Vintage Chart for Washington

2018	**	Hot growing season, very hot in July in August, but then cooler weather with some rain in September slowed ripening. Large crop with high quality.
2017	*	Cool start to year pushed the season back 10-14 days, but after Spring conditions turned warm. Problems with mildew reduced yields. Acidity was high, alcohol levels lower than usual.
2016	**	Early start to season forecast another warm year, but then cooler temperatures persisted for rest of summer. Crop was a record size. Quality is good.
2015	**	Hot dry season, in fact the warmest on record, leading to very early harvest, but good balance achieved overall. Cabernet Sauvignon is the star.
2014	**	Even warmer than 2013, harvest two weeks earlier than usual, but could be difficult to maintain acidity. Best for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
2013	**	Warmest season on record, but cool end to season
2012	***	Considered a textbook vintage all round sandwiched between preceding cooler years and succeeding warmer years. Warm, sunny days, but cool nights, gave good balance.
2011	*	Second cool year in a row, latest harvest on record as producers waited for grapes to ripen, alcohol lower than average
2010	*	Coolest year since 1999, ripeness delayed by cool, wet Spring, average size crop and lower alcohol but high acidity. Merlot came off best.
2009	**	Early frost reduced yield but hot dry summer led to early harvest for wines with higher alcohol and lower acidity.
2008	**	Cool Spring and summer but Indian summer at end of season. Better for whites than reds. Wines are lighter, whites came off better than reds.

For older vintages see Vintages

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