available. I have listed the original publication date after the review text. This might, or might not, speak to the wine’s availability.

Wine reviews at Northwest Wine Report are typically restricted to subscribers. This list, however, is freely available as a holiday gift to all and in celebration of Pacific Northwest wines.

Without further ado, the Top 60 Northwest Wines of 2023!

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At Northwest Wine Report, all scores come from blind tastings in varietal/style sets. Read more about this site’s process for rating and reviewing wines. See Northwest Wine Report rating system and special designations. Read about how to interpret scores. See a list of recently reviewed producers.

TOP CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Quilceda Creek 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $250
99 points, Cellar Stocker
Champoux Vineyard comprises 90% of the fruit for this all-varietal wine, with the rest from Mach One. Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, the aromas are classic Quilceda Creek, with notes of blackberry, black cherry, anise, plum, and spice. Rich, layered, luxurious dark fruit flavors follow, undulating across the palate in waves. It’s full-on hedonism, bringing it in abundance. Coffee and blackberry notes linger on the hyper-extended finish. It’s a wine for the ages. Best from 2030 to 2045. 14.8% alcohol. Natural cork. Case production not provided. Published September 8, 2023.

Passing Time 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $94
96 points, Cellar Stocker
Blended with 8% Champoux Merlot, fruit for this wine otherwise comes from Discovery (61%) and Wallula (31%) vineyards. Aged in 80% new French oak, aromas of black cherry, raspberry, dried herb, cocoa, leaf, scorched earth, and herb lead to a creamy feeling red and black-fruited palate that broadens significantly with time open. The refined tannins that are the hallmark of this region are there in abundance. It sticks around for a long, long time on the finish. One for the ages, it’s all about class and detail, bringing plentiful amounts of both. Enjoy from 2028 to 2038, but enjoy it you will whenever you open it. 14.8% alcohol. Natural cork. 400 cases produced. NB: This wine drinks best at the lower end of my 62-66 recommended serving temperature for red wines. Published May 8, 2023.

Trothe 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $239
96 points, Cellar Stocker
Trothe is a new project from the Andrews family that aims to put Horse Heaven Hills more prominently on the world wine map. With wines like this, they will surely succeed. This is 100% varietal, fermented in concrete with extended skin contact and then aged 23 months in 75% new French oak. It spent 13 months in bottle prior to release. Coming from blocks 98 (65%) and 03, it’s aromatically closed initially but still commands attention, with notes of flower, herb, black cherry, and scorched earth. The flavors are focused, supple, polished, and palate coating. It’s exquisitely proportioned, with mesmerizing balance. The finish sails. It’s a wine that succeeds not because of brawn, though it has it, but because of sophisticated beauty and balance. In a word, wow. Best from 2030 to 2040. 14.5% alcohol. Natural cork. 250 cases produced. Published March 13 2023.

Soos Creek 2020 Champoux Vineyard Block 4 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills $50
95 points, Cellar Tracker
Fruit for this wine comes from Washington’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon site. Blended with 15% Merlot and aged in half new French oak, aromas of black currant, green pepper, black cherry, plum, graphite, and barrel spice are followed by broad, layered, black cherry and blackberry flavors. There’s penetrating intensity as well as sneaky richness. Barrel accents are speckled throughout. As is the hallmark of this vineyard, the tannins are polished to a fine sheen. The fruit and barrel-filled finish hangs and hangs. It’s completely stunning, winning on its intensity and balance. Best from 2028 to 2038. 14.1% alcohol. Micro-agglomerated cork. 100 cases produced. Published December 18, 2023.

Avennia 2020 Sestina Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $75
94 points, Cellar Stocker
Sestina is Avennia’s flagship wine, and this vintage carries that flag high. It’s a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, with fruit coming from top sites Dionysus, Red Willow, and Bacchus. Aged 21 months in half-new French oak, laser-focused cherry, raspberry, dried leaf, herb, and licorice aromas lead to ripe, full-bodied flavors that show density, layering, intensity, detail, and balance. A long, long finish caps it all off. It’s a profound wine, one of the best offerings of Sestina that Avennia has produced to date. Patience is required. Best from 2028 to 2040. 14.8% alcohol. 330 cases produced. Natural cork. Published March 31, 2023.

Foolhardy 2020 Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley 2020 $80
94 points, Cellar Stocker
Fruit for this wine comes from 30 year-old vines at one of Washington’s most highly regarded vineyards. Aged in 48% new French oak, cedar, black cherry, barrel spice, and earth aromas are followed by dense, supple fruit flavors that show outrageous purity, layering, and richness. There’s sneaky, lightly grainy tannic structure behind it all that is exceptionally well-integrated. The fruit flavors linger on the finish. It’s flat out gorgeous, enjoyable on its own but clearly meant to excel at the dinner table. Best from 2026 to 2035. 14.3% alcohol. Natural cork. 50 cases produced. Published October 31, 2023.

