Washington's Winemaking History

Washington's first wine grapes were planted in 1825.  By1910, wine grapes were growing in most areas of the state, following the path of early settlers.  Initially, it was French, German and Italian immigrants who pioneered the earliest plantings.

Large-scale irrigation, fueled by runoff from the melting snowcaps of the Cascade Mountains, arrived in Eastern Washington in 1903 unlocking the dormant potential of the rich volcanic soils and warm, sunny desert-like climate.  

Italian and German varietals were planted in the Yakima and Columbia Valleys and wine grape acreage expanded rapidly in the early part of the 20th century. 

The first commercial-scale plantings began in the 1960's.  Early commercial producers mentored modern winemaking in the state.  The resulting rapid expansion of the industry in the mid-70's is now rivaled by today's breakneck pace, where a new winery opens every couple of weeks.  The trend started by a few home winemakers and visionary farmers has become a respected and influential industry.

Washington ranks 2nd nationally, behind California, in premium wine production.  The States averages 17.4 hours of sunlight per day, about two hours more then in California's prime growing region. 

GLACIAL LAKE MISSOULA WINE CO.

Tucked away in the northwest corner of Washington is a winery that's just minding its own business. Glacial Lake Missoula Wine Co. isn't trying to pick a fight with other wineries, but it might succeed nevertheless. At the very least, Blaine-based Glacial Lake Missoula Garagistes Winery would be shunned in Walla Walla, where an organic viticultural practice called biodynamics is all the rage.

  

Briefly, the owners and winemaker Tom Davis at Glacial Lake Missoula "subscribe to the thesis of Australian wine scientist Chris Somers that red wine quality can be objectively measured and can be achieved by maximally extracting grape phenols in an ideal wine matrix." Thus, good winemaking practice relies on sound scientific knowledge rather than the current trends.

  

Ironically, despite the employment of a huge dose of science in the creation of these wines, Glacial Lake's black-and-white labels, depicting a rushing wall of water, are exceptionally pleasing for their aesthetic quality. Moreover, the poetically name "Deluge" was the perfect choice for a wine that celebrates the Ice Age floods of eastern Washington. These floods, combined with thousands of years of strong winds, resulted in rich soils perfect for growing premium wine grapes.

  

I'm not sure what an ideal wine matrix is, but the folks at Glacial Lake Missoula Wine Co. are quite willing to explain their winemaking practice in detail. In fact, bring your notebook and no. 2 pencil, and be prepared to take copious notes. The "Science of Winemaking" class is now in session.

 

 

  

Cabernet Sauvignon 75% Cabernet Franc 25%. 

Yakima Valley, Washington, 

Kestrel View Estate Vineyard. 

Conserved for 24 months in New French Oak Hogsheads

Tasting Notes: 

2005 was a spectacular vintage in Washington, and our grapes enjoyed a long hang-time into mid-October before harvest. Our latest vintage is powerfully structured and complex, with blackberry, current, anise, and smoke flavors predominating. Quenching acidity and a bouquet of eucalyptus and cigar box counter-balance the mouth filling tannins. The Wine was conserved for 24 months in new French Oak Hogsheads. It should age extremely well, and is perhaps the best wine we've produced so far!

2005 Deluge  CSPC 747341  Case of 6  $33.54 btl.