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Washington’s 2007 Vintage may be its Best Ever!
By Kori ~ February 4th, 2009.
As I have been reflecting on the past year and all of the winery and vineyard visits we have made as well as looking ahead to the coming year, one number keeps coming to mind…2007, the year 2007. And specifically, the 2007 vintage. We had the pleasure of tasting barrel samples at four different Washington State wineries last year, Saviah Cellars in Walla Walla, Gilbert Cellars in Yakima, Fielding Hills in Wenatchee, and Adams Bench in Woodinville. The most recent vintage in the barrel at that time was the 2007. I was blown away by the quality of those samples. And I’m not talking about just one particular varietal. Across the board, the 2007’s were excellent.
Most wine people around the state acknowledge that 2005 was an excellent vintage, and I certainly agree. But that is even more reason why I am so excited about the 2007’s. For example, I gave my first 5-star quality rating for a Washington wine to the 2005 Fielding Hills Syrah. When we visited Fielding Hills in August, I had the opportunity to taste their 2007 Syrah in the barrel. It was even better than the 2005!
Agriculture of any sort can be a finicky business. And grape growing is agriculture so vineyards and, therefore, wineries are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Some years she smiles on the grapes; some years she doesn’t. Fortunately, the 2007 growing season in Washington State enjoyed near perfect conditions. Hot summer weather segued into cool but dry weather in September and October which allowed the grapes to be harvested under ideal conditions.
The reason that this is important now is because many of these 2007’s will be released this year. So be on the lookout for the 2007 vintage from Washington State to hit the shelves at your local wine shop this spring. Better yet, get on the mailing lists for some of these Washington wineries now. I will be surprised if the 2007 vintage releases don’t sell out quickly.
Since my daughter was born in 2007, I am particularly fond of the year anyway. And I’m certainly hoping that my predictions are correct because I would love to find the perfect Washington State wine from the 2007 vintage to put away for her 21st birthday.
Mark my words, folks, Washington’s 2007 vintage may be its best ever!
Filed under: American Wine, Washington State Wine
As you probably know, I advocated that 2005 was Washington’s best vintage to date (http://wawinereport.blogspot.com/2008/12/was-2005-best-vintage-ever-for.html). However, I agree that all indications at present are that the 2007 vintage will exceed it based on the growing season, barrel samples, and early releases. Wine Spectator’s vintage chart gives the 2007 vintage a 95-100 (versus 93 for 2005 and 94 for 2006, which I think the jury is still out on). Hopefully the economic downturn will be over by then and we can all stock up on this vintage!
Sean,
Glad to hear you agree. Should be exciting to see as the 2007 releases start rolling out.