Gramercy 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $60
94 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from Phinny Hill, Sagemoor, Loess, and Gramercy Estates. Blended with 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, it was aged in 28% new French oak. Blackberry and red fruit aromas are at the fore, followed by notes of bramble, lilac, cassis, and spice. The palate is pure velvet, so soft, textured, and appealing with its plentiful red and black fruit flavors, accented by the variety’s herbal notes. The texture is knee buckling. The finish carries as long as you care to count. It’s a ‘Wow!’ wine, outstanding on its own while also being well-suited to the dinner table. It will have a long life ahead of it. 14.5% alcohol. Natural cork. 2,200 cases produced. Published September 18, 2023.

Mark Ryan 2021 The Dissident Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $45
93 points, Critic’s Choice
This vintage of The Dissident is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, along with near equal bits of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Fruit comes from Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval, Obelisco, Red Willow, Quintessence, Phinny Hill, Olsen, Stanton, Henry Earl, and Discovery vineyards. The aromas lead with notes of bittersweet chocolate, the blackest of cherries, dried and fresh herb, flower, and black licorice, showing pleasing nuance. The black fruit flavors are supported by a lightly creamy-feeling texture. The tannins are polished, and there’s surprising acidity given the heat of the vintage. It hangs and hangs on the finish. It’s a gorgeous gateway to this producer’s portfolio that punches well-above its weight class. 14.9% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 1,531 cases produced. Published December 18, 2023.

TOP BORDEAUX-STYLE BLENDS

Cadence 2020 Cara Mia Vineyard Bel Canto Red Mountain $70
94 points, Cellar Stocker
Ben Smith is a Cabernet Franc savant. Here he evinces the variety’s greatness in this blend of Franc (73%) and Merlot. The aromas bring notes of scorched earth, flower, crushed rock, whole black currant, and fresh herb, showing pleasing fruit and non-fruit components. On the palate, there’s impressive intensity, delicacy, and focus to the red and black fruit flavors. It draws out on the finish. Overall, it’s the vivid focus and purity that most impress on this mesmerizing wine, and yes, as always on Cadence wines, there’s plenty of structure too. Best from 2028 to 2038. 14.4% alcohol. Natural cork. Case production not provided. Published October 31, 2023.

Echolands 2019 Seven Hills Vineyard Red Wine Walla Walla Valley $52
94 points, Cellar Stocker
Echolands is a young winery founded by MS/MW Doug Frost and Brad Bergman. This is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc, finished off with a dash of Petit Verdot. Coming from one of the most esteemed vineyards in the valley, the aromas are closed initially, with brooding notes of black cherry, black currant, dried herb, and raspberry. The palate is polished, supple, and reserved, focusing on the prettiness of the vintage. The oak (20% new) is pleasantly dialed back, allowing the fruit to shine. It’s a stunner. Best from 2025 to 2035. 14.0% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 501 cases produced. Published March 31, 2023.

Prospice 2020 BDX Columbia Valley $65
94 points, Critic’s Choice
This is near equal parts Merlot (35%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%), and Cabernet Franc. Dried and fresh herb, flower, cocoa, black cherry, and tar aromas lead to a luscious, rich, high-thread count, well-balanced dark fruit flavors. Coffee notes linger on the finish. There’s impressive structure around it all. It’s full of hedonism, but with one hand on the throttle – a true stunner and example of the best that 2020 has to offer. 14.4% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 121 cases produced. Published March 13 2023.

Baer 2019 Ursa Red Wine Royal Slope $40
93 points, Cellar Stocker
Merlot (43%) takes the lead, followed by Cabernet Franc (41%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), and Petit Verdot. The aromas offer notes of freshly brewed coffee, high cacao chocolate, black raspberry, herb, and spice. The flavors are rich and broad in feel, bringing pleasing definition and detail, lingering on the finish. There’s a whole lot of structure around it all. It flat out impresses. Best from 2025 to 2032. 14.7% alcohol. Natural cork. 650 cases produced. Published July 14, 2023.

Sleight of Hand 2021 The Archimage Reserve Red Wine Columbia Valley $65
93 points, Cellar Stocker
Cabernet Franc (54%) takes the lead on this wine, followed by Merlot, with fruit coming from the winery’s estate blocks at Red Mountain and Blue Mountain vineyards. Aged 20 months in French oak (41% new), the aromas offer notes of flower, fresh savory herb, cherry compote, graphite, dried tobacco, licorice, and Red Vines, still quite locked up but offering plentiful complexity. Plump-feeling but still soft, refined blue and red fruit flavors follow. There’s impressive tannic structure behind it all. The finish just won’t quit. Best from 2027 to 2036. 14.7% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 650 cases produced. Published November 20, 2023.

