USA — wine

Walla Walla Valley AVA

Washington State's most celebrated wine sub-region straddling the Oregon border, producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc of extraordinary concentration and finesse from basalt-derived cobblestone soils. The valley's continental climate creates ideal diurnal temperature variation for complex, structured reds.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Blue Mountains moderated Walla Walla heat well; Cabernet and Merlot achieved exceptional concentration with volcanic mineral depth.
2022 Superb conditions; Leonetti and Cayuse produced Walla Walla reds of extraordinary depth.
2021 Outstanding Walla Walla vintage; Rocks District Syrah and Cabernet of benchmark quality.
2020 Consistent quality from basalt soils; Syrah and Cabernet of genuine complexity.
2019 Good balance of ripeness and structure; Walla Walla reds of characteristic fruit and mineral depth.
2018 Warm continental conditions produced Walla Walla Cabernet and Syrah of exceptional concentration.
2017 Long, even season; elegant style — particularly successful for Syrah