Reviews of Lake Chelan AVA wines from the region’s trailblazers and boutique producers, who are crafting some of the most riveting wines coming out of the state
Officially designated 15 years ago, the Lake Chelan American Viticultural Area came about after the first modern day grapevines were planted around the lake beginning in 1998. The caliber of grape growing, boosted by a moderating “lake effect” weather phenomenon and unique glacial soils, has steadily attracted a diverse group of winemaking talent to the stunningly beautiful Lake Chelan region.
C.R. Sandidge 2021 Tannat
97 pts.
The bedrock of this rare red is a structured foundation built upon mouthcoating tannins and tempered by sprite acidity that resonates with underlying synergy. Dark and intense, with a complex profile of coffee bean and vanilla bean accents draped around a rich swath of black cherry, raspberry, cassis and black and pink peppercorns. $100
Source: Purtteman Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Mellisoni Vineyards 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
96 pts.
Towering in structure, this red is sleek and concentrated, building on a sophisticated core of black currant reduction, boysenberry and dark cherry, underscored with violet, cocoa, fig and juniper berry. Plush, mouthcoating tannins and fresh underlying acidity generate a runway for the extended finish, accented with barrel spice and tobacco. $85
Source: Larc Hill Vineyards, Lake Chelan AVA
Tsillan Cellars 2021 Estate Dolcetto
95 pts.
An aromatic, complex and powerfully built version from one of the AVA’s flagship wineries. This red streams with blackberry and huckleberry compote, crushed cherry and fresh cranberry accented by graphite, barrel spice, cocoa and dried herbs that carry long on the robust aftertaste. $48
Source: Tsillan Cellars Estate Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2021 Burning Desire Estate Cabernet Franc
95 pts.
A concentrated beam of cassis and steeped blackberry is framed by violet and anise, tempered by graphite and crushed stone. Ends with a flourish of warm earth and briary undertones embedded in firm tannins that wrap around the structured finish. From the estate’s seven best barrels. $59
Source: Glacial Gravels Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
El Mochuelo Vinedo 2021 Estate Merlot
94 pts.
Crafted from two French clones of estate Merlot and aged 21 months in new French oak, this shows sophisticated elegance. Steeped blackberry and dark cherry are accented by refined cola and pencil shavings, lending a well-sculpted feel to the impeccably smooth structure. Ends long and seamless. $42
Source: El Mochuelo Vinedo Estate Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Cairdeas Winery 2022 Estate Syrah
94 pts.
Made from the Joseph Phelps clone, planted high density and head-trained as is customary in the Rhone Valley of France. Rich, plush and nuanced, loaded upfront with steeped blackberry driven by earthy flavors of peppercorn melange, purple flowers and bay leaf. Spice, graphite and garrigue notes wrap around the ample finish. $65
Source: Cairdeas Estate Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Nefarious Cellars 2021 Estate Syrah Defiance Vineyard
94 pts.
Showcasing energetic structure gushing with deep red and black fruit, this is solidly built, infused with cured black olive, garrigue and violet notes mingled with crushed pebbles. An undertow of fresh acidity enlivens the complex and savory-edged finish. $42
Source: Defiance Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Lake Chelan Winery 2020 Syrah
94 pts.
A supple and handsome red from one of the AVA’s founding wineries, filled with distinctive blackberry and boysenberry fruit intoned with purple flowers, licorice, bacon fat and cola notes. Mineral and spice notes hum along the well-structured finish, bound by a sachet of fine-grained tannins. $59
Source: Lambert Estate Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Rocky Pond Estate Winery 2022 Studio Syrah
94 pts.
Backlit with bright aromatics, this red is co-fermented with whole cluster Viognier grapes that gives an herbaceous infusion to the blue-toned raspberry fruit, combined with piquant details of smoked meat and perfumed purple flowers. Ends with distinct mineral, saline and pink peppercorn notes on the shimmering aftertaste. $55
Source: Clos CheValle Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Tsillan Cellars 2022 Estate Viognier
94 pts.