Sparkman 2019 Stella Mae Red Wine Columbia Valley $70
93 points, Cellar Stocker
Cabernet Sauvignon comprises 78% of this wine, the rest equally split between Malbec and Petit Verdot. With most of the fruit coming from Bacchus, Stillwater, and Discovery vineyards, it was aged 19 months in 100% new French oak. The aromas bring notes of espresso bean, graphite, dark fruit, plum, and toasty barrel spices. Rich, intense, layered, high thread count black fruit flavors follow, with plentiful barrel accents. Firm tannins support it all. It’s a knockout of a wine. Best from 2027 to 2033. 14.5% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerative cork. 219 cases produced. Published July 28, 2023.

TOP PINOT NOIR

Anacréon 2020 Mine Yours and Ours Estate Grown Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountain $80
95 points, Cellar Stocker
This is all Coury and Pommard clone, harvested on September 8th, in advance of the smoke event. Aged in French oak, the aromas provide intrigue and enjoyment, with notes of whole satsuma, dark fruit, soil, cinnamon stick, and plum. Lighter-bodied, juicy fruit flavors follow, backed by cinnamony tannins. The length of the finish is outrageous. It’s a spectacular wine, all about elegance, detail, and length. Enjoy after 2027. 12.7% alcohol. Natural cork. 50 cases produced. Published April 21, 2023.

Holocene 2021 Memorialis Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton $65
94 points, Critic’s Choice
Holocene is a project from Todd Alexander (Force Majeure, WeatherEye). The aromas boast notes of cola, cherry, dried tangerine peel, and forest floor. The palate is medium-plus bodied, polished, and flavorful, with layers of fruit. An extended finish adds to the enjoyment. It’s captivating, showing mesmerizing purity, detail, and length. 13.5% alcohol. Natural cork. 250 cases produced. Published September 18, 2023.

Ken Wright 2021 Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills $65
94 points, Critic’s Choice
This all comes from 1983 plantings. The aromas are perfumed, with notes of strawberry, satsuma rind, black tea leaf, crushed flower, and a whiff of cigar box, showing pleasing complexities. The medium-bodied flavors are resonant and juicy, with plenty of structure backing them up. It’s vivid and delicious, with impeccable balance. Enjoy after 2026. It will have a long life beyond that. 13.3% alcohol. Synthetic cork. 300 cases produced. Published February 27, 2023.

Soléna 2021 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton $60
94 points, Cellar Stocker
Shea always creates singular wines, and that is what we have here. Aromas of dried tangerine rind, ash, whole cranberry, cherry, and flower are followed by fuller-feeling, layered, dense dark fruit flavors. The structure is impressive, with a light grip of tannin and pleasing acidity considering the warmth of the vintage. Best from 2025 to 2031. 13.9% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 150 cases produced. Published July 28, 2023.

SuNu 2021 Shea West Hill Heritage Clones Pinot Noir Oregon $75
94 points, Cellar Stocker
This wine comes from one of the most highly regarded vineyards in Willamette Valley, with SuNu sourcing from a ravine at the site. Aged 16 months in French oak (25% new), the aromas offer reserved notes of satsuma peel, strawberry, black tea, and clove. Full-feeling, layered, achingly pure fruit flavors follow. It persists effortlessly on the finish. It’s a wine that wins on a combination of power and elegance. Best after 2026. 13.9% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 44 cases produced. Published November 20, 2023.

Walnut Ridge 2022 Estate Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $40
94 points, Cellar Stocker
Fruit for this wine comes from the winery’s vineyard located between 450 and 700 feet above sea level in the Lower Long Tom appellation. It was fermented 32 days on skins, and the resulting wine was subsequently aged 10 months in French oak (20% new). The aromas offer notes of cedar, strawberry, forest floor, cherry, cola, and a whiff of dried orange peel. The palate is sumptuous, generous, and intensely flavored, with notable purity. Pomegranate flavors linger on the finish. Vibrant acidity makes it all shimmer. It’s spectacular, with the balance pitch perfect throughout. Best from 2026 to 2032. 13.5% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 190 cases produced. Published November 20, 2023.

