We take a deep dive into the study of terroir with reviews of 21 unique vineyard designates, most often called single-vineyard wines.
Blending grapes from multiple vineyards provides winemakers with an artistic palette to draw from, which can also aid in overall consistency from one vintage to the next to maintain a particular style. But single-vineyard designates are truly special because they can offer a true taste of a site’s distinctive terroir; they offer greater transparency when it comes to discerning vintage variations. Editor’s footnote: U.S. law requires at least 95% of the grapes used in a wine must come from a single vineyard to be labeled as a designate.
Pášxa Wines 2020 Rockgarden Estate Vineyard Mourvèdre
97 pts.
Sleek, pure and pristinely expressive, the open-textured mouthfeel coaxes a medley of smooth blackberry, strawberry and blueberry flavors fused seamlessly with meaty notes, white peppercorn, floral violet, herbs de Provence and exotic spice embellishments. There’s a freshness that follows through the lasting finish. Another superlative release from this Walla Walla producer dedicated to sustainable vineyard practices. $95
“This is a single-vineyard iteration of a Rhône varietal from the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. With minimal-intervention tactics employed in both the cellar and the vineyard, it is a true expression of place and time. Concrete fermenters, whole-cluster inclusion and large format French oak were used to integrate all components.”
– Valerie Kern, Operations Manager
Pepper Bridge 2020 Pepper Bridge Vineyard
97 pts.
This Bordeaux-varietal red displays striking poise and finesse without sacrificing an ounce of the graceful power that drives the midpalate. Decant well to allow the purity of the red, black and blue fruit flavors ample time to open and fully integrate with the finely-sculpted structure and minerally-infused embrace on the long lasting and scintillating finish. $70
“This wine is crafted exclusively for our Wine Club Members to highlight the expression of the Pepper Bridge Vineyard each vintage. The soil in this vineyard is Walla Walla Silt Loam, full of minerals and containing one-third sand allowing us to control soil moisture. This blend expresses the power and finesse of the site!”
– Jean-François Pellet, Director of Winemaking and Partner
Mark Ryan Winery 2020 Quintessence Vineyard “Lonely Heart” Cabernet Sauvignon
97 pts.
Exceptionally fresh and ebullient, this multi-clone red blend brings a harmonious coalescence of dense, jammy blackberry, cherry paste, crushed granite, and savory herbs and spices to the fore. Snowflake-like tannins widen in concentric circles on the lasting finish, signaling underlying strength, power and finesse behind this wine. $100
“This is from our custom planted blocks at Quintessence on Red Mountain. Block 16 was planted in 2012 with clone 191; producing bold, fruit driven aromatics and expansive flavors. Block 53 was planted in 2017 with clone 337, producing an exceptional balance of rich aromatics and subtle layers of spice with broad, ripe flavors. Our goal is to allow the amazing qualities of the fruit to be freely expressed in the finished wine.”
– Mike MacMorran, Winemaker and Partner
Tsillan Cellars 2020 Estate Sangiovese
96 pts.
Complex and fuller-bodied, this estate red is studded with floral-toned expressions of bright red cherry, dense plum, violet, baking spices and dark cocoa. A sheen of lively acidity unites with finely-meshed tannins that unfold in sustained harmony on the long, generous finish. $38
“Dr. Bob Jankelson first planted Sangiovese on the South shore of Lake Chelan in 2003. With a geologic soil profile unique to Washington AVAs, gentle slopes and the benevolent embrace of Lake Chelan, the typically late ripening Sangiovese has found a perfect home in the 130-acre estate vineyard. These vineyards produce elegant, high acid, moderate tannin, and food friendly Sangiovese that Head Winemaker Garrett Grubbs describes as true to their Italian heritage. The marriage of Sangiovese and Lake Chelan has been a twenty-year love story to be enjoyed with every glass.”
– Bob Hargadon, General Manager
Bayernmoor Cellars 2021 Estate Pinot Noir Clone 777
95 pts.
