Washington

**Washington** is a US state in the Pacific Northwest and, after California, one of America's largest wine producers. Most vineyards lie not in the rainy west but in the arid, sunny interior east of the Cascade Mountains. **Wines & grapes** — It is a red-wine powerhouse, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, with strong Bordeaux-style blends. Whites such as Riesling and Chardonnay are also important, and Columbia Valley is the sprawling parent region. **Character** — Hot, dry days and cold nights over irrigated desert soils produce ripe yet structured reds with deep colour, firm tannins and bright acidity. **Good to know** — The far-northern latitude gives unusually long summer daylight, helping fruit ripen fully.

Wines

• Cabernet Franc — Quilceda Creek
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Bluewing
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Williams & Heim
• Cs Cabernet Sauvignon — Substance
• Kung Fu Girl Riesling — Charles Smith Wines
• Late Harvest Riesling — Washington Hills
• Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon — Columbia Crest
• Riesling — B. Lovely
• The Citizen — City Limits
• zu Ehren der Familie — Schone Tal Cellars