J. Christopher 2019 Basalte Unfiltered Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $30
93 points, Critic’s Choice
As the name indicates, fruit for this wine comes from sites on fractured basalt soils. The aromas are appealing, with notes of satsuma, black tea, cherry, forest floor, sarsaparilla, and cedar. Medium-bodied, juicy cola and cherry flavors follow. There’s pleasing intensity and elegance. Vibrant acidity ties it all together. It’s a knockout and an outrageous value to boot. 13.5% alcohol. Natural cork. 3,734 cases produced. Published July 14, 2023.

Lange 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $40
93 points, Critic’s Choice
The majority of this vintage comes from the winery’s estate vineyard and Freedom Hill. The aromas are immediately captivating, with notes of fresh berry, plum, flower, and tea leaves. There’s laser-focused purity to the palate, along with freshness and texture. A long finish only adds to the delight. It’s an understated stunner, with unabashed appeal. 13.5% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 2,350 cases produced. Published January 27, 2023.

Paul O’Brien 2021 Pinot Noir Umpqua Valley $32
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Just under two-thirds of this wine comes from Susan’s Vineyard, with the rest from Bradley. Fermented 25% whole cluster and aged 10 months in French oak (one quarter new), the aromas are immediately appealing, with notes of wild strawberry, forest floor, black cherry, dried herb, and a kiss of spice. Smooth, full-feeling but still light on their feet, pleasingly pure red and darker fruit flavors follow, with light tangerine accents. It hangs on the finish. This wine brings freshness and a big-time yum factor – a statement for Umpqua Pinot. 13.5% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 1,194 cases produced. Published May 8, 2023.

TOP SYRAH

Horsepower 2020 High Contrast Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2020 $133
97 points, Cellar Stocker
Fruit for this wine comes from a vineyard that sits at the edge of the stones. The aromas are expressive, with notes of sea salt, ham hock, soot, funk, and black olive. A supremely soft, intensely flavorful palate follows – grabbing you and shaking you with its richness. The finish is minutes long. It’s a complete “Wow!” wine. Best after 2025. 13.6% alcohol. Natural cork. 466 cases produced. Published July 27, 2023.

WeatherEye 2020 Estate Syrah Red Mountain $85
96 points, Cellar Stocker
WeatherEye Vineyard is quickly setting a new quality bar for Washington, with this wine another example. This vintage comes from two echalas-trained blocks, one with northeast aspect on shallow, fractured basalt soils and the other with southwest aspect on sandy soils. Fermented in concrete and open-top fermenters 10% whole cluster and subsequently aged 18 months in large-format French oak barrels and foudres (20% new), the aromas erupt from the glass, with notes of fresh blackberry, lavender, moist soil, and dried herb, showing plentiful non-fruit notes as well as crystalline delineation. The palate packs a punch of rich, dark fruit flavors with volume and dimension. There’s intensity but there’s a sense of freshness too, surprising to see at this alcohol level. It’s profound. Best from 2027 on. 15% alcohol. Natural cork. 230 cases produced. Published September 18, 2023.

Force Majeure 2020 Estate Grown Estate Syrah Walla Walla Valley $85
95 points, Cellar Stocker
The aromas lead with notes of violet, briquette, ripe black fruit, roasted meat, herb, and chocolate. Palate-coating, sublimely textured dark fruit flavors follow. A hyper-extended finish is the capstone. It’s a hedonistic delight. Best after 2026. Give it an extended decant if drinking sooner. 14.8% alcohol. Natural cork. 170 cases produced. September 18, 2023

Cairdeas 2021 Stone Ridge Vineyard Syrah Royal Slope $75
94 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from one of the most distinctive sites in the Columbia Valley. Co-fermented with 5% Viognier and aged in 225L French oak, the aromas are explosive, with notes of blueberry, boysenberry, dried herb, coffee, stargazer lily, tobacco, and an earthy funk. Saturated, downright rich blue and black fruit flavors follow. The layering and intensity are impressive, bringing a sense of unbridled hedonism. An outrageous finish only ups the interest. 14.8% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 366 cases produced. Published August 21, 2023.

Foundation 2019 Translation Stone Valley Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $38
94 points, Critic’s Choice
One sniff and this wine immediately places itself in the Rocks District, with aromas of nori, firepit, grilled asparagus, and charcuterie plate. Fuller-feeling potpourri, orange rind, and grill plate flavors follow, showing polish and balance. An exceptionally long finish caps it off. It’s exquisite, a stunning example of what this sub-appellation of the valley has to offer at an eye-popping price. 13.5% alcohol. Natural cork. 92 cases produced. Published March 31, 2023.

