Washington 2018 reds: top-scoring wines from Yakima Valley
Yakima Valley is the largest sub-AVA of the Columbia Valley AVA and it's one of Washington's coolest growing areas. Dr Owen Bargreen takes a detailed look at the AVA and selects his best Yakima Valley 2018 red wines.
A place all its own in Washington State, the Yakima Valley has cooler growing season temperatures than both the Walla Walla and Red Mountain AVAs.
Scroll down for the top-scoring Yakima Valley 2018 red wines
The Yakima Valley AVA was founded back in 1983 and is the largest sub-AVA of the Columbia Valley AVA, cultivating 6,879 hectares of wine grapes, with more than 40 varieties planted.
Washington 2018 red wines: full report and top-scoring wines
COMING SOON
Individual analysis by AVA:
Columbia Valley | Horse Heaven Hills | Red Mountain | Walla Walla Valley
Plus: Top-value Washington 2018 reds – the best to buy
This is Washington State’s first federally recognised AVA and now includes more than 60 wineries.
Most widely planted to Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, many sites are higher elevation, leading to good natural acidity in the wines but also a protective measure for freeze.
Riesling and Syrah represent significant acreage, with Syrah increasing in higher-elevation plantings.
Cooler-climate Syrah from the famed Boushey Vineyard here has a strong following while Grenache from the same vineyard can evoke very delicate and high-toned red fruits with citrus rind and tilled soil accents.
Merlot and Syrah planted here also display a pretty core of red fruits typically with lighter damp earthy tones and good finesse.
This is an arid site with 20cm of annual rain as vines are set on Yakima Valley soils are strongly influenced by the Missoula Floods, which were a series of dramatic cataclysms in prehistoric times. Moderate to deep silt-loam is layered over gravel or directly onto basalt bedrock in the valley.
Typically the Yakima Valley has roughly a 190-day growing season with the more mountainous sites being some of the coolest in the state.
Top Yakima Valley producers:
- Cote Bonneville
- Avennia
- B. Leighton
- Owen Roe
- WT Vintners
The top-scoring Yakima Valley 2018 red wines
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Avennia, Arnaut, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
Conveying a deep core, the wine combines smoked brisket and violet aromatics that mingle with blackberry compote and charcoal on this complex bouquet. The palate...
2018
AvenniaYakima Valley
Côte Bonneville, Côte Bonneville, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
Deep and penetrating once on the nose, this takes on anise and exotic spices that mingle with the fantastic core of dark fruits. The palate...
2018
Côte BonnevilleYakima Valley
Va Piano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
This incredible Cabernet Sauvignon offers baking spices, and anise with scorched earth, dark currant cordial and shades of tar with exotic spices on this downright...
2018
Va PianoYakima Valley
House of Smith, B Leighton Syrah, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
Entirely sourced from the Olsen Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, this beautiful and pretty Syrah reveals a seamless texture with salted Kalamata olives and smoked...
2018
House of SmithYakima Valley
House of Smith, B Leighton Gratitude, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
Boasts an incredible aromatic range from charcuterie and green olive tones alongside bright red fruits and spicy undertones. The palate is seamless with a great...
2018
House of SmithYakima Valley
Airfield Estates, H Lloyd, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
The delightful bouquet shows sagebrush, huckleberry jelly and shades of Turkish coffee. Rich dark fruits parade with shades of blueberry, espresso bean and dried herbs...
2018
Airfield EstatesYakima Valley
Airfield Estates, Michael, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
Once on the mouth the wine is focused and pure, with a soft texture and wonderful length. This has a great air of elegance and...
2018
Airfield EstatesYakima Valley
Côte Bonneville, Carriage House, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
Always one of the unique Yakima Valley blends, the 2018 ‘Carriage House’ reveals very pretty red fruits that march on with charcoal, red bell pepper...
2018
Côte BonnevilleYakima Valley
Côte Bonneville, Syrah, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
The 2018 Cote Bonneville Syrah comes off very round and generous with rich blackberry compote, coffee ground and tar tones, with stony accents and a...
2018
Côte BonnevilleYakima Valley
