On Solid Ground

Washington vintners find success with the 2019 vintage and hold their own in a challenging 2020 

On Solid Ground
The sun-drenched slopes of Yakima Valley's Red Mountain yielded dozens of excellent wines in 2019. (Richard Duval)
From the Mar 31, 2023, issue

Dodging bullets is a skill that Washington winemakers have honed in recent vintages. In the face of threats including excessive heat, killer frost and wildfire smoke, they still managed to make impressive wines. That’s a testament not only to their determination, but also to the superiority of the terroir in the Columbia Valley.

Read Wine Spectator senior editor Tim Fish's annual report on Washington wines, with scores and tasting notes for top bottlings and good values in Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sémillon and more from Cayuse, Betz, Klipsun, Chateau Ste. Michelle and beyond.

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