March is Washington Wine Month

Well, it’s officially time to toast Washington wine.  I’m not sure who decided March is the month for wine from my home state of Washington, but I don’t care, because there is plenty to celebrate.

What makes Washington wine so special? In my opinion it’s all about quality, price and accessibility. Let’s review:

Quality

Washington produces more than 30 grape varieties, equally split between whites and reds. We are best known for Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Some unique factors make this state special for growing grapes. We have a diversity of soil types and our long, warm days and cool nights help maintain the natural acidity of the grapes. Our wine industry is based on small, artisanal winemakers. Finally, unlike most places, our winemakers often don’t grow their own grapes. That means they can buy the best the state has to offer to make their wines.

Whatever the reasons, the proof is in the wine.  Washington wines have consistently ranked high in “best of” lists, and they did again in 2014. Here are some highlights (you can find complete listings at  Washington Wine).

Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of the Year
#7 – Sparkman Cellars 2013 Birdie Riesling
#15 – Sineann 2012 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
#19 – Kevin White 2012 La Fraternité Red Wine
#24 – Ashan Cellars 2012 Kestrel Vineyard Chardonnay
#27 – Gramercy Cellars 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
#33 – JM Cellars 2012 Chardonnay
#37 – Efesté 2012 Boushey Vineyard Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc

Wine Spectator Top 100: The Most Exciting Wines of 2014
#35 – Amavi Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
#43 – Charles Smith 2013 Kung Fu Girl Evergreen Riesling

Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries of the Year
àMaurice Cellars
Andrew Will
Cadence
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Gramercy Cellars
L’Ecole No. 41

Price

Washington wines aren’t necessarily cheap, but they are a great value. The quality is as high as the wines of California, at about half the price. Because most of the wine producers are small, family-run businesses, they sell directly to consumers. And that means no mark up for the middleman.

Here are some standouts from the “best of 2014” lists.

Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buys (“Best buys” sell for less than $15 and have exceptionally high scores for their price range).
#2 – Barnard Griffin 2012 Fumé Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc
#6 – Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Dry Riesling
#12 – Hogue 2012 Gewürztraminer
#20 – StoneCap 2012 Estate Grown Merlot
#34 – Mercer Canyons 2013 Chardonnay
#48 – Charles & Charles 2013 Rosé
#60 – Maryhill 2013 Rosé of Sangiovese
#74 – Pacific Rim 2013 Twin Vineyards Gewürztraminer
#85 – Milbrandt 2013 Traditions Riesling

Wine Spectator Top 100 Values

14 Hands 2011 Chardonnay
Charles & Charles 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah
Charles Smith 2013 Kung Fu Girl Evergreen Riesling
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Riesling
Columbia Crest 2012 Grand Estates Chardonnay
Milbrandt 2011 Traditions Merlot
Seven Falls 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Accessibility

The best part of wine tasting in Washington state is that you often can meet with winemakers and have a chat. You get to hear their backstories—how they got here, what inspires them, where their dreams for the future lie. All the folks I have met have tremendous passion, grit and a certain je ne sais quoi that adds to the magic of the experience.  If you haven’t already, take the Wine Tribe quiz to find out what kinds of wine correspond to your tastes. Then go, fearless drinkers, and explore the world of Washington wine. You won’t be sorry.

Do you have favorite Washington wines? Share the love in the comments section.