on the grapevine

SAM WYLIE-HARRIS ON... WASHINGTON WINES TO ADD TO YOUR WISHLIST

WITH more time to think about what we’re drinking at home, why not treat yourself to something new?

And if you’ve got a thirst for adventure, some of the freshest finds are from Washington State. It’s home to one of the most innovative cities in the world – Seattle, which has become the gateway to a vibrant industry producing world-class wines.

The majority of vineyards are planted in the eastern part of the state, to the right of the Cascades mountain range, where long, warm days and cool nights create near perfect growing conditions.

We’ve rounded up some brilliant new discoveries. Enjoy...

Between The Vines Washington State Merlot 2017, Washington, USA £9.99, WAITROSE

WASHINGTON State merlot can hold its own against anything with such powerful fruit, and this is deliciously complex and inviting. Rich, ripe and distinctive for its spicy note, there’s blackberries, cassis and plums galore with similar enticing scents, fine tannins, and some liquorice spice on the finish.

Song Sparrow Merlot 2016, Washington, USA £10.99, MAJESTIC

STYLISTICALLY, this is a beautiful merlot, full of rich, red fruits with a core of plum, blackberry and mocha, with ample depth and richness, subtle spice and smooth tannins. Plush, charming and just the right balance of harmonious fruit.

Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Washington, USA £15, MORRISONS

WITH Washington State home to world class cabernet, it’s great to see that this big, generous red – shaped by the State’s long sunshine hours – can offer so much flavour and charm at an entry level price. Ripe and dense with a forest floor of black fruits, hints of violet and spice linger nicely on the rich finish.

Hedges Family Wines, CMS 2017, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA £18, Roberson Wine

IF you are fond of a GSM – southern Rhone blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre – there couldn’t be a better time to make the switch to a CMS.

This is a glorious glass that’s merlot dominant with a splash of cabernet sauvignon, topped with syrah.