best in class - 2026 washington state wine competition

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One of those wines that quietly pulls you in and then suddenly has a lot to say. Roussanne isn’t super common in Washington—it’s a Rhône Valley grape known for rich texture and honeyed flavors—and this bottle leans right into that personality. The nose starts subtle, with hints of honey, apricot, peach, flint, and even a little campfire smoke from the oak. But once it hits the palate, the volume turns up: mouth-coating and weighty, with ripe stone fruit, warm honey, and a mineral edge that keeps it grounded. The acidity stays smooth and relaxed, letting the plush texture shine, and the finish goes on and on—seriously, it just hangs out. Big, cozy, and a little mysterious, this is the kind of white that makes you slow down and pay attention

Proof that Merlot can absolutely bring the main-character energy. Red Mountain is known for bold, sun-loving reds, and this one shows up ready to play. The nose is packed with black cherry, plum, vanilla, and a hint of violet, plus a little spice and cedar that make it feel cozy and complex. On the palate, juicy blackberry and cooked dark fruit mix with chocolate, coffee, and a touch of clove and white pepper. It’s full-bodied with smooth tannins and just enough acidity to keep everything balanced. The finish is long, warm, and a little toasty—think vanilla, smoke, and dark fruit hanging out long after the sip. Basically: rich, bold, and very easy to love.

A bright, layered white that keeps things interesting from the first sniff to the last sip. White Bluffs sits along the Columbia River and is known for giving wines fresh acidity and a nice mineral edge—and this Chardonnay shows both. The nose brings pear, lemon, and a hint of toast, while the palate opens with juicy pineapple, green apple, and pear. As it hangs out in the glass, more flavors show up—lychee, lemon rind, and vanilla, plus a subtle nutty note and wet stone. The acidity is lively but smooth, keeping everything crisp while the finish goes on and on. It's a Chardonnay with a lot going on—in the best way.

The rockstar of Red Mountain blends—bold, juicy, and just a little mysterious. Made with 67% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Cabernet Franc, it shows off the power and structure this AVA is known for, but with a playful side. The nose leans into darker, more evolved vibes—tobacco, leather, smoke, cedar, and a whisper of violet—while the palate hits with juicy plum, red fruit, white pepper, and chocolate that makes you want another sip immediately. Smooth, balanced, and with a finish that lingers like a mic drop, this is a wine that’s intense but approachable—perfect for grilled meats, cozy nights, or just flexing your wine cred

The sparkling wine version of that crisp white shirt you want to wear on a sunny day—clean, sharp, and effortlessly elegant. This uncommon blend of 50% Semillon and 50% Cabernet Franc brings together juicy pear, green apple, and lemon zest with a creamy, bready brioche vibe and a whisper of honey and almond. On the palate, it’s all about smooth mousse, lively acidity, and a touch of salinity that keeps every sip fresh and exciting. There’s a mineral edge and a persistent foam that make it feel alive in the glass, and the sparkling energy and layered flavors make it impossible not to smile. Light, bright, and playful, it’s a sparkling wine that’s serious about being fun.

The kind of wine that wakes up your senses and keeps them paying attention. Tempranillo—the star grape of Spain’s Rioja region—has found a happy home in Washington, where warm days and cool nights help it keep both ripe fruit and bright acidity. This one bursts with red and black cherry, plum, and black currant, backed by hints of cocoa, vanilla, and a little white pepper spice. There’s also a subtle mix of leather, tobacco, and dusty earth that gives it that classic Tempranillo edge. Full-bodied with mouthwatering acidity and smooth tannins, it feels bold but balanced, with dark fruit lingering on a long finish. Give it a little time in the glass and it just keeps getting better—one of those wines that makes you nod after the first sip. 

Shows a deep purple color and the structure typical of this warm, powerful AVA. Aromas open with vibrant red fruit—currant and red cherry—lifted by floral violet notes, with subtle hints of tobacco, spice, and lightly cooked fruit adding complexity. On the palate it is fruit-forward yet polished, layering black cherry and dark chocolate with touches of licorice, brioche, and vanilla that lend a creamy texture. Medium-plus acidity and tannins provide balance and structure, while the wine remains remarkably smooth and well integrated. The finish is long and persistent, carrying soft red and dark fruit alongside gentle spice, showcasing both the richness and refinement that define standout Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain.

