Washington produces so many exciting wines, and that definitely includes wine from the Columbia Valley. Located in the southeastern corner of Washington State, Columbia Valley is one of the United States' largest official wine regions. The area covers just over 11 million acres, of which 50,316 acres are vineyards representing 99% of Washington wine country. This is just a touch bigger than Napa Valley, which is 45,000 acres. This eastern side of the state receives about 300 days of sunshine a year (compare that to the Napa Valley, which receives about 260 days per year).

Grapes have been grown in the Columbia Valley since the 1860s, and many fruit-driven wine styles are produced across this large region. This week, we will sample three diverse wines from the Columbia Valley AVA:

Chemistry Sauvignon Blanc 2022 — The 2022 growing season was full of surprises, which resulted in the need for the winery to explore new (to it) grape-growing regions. The vintage kicked off with a cold and wet spring that turned worrisome when an unusually late-season freeze event impacted lower-elevation plantings throughout the region. Vineyard sites in the Columbia Valley with conditions akin to Willamette Valley, were used, resulting in balanced, elegant fruit with concentrated flavors. 100% stainless steel fermented. The nose opens with concentrated notes of bright starfruit and wet grass. The palate is electric with citrus vibrancy and ample juiciness that rounds out with flavors of lime rind into wet slate. Hints of mago and orange peel. Rating: 90, Wine Enthusiast. 12.5% ABV. $26/8.50

History Columbia Valley Red Blend 2020 — Featuring historic vineyard plantings in the Pacific Northwest, History crafts limited releases of ultra-premium wines that pay homage to the pioneers of the Oregon and Washington wine industries. Founder and Winemaker, Melissa Burr, started the brand in 2013. The 2020 vintage gave concentrated, impactful fruit. Rich notes of cassis, mission fig, and earthen clay on the nose. The wine coats the mouth expansively while the flavors dive into subtle notes of cigar box, green peppercorn, and brandied cherry. Great acidity and driving length. This is a New World take on a classic Bordeaux blend. Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec. Only 2,100 cases produced. 14.1% ABV. Regularly $42/14, now $36/12

King Estate “The Solider” Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 — The Soldier is a salute, a wine dedicated to the many courageous people who are working the long hours, quietly carrying the heavy weight of duty with love and courage. Aromas are an appealing mix of black currant, blackberry, leather, bramble, plum, coffee, anise, clove, toast and dry flowers. Integrated and chewy tannins up front turn firm and dusty on the mid-palate, accentuated by flavors of plum, cassis, leather, espresso, clove, toast, graphite, toasted oak and sage. Balanced acidity gives an integrated and structured finish. Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Tempranillo. Rating: 90, Wine Enthusiast. 14% ABV. $30/10

See you Friday!