best in class - 2025 washington state wine competition

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After taking home Double Gold last year, Jacob Williams Winery steps it up a notch with Double Gold and Best in Class for their 2023 Reserve Chardonnay Columbia Gorge. Expect honeysuckle, apple, pear, and honeydew on the nose initially. From there the wine comes at you in waves with apricot, pineapple, and herbs, followed by vanilla, butterscotch, hay, and honey. We dare you not to detect a hint of brioche that transports you to Bouzy. Supremely balanced, intensely flavored, and super-long finish. A stunning wine. 

This Cabernet Sauvignon checks all the boxes. Pronounced intensity of aroma right from the start, featuring black currant, blackberry, and blueberry, opening up to vanilla, chocolate, and toast. A hint of tomato leaf and kirsch. Tannins are high but well integrated with medium plus acid and a silky mouthfeel. Luxurious. 

A full-bodied, complex blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 30% Malbec, and 5% Carménère. Aromas of dark berries, black plum, and cocoa, with a velvety mouthfeel. Medium plus acid, high tannins, and good balance. Lingering caramel and spices on the long finish. 

A classic Malbec of black fruits, Bing cherry, stewed cranberry, and violet that transitions to dark chocolate, coffee grinds, and leather. Impressive balance and length. The best of an impressive set of Malbec submissions. A joy to drink. 

This Sparkling Rosé of Malbec is a medium salmon color, inviting with its pronounced aroma of ripe strawberry and hints of cherry, alongside a delicate floral, rosy note. On the palate, it is bright and citrusy, with a refreshing vibrancy that complements the rich, refined croissant qualities. This wine showcases impressive length and depth, maintaining its crisp, elegant finish. A deliciously well-balanced Sparkling Rosé that offers both freshness and complexity in every sip.

After winning Best Red Blend in 2024, Page Cellars returns to the winner's circle with their 2020 Red Mountain Cabernet Franc. Fruity, yet savory at the same time. Has a black cherry and ripe plum flavor, mingled with sweet, smoky tobacco. Silky tannins, medium plus that don’t overpower, balanced by medium acid. LONG finish. Sophisticated companion to roasted meats and veggies.

An intriguing and complex tasting experience. On the nose, it immediately presents earthy and savory notes. There's a deep, almost meaty richness, complemented by tobacco and a touch of black pepper that gives it a distinctive, rustic character. On the palate, the wine reveals layers of fruit, reminiscent of blackberry pie and ripe blueberries, that balances its savory components. The mouthfeel is silky, with the medium-plus tannins providing just the right structure, allowing the wine to glide across the tongue.

Opens with an inviting nose of grapefruit, Meyer lemon, and fresh stone fruit. On the palate, the wine is beautifully bright and acidic, offering a refreshing lift that perfectly complements its lively character. Flavors of honeydew, peach, and citrus fruits shine through. An apricot jam note adds a subtle richness, enhancing the overall balance of the wine. Well-rounded structure with a pleasant finish. Bravo!

A captivating aroma that evokes wild blackberries and sweet raisins, followed by a deeper note of dark and stewed black fruits. As the wine unfolds, it reveals a burst of red fruit layered on wet stone. A solid acid backbone and medium tannins balance the wine, as the alcohol plays lower than 14.2%. Nice complexity as resin and tobacco appear with time along with a hint of vanilla. Reminiscent of a Hungarian Egri Bikavér. 

You will immediately like this wine, with blackberry, black cherry, warm baking spices, and a touch of oak from the start. Vanilla and cocoa come through as it glides along to along, enjoyable finish. Great structure and balance. Feels like a warm hug. 49% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot.

A beautiful deep garnet in the glass. Time in the bottle has given this wine great complexity. Some primary components of violet, tomato leaf, fennel, black pepper, and eucalyptus but the tertiary traits are the star. Expect dried black fruits, leather, wet eaves, prune, and a savory quality. Graphite, cedar, and clove on the back end of a near-endless finish.

This wine is a pale lemon hue in the glass and opens with delicate aromas of acacia blossom and a hint of cut grass. On the palate, it offers refreshing notes of green apple, pear, and a zesty touch of lemon rind, balanced by a subtle white pepper spice. Mildly silky, the wine is further enhanced by a soft undertone of honeysuckle, making for a light, yet complex, and beautifully balanced Pinot Gris.

Here is a wine that has something for everyone. It is complex, yet easy to drink. It has great balance of fruit and earth. From rich, dark fruits layered with 70% cacao, to bramble and capsicum, to a touch of pine, leather, and tobacco, this wine grabs hold and doesn't let go. 33% Petit Verdot, 31% Carménère, 23% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc.

Bold plum and dark fruits on the midpalate, with leather and cloves on the back end! As the wine opens up, the plums turn stewed and there is a hint of black pepper and tobacco.  Full bodied, well balanced, long finish. Serve this at your next dinner party and look like a wine expert!