Assertive, built with lively character that captures expressive cranberry, plum, earth and white pepper, layered with accents of eucalyptus, rose petal and anise. Ends with persistent length and a lingering aftertaste that keeps reverberating. $50
“Resting on the south-facing slopes of western Washington State, Bayernmoor is a hidden gem. The nearby foothills of Stanwood offer a cool climate, much like Burgundy’s. Situated at 700 feet, Bayernmoor’s Estate vineyard rises above the marine fog. In this unique spot, the vines enjoy maritime breezes and generous sunshine, while the sandy loam soil provides just the right drainage from the area’s regular rainfall. This combination creates a Pinot Noir paradise, where the distinct flavors of each vintage stand ready to inspire and delight.”
—Larry Harris, Owner and Winemaker
Mercer Estates Small Lot 2022Culloden Vineyard Viognier
93 pts.
Nearly half of the grapes were fermented in a clay amphorae, and the rest in stainless steel drums, resulting in a pure, concentrated and creamy mouthfeel. Tropical aromas and flavors gush with orange citrus, white peach, mango and pineapple that ripple with smooth-edged acidity that lingers with exciting vibrancy. $21
“Mercer’s Culloden vineyard lies at a slightly higher elevation of 700 feet in the Horse Heaven Hills, making its micro-climate a bit cooler. The Southeast aspect and steep slope of this vineyard allow for ideal drainage. So, the resulting clusters benefit from a longer hangtime for maximum flavor development and a crisp, fresh liveliness.”
– Rob Mercer, Owner
C.R. Sandidge Wines 2021 Purtteman Estate Vineyard Dolcetto
96 pts.
Sleek, delivering standout structure that enchants with aromatics of black fruit and restrained graphite. There’s lovely weight and richness to the mouthfilling flavors of ripe blackberry, mountain herbs and eucalyptus leaf that flourish with basalt, gravel and saline notes marking the lengthy finish. $45
“Purtteman Vineyard is a small south-facing amphitheater on the gravelly north shore that absorbs lots of solar heat during long dry growing days the Lake Chelan AVA provides. The heat and light contribute to full, complex phenolic development and the steep diurnal swings with evening breezes, keeps air moving throughout the slope, reducing sugar loading while also retaining mouthwatering acids aiding finesse and structure to clean healthy fruit. The location of the vines requires minimal environmental inputs making a sustainable approach to growing worthwhile. ”
– Ray Sandidge, Owner and Winemaker
Rolling Bay Winery 2019 Upland Vineyard Graciano
94 pts.
Brightly lit aromas and flavors of herbal violet and earthen undertones are enveloped by a dense core of blackberry and cassis with decent tannic grip. Light on its feet overall, this retains fresh vibrancy throughout, picking up peppercorn notes toward the graceful finish. $45
“Graciano is a complex Spanish wine that is grown primarily in Rioja and used mostly for blending. It has been out of favor but is making a comeback as a single varietal. In Spain it is still hard to find a pure unblended Graciano Wine. Also of the world production of this grape, only three percent is planted in the United States and four wineries craft this wine in Washington State.”
– Alphonse de Klerk, Owner and Winemaker
Thurston Wolfe 2020 Upland Vineyard “Conglomerate” Cabernet Sauvignon
94 pts.
Distinctive and expressive of old vine, the tightly coiled structure displays savory black currant, blackberry and cranberry mingled with tobacco, mineral and herbal details that build toward lasting fine tannins. A superb buy at this price. $30
“This is produced from a small block on Snipes Mountain owned by the Newhouse family. Planted in 1989, it is located on a steep southwest facing slope in a wind deposited silt loam underlain with ancient alluvial gravels left by the Columbia river several million years ago. This soil origin is the source of the name, and the unique combination of slope, aspect, soil and vine age imparts a distinctive character to the resulting wines. Soft, refined tannins and distinctive fruit and mineral aromas produce a refined Cabernet that sets it apart from other wines.”
– Wade Wolfe, Owner and Winemaker
Brian Carter Cellars2015 Boushey Vineyard Sangiovese
96 pts.
Velvety smooth, yet ultra-structured and full of energy, inlaid with floral and dark fruit character running through a complex range of black cherry, plum, violet, olives, leather, graphite and dried herbs. A sheen of dusky tannins entwines the juicy finish, with stellar length. $65
“We’re known for our blends, however out of the sixty or so lots we bring in every year, I often find one or two that are such outstanding examples of this variety that they must stand on their own. Such a wine is the 2015 ONE (one variety, one vineyard) Sangiovese from grower Dick Boushey that certainly fits the bill. This is an outstanding example of how this variety excels in cooler climates of the Yakima Valley. While this wine is already eight years old it tastes like it could go for another eight!”
