Forecasts from the Crystal Ball

Washington Wines' Emerging Greatness - In my blog of 20 December, I observed that great strides are being made in the overall quality and in the peaks of Washington winemaking and that there is even more greatness to come. This will become evident over the coming year.

Washington Wines will Gain Momentum - The profile of Washington wines keeps growing nationwide. The Today Show segment and the accompanying website commentary gave awareness of Washington wines a boost. So did the Wine Spectator cover on Washington wines as well as the Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast's coverage.  I expect more such "boosts" this year as Washington wines pique the media's attention to the rising star in the wine world.

Wine Discounting to Continue - Last year, I predicted that dumping of wine at deep discounts would continue well into the year, which it has. I expect it to continue this year. The world wine market is just recovering (rising Champagne sales in 2010 is an indicator) and consumers continue to expect "deals" on their wines. As the economy recovers, this may taper off.

Wine Tasting becomes a Big Business - During the past year, we have seen a growing number of wineries opening tasting rooms, especially in Woodinville and Walla Walla. The opportunity to sample wines and take in the "wine country" ambience is an irresistible lure to tourists and wine aficionados alike. Multiple winery tasting venues such as Urban Enoteca in Seattle's SODO district (see my 1 December blog). And more are expected to open elsewhere.

Direct Marketing will become an Expanding Sales Tool - More and more wineries are turning to direct marketing. Isenhower Cellars has gone entirely to direct sales to consumers. Others are increasing their focus on consumer interfacing, through winery websites and social media such as Facebook. Many wineries now offer extra discounts or free shipping through websites and/or wine clubs.

Wineries to Watch in 2011

Adams Bench - Expect more outstanding wines from Tim and Erica Blue whose 2007 Red Willow Cabernet Sauvignon was one of two 20/20 points wines for 2010. The 2008 Reckoning will be a wine to truly reckon with.

Brian Carter Cellars - Brian has turned out some highly impressive single vineyard, single varietal wines (see the January Review issue) with more to come.

Fielding Hills - Mike Wade has turned out some very fine wines from the family's Riverbend Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. As they develop, these wines are sure to help put this AVA on the map.

Kerloo Cellars - Ryan and Renee Crane released their second vintage, the 2008 Syrahs and Tempranillo, in October. They have some highly promising 2009's in the barrel, including a Grenache and Malbec to be added to the line-up.

Obelisco Estate - See the January issue of the Review of Washington Wines for a Focus write-up on this Red Mountain winery with a tasting room in Woodinville.

Rasa Vineyards - Pinto and Billo' Naravane's '07 Principia Reserve Syrah was the other 20/20 points wine for 2010. Look for a sensational '08 DuBrul Vineyard Cabernet-Merlot Blend to be released this year.

Reasons - See the January issue of the Review for Ned and Susie Morris' wines.

Reininger Cellars - Chuck Reininger has turned out a stellar '07 Carmenere and a superlative '05 Cima "Tuscan-style" blend. Watch for more this year.

Reynvaan Family Vineyards - Mike, Gale and Matt have some fantastic 2009 Syrahs that will be released in fall. The "Stonessence" is a potential 20/20 points wine.  See my 12 December blog for a barrel tasting report. The futures are "must buy."

Saviah Cellars - Owner-winemaker Rich Funk is turning out some impressive 2008's and has some highly promising 2009's in the barrel, especially from estate vineyards.

Sleight of Hand Cellars - Trey Busch has some highly promising 2009's in the barrel. Look for the 2009 Levitation Syrah next fall - thick, super ripe black fruits, minerals and earth.

Tero Estates / Flying Trout - Doug and Jan Roskelley's 2008's were highly promising from the barrel, including a seductive "Super Tuscan" red. They are not to be missed. Ashley Trout will turn out more impressive reds from the Malbec and other grapes. Both wineries will be opening a tasting room at the Marcus Whitman Hotel in the near future.

TL Cellars - Watch for Troy Ledwick's Release No. Four, a 2006 Alder Ridge Horse Heaven Cabernet Sauvignon, and No. Seven, a 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard.