Seattle Times - 2015 Wines To Try

Washington's 2015 vintage will be remembered as the warmest on record, from a heat-inspired jump-start to the growing season through a historically early harvest.

That June, the average high temperature in the heart of the Columbia Valley was 104. That’s hot even by Eastern Washington standards.

Now we’re getting a first glimpse of 2015 reds, which followed two vintages that also were hotter than usual, and I’m liking what I see so far.

Here are three delicious and broadly available reds from the 2015 vintage:

Nine Hats 2015 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $20: This playful blend of Bordeaux and Rhône varieties from Long Shadows Vintners opens with aromas of shaved dark chocolate, ripe raspberry and black pepper, followed by flavors of intense black fruit, including plum, blackberry and black cherry. It’s all backed by supple tannins that lead to a long finish. Read more.