Washington State Wine’s Old Guard Still Holding Court
While it was a lot of fun exploring wines from new producers on the trip, it was equally rewarding to revisit some old favorites and taste new releases from iconic wineries that helped elevate Washington wine onto the world stage in the first place. Here are a few of the crème de la crème wines I was lucky enough to taste—and secure small allocations of for our shelves.
2021 Andrew Will "Sorella - Champoux Vineyard" Horse Heaven Hills Bordeaux Blend $89.95 97JD 96VN 96DC A longtime favorite at K&L, the wines of Andrew Will never fail to impress. The new release of 2021 Sorella is just as spectacular as I had hoped. It comes from an old block of own-rooted vines at the legendary Champoux Vineyard, planted in the 1970s.
The 2021 is a true Left Bank-inspired Bordeaux blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and a dash of Petit Verdot. There’s a magical balance of power and richness with polish and poise. The execution from Chris Camarda and his son Will is flawless. The proportions are perfect, and the refinement of the wine’s muscular structure is simply brilliant. A stunning bottle well worthy of its stellar reputation.
2021 Force Majeure "Estate" Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon $99.95 (Elsewhere $150) 100IWR 100OB Already one of our best-selling Washington wines of all time, I finally got to see Force Majeure’s estate on Red Mountain with my own eyes. As one of the first plantings on Red Mountain’s upper slopes, its very shallow soils and elevated southern exposure produce exceptionally flavorful fruit with powerful structure and concentration. This is a wine that can hold its own among the very best cult Cabernets of Napa Valley and First Growth Bordeaux.
2023 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $249.00 100IWR 100OB 98JD 98JS A longtime icon of age-worthy, collectible Washington Cabernet, Quilceda Creek sits among the most famous wines in the state—and for good reason. The wines here are as good as ever, and the no-compromise commitment to quality is evident in the glass.
Similar to Andrew Will’s Sorella bottling, the newly released 2023 Quilceda Cabernet is sourced 90% from Champoux Vineyard, with the remaining 10% coming from Mach One. A long 20-month élevage in top-quality Taransaud and Darnajou French oak gives the wine stunning polish and refinement. Quite delicious and exotic in its youth, but with two to three decades of cellaring potential.