This year, Spring Release Weekend in the Walla Walla Valley will be May 6-8. It will be the first time since 2019 that a semblance of normal will be present, without masking and other precautions. Here's a preview of what's new for Spring Release, including wines that will be reviewed in the June issue of the Review of Washington Wines. Reservations recommended and, in some cases, required.

Northstar - This winery has a striking and unusual 2021 Rosé that is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon (81% with 19% Merlot) - Rich and ripe, yet refined, it scores 19/20 points. Also outstanding are three 2018 reds: Syrah, Cabernet Franc (both 19+/20 points) and a stellar 2018 Premier Merlot (19.5/20 points).

College Cellars - The Institute for Enology and Viticulture has a fine 2021 Carmenère and 2019 Zinfandel (both 19/20 points) and an impressive 2018 Malbec (also 19/20).  The 2021 Rosé of Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc and 2019 Roussanne are excellent values (18.5/20 points).

Brook & Bull - Here, Ashley Trout has tuned out a terrific 2021 Chardonnay from the French Creek Vineyard (19+/20) points. See the May issue for previous releases.

Ita Winery - Kelsey Albro Itameri has a distinctive 2021 Primitivo Rosé (18.5 points) and a "sessionable" 2020 Pinot Noir from the Breezy Slope Vineyard (19/20 points).

Moonbase Cellars - This downtown tasting room has four new 2020 reds: Petit Verdot, LGM GSM, Mourvèdre, "Max Q" Syrah, all 19/20 points.

Smoky Rose Cellars -  Here, Jodi and Josh Roznowski have two distinctive 2020 Chardonnays, stainless steel and unoaked, and three new 2020 reds: Grenache, Stinger 72 GSM and Mourvèdre, all 19/20 points.

Foundry Vineyards - New for spring are a 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir (18.5/20 points), a 2020 Chardonnay (19/20 points) and 2019 Syrah and Malbec (both 19/20 points). There also are Pét Project pettillant natural 2021 sparkling wines: Muscat Ottonel, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and Syrah (18.5+ t0 19 points).

Canvasback - There is a striking 2021 Rosé of Syrah from the Resurgent Vineyard (19/20 points), a 2019 Red Mountain Merlot (19.5/20 points), a 2019 Red Mountain Cab Franc (19+/20 points), 2019 Cabernet Sauvignons from RM and WWV, (19+/20 points) and four 2019  Red Mountain Cabernets from the Longwinds, Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval and Quintessence vineyards (all 19.5/20 points).

Valdemar Estates - This showpiece winery has a gorgeous 2021 Roussanne (19+/20 points) and the Highly Recommended 2019 WWV Cabernet Sauvignon and Klipsun Red Mountain Syrah (both 19.5/20 points). Reservations required.

Patterson Cellars - This Woodinville winery has bought the Tertulia Walla Walla facility and adjacent vineyard and opened a tasting room there. Current releases include a 2021 Tempranillo-Sangiovese Rose  and Pinot Gris (both 18.5/20 points) and 2018 Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and BDX reds (all 19/20 points).

See the April and May issues of the Review of Washington Wines for other spring releases.