Predictions for 2013

As we go into the fifth year of the Review of Washington Wines, here's what I look ahead to for Washington wines:

 

More Exceptional Wines - Over the past four years, the number of outstanding Washington wines has increased dramatically. When the Review publication began in December of 2008, the number of reviewed wines per issue was 30 to 36. In 2010, the number rose to about 40, and then in 2011, most issues covered around 45 wines. In 2012, the past few issues have had over fifty wines. This will continue through 2013, adding up to over 600 wines for the year. This amounts to 3 cents per wine review at $20 per year for a Full Subscription, a real bargain, in my honest opinion.

More New Wineries - The year 2012 saw many new wineries come on to the scene (see the November 30th blog for my listing of Exciting New Wineries of 2012). During the coming year, more new players will be turning up, and I'll be reporting on them.

Increased Recognition of Washington Wines - Washington wines are becoming increasingly trendy, with wider recognition in the print and internet media. A case in point is the "Taste of Walla Walla Wine Country" dinner at the James Beard House in New York, with all 80 places sold out.

Watch for the 2011 Vintage - The long, protracted harvest of 2011 presented a challenge for winemakers, but many are turning out surprisingly fine wines. Stay tuned in 2013 for them.

 

Wineries to Watch in 2013

AniChe Cellars - This small Columbia Gorge winery (Rachael Horn and daughter Anais Mera) is turning out very nice wines. See the December 2012 issue for a report.

Avennia - Marty Taucher and Chris Peterson will be releasing new 2010 Bordeaux-style wines in Spring.

Clearwater Canyon - Karl and Coco Umiker's Lewiston winery recently released a 2010 Petit Verdot and a 2010 Malbec which will be reviewed in early 2013.

Kevin White Winery - Kevin White will be releasing some new 2011's about which he is excited.

Maison Bleue - Owner-winemaker Jon Meuret will be moving to Walla Walla in spring. Watch for his 2011's.

Watch for these wineries to continue their strong performances:

In Woodinville, Adams Bench (Tim and Erica Blue), Brian Carter Cellars (watch for impressive "One" Series wines), JM Cellars (John Bigelow), DeLille Cellars (Chris Upchurch), Convergence Zone (excellent values from Scott Greenberg), Hestia Cellars (another value winery; Shannon Jones).

In Walla Walla, Rotie Cellars (Sean Boyd), Seven Hills Winery (Casey McClellan), Tero Estates & Flying Trout (Doug Roskelley and Ashley Trout), L'Ecole No. 41 (Marty Clubb), Rasa Vineyards (Pinto and Billo Naravane), Three Rivers (Holly Turner - to be reviewed in February), Basel Cellars (Ned Morris).

Around the State, Barrister Cellars (Greg Lipsker and Michael White, Spokane), Robert Karl Cellars (Joe and Rebecca Gunselman, Spokane), Nefarious Cellars (Dean and Heather Neff, Lake Chelan), Domaine Pouillon (Alexis and Juliet Pouillon, Columbia Gorge), Nota Bene Cellars (Tim Narby and Carol Bryant, South Seattle), Laurelhurst Cellars (Greg Smallwood and Dave Halbgewachs, South Seattle).

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!