A volcanic anticline rising to 900 metres above sea level in the western Yakima Valley, the coolest and most elevation-diverse sub-zone in the Columbia Valley. The elevation drives diurnal swings of 20–25°C, preserving natural acidity in both reds and whites. Riesling, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah show fine-grained quality at altitude; the zone is less celebrated than Red Mountain but arguably offers more aromatic precision.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 93 | Rattlesnake Hills' 2024 was clean, concentrated, and precise. The elevated basalt soils delivered outstanding Syrah and Cabernet in a smoke-free vintage that allowed the appellation's natural character to speak clearly. |
| 2023 | 88 | Moderate vintage with good acid balance. Wines are more approachable young than previous two years. |
| 2022 | 95 | Ideal conditions. The elevated terroir delivered wines of focus and proportion that outperformed the broader Yakima Valley appellation. |
| 2021 | 92 | Heat dome stress tempered by elevation. Best vintage in five years for structured reds; Cabernet Sauvignon achieved complete ripeness. |
| 2020 | 83 | Smoke affected the region but persistent wind patterns reduced impact relative to Columbia Valley floor. Careful producers achieved clean fruit. |
| 2019 | 91 | Long warm season on this elevated sub-AVA produced some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon seen from the region. Tannin structure excellent. |
| 2017 | 91 | Excellent follow-up to 2016. Slightly more moderate heat accumulation produced structured, approachable reds of genuine quality. |
| 2016 | 96 | A landmark Rattlesnake Hills vintage. The elevated sub-AVA's unique combination of warmth and cool-night acid retention produced the finest Cabernet Sauvignon from the region in the modern era. |
| 2015 | 93 | Rattlesnake Hills 2015 produced exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with the elevation's natural acid retention providing crucial structure in a very warm year. |
| 2014 | 93 | Rattlesnake Hills' 2014 was one of the best vintages in the small Yakima sub-appellation's history. The elevated elevation and basalt soils concentrated flavour while maintaining elegant structure — Cabernet and Syrah both excelled. |