The Biggest Issue so Far

This issue is the largest since the inception of the Review of Washington Wines in December, 2008. There are fifty wines reviewed for September. Of these, one received 20/20 points, six scored 19.5 points and fifteen, 19 points. Most of the remaining wines received 18.5 points, also exceptional, some costing $25 or less.

Over the past months, I have found the number of exceptional wines meriting inclusion to be steadily increasing. The quality of Washington wines has been getting better and better. This is certain to continue, as more meritorious wineries (such as Avennia and Lauren Ashton which will be reviewed in October) emerge and established ones continue to improve. The October issue will have 51 wines, including one scoring 20 points, four 19.5 points and fifteen, 19/20 points.

I am not the only wine reviewer to observe an increase in the number of outstanding wines coming out of Washington State. Sean Sullivan in the Washington Wine Report has stated that "I agree that there is an abundance of extremely high quality Washington wines under $50."

What Winemakers have Said about My Reviews

In the process of producing each month's issue, I send proofs of reviews to winemakers to check for accuracy. Most say "Great. Thanks, Rand." But for the September issue, I received the following comments:

"Lovely writing, Rand. Captures the personality of our house style, too." - Casey McClellan, co-owner, winemaker, Seven Hills Winery

"As always, the prose is poetic and spot on." - Erik McLaughlin, V.P. of Sales and Marketing, Seven Hills Winery

My comment in response to the above is that conveying wines' style as well as quality is what I always strive for.

"Sounds yummy. Beautiful reviews, Rand. Very descriptive." - Susan McBride, Force Majeure Vineyards.

And then, Chris Sparkman (Sparkman Cellars) made this terse statement: "Dig it. Thanks, Rand."

Another Recommended Rosé

A few weeks ago, I visited the Lauren Ashton Cellars in Woodinville with owner-winemaker, Kit Singh. Among the wines we tasted was a delightful Rosé, made fronm Sangiovese. A full report on the winery will be in the October issue, but I am reviewing the Rosé here to make it more timely. It is being poured by the glass at Purple in Bellevue and Woodinville and can be purchased at Total Wine and More.

2011 Lauren Ashton Cellars Rose of Sangiovese, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard ($18)

Pale salmon colored, this Rosé offers intriguing aromas of strawberry, orange peel, sandalwood, jasmine and oriental perfumes, with brightly fruited, well extracted flavors. The back picks up notes of grape skin, orange peel,  and ruby grapefruit, followed by a lingering, citrus accented dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

The Outlook for the 2012 Harvest

Washington winemakers and growers are very optimistic about the prospects for this year's harvest. After a cool spring, warmer weather in eastern Washington eased in, with tempratures mostly in the 80's and 90's, with only a few spikes above 100 degrees. Ideal weather. Veraison - when grapes start turning purple - commenced a few weeks ago and is progressing nicely. Daily, winemakers and growers have been posting pictures of their grapes on Facebook. Harvest is expected to commence in mid-September and continue through October.

Greg Harrington (Gramercy Cellars) summed it up nicely:

"How is it possible that harvest is upon us as summer just got here? Unbelievable! So far, 2012 looks to be a fantastic vintage, though. We seem to be tracking 2008 temperatures which produced great wines. That said, mother nature has a funny way of surprising us sometimes, so we never know what is going to happen until we get into September and through the October freeze scares."