The 2021 Vintage – Elegance and Complexity in a Challenging Year

The 2021 vintage will be remembered by Washington winemakers as a year of notable extremes. Early spring brought mild weather and encouraging bud break, promising a balanced start. However, late June’s historic heat dome event, which drove temperatures to unprecedented highs—well into triple digits—presented an extraordinary challenge. Vineyards experienced significant stress, particularly in areas lacking sufficient canopy protection or irrigation capabilities.

Yet, despite these daunting conditions, 2021 yielded surprisingly elegant wines marked by concentration and complexity. Winemakers who skillfully managed vineyard conditions, canopy protection, and precise irrigation strategies produced wines of incredible depth. Red wines from the vintage exhibit intense flavors, robust tannins, and excellent ageability. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, in particular, showcase muscular structures balanced by refined acidity.

White wines from 2021 also tell a compelling story, particularly the Rhône varietals like Marsanne and Grenache Blanc, which thrived remarkably well. These varietals emerged with striking aromatic complexity, lush texture, and exceptional balance, underscoring Washington’s ability to produce standout Rhône-style whites. Marsanne displayed elegant notes of pear and almond, complemented by Grenache Blanc’s vibrant citrus and mineral-driven freshness. These wines beautifully illustrate the resilience and potential of Washington’s diverse terroirs.

In short, the 2021 vintage required meticulous vineyard management and quick thinking, but those who navigated its challenges successfully have produced some of the most rewarding and intriguing wines of recent memory.

The 2022 Vintage – A Return to Classic Form

In contrast to the extremes of 2021, the 2022 vintage was more cooperative, presenting conditions that many Washington growers described as “textbook.” A cooler, wetter spring delayed bud break slightly but was followed by a beautifully balanced summer with warm days and cool nights—ideal conditions for gradual ripening.

The moderate temperatures throughout the growing season allowed grapes to develop evenly, resulting in wines characterized by balance, freshness, and precise varietal expression. The reds from 2022, including standout examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Grenache, exhibit finesse and purity of fruit, supported by refined, velvety tannins and vibrant acidity.

White wines from this vintage, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, also flourished, showcasing bright fruit profiles, crisp acidity, and excellent aromatics. The balanced conditions permitted winemakers more flexibility in choosing optimal harvest times, resulting in wines that reflect classic Washington typicity with clarity and elegance.

The 2022 vintage is one that will appeal to traditionalists and newcomers alike, delivering wines that elegantly represent the balance between fruit intensity and structural harmony.

Vintage Comparisons: Challenges and Triumphs

As a wine critic for the International Wine Report, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing and tasting the ever-changing landscape of Washington State’s wine industry. Over the past several months, I’ve had the pleasure of diving deeply into a comprehensive tasting primarily focused on the 2021 and 2022 vintages, though I also enjoyed exploring a smattering of other intriguing new offerings—including vibrant 2023 rosés and whites, as well as select reds from earlier vintages. These tastings offered remarkable insights into each vintage’s distinct personality, from how winemakers navigated challenges to the ways they captured the uniqueness of each growing season. The contrasts between the two main vintages were fascinating, vividly highlighting both the resilience of Washington’s wine community and the evolving artistry shaping the state’s exceptional terroir.

When directly comparing these two vintages, it’s clear each year provided distinct opportunities and challenges. The intense heat of 2021 demanded precision, adaptation, and resilience from winemakers, resulting in powerful wines that promise excellent aging potential. Conversely, 2022’s gentler conditions offered a more relaxed approach, allowing wines to express their innate qualities without extreme stress, yielding harmonious and approachable wines even in their youth.

Ultimately, both vintages speak volumes about the skill and adaptability of Washington’s winemakers, and each year provides its own special expression of the state’s extraordinary terroir.

Winery Spotlights

Gard Vintners
Matias Kusulas Takes the Helm
One of the exciting developments in recent vintages has been Matias Kusulas taking full control of winemaking at Gard Vintners, starting with the 2022 vintage. Kusulas, with his impressive international experience and thoughtful winemaking approach, has made a significant impact. His dedication to detail is evident, and the wines reflect both his precision and vision. The current vintage showcases depth, elegance, and meticulous vineyard management, positioning Gard as a label to watch closely.

Walla Walla Vintners
A Bold New Vision
Walla Walla Vintners has seen a fresh burst of energy and creativity with an elevation of their wines and wine program. This new approach has brought about notable improvements in quality and style, elevating the brand significantly. The latest releases demonstrate more incredible finesse, vibrant fruit expression, and sophisticated use of oak. There’s palpable excitement surrounding this iconic Walla Walla winery, and rightly so—these wines are getting better and better with every vintage.

Cimento
A Rising Star from “The Rocks”
Emerging from the unique terroir of “The Rocks District” in Milton-Freewater, Cimento is producing stunning estate wines marked by their compelling minerality, expressive aromatics, and exquisite balance. Their Syrah, in particular, showcases the region’s classic savory, earthy character beautifully complemented by fresh fruit and remarkable structure. Cimento is undeniably establishing itself as a winery of significant note, and their releases are highly anticipated each vintage.

August Forrest
Freshness and Authenticity
August Forrest, a relatively new entry into the Washington wine scene, immediately captures attention through the vibrancy and authenticity of its wines. Their approach highlights freshness and varietal purity, providing a refreshing contrast within a region often known for powerful reds. Each wine from this exciting producer offers a clear expression of site and variety, promising an intriguing evolution for a winery that seems destined for increasing acclaim.

Rasa
Achieving Perfection
Rasa Vineyards has earned an enviable reputation for crafting wines of extraordinary quality, but the recent release of their Cabernet Sauvignon marked a new pinnacle. I was compelled to award this wine a rare 100-point score—a testament to its near-perfect harmony of flavor intensity, structural balance, and complexity. This Cabernet is profound, with layers of nuanced aromas and flavors, seamless tannins, and an exceptionally long, memorable finish. It stands as a benchmark, not only for Rasa but for Washington wines as a whole.

Final Thoughts

Washington’s 2021 and 2022 vintages offer clear insights into the state’s evolving narrative and the exceptional talent shaping its future. While each year had its unique challenges and triumphs, both vintages underscore Washington’s status as a dynamic and compelling wine region capable of world-class quality. Winemakers here continue to adapt, innovate, and excel, promising thrilling experiences for enthusiasts and collectors in the vintages ahead.

Whether it’s the powerfully structured 2021s or the classically refined wines of 2022, wine lovers have much to explore, savor, and celebrate from these exceptional Washington vintages.