Saviah 2020 The Funk Estate Syrah Walla Walla Valley $70
94 points, Critic’s Choice
Blended with 4% Viognier, this is an aromatically expressive wine, with laser-focused, captivating notes of tangerine rind, fresh flower, raspberry, kirsch, smoked meat, blue fruit, and herb. Sumptuous, layered, sneakily rich olive and blue fruit flavors follow. It shows impressive hang-time on the savory-filled finish, kicking it up a notch. Overall, it’s a wine that wins on finesse, though it has plenty of flavor intensity too. 14.3% alcohol. Natural cork. 344 cases produced. Published June 26, 2023.

TOP RHÔNE-STYLE BLENDS

Devison 2021 Above the Flood Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley $54
96 points, Critic’s Choice
Boushey Vineyard has made its name in large part over the years with Syrah, but Grenache and Mourvèdre can shine there too. For the first time, half of this wine was aged in concrete, with the rest in neutral puncheon. It’s a full 65% Grenache, the highest percentage to date, along with 32% Syrah, and 3% Mourvèdre. The aromas are a tour-de-force and classic Boushey, with notes of iron and bacon fat along with grilled herb, white pepper, kirsch, black raspberry, and blood orange. The palate is an explosion of piercingly pure, full-throttle red and darker fruit, melded perfectly with savory flavors. The finish lasts for a full 60 seconds. It’s an accomplishment of a wine, required reading for Boushey fans, strike that, for wine fans period. 15.0% alcohol. Natural cork. 150 cases produced. Published August 21, 2023.

Grosgrain 2021 Stonewashed Stoney Vine Vineyard Walla Walla Valley $50
94 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre, with the latter a rare ingredient from the Rocks District. The aromas pull you into the glass, with notes of red and blue plum and herb, along with citrus and black pepper that show appealing purity. Full-feeling, supremely pure fruit flavors follow, coating the palate in waves, with citrus accents. There’s exquisite detail, precision, and balance. An extended finish keeps the interest way up. 14.0% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 120 cases produced. Published April 21, 2023.

Kevin White 2021 La Fraternité Red Wine Yakima Valley $35
94 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of Upland Grenache (57%) along with Olsen Mourvèdre (35%) and Syrah. The aromas bring the piercing clarity that is the signature of this winery, with notes of black pepper, freshly chopped herb, strawberry, and rose hips. There’s pleasing delicacy and intensity to the red and black fruit flavors, along with plenty of texture. It’s achingly beautiful. Drinks best at the lower end of the 62 to 66 degree spectrum. 14.9% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 325 cases produced. Published June 26, 2023.

The Walls 2020 The Ramparts Red Wine Red Mountain $42
94 points, Critic’s Choice
This is 55% Grenache, 32% Mourvèdre, and 13% Counoise, with the latter a rare addition in Washington. Fermented in concrete and open-topped stainless steel tanks, this 100% free-run juice wine was subsequently aged in large format French oak (29% new). Generous, achingly pure aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and dried herb lead to a palate that brings outrageous textural richness and layering. The purity is nothing short of knee-buckling. It’s spectacular. 14.9% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 554 cases produced. Published June 26, 2023.

Top Source 2020 Red Wine Columbia Valley $30
94 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, with a sizable portion of that fruit clearly coming from the stones in Walla Walla Valley. The aromas are exuberant, leading with notes of peat, fresh and dried tobacco, olive brine, crushed violet, wet rock, and a whiff of tangerine. There’s pleasing delicacy while still plenty of intensity to the soft-feeling, savory and umami-filled flavors, accented by olive and mineral notes. The finish sticks around for at least a 30-second count. It’s a stunner and a rare find at this price. 13.5% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 926 cases produced. Published June 26, 2023.

Colter’s Creek 2020 Renegade Estate Red Wine Lewis-Clark Valley $25
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Colter’s Creek is leading the way in Lewis-Clark Valley and in Idaho more broadly. This is a blend of Cinsault (33%), Syrah (33%), Mourvèdre (23%), and Grenache. The aromas erupt from the glass, with notes of piercingly pure red and blue fruit, intermingled with flower, orange rind, and herb. The flavors are vivid, showing clarity, purity, layering, texture, and length, all the while retaining elegance and freshness. A long finish kicks it up a notch. It’s a benchmark wine for this young growing region and an insane value. 14.3% alcohol. 200 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. Published March 31, 2023.

TOP OTHER VARIETAL REDS

Massalto 2020 Artisan Malbec Royal Slope $60
94 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of fruit from Scarline and Stoneridge vineyards, two extremely high quality, distinctive sites. The aromas fascinate, with notes of sea salt, plum, mountain blueberry, black pepper, fresh flower, and nori. The palate reveals piercingly pure, supple blue fruit flavors that show elegance but have outrageous intensity. It sticks around for a long time on the blueberry and plum-filled finish. It’s a ‘Wow!’ wine. There’s not another comparison to it in the state. Seek this wine out. Decant. 14.4% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 200 cases produced. Published November 20, 2023.