Floral and citrus aromatics combine with a rich, well-rounded palate. Enticing apricot, white peach and honeysuckle flavors threaded with delicate mandarin orange and snazzy acidity bounds along the finish. The fruit is from two distinct blocks on the vineyard’s higher elevation rows above Lake Chelan. Aged nine months in French oak. $42
Source: Tsillan Cellars Estate Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Lagrioth Winery 2022 Estate Pinot Noir
94 pts.
An elegant blend of three clones—115, Pommard and 777—this flows like ribbon silk on a gracefully structured spine, marked by plump black cherry, currant, tea leaf and moist earth details. The midpalate gains suspended momentum and finishes with gentle spice and a continuum of the fruit profile. $50
Source: Lagrioth Winery Estate Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2023 Gamay Noir
93 pts.
This earthy, fruity and peppery-infused red underwent carbonic maceration. Highly aromatic, the juicy, rounded palate flows with plump strawberry, dried cranberry, raspberry and ruby red grapefruit, with hints of pink peppercorn and exotic cinnamon notes that hold their own on the smooth, spiced finish. $39
Source: Farmer Jon’s Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Vin du Lac Winery 2022 Chardonnay
93 pts.
Among Lake Chelan’s oldest wineries, this version is a rich and satiny rendition, offering tropical aromas and flavors of fresh-cut pineapple, Asian pear and lemon curd accented with floral honeysuckle, butterscotch and baking spices. There’s a polished river rock minerality that flourishes on the well-structured finish. $45
Source: Summit Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Callan Cellars 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir
92 pts.
Vintner Lisa Callan crafts this Rosé in a clean and refreshing style, highlighted with juicy structure that delivers elegant notes of cherry, raspberry and melon rind, touting undertones of rose water and wet stone that flow effortlessly on the dry finish. $28
Source: Clos CheValle Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Tildio Winery 2020 Estate Cabernet Franc
95 pts.
This red was aged for 30 months in French oak barrels. Dark and brooding, with concentrated black fruit and earthy graham, revealing complex layers of cocoa, pencil shavings, rosemary, delicate sweet crimson peppers and crushed stone. Sinewy tannins fortify the lengthy finish. $53
Source: Tildio Estate Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Tipsy Canyon Winery 2022 Estate Reserve Chardonnay
92 pts.
Fermented and aged in new French oak, this white is supple in mouthfeel, veering toward the vibrant side with refreshing crisp apple, apricot and snappy Meyer lemon backed by luscious butterscotch and sandalwood details. Shines with elegance on the finish. $36
Source: Tipsy Canyon Vineyards, Lake Chelan AVA
Larc Hill Vineyard Ranch 2023 Longest Day Rosé, Lake Chelan AVA
93 pts.
Crafted from 100% Syrah grapes planted in 2016 and harvested from Block 34, this rich-flavored Rosé displays a pillowy and plush body, sporting just-picked strawberry and plump raspberry fruit. Exotic edges of white peach and orange-skinned honeydew melon cruise through the crisp and juicy finish. $35
Source: Larc Hill Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Kludt Family Winery 2019 Reserve Merlot
92 pts.
The Kludt family were the first to plant wine grapes at Lake Chelan. This red conjures aromas of dark red and black fruit mingled with pencil shavings and tobacco. Regal and elegant, the lush mouthfeel delivers overtones of mineral and spice backed by deep layers of dark cherry, baker’s chocolate, bay leaf and sage. Fine tannins tug on the finish. $52
Source: Williams Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Karma Vineyards 2020 Méthode Champenoise Estate Blanc de Noir
94 pts.
Precisely cut, with a sensational spine of citrusy acidity that melds into a framework of vivid steeped raspberry, followed by crisp apple and pastry accents encircled by a fine, vibrant and creamy bead. Wild strawberry and black currant fruit fill in the midpalate, with flavors that display concentrated elegance. $84
Source: Karma Estate Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA
Amos Rome Vineyards 2022 Estate Grüner Veltliner
92 pts.
Aromas of tropical citrus and flinty minerality gets supercharged on the dynamic palate by waves of vigorous acidity driving flavors of ripe peach, sweet lychee, crisp green apple, grapefruit and zesty lime. Multi-layered, with a cache of stony minerality and dried herbs that weigh in on the finish. $28
Source: High Blossom Vineyard, Lake Chelan AVA