Standing Strong

Washington’s 2018 vintage delivers generous, structured reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah

Christophe Baron of Cayuse standing in a vineyard
Christophe Baron of Cayuse made the top red in the 2018 vintage, which was marked by a very hot summer. (Andréa Johnson)

If the 2018 vintage in Washington were a novel, it would be a page-turner until the final chapter. But despite a hot summer and other challenges, the state’s winemakers were rewarded, producing their best wines since the classic-rated 2012s. It wasn’t easy but that’s an increasingly familiar scenario as growers and winemakers are working harder to uphold quality as Washington's summers grow incrementally hotter. Get Wine Spectator senior editor Tim Fish’s full report and vintage rating for the state’s white and red wines, plus top quality and value picks among Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and more.

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

Alphabetical Guide to Italian Sparkling Wine

Alphabetical Guide to Italian Sparkling Wine

More than 100 sparkling wines from across Italy were reviewed by Wine Spectator senior …

Sep 30, 2024
Alphabetical Guide to California Pinot Noir

Alphabetical Guide to California Pinot Noir

More than 750 Pinot Noirs from across California were reviewed by Wine Spectator senior …

Sep 30, 2024
Alphabetical Guide to Vinho Verde

Alphabetical Guide to Vinho Verde

More than 30 white wines from Portugal’s Vinho Verde region were reviewed by Wine …

Sep 30, 2024
Alphabetical Guide to Austria

Alphabetical Guide to Austria

More than 100 wines from Austria were reviewed by Wine Spectator senior editor Kristen …

Sep 30, 2024
10 Outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons Under $75

10 Outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons Under $75

The acclaimed California region takes the spotlight with new reviews of 2021 Cabernets, …

Aug 5, 2024
9 Excellent New Zealand Pinot Noirs Up to 95 Points

9 Excellent New Zealand Pinot Noirs Up to 95 Points

Wines from Central Otago, Marlborough and Martinborough feature in these new reviews of …

Aug 1, 2024