Washington Wine of the Week – Selections for Fall, 2026

For the week of October 4, 2026: L’Ecole No. 41 2023 Ferguson, Estate Vineyard – In a word: Wow! This Bordeaux red blend (Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, plus all four other major varietals from the region) is a blockbuster from start to finish. Sourced from the winery’s Ferguson Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley, it opens with tantalizing aromatics of blackberry and black currant that carry over to the palate. Robust, yet pliable tannins are balanced with nice acidity, and the finishing touches influenced by the vineyard’s basalt terrior are amazing; graphite, minerality, and a touch of salinity reveal themselves on the wine’s final stanza, along with undertones of baking spice.

Although it’s perfectly acceptable to drink now – it’s already received two 98-point scores – this is one wine you’ll want to hold on to to allow for even more depth and character development. A minimum of three to five more years in the cellar is recommended…if you can wait that long. Just released this fall; 1,000 cases produced.

For the week of September 27, 2026: Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2025 Shameless Hussy Rosé – Head Winemaker Julian Shaver is doing some great work at this long-standing Lake Chelan winery, and he often uses a light-handed approach to produce some delicious food-friendly wines that don’t cost a small fortune. This scrummy Rosé (about $29) is a combination of the seldom used Gamay Noir grape – a 77% base – with Malbec taking up the remaining balance. Lovely aromatics include rose petals, strawberries, and a touch of petrichor, followed by juicy red berry, red currant, and tart red cherry flavors. The .8% residual sugar content gives it a bit of extra body and also a whisper of sweetness that nudges it into the off-dry category. Perfect with seared tuna, shellfish, or a variety of mild cheeses.