Washington 2018 reds: top-scoring wines from Red Mountain

The heady, intense and decadent Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is just an incredible showing from this fantastic vintage on Red Mountain. A glass-staining purple, the...

One of the wines of the vintage. Comprised of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, with small parts Merlot and Petit Verdot, this saw 80% new French oak...

A total masterclass, the Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the stars of the vintage. Seamless, with serious weight and poise, the massive core of...

This silky blend needs several hours in the decanter to fully evolve. Once aroused the wine slowly unveils creme de cassis, tar and mocha tones...

The Force Majeure ‘Estate’ Syrah a remarkable achievement from this outstanding vintage on Red Mountain. The aromatics are simply captivating with smoked brisket alongside violets...

A blend of primarily Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, the wine was aged for 22 months in nearly...

This silky Cabernet Sauvignon shows a great air of elegance despite parading its hedonistic edge. Layers of Black Forest cake, blueberry pie, espresso grounds and...

Inviting, plush and dense, the Chaleur Estate is currently drinking marvelously with its sagebrush and dark currant tones on the mid-palate. Elegant and showing a...

Dense and chewy now at three years of age, this wine shows incredible decadence and a seamless texture. Mocha, tar and anise all brilliantly combine,...

Deep and refined this unveils pretty violets with crème de cassis and exotic spices on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, with refined tannins, the elegance...

The Bel Canto sings with its finesse and polished texture once in the mouth. Layers of huckleberry and boysenberry preserves rub alongside mineral notes and...

A gorgeous effort from this outstanding vintage on Red Mountain. Layers of crème de cassis, earl grey tea, anise, Black Forest cake and a bright...

Heady dark kirsch and boysenberry flavours work beautifully with the seamless texture and sense of verve. Full-bodied and very elegant, enjoy this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon...

The outstanding 2018 ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Syrah showcases smoky aromatics with salted meats and black olive tapenade. Flaunting great flavour density and weight, this is...

Once on the nose this takes on black cherry cordial and mocha aromas that mingle with smoky minerals and tobacco. The palate is full-bodied and...

A massive wall of dark fruits greet you with chocolate and sagebrush tones rounding out this outstanding and beautifully textured wine. Dense and intense.

Rich and showing a decadent edge, this blend offers a pillowy texture with deep violets and blackcurrants that join with minerals and shades of garrigue...

Dense and chewy with gobs of dark fruits and freshness on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, this is delightful to savour right now.

Cadence is one of Washington's most consistent and underrated producers of elegant Bordeaux blends. Subdued aromas of blue and black fruits mingle with savoury sage...

Straightforward with dark fruits that mingle with coffee and chocolate tones. Well-balanced, enjoy in the short-term.

This focused Syrah offers warm vintage restraint with minerals and lighter-bodied dark fruit flavours. Bitter chocolate tones towards the back end.