– Brian Carter, Owner and Winemaker
Valdemar Estates 2020 Blue Mountain Vineyard Syrah
95 pts.
Exuberant in a polished manner, this delivers a concentrated beam of fresh blueberry, acai berry, purple flowers and spice details. A high-arching spine of minerally-intoned acidity flexes with top notes of cranberry anchored by blackberry, cacao bean and lingering florality. Ends with sensational length and focus. $75
“The Blue Mountain Syrah has been a key tenet of our program since our first vintage in 2017 and a mainstay of our wine club selections. Blue Mountain Vineyard is nestled in the rolling foothills of the Walla Walla Valley. During warm summer days, cool air rolls down the Blue Mountains in the early evening, preserving acidity while fruit flavors develop.”
– Devyani Isabel Gupta, Winemaker and Viticulturist
Smasne Cellars 2019 Verhey Vineyard Syrah
93 pts.
Polished, with a snappy feel, this medium-bodied red highlights earthy tones of mulberry with fruity red plum and licorice. Light hints of coffee, caramel and dried herbs flank the supple finish with a suspended textural quality that adds great dimension. $44
“Hand-crafting vineyard designated wines with a sense of place continues to intrigue and influence my winemaking efforts. The Verhey Vineyard Syrah is an artistic expression of a specific location and everything it offers. This cooler vineyard site, tucked away in the western part of the Yakima Valley, was followed by a native yeast, whole cluster stem fermentation that is only a hint at this wine’s uniqueness.”
– Robert Smasne, Owner and Winemaker
Spoiled Dog Vineyards 2020 Estate Pinot Noir
93 pts.
Rich umami details of loam and forest floor back the well-spiced profile of cranberry, lively cherry and dried rose petal in this field blend of Pommard and five other Pinot Noir clones. Minerally notes fill in the open-textured finish with hints of tea and cola. $42
“Located in the heart of Puget Sound on Whidbey Island, Spoiled Dog Winery’s Estate Pinot Noir vineyard benefits from the tempered cooler climate of the Sound as well as the rain shadow from the Olympic Mountains. The soils are glacial moraine. We use only organic practices and are celebrating the vineyard’s 20th anniversary this year, 2023. This Estate Pinot Noir is a field blend of six Pinot Noir clones: 112, 113, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard.”
– Lindsay Krug, Co-owner
Owen Roe 2017 Union Gap Vineyard Red Wine
95 pts.
A deep well of black currant, juicy blackberry and crushed cherry weave along the sinewy structure supported by vivid acidity and firmly-entrenched tannins. Complementary accents of forest floor, tobacco leaf and peppercorn meld effortlessly on the saturated finish. $89
“The 2017 growing season started inauspiciously cool and moist — mostly in the form of snow, then cool weather until June. That’s when mother nature literally dropped her gloves and walloped us with an intensely hot summer; the likes of we’ve seldom seen. From mid-September on we were given ideal sunny weather, perfect to slowly ripen the latest varieties and cool nights preserving the freshness that our region is known for.”
– David O’Reilly, Lead Winemaker
Gård Vintners 2020 Stoneridge Vineyard Tempranillo
95 pts.
Plush, with underlying juicy acidity, tempered with smoky aromas of black currant, dried strawberry, tobacco and graphite that permeate the glass. Saturated flavors of black cherry, dark plum, spice and dried herbs greet the uplifting palate with medium tannins and long lasting verve that zigzags through the finely-structured finish. $55
“Sourced from one of our sustainably farmed estate vineyards, Stoneridge on the Royal Slope, this Tempranillo was planted in 2000 and the wine shows great structure and balance, with beautiful sweetness and acidity with a savory note on the nose, as well. The fruit presentation in Tempranillo can be very primary in younger plantings, but once vines get some age, as with Stoneridge Tempranillo, wines display a different, more savory profile that’s very layered, as showcased in this first Tempranillo for the Gård portfolio.”
