To find a powerful, cellar-worthy and reasonably priced wine from the U.S., most people would probably turn to California, but for even better value at the premium level a better choice might be Washington State. As we discussed in our latest Washington Annual Report, producers here are putting an ever-increasing focus on premium wines that compete with top Napa Valley cabernet sauvignons – but at a fraction of the price.
In the dry continental-climate valleys east of the Cascade Mountains, both Bordeaux and Rhone varieties ripen easily to produce full-bodied, powerful red wines with ripe and smooth tannins. Even better, they retain freshness and acidity because of chilly nights and cool autumns.
Take L’Ecole No 41 Walla Walla Valley Ferguson Vineyard 2021, for instance. 2021 was an extremely hot season in the state, and yet this cabernet sauvignon-led blend has a profusion of fresh, vivid fruit, beautifully integrated with subtle oak spices. It’s approachable but will be better with a few years of cellaring.
