Favorite Washington Wines this Year
This year, I focused a lot of my time and energy on wine. I am not a sommelier but I had a lot of fun learning that I even considered getting my certification!
Could I do it all?
Full-time Marketer by day. Part-time blogger and wine extraordinaire by night?
I suppose only time will tell!
Regardless of next year’s career aspirations and personal goals, I met so many wonderful people in the wine industry through this crazy pandemic. Big thank you to Brett at WA Wines and my dear friend, Ishea, for jump starting my passion into this field.
Let’s get into this post on my Favorite Washington Wines this Year!
Favorite Washington Wines this Year
Not only did I get to sip and taste through Woodinville, multiple times, but I also got to explore Walla Walla for the first time. What an adventure! If you’re looking for a gf getaway in the PNW, that’s a fantastic place to start. They’re built for it, honestly. Definitely check out my Walla Walla series for more on that trip.
I suppose a Woodinville series is well overdue! I’ll make sure to add that to my queue for the new year. 🍷
From Reds to Wine, here we go!
Dusted Valley 2018 Malbec
I had the privilege sipping their 2015 Malbec, at the tasting room in Woodinville, too. In truthfulness, I like every single bottle I tried, which is rare. That said, I ended up purchasing the 2018 Malbec. I’m a sucker for very earthy and mineral-y red. This is exactly that. Only 2,400 bottles are available.
Made of 93% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. You really can’t go wrong with this blend.
Valley: Walla Walla
DeLille Cellars D2 2018
Picked up two bottles of this wine for Christmas Eve. The 2018 D2 is a medium body red that has been being perfected for over 30 years at Delille Cellars. The 2018 blend got 96pts on the Seattle Wine Awards and 92 pts on WineEnthusiasts. Again, another rich earth tasting red wine with notes of tobacco, cedar and milky chocolate. Perfect for the Holidays!
Made of 67% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.
Valley: Columbia
Va Piano 2017 Syrah
Oh, Va Piano! What a great tasting experience I had in Walla Walla this summer. This was another winery that really surprised me and I like almost everything on the tasting menu. That said, I walked away with the 2017 Syrah because it screamed: early fall mixed berry pie. With notes of black pepper and blackberry? This Oregon-girl snatched it right up. Proving, yet again, there isn’t a Syrah I don’t like.
Made of 100% Syrah grapes.
Valley: Walla Walla
Airfield Estate 2020 Viognier
This 2020 Viognier & the 2020 Pinot Gris ended up being my most purchased bottles throughout the year. In fairness, I am a wine member at Airfields but these two bottles (especially the Viognier) have been the perfect “night in” bottle for me. With all my favorite smells, think summer honeysuckle and savory peaches, and a light creamy melon finish… ugh! I just love it for movie night!
Made of 100% Viognier.
Valley: Yakima
Airfield Estate 2020 Sangiovese Rosé
Another Airfield wine! I know but this 2020 bottle is the perfect summer patio rosé. I say this because every single one my girlfriend’s had a taste of this rosé and every single one raved about it. It’s my go-to and I’ve very excited to see how next year’s stands up against it. I did an extensive review of it on June’s Books & Bottles post!
Made of 100% Sangiovese.
Valley: Yakima
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2019 Rosé
Last, but surely not least, is the Arbor Crest 2019 Rosé because my family went bananas for it. We visited this cellar over the summer while visiting my brother in Spokane. We all went home with a bottle… I went home with two. It’s also made by a female wine maker!!
Made of 100% Pinot Noir.
Valley: Columbia
Tasting notes: …bright acidity and soft aromas of crabapple, watermelon, raspberries, and strawberries. With just a hint of sweetness.
Hope you guys have been enjoying these wine posts as much as I have. If not, never fear, I’ve got another adventure post in the queue coming shortly.
Wishing you all a very happy holidays and new-wine-year!
Happy tasting!
Other posts you might enjoy:
- 10 of the Best Washington State Rosés this year
- Best Places to Grab a Glass of Wine in Seattle
- 3 Day Wine Tasting Itinerary for Walla Walla, Washington