Feels like a bright morning by the water. Lake Chelan—one of Washington’s newer wine regions—sits along a deep glacial lake that helps keep vineyards cool, which is great news for crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc. In the glass, the wine shows a pale lemon glow and opens with lively aromas of Crispin Apple, lemon zest, melon, and honeysuckle, with a little grassy freshness drifting through. The palate is bright and juicy with notes of white peach, pear, cantaloupe, and a squeeze of lime, all backed by a cool stony minerality. The acidity keeps things refreshing, and the finish snaps in with citrus and a slightly zesty edge that lingers. Light, vibrant, and a little wild around the edges, it’s the kind of wine that makes you want another sip before you’ve even put the glass down.

Pours a beautiful medium garnet in the glass. The nose opens to hints of violet, black cherry, red currant, and a touch of char and pepper. The palate is where the wine really finds its voice, delivering juicy cherry, cooked plum, and black currant with accents of tobacco, vanilla, nutmeg, and a light hint of chocolate. Bright acidity and noticeable tannins give it structure, while oak brings smooth notes of toast and vanilla that round things out nicely. The finish leans into lingering dark fruit and spice, making this a lively, fruit-forward Zinfandel that balances bold flavors with easy approachability—very much in the generous style the Columbia Valley does so well.

The kind of bold, full-bodied Red Mountain wine that makes you sit up and pay attention—but in a totally approachable way. Packed with 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc, it’s jammy, juicy, and rich without being overwhelming. Think cherry, red currant, plum, and blueberry upfront, with subtle fig, and a touch of minerality keeping it grounded. On the palate, warm notes of coffee, cedar, and chocolate mingle with currant and black cherry, backed by medium-plus tannins and a long, satisfying finish. Classic Red Mountain energy—powerful, structured, and seriously delicious—this is one of those blends that’s ready to enjoy now but could also shine with a few years in the cellar.

Shines with a light golden hue and an inviting, aromatic lift. The nose opens with honeysuckle, green apple, and tropical fruit, quickly joined by classic Viognier notes of apricot and peach blossom. On the palate, ripe mango, stone fruit, and melon—think honeydew and casaba—create a vibrant, fruit-forward profile. A gently creamy texture gives the wine more weight than many whites, while bright, almost tingly acidity keeps everything fresh and lively. Subtle hints of honey, almond, and lingering orange blossom add complexity to a balanced, expressive wine that captures both the richness and brightness often found in Columbia Valley Viognier.

A breath of cool river air. The Columbia Gorge is famous for its dramatic cliffs and shifting weather—warm sun one minute, cool breezes the next—which helps wines like Pinot Gris stay bright, fresh, and full of personality. This one opens with crisp Granny  Smith apple, pear, Snow Beauty peach, and honeysuckle, with a little tropical hint drifting through the aromatics. The palate is silky and medium-bodied, bringing juicy apple, sweet lemon, and melon with touches of honey, almond, and a subtle wet-stone minerality. It’s clean, balanced, and just slightly off-dry, with lively acidity keeping everything fresh. The finish lingers with fruit, a whisper of vanilla, and that easygoing “another sip?” energy—perfect with cheese, fruit, or grilled fish on a warm evening.

Bright, fresh, and seriously aromatic right out of the bottle. The nose bursts with pineapple, peach, and honeysuckle, layered with lemon zest, wet stone, and a hint of salty sea breeze. On the palate it’s light and smooth with juicy pear, green apple, and citrus—think key lime and a touch of tropical fruit—plus a subtle creamy note that adds a little extra vibe. The acidity is lively but balanced, giving the wine a refreshing, slightly tingly feel and a clean finish with a hint of minerality. It’s crisp, floral, and super easy to love—basically the kind of wine that makes you wish someone turned its aroma into a candle.

A quiet powerhouse. Malbec may be best known from Argentina, but Washington’s Columbia Valley brings a cooler, structured edge to the grape, keeping it food-friendly and versatile. This one shows a medium purple hue and opens with subtle black plum, blackberry, and a whisper of floral notes, like rose petals tucked into a fruit basket. Hints of green tomato leaf and soft bell pepper give it a touch of herbal intrigue, while the palate offers juicy blackberries, cherries, and a spice-driven backbone with clove, white pepper, and a brush of vanilla. Medium-plus acidity and a smooth, slightly oily texture make it a wine that pairs beautifully with dinner but also rewards slow sips. It’s layered, complex, and just the kind of wine that makes you appreciate the quiet strength of Columbia Valley Malbec.

