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Columbia Valley 2021 vintage report: Overview of Washington and Oregon plus top scoring wines

In the Columbia Valley, which encompasses all of Washington's major wine-growing regions, and the Walla Walla Valley which extends across the border into Oregon, 2021 was a record-shattering year. High temperatures, beginning with an alarming heat dome in June, saw the 2021 growing season surpass the very hot 2015 vintage, however, winemakers have produced a raft of beautiful wines with those who lean into elegance and finesse rising to the top.

In 2021, winemakers, like the rest of us, were poised to rebound from the most challenging year in recent memory for, well, the entire human race. But the year was hardly a panacea, nor was it an easy bounce back from 2020.

The heat was extreme at times and unparalleled even for the hot desert climate that is home to nearly all of the Columbia Valley. Furthermore, there were still lingering issues from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding staffing and safety protocols, particularly in states like Washington and Oregon.

In addition, wildfires were once again a problem, although their impacts seem to be isolated to very specific parts of Washington State. I tasted a few wines (less than 10 in a sampling of over 300 wines) impacted by the Schneider Springs Fire, which was localised to some western parts of the Columbia Valley appellation.

However, while the best wines of 2021 undoubtedly show ripeness, there is elegance, balance, and a subdued freshness in those from the top producers.

Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah showed brilliance with refined tannins and minerality when diligence was exercised in picking decisions.


Columbia Valley 2021 red wines of the vintage

Gård, Grand Klasse Syrah, Royal Slope 98 points

WT Vintners, Boushey Vineyard Syrah, Yakima Valley 98 points

Columbia Valley 2021 white wine of the vintage

Delmas, Viognier, Rocks District of Milton-Freewater 96 points


Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for the top Columbia Valley 2021 wines



Columbia Valley 2021: 30 of the top wines tasted


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