Gård 2022 San Soufre Mourvèdre Royal Slope $65
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from Thunderstone Vineyard. The aromas are very primary, with notes of black currant, whole cranberry, black pepper, and dark plum. The flavors are full-bodied, palate-coating, and achingly pure. Vibrant acidity keeps it all in focus and provides tension. It’s absolutely outstanding. I haven’t had another Mourvèdre in the state like it. It’s the purity that separates it far from the pack. 12.4% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 65 cases produced. Published October 31, 2023.

Savage Grace 2019 Copeland Vineyard Cabernet Franc Rattlesnake Hills $36
93 points, Critic’s Choice
No one in Washington makes Cabernet Franc like Michael Savage at Savage Grace. The aromas erupt from the glass, with notes of raspberry, fresh herb, pepper, and flower. Soft, exquisitely balanced, achingly pure flavors follow. It’s a standout wine that sings from the rooftops. Pair it with smoked spare ribs. 12.5% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 364 cases produced. Published March 13 2023.

Two Vintners 2021 Grenache Columbia Valley $28
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Two Vintners Grenache is one of the best Rhône values in Washington, full stop. This is a blend of fruit from Boushey, Olsen, WeatherEye, StoneTree, and Pepper Bridge vineyards – outrageously high quality sources to find at this price. Aged 15 months in French oak puncheons (about 30% new), it’s an aromatically brooding wine, with notes of raspberry candy, flower, and herb. Full-feeling, saturated white pepper, flower, and red and darker fruit flavors follow, carrying on the finish. It’s a full-throttle wine, offering ripe but in-check, beautifully pure goodness. 15.5% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 397 cases produced. Published May 8, 2023.

TOP WHITE WINES

TOP CHARDONNAY

Anacréon 2021 The Epicure Chardonnay Chehalem Mountains $65
94 points, Cellar Stocker
Like its counterpart from this vintage, this is a blend of clones 75, 95, and 96, harvested five days later than the As You Are, on September 6th. The aromas bring notes of lemon pith, clarified butter, toast, squash, cardamom, and straw, showing pleasing detail and nuance. Medium-bodied, textured flavors follow, with poise and length. The balance is exceptional. It’s a stunning wine. Drinks best between 55-60 degrees. 13.2% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Natural cork. Published April 21, 2023.

Anderson Family 2020 Chardonnay Dundee Hills $48
94 points, Critic’s Choice
The aromas offer nuance and detail, with notes of struck flint, yellow apple, pear, and corn silk. An exquisite palate follows, with elegance, acidity, and detail while remaining beautifully understated. A lingering finish caps it off. It’s spectacular. 13.4% alcohol. Natural cork. 275 cases produced. Published March 13 2023.

Archery Summit 2021 Summit Vineyard Chardonnay Dundee Hills $75
94 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from vines planted in volcanic soils in 1994 and 2016. The aromas are tantalizing, with notes of lemon curd, clarified butter, and mineral. The palate is medium-plus bodied and taut, full of nervy energy and vitality, with lemony acidity propelling it forward. The length is outrageous. 13.5% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 249 cases produced. . Published October 16, 2023.

Le Doubblé Troubblé 2021 Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay Columbia Gorge $30
94 points, Cellar Stocker
Fruit for this wine comes from perhaps Washington’s best Chardonnay site and also one of the state’s oldest. All Wente clone aged in 20% new French oak, the aromas offer notes of toast, struck flint, corn husk, and pear. Well-balanced, layered, medium-bodied stone fruit flavors follow, showing impressive depth and dimension. Lemony acidity provides the spine. It’s a complete standout. Best from 2024 to 2028. 13.1% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 118 cases produced. Published July 14, 2023.

Adelsheim 2020 Chardonnay Willamette Valley $28
93 points, Critic’s Choice
This wine was fermented and aged in French oak, with one quarter of the juice going through malolactic fermentation. The aromas bring notes of toast, spice, white peach, and pear. The palate is flavorful, deft, and light on its feet, loaded with stone fruit flavors backed by a vein of lemony acidity that propels it forward. It shows impressive structure and along with an outrageously long finish. It’s a nervy, impressively serious wine with no shortage of straight-up enjoyment and a terrific value for this level of quality. Those looking for an introduction to the joys of Willamette Valley Chardonnay, look no further. 13.0% alcohol. Screwcap. 1,968 cases produced. Published July 14, 2023.