A fun reminder that not every red needs to be big and bold. Cinsaut (a grape more commonly seen in southern France) tends to be light, fresh, and super drinkable—and this one leans right into that vibe. Pale ruby in the glass, it opens with bright red fruit, red licorice, violet, and a little herbal twist. The palate brings Morello cherry, crisp red apple, and a touch of honey, with hints of black tea and vanilla sneaking in on the finish. It’s light-bodied, balanced, and easygoing, with flavors that pop in and then glide away—basically the kind of chill red you’d want slightly cool on a warm evening.

A dark, mysterious story you can sip. Carménère is a rare grape in Washington, originally from Bordeaux but now thriving in sun-soaked spots like Wahluke Slope, where warm days and cool nights give it bold fruit and spicy personality. This bottle is deep purple, and the nose immediately hits with blackberry jam, black cherry, violet, and subtle cedar, with a whisper of herbal and savory notes—think green pepper, lavender, and even a hint of eucalyptus. On the palate, it’s juicy and layered: black currant, plum, and a little root-beer-like sassafras mingle with spice, cedar, and mild smoky undertones. Medium-plus acid and tannins give it structure, while the finish stretches out long, brambly, and slightly herbal, leaving a lingering mix of fruit, spice, and green leaf. Bold, complex, and just a little playful, this Carménère feels like a Washington original with its own confident vibe.

Shows off a rich, inky purple color that hints at the depth waiting in the glass. Petit Verdot is usually the quiet teammate in Bordeaux blends, but in sunny eastern Washington—especially at windswept McKinley Springs Vineyard, known for its wide-open slopes and steady Columbia Gorge breezes—it often gets the spotlight. The aromas are lively and layered: violet, lavender, and elderflower float above ripe blackberry and black cherry, with subtle notes of tobacco and spice. On the palate, dark berries and blueberry mingle with dark chocolate, clove, and a touch of black pepper, while firm but plush tannins give the wine a smooth, velvety feel. The finish is long and satisfying, with fruit, florals, and a hint of earthy depth lingering long after the sip. Bold, balanced, and a little bit wild—in the best way.

A bold Red Mountain story that unfolds sip by sip. Red Mountain is famous for producing some of Washington’s most powerful wines—sun-soaked vineyards, warm days, and desert soils that help grapes ripen with serious intensity—and this bottle leans right into that energy. Aromas of cherry, black currant, and soft florals rise first, followed by hints of smoke and charred wood. Take a sip and the fruit turns darker and deeper: blackberry jam, plum, and Morello cherry layered with spice, cedar, and a savory twist of crushed herbs and graphite. The structure is confident—bright acidity, medium-plus tannins, and a full-bodied feel—but everything stays balanced. Give it a little air and the flavors keep unfolding, finishing long with dark fruit, warmth, and a subtle coffee note. It’s powerful, layered, and the kind of wine that makes you pause mid-conversation just to say, “Okay…that’s really good.”

A knockout in the glass. Deep garnet and full-bodied, it hits with juicy blackberry, black plum, violet, and a spark of black pepper, then unfolds hints of oak, vanilla, and even a touch of bacon-fat richness. On the palate it’s silky and plush, layered with red fruit, cherry, leather, and a whisper of licorice on the finish. As it opens, fun notes of a stack of buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup sneak in, giving it a decadent twist. Medium-plus acid and tannins give it structure, and with a little patience, this Syrah really shows off its juicy, fruit-forward, and slightly spicy personality.

A total showstopper. Deep purple in the glass, it’s a mix of 68% Syrah and 26% Grenache with tiny sprinkles of Viognier and Marsanne—basically a Columbia Valley red with a little extra flair. The nose hits you with juicy blackberries, blueberry, plum, and a fun Cherry Coke vibe, while hints of black pepper, licorice, and cedar keep it interesting. On the palate, it’s rich but balanced, with dark fruit, chocolate, vanilla, and subtle earthy notes like leather and turned soil adding depth. Medium-plus tannins and a long, smooth finish make it perfect for a big rib eye…or just showing off to your friends at dinner.

The kind of wine that makes everything feel a little more relaxed. Made from Barbera—a grape usually known for bold reds in Italy—this rosé takes a lighter path. The color glows a soft pale salmon, and the aromas feel playful: strawberry, watermelon, peach, and cherry with a hint of cotton candy and delicate rosewater florals. On the palate it zips along with lively acidity, bringing lemony brightness, juicy red berries, and a touch of melon with a subtle salty edge. The finish is crisp and refreshing, making it dangerously easy to keep sipping. Picture a cold glass, a warm afternoon, and absolutely nothing on your calendar.

