In the August issue of the Review of Washington Wines, there will be sixteen red wines from the 2017 vintage. This marks the beginning of a new vintage going into the consumer market while the 2016 vintage is in full cycle and the 2015 approaching its end.  

The 2017 grape harvest in Washington State was down 16% (227,000 tons) from the record 2016 harvest (270,000 tons). The harsh winter was the main reason for the lower crop size. After a wet spring, the growing season turned normal and the grape quality was high, making most winemakers happy. Dick Boushey stated, "I think I picked some of my best fruit ever last fall." 

On the basis of wines tasted so far, I have found the 2017 red wines to be of consistently high quality, with many wines scoring 18.5/20 and 19/20 points. The wines are well balanced and show fine fruit and depth. It is a vintage to put into your cellar. Here are some noteworthy wines recently reviewed. 

Syncline: Cinault, Horse Heaven Hills McKinley Springs Vineyard ($36) - This South Rhone variety is a rarity in the U.S. The aromas and flavors are seductive, medium bodied but mouth filling and layered. 18.5+/20 points. To be reviewed in the August issue.

College Cellars: The new 2017 releases include a Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, all tasty versions of their respective varieties. To be in the August issue. The 2017 Carmenère and Tempranillo were reviewed in the May issue.

Mark Ryan: The 2017 Dissident (18.5+/20 points) and Wild Eyed Syrah, Red Mountain (19/20 points) will be in the August issue.

Dama Wines: The 2017 Grenache is tasty, medium bodied and mouth filling (19/20 points). August.

Amavi Cellars: The 2017 Syrah and 2017 Ceres Red Wine (55% Cabernet Franc, 45% Malbec), both19/20 points are in the July issue.

Owen Roe: The 2017 "Rosa Mystica" is a fine rendition of Cabernet Franc (18.5/20 points) - July issue.

Prospice: The new Walla Walla Winery has two Syrahs, one from the Les Collings Vineyard and one from the Resurgence Vineyard both 19/20 points.

Valdemar Estates: This Spanish-owned winery has a trio of "Component Trial Syrahs one from Blue Mountain Vineyard and two from Red Mountain. All 19.5/20 points in the July issue.

Aluvé: This winery has an impressive 2017 Sangiovese (19/20 points). Reviewed in the June issue.

Time & Direction: "Diamond Cutter" Red Wine (92% Syrah) - 18.5/20 points. June issue.

Buty: The Merlot (74%) / Cabernet Franc (26%) blend is impressive (19/20 points). June issue.

Rote Cellars: The 2017 Northern and Southern Red Blends were Highly Recommended (19.5/20 points) in the May issue.

Seven Hills: This winery turned out an impressive Carmenère (19/20 points). May issue.