As the year comes to a close, I am writing about what's ahead in Washington Wine for 2016. Here are my predicitions.

 

More Exceptional Wines at Affordable Prices

In my last Review Blog posting, " Wine Best Buys of 2015," there were 80 wines scoring 19/20 points for $40 or less and 42 wines scoring 18.5/20 points for $25 or less. This is the largest listing ever in this publication. It attests to Washington State's high quality to price ratios, something that is unmatched by California or Europe. With the current costs of grapes and production it is harder to come up with exceptional wines for less than $25. These are often undervalued or underappreciated varietals. But when it comes to truly outstanding wines, one doesn't have to spend $50 or more a bottle. All this is what makes Washington wines a value bonanza.

 

Along with Expanding Wine Grape Acreage Comes Infrastructure

With the increased acreage of vineyards, there needs to be increased infrastructure for wine production. Last Fall, the Dusted Valley Winery opened a new production facility on Braden Road in the South Walla Walla Valley. And a major new development is under way at the junction of Lower and Middle Waitsburg Roads, just off Highway 12. This will include production and shipping facilites.

 

More Tasting Venues Around the State

When it comes to wine tasting rooms, it isn't just Walla Walla and Woodinville any more. Walla Walla is filling up, and Woodinville is maxed out. Seattle's SODO (SOuth of DOwntown) district is an up and coming winery and tasting room venue. During 2015, Kerloo Cellars, Scarborough, and Structure Cellars opened just south of Spokane Street on First Avenue South. And other wineries have plans to open facilities in the area. Further south, in Georgetown, the Charles Smith Jet City winery in making a big impact. The Leavenworth and Spokane areas are expanding as well.

 

Watch for the 2013's and 2014's

As the 2012 vintage nears the end of its cycle, more 2013's are being released and the 2014's will be coming around before long. The 2013's are turning out to be "friendly wines," as Vicky McClellan (Seven Hills Winry) descibes them. Coming from a warm summer and cooler harvesting season, they are nicely balanced and attractive. (See my blog of 1 October for more). The 2014's come from a more normal year, with fewer temperature spikes and a steady, even harvest. The 2014's I have tasted so far, are elegant, well-structured wines, with fine aromatics. They seem to have both Old World and New World characteristics. More later!

 

Wineries to Watch in 2016

Nota Bene Cellars - Tim Narby and Carol Bryant have turned out some very nice 2012's which will be reviewed in the February and March issues of the Review of Washington Wines.

àMaurice Cellars - Anna Shaefer continues to turn out outstanding wines. As the Estate Vineyard off Mill Creek Road, continues to mature, some highly impressive wines will be coming.

Walla Walla Vintners - With its Estate Vineyard next to àMaurice, and the adjacent Yellow Bird and Leonetti Vineyards, we will be seeing the makings of a sub-AVA. Gordy Veneri tells me some interesting blends and varetals will be coming out from WWV.

Barrister - This Spokane Winery is making its mark as it continues to produce impressive wines. Some fine 2012 have been released and more is in the offing.

Full Pull & Friends - Paul Zitarelli's negociant label continues to offer excellent values - 19/20 points wines for $30.

Salida and Gino Cuneo - Doug McCrea's Salida offers interesting wines from Spanish varietals and Gino Cuneo, does likewise with Italian varietals, making the "Latin Corner" on Second and Rose in downtown Walla Walla a must-visit location. See the Blog posting of 8 December for upcoming releases.