East side story
Washington state produces world-class wines at amazing value
When you think of Washington state, what comes to mind? Seattle? Rain? Microsoft? Whatever comes up, you should add world-class wines to that list.
With consistently high summer temperatures, maximum sun exposure and unique soil conditions, the eastern side of the state has an ideal climate for winemakers to nurture grapes. But don’t just take my word for it. As a member of Costco’s team that develops wines for our Kirkland Signature™ label, I have the pleasure of working alongside some of the best winemakers in the business. Here’s what three highly acclaimed winemakers from Washington have to say about this region.
Gilles Nicault, director of winemaking and viticulture at Longshadows Winery, hails from southern France. He is the winemaker behind the 2019 Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Red Blend (92 points, James Suckling).
“Since I came to Washington in 1994, I have been in awe at the diversity of the Columbia Valley’s terroir and the potential to craft vibrant, intense wines showing balance and sophistication,” says Nicault. “The Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Red Wine is a perfect example of that.”
Brennon Leighton is vice president of winemaking and viticulture at House of Smith (founded by legendary winemaker Charles Smith), and the head winemaker for Costco’s newly released Kirkland Signature K Vine series. “Here in Washington state, we have the conditions grapes love to grow in: sandy soils that drain, limestone, broken volcanic rock, river rocks—you name it. Plus, there’s minimal pressure from pests and disease compared to other viticultural regions, so our winemaking approach is both more natural and sustainable,” he says.
Brandon Rice, a native son who swiftly gained a reputation in Washington state as a stellar winemaker, is the lead winemaker behind Kirkland Signature Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. “My primary focus as a Washington state winemaker is taking a natural product in its prime and helping develop it to its maximum potential through the art of winemaking,” says Rice. “There is not a better wine-growing region in the world that can offer the total combination of quality, value and diversity that Washington state produces each and every year.”
The best thing about Washington wines is that you get a world-class product at a fraction of the price of many wines from California or France.