The kind of bubbly that keeps evolving as you sit with it. Walla Walla has built a reputation for bold reds, but a few producers, like Yellowhawk, are quietly making seriously interesting sparkling wines too. In the glass, this one shows a deeper salmon hue and a lively stream of bubbles. The aromas start with that unmistakable yeasty brioche note—think warm croissants—before opening into strawberry, red currant, melon, and a hint of cherries and cream. On the palate it’s bright and energetic, with watermelon, fresh pear, lime, and a cool streak of minerality that keeps things clean and refreshing. The bubbles are a little more playful than fine Champagne, giving it a fizzy, celebratory feel. This is the kind of sparkling rosé you order, take a sip, and immediately feel good about.

One of those quiet wines that slowly wins you over. Sémillon—famous in Bordeaux and Australia—is known for its waxy texture and honeyed personality, and Washington’s sunny vineyards let it show that side beautifully. In the glass it glows a pale lemon shade and opens with gentle aromas of lemon-lime, white blossoms, chamomile tea, and a hint of almond. The palate leans richer than the nose suggests, bringing honey, beeswax, pineapple, and yellow grapefruit with a soft, creamy feel. A little grapefruit rind adds a subtle edge, while the finish stretches on and on, leaving behind echoes of citrus, toast, and warm honey. Easygoing but quietly memorable, it’s the kind of wine that lingers—both on the palate and in the moment.

A little powerhouse with a playful side. Barbera is originally an Italian grape known for bright acidity and juicy red fruits, and in the wide, sunny vineyards of Horse Heaven Hills, it gets a bold, modern twist. This one hits the nose with tart cherries, red raspberries, and plummy richness, layered with baking spices, a whisper of cocoa, and soft smoke. On the palate, those red fruits pop again alongside vanilla, black pepper, and subtle herbal notes, all wrapped in lively acidity and well-integrated tannins that give it structure without being intimidating. It’s expressive, balanced, and finishes long enough that you’ll keep thinking about that cherry-and-spice kick while planning your next sip. Perfect for food, friends, or just a quiet moment to savor the Horse Heaven Hills sun in a glass.

Grenache is the globe-trotting grape of the wine world—born in Spain, famous in southern France, and now popping up in places like Washington’s Columbia Valley. This 2023 Maryhill Proprietor’s Reserve Grenache shows what happens when that sun-loving grape meets the wide-open skies of eastern Washington. In the glass it’s a bright medium ruby, and the nose leans classic Grenache: red cherry, raspberry, a little rose petal, and a pinch of clove and white pepper—like someone sprinkled spice over a bowl of fresh red fruit. The first sip comes in lively. Cranberry and tart cherry lead the charge, backed by punchy acidity and more peppery spice. The tannins are surprisingly firm for Grenache, giving the wine a bit of grip, and the alcohol shows up with some warmth on the finish. Right now it feels energetic—almost restless. Just give it a little air and pair it with pizza, grilled sausage, or anything tomato-heavy and watch those bright red-fruit vibes start to make more sense.

The kind of wine that doesn’t try too hard—it just shows up, tastes great, and suddenly the bottle is empty. This blend (42% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 26% Mourvèdre—aka a classic GSM-style mix) brings together three grapes that love sunshine and big flavors. Washington gives them exactly that. The first impression is bright and floral—think violet and geranium—followed by a burst of juicy red fruit. Cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate jump out of the glass, while darker notes like roasted blackberry and blueberry sneak in behind them. On the palate, it’s smooth and balanced, with soft tannins and a wave of fruit that feels lively without being heavy. As it finishes, a few deeper notes appear—vanilla, a touch of chocolate, a hint of licorice and gentle oak—giving the wine just enough depth to keep things interesting without losing its easygoing vibe. It’s the kind of red that works almost anywhere: pizza night, backyard burgers, pasta, or just hanging out with friends. Not intimidating—just a really well-balanced bottle that keeps you coming back for another sip.

