Washington 2018 reds: top-scoring wines from Horse Heaven Hills

Founded in 2005, this AVA encompasses roughly 6,070 hectares with 37 varieties planted at largely south-facing slopes mostly set on sandy-loam soils.

The region represents 27% of Washington’s total wine production and the nearby rivers have a strong mitigating effect, as the region is bounded on the north by the Yakima Valley AVA and on the south by the Columbia River.

Scroll down for the top-scoring Horse Heaven Hills 2018 red wines

The proximity to the rivers creates 30% more wind while moderating temperature extremes, as this is one of Washington’s warmer sites.

Winds also lead to smaller canopy and berry sizes leading to extremely concentrated small berries at some sites as well as help to reduce frost risks which are sometimes prevalent at the start and end of the growing seasons.

Washington 2018 red wines: full report and top-scoring wines

COMING SOON

Individual analysis by AVA:

Columbia Valley | Red Mountain | Walla Walla Valley | Yakima Valley

Plus: Top-value Washington 2018 reds – the best to buy

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