Presents a rich, oily texture that quickly commands attention. Aromas of honeysuckle, almond, and white pepper intertwine with a delicate rose and elderflower perfume. The wine is pleasantly viscous, with subtle hints of capsicum adding an intriguing depth. Tropical fruits emerge with vibrancy, balanced by a surprising level of acidity for the varietal. Its medium-plus to full body is well-structured, offering a surprising level of freshness amidst the richness. A compelling and multifaceted expression that will appeal to those who enjoy complexity with a touch of elegance.

A compelling nose dominated by ripe black currant, complemented by hints of chocolate, vanilla, and a touch of tobacco on the finish. On the palate, it offers a rich blend of bramble, leather, and a subtle hint of clove, with a pleasantly lingering coffee note. The finish is smooth with a vanilla sweetness that rounds out the experience. This wine strikes a wonderful balance between fruit, spice, and earthy elements, making it both complex and satisfying. A great choice for dessert.

Presents a pale amber color, evidence of brief skin contact, offering a light and fresh appearance. On the nose, crisp notes of apple, pear, peach, and stone fruit emerge, balanced by a subtle hint of white blossom. A fascinating waxy quality complements an intriguing trace of petrol and wet stone, adding complexity to the aromatic profile. The wine’s refreshing acidity and light body make it a perfect pairing for creamy white pasta dishes or smoked salmon, elevating its elegant, clean profile. A refined, mineral-driven offering with just enough character to stand out.

A standout sparkling wine that drew raves from all our judges. It showcases medium-plus acidity and body, creating a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel. The palate unfolds with layers of bright apple, followed by vibrant red fruit notes of strawberry and cherry. As the wine evolves, a deliciously toasty breadiness emerges, enhanced by hints of pastry, adding a rich, savory depth. The finish is floral and delicate, with a subtle citrus zing that lingers beautifully. With its mineral undertone and perfectly balanced structure, this sparkling wine is a true testament to finesse.

A bold and captivating Petite Sirah, showcasing the perfect balance of power and complexity. Upon first sip, it reveals a full-bodied structure, with high tannins that provide a firm backbone, complemented by medium-plus acidity. On the nose and palate, dark fruit takes center stage, with the rich presence of blackberry and black currant, with a bit of plum. The wine's toasty character is immediately noticeable, thanks to nuances of charred wood and coffee that add layers of depth and sophistication. Resin and hints of cocoa elevate the wine further, introducing an earthy, almost savory dimension. A delicate whisper of black pepper and pink peppercorn adds a touch of spice that lingers in the background, adding complexity without overpowering the fruit-driven core. A memorable wine.

A vibrant and refreshing wine, offering a dynamic range of primary flavors. On the nose, it showcases pronounced green apple, banana, pineapple, and pear, balanced by a touch of honeysuckle, petrichor, and grassy notes. The palate reveals subtle undertones of basil that add a unique depth. Floral tones and a mild white pepper hint round out the profile. Its steely finish is slightly effervescent, crisp, and clean, leaving a long, lingering sensation on the palate. The rare wine that is complex even though it is almost entirely primary in character.

A youthful and complex wine that showcases a delightful earthy base. Strong flavors of dark plums, raspberries, and candied cherries dominate, while subtle notes of toast and butterscotch provide depth. Dried blackberry and gamey undertones add an intriguing layer, complemented by hints of eucalyptus, black pepper, and mushroom. With medium acidity, well-integrated tannins, and a medium-plus body, this wine is balanced and approachable, yet full of character. A layered, vibrant red.

This flavorful wine unfolds beautifully as it opens up. In the glass, it showcases a medium ruby color, and with each sip, the wine impresses with its intense aromas and flavors of cooked cherries, clove, pepper, and vanilla, layered with hints of violet, cranberries, and earth. As it breathes, a subtle note of marzipan emerges, adding complexity to the profile. The mouthfeel is silky and smooth, with a great balance of acidity, tannins, and body. Best enjoyed 15 to 20 minutes after opening, this Barbera delivers a luscious, well-rounded experience.

A nontraditional take on a fruit-forward wine that brings the bold flavor of blackberries to the forefront in a wonderfully enjoyable way. The blackberry flavor is heavy and luscious, creating a rich and juicy profile. But this wine isn't just about fruit – it also offers a delicate floral bouquet that adds a layer of complexity and intrigue. A subtle sweetness lingers on the tongue, intertwined with the vibrant taste of plums and a playful hint of bubblegum, giving the wine a youthful, fun character. The finish is where this wine really shines, offering a refreshing touch of baking spice that balances the fruit’s intensity. This slight spiciness adds a nice contrast to the sweetness, creating a more rounded, satisfying experience. On the backside, there's a hint of vanilla and cooked blackberry, enhancing the depth and richness of the wine. This is a fantastic dessert wine, perfect for pairing with chocolate or berry-based desserts, or even enjoying on its own as a treat.

A rare treat as a varietal, this Rhône grape exhibits a plethora of aromas and flavors. Don’t let the pale amber color fool you. This wine has pronounced pear, green apple, quince, acacia, and mandarin out of the gate. As it warms, you experience malt and hops, beeswax, and a bready/yeasty quality that is just delightful. Quite complex in its youth, this Marsanne is already experiencing a nutty quality with a touch of hay. Great mouthfeel. Playful and sophisticated.