A bright, aromatic blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne, two grapes that originally made their name in France’s Rhône Valley but are finding a cool new groove in Washington. In the glass, it opens with fragrant bursts of grapefruit, lemon zest, pineapple, and passion fruit, layered with honeysuckle, peach blossom, and a hint of fresh hay. The palate is lively and crisp—think lemon ice and tropical fruit—with a cool crushed-gravel minerality that gives it an outdoorsy, river-stone vibe. A little citrus-peel bitterness on the back end keeps it very dry and refreshing, like a squeeze of grapefruit zest at the finish. Bright, floral, and full of personality, it’s a white that feels equal parts sunshine and mountain air.

If you think you know Sangiovese, this one might surprise you. The 2021 Obelisco Estate Sangiovese from Red Mountain feels a little like Tuscany went on a road trip through eastern Washington and came back with new habits. In the glass it’s ruby with a hint of garnet, and the vibe is more chill than show-off. The nose is pretty quiet at first—just a faint whisper of cherry and dried herbs—but give it a minute and it opens into a mix of black cherry, red plum, oregano, thyme, and a slightly wild note that lands somewhere between cola ad tobacco.  Take a sip and the fruit shows up first: Bing cherry, cranberry, and stewed plum. Then the savory side slides in—herbs, a little green tobacco, even a flicker of leather and black pepper. It’s medium minus in body with bright, tart acidity that keeps things lively. The flavors come in waves—fruit, then tangy acid, then a dry herbal finish—which makes it feel a bit scattered, but also kind of fun.

Primitivo is basically Zinfandel’s Italian cousin—the same grape, different passport—and this 2023 Maryhill Primitivo from Art den Hoed Vineyard in Washington’s Columbia Valley feels like it packed both identities in the suitcase. First impression: a mdium ruby color and a nose that plays it cool. It’s not shouting, but lean in and you’ll catch dark plum, blackberry, a little vanilla and tobacco, plus a flicker of herbs and black pepper. Give it a swirl and suddenly it’s like someone opened a spice drawer next to a bowl of dark fruit. On the palate, the wine goes full personality. Juicy black plum and cherry show up first, followed by bold spice, mocha, and a hint of grilled, smoky meatiness. There’s plenty of structure too—tannins that stick around and a warm, high-octane finish that reminds you this bottle came to play. Right at the end, a lingering dark chocolate note hangs out like the last square of a really good dessert. It’s smooth, spicy, and packed with flavor—basically the kind of red that wants a burger, barbecue, or a late-night pizza run. Big energy, big flavor, and definitely not boring.

Some wines whisper. 2024 Maryhill Muscat Canelli from Washington’s Columbia Valley absolutely does not. This one walks in like a fruit stand in full summer. Muscat is one of the oldest grape families on earth, famous for wines that smell exactly like grapes—but turned up to eleven. Pour a glass and the aroma jumps out immediately: peach, pear, citrus blossom, and big waves of honeysuckle, like standing in the middle of an orchard while everything is blooming at once. Take a sip and the sweetness rolls in first—lush honey and ripe peach coating the palate—followed by juicy pear and a soft citrus note that keeps it from feeling too heavy. The texture is full and silky, with a lingering sweetness that hangs around like the last spoonful of dessert. This is the kind of wine that loves bold food. Think spicy Thai, fiery tacos, or anything with a little heat. The sweetness cools the spice while the huge aromatics keep the whole thing exciting. Basically: if summer had a scent, this would be pretty close.

Some wines feel young and loud. The 2017 Eternal Wines “Optimism” GSM from Walla Walla Valley feels more like a great story that’s had time to settle in. First, a quick decoder: GSM is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre—a trio famous in southern France for making bold, layered reds. In Washington’s Walla Walla Valley, they get plenty of sunshine to ripen up while still keeping their edge. The nose is wild in the best way. One moment it’s black cherry, raspberry, and red plum. The next it’s cola, butterscotch, tobacco, and a little leather—like walking past a bakery, a spice shop, and an old bookstore on the same block. Give it a swirl and even more shows up: vanilla, toast, coffee, and a hint of dried herbs. The palate tells the full story. Dark cherry and currant lead the way, followed by stewed stone fruit, roasted veggie vibes, black pepper, and a subtle savory, gamey note near the finish. Everything flows smoothly from start to finish, with great balance and a long, lingering aftertaste that keeps unfolding. And that’s the magic of a little bottle age—you can actually taste time doing its thing. The fruit is still there, but now it’s wrapped in layers of earth, spice, and warmth. No wonder it took home Best Library Wine. This bottle didn’t just age—it leveled up.