– Matías Kúsulas, Head Winemaker and Viticulturist
Woodward Canyon 2022 Washington State Chardonnay
95 pts.
Upscale and regal, driven by a rich feel and lasting vibrancy driving the balanced flavors of peach, pineapple, lemon, vanilla and blanched silvered almond. Ends with a minerally embellishment on the satisfying finish. $45
“The grapes for the 2022 Washington State Chardonnay are all from our Estate Vineyard. We have several different blocks of Chardonnay with different aspects and varying vine age. This wine is a blend of two different blocks from our estate vineyard. Our southeast-facing old vines block planted in 1978 and a newer, north-facing block planted in 2011.”
– Jordan Small, General Manager and Co-owner
Lagana Cellars 2019 Eritage Vineyard Malbec
93 pts.
Uplifting structure and freshness are entrenched on the fore of this polished red, displaying a rich merger of black fruit, cherry and blueberry ingrained with black pepper, dark chocolate, loam, dried herbs and a dose of high-tone minerality that surfaces on the finish with an extended textural feel. $46
“Located on the north side of the Walla Walla Valley, the Palouse Hills are known for producing wines with minerality and finesse. The soil type here is windblown silt loam typically not originating from the Missoula Floods that occurred 8-12 thousand years ago. We chose this region for the terroir and structure of the resulting wines. It’s a windy site, which gives the wines a unique tannin structure.”
– Todd Bernave, Co-owner and Winemaker
Gilbert Cellars 2020 Alder Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Franc
94 pts.
An elegant red with sleek tannins and fresh-cut acidity that glide along the seamless, medium-bodied frame. The poised structure balances black plum, crushed rock, tobacco, dried flowers and tapenade hints. Mineral and spice details stretch out on the lush finish. $40
“This comes from Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, a truly unique site for Washington State. Alder Ridge is perched on the hillside overlooking the Columbia River. This site has great drainage and huge diurnal shifts allowing fruit to optimally ripen over an extended period. The result from this vintage is a Cabernet Franc that is true to varietal while maintaining excellent balance.”
– Dusty Jenkins, Head Winemaker
Barrage Cellars 2020 Boushey Vineyard “Nuclear Blonde” Chardonnay
93 pts.
Creamy and elegantly textured, this white wine offers superb balance between deft, rich layers of peach, pineapple and butterscotch flavors supported by restrained notes of Fuji apple, lemon essence, baking spice and blanched almond. $30
“This Chardonnay is a perfect example why Boushey Vineyard grapes are so sought after, with a great balance of beautiful fruit, acid and depth from start to a long finish. The terroir, slightly cooler area of the vineyard and meticulous vineyard management help make this one of the finest examples of a Washington State Chardonnay.”
– Kevin Correll, Owner and Winemaker
Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2020 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Carménère
94 pts.
A rich red, offering dusky spice, graphite and dark fruit on the enticing nose. Juicy blackberry streaked with dense black currant takes center stage on the plush mouthfeel. Neatly layered with crushed pebble and peppercorn, revealing subtle accents of anise, dried sage and exotic citrus that race across the concentrated finish. $48
“This red stands out from prior vintages due to its more elegant and restrained profile. This vineyard lies almost dead center inside the Red Mountain AVA and in 2020, despite the hot year, the sugars did not accumulate to the high end. The resulting wine is a unicorn where secondary flavor profiles for Carménère really have a chance to shine through, my personal favorite being orange candy.”
– Mark Lathrop, Owner and Winemaker
Three Rivers Winery 2021 Artz Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon
93 pts.
Comprised of two-parts Sauvignon Blanc and one-part Semillon, this crisp white has a viscous feel and good weight. The palate is framed by white flowers, apricot, ripe pear and lemon oil, with a smart dash of limestone minerality for added panache on the upbeat finish. $42
“Artz Vineyard is named for Fred Artz, a legendary grape grower on Red Mountain. Artz helped plant and manage the famed Klipsun Vineyard for more than 20 years before buying adjacent land and planting his own vineyard. The variety of soil presents a combination of sand, silt and loam that are exceptional for growing grapes. Artz Vineyard is now owned by the Red Mountain pioneers, the Williams family.”
– Holly Turner, Winemaker