Nicolas-Jay 2021 Affinités Chardonnay Willamette Valley $60
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Aged in 25% new French oak, this is a thoroughly captivating bottle of Chardonnay. Meyer lemon zest, thyme, corn husk, and mineral aromas lead to a deft, exquisitely balanced palate accented by crayon notes. It broadens with time open. There’s tension that keeps the interest way up. It’s spectacular, full of freshness and detail. 13.0% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 400 cases produced. Published July 14, 2023.

TOP SAUVIGNON BLANC, SÉMILLON & BLENDS

Amavi 2022 Estate Vineyards Sémillon Walla Walla Valley $28
94 points, Critic’s Choice
Blended with 13% Sauvignon Blanc, fruit for this wine comes from Les Collines (62%), Goff (20%), Seven Hills East (15%), and Summit View vineyards. It was aged in neutral French oak. The aromas are redolent with notes of fig, lemon balm, aniseed, and herb – prototypic Sémillon. Broad-feeling fig, lanolin, and citrus flavors follow. There’s textural richness and length but also the lively acidity of the vintage. The flavors hang and hang on the finish. The balance is impeccable throughout. This is a benchmark wine for this producer and for the state – the best Sémillon I’ve ever had from Washington. Drink it now or hold it for 10 years. But do drink it. It’s required reading for lovers of Washington wine and believers in the potential for white wines in the state. 13.9% alcohol. Natural cork. 1,087 cases produced. Published November 20, 2023.

Itä 2022 Les Collines Vineyard 1 of 2 Sémillon Walla Walla Valley $28
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Itä is one of the wineries leading the charge for a resurgence of this seldom-seen variety. This is one of two offerings the winery makes, with this one fermented and aged in stainless steel. One sniff and it’s immediately identifiable as Sémillon, with its aromas of lanolin, fig, and herb. A broad-feeling, richly textural palate follows, drawing out on the finish. It’s a classic offering of Sémillon, equally resonant in feel and flavor. 13.6% alcohol. Micro-agglomerated cork. 146 cases produced. Published June 26, 2023.

Goose Ridge 2022 Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc Goose Gap $28
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Juice for this wine was skin-macerated for 24 hours, then pressed and fermented in barrel. The aromas are arresting, with notes of caliche, white flower, pink and white grapefruit, talc, and lemon oil, exuding complexity. The palate explodes with waves of tart fruit flavors, with a steely spine of lemon and white grapefruit-like acidity, bringing plenty of pucker. It’s flat-out gorgeous and one of the most distinctive offerings of this variety in the state. If you like Sauvignon Blanc, particularly acid-driven offerings, seek this wine out. Drinks best at about 60 degrees. 12.8% alcohol. Natural cork. 452 cases produced. Published June 26, 2023.

DeLille 2021 Chaleur Estate Yakima Valley $42
92 points, Cellar Stocker
Chaleur Blanc is consistently one of the top white wines in Washington, and this vintage does not disappoint. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (67%) and Sémillon with fruit coming from Boushey, Sagemoor, Klipsun, Phinny Hill, and Conner-Lee vineyards, the aromas enchant, with notes of lemon pith, fresh green herb, chalk, lemon oil, and white grapefruit. Lightly creamy-feeling kiwi, pineapple, and guava flavors follow on the medium-bodied palate, showing the warmth of the year. Downright tasty, it’s enjoyable now, but much of the pleasure of this wine always comes from some bottle age. Best after 2024. 13.9% alcohol. Natural cork. 5,000 cases produced. Published January 27, 2023.

TOP RHÔNE WHITES

Syncline 2022 Boushey Vineyard Picpoul Yakima Valley $28
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Fermented in concrete and then aged in stainless steel, the aromas bring notes of white grapefruit zest, wet stone, and flower. The palate brings texture and layering to the flavors, all heightened by electric acidity. It’s among the best offerings of this variety that the winery has made to date, and that’s saying something. Stock up. 13% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 320 cases produced. Published May 26, 2023.

Esja 2021 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Roussanne Royal Slope $25
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Esja is a new producer making some attention-getting wines. The aromas offer notes of chalk, straw, herb, lees, and stone fruit. Textured, rounded, exquisitely balanced flavors follow. The finish just won’t quit. Quite a debut. 13.5% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 75 cases produced. Published April 21, 2023.

Novelty Hill 2022 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Roussanne Royal Slope $25
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Blended with 6% Viognier, this wine was all fermented and aged in neutral French oak. The aromas bring notes of apricot, pear, lemon, and whiffs of flower. A well-balanced, richly textural palate follows. The tart acidity of the vintage propels the flavors forward. It’s an attention-getter, a statement for this variety and appellation. 13.5% alcohol. Natural cork. 426 cases produced. Published August 21, 2023.

TOP VARIETAL WHITES

Amos Rome 2022 Estate Grüner Veltliner Lake Chelan $26
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from fourth leaf vines at the winery’s High Blossom Vineyard approximately 1,800 feet above sea level and was harvested October 18th. Raised in stainless steel, appealing aromas of pink grapefruit, Granny Smith apple, wet rock, peach, and green flower lead to fuller-feeling, beautifully balanced, textural, vibrant stone and citrus fruit flavors that hum with electric acidity. It’s a thoroughly captivating offering of the variety and a statement for Lake Chelan white wines. 13% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 400 cases produced. Published May 8, 2023.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2021 Chenin Blanc Horse Heaven Hills $26
93 points, Critic’s Choice
Winemaker Brian Mackey takes the lead on this wine. The aromas are immediately identifiable as Chenin Blanc, with notes of apple, talc, and hints of lemon zest. The palate is full of flavor, texture, and richness but brings plenty of freshness too. Mineral accents only up the interest. It sails on the finish, with balance throughout. It’s a truly outstanding example of this variety – one of the best I’ve had from the state. 13% alcohol. Screwcap. 596 cases produced. Published January 27, 2023.

Dowsett Family 2019 Celilo Vineyard Gewürztraminer Columbia Gorge $28
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Chris Dowsett at Dowsett Family consistently makes some of the very best Gewürztraminer in the U.S. The aromas pop, with notes of flint, dried orange rind, flower, and lychee, showing some initial reduction. A bone-dry, richly flavorful, broad-feeling palate follows. There’s no break between the first sip and the supremely long finish. Decant if still reduced. 14.2% alcohol. Natural cork. 57 cases produced. Published May 8, 2023.

L’Ecole No. 41 2022 Old Vines Chenin Blanc Yakima Valley $19
92 points, Value Pick
Fruit for this wine comes from Willard Farms, Upland, and Phil Church vineyards, with all of the vines planted in 1979. The aromas are reserved, with notes of apple, honeycomb, stone fruit, and spice. Full-bodied, rounded feeling kiwi, apple, and citrus flavors follow. There’s red wine body, depth, and seriousness along with white wine vivacity. It’s perhaps the most outwardly serious offering of this wine I’ve had, though with no shortage of straight-up, unabashed enjoyment. 13.0% alcohol. Synthetic cork. 5,300 cases produced. Published October 16, 2023.

Long Shadows 2021 Poet’s Leap Riesling Columbia Valley $20
92 points, Critic’s Choice
Poet’s Leap is consistently the state’s top Riesling. Most of the fruit for this wine comes from vines planted in the 1980s at Gamache Vineyard in the White Bluffs, along with small amounts from Bacchus and DuBrul. The aromas are exuberant, with notes of lime leaf, white flower, jasmine, and white peach. The stone fruit flavors bring layering and weight, along with the zippy acidity the variety is known for. Like many whites from the vintage, it’s richer in style, but the variety has plenty of natural acid to pull it off. Enjoy now or give it additional time in bottle. 12.5% alcohol. Natural cork. 3,335 cases produced. Published May 8, 2023.

TOP SPARKLING WINES

Lytle-Barnett 2018 Blanc de Blancs Eola-Amity Hills $75
94 points, Critic’s Choice
Most of the fruit for this wine comes from Bieze Vineyard, with the rest from Zenith. It was aged in French oak and stainless steel and went through full malolactic fermentation. Enticing aromas of assorted herb, fennel seed, lemon zest, and baked bread lead to a fuller, creamy-feeling, lively palate. The texture is dazzling, with vibrant, lemony acidity throughout keeping the interest way up. Stunning stuff. 12% alcohol. Natural cork. 156 cases produced. Published July 14, 2023.

Elentone 2019 Shadowplay Traditional Method Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir Columbia Gorge $55
93 points, Critic’s Choice
This wine is 100% varietal, aged 36 months on lees. Showing just a tinge of pink color, the aromas offer notes of brioche, yellow strawberry, and pink grapefruit. A brisk, well-balanced palate follows. Tart, puckering lemon notes finish it off. It’s spectacular – an indication of the promise and delivery for sparkling wines in this appellation. 12.5% alcohol. Natural cork. 60 cases produced. Published May 26, 2023.

Township 7 2015 Infinite Series Sirius Sparkling Wine Fraser Valley $80
93 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown at the winery’s estate vineyard, made in the traditional method. The aromas are captivating, with notes of brioche, pear, and spice. Fresh, broad-feeling flavors follow, showing pleasing depth and intensity. Lively acidity keeps the interest way up, drawing out the flavors on the finish. It’s an absolutely delicious, modern-style sparkler. 12% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 250 cases produced. Published May 8, 2023.

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