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

Piedmont’s Moment

Piedmont’s Moment

The 2020 and 2021 vintages deliver impressive Nebbiolos in contrasting styles

Apr 30, 2025
California Sauvignon Blanc

California Sauvignon Blanc

Fresh, expressive and aging beautifully, the best of these wines are gaining consumer …

Apr 30, 2025
Discover Spain with These 9 Amazing Riojas at 90+ Points

Discover Spain with These 9 Amazing Riojas at 90+ Points

Explore Spain's best-known wine region with new reviews of outstanding red wines priced …

Mar 6, 2025
8 Exciting California Zinfandel Reds Up to 92 Points

8 Exciting California Zinfandel Reds Up to 92 Points

California Zinfandel’s diverse styles are on display with these new reviews of wines from …

Mar 3, 2025
9 Glorious New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs Priced $27 or Less

9 Glorious New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs Priced $27 or Less

Discover the famed Marlborough region with new reviews of refreshing white wines up to 92 …

Feb 27, 2025
8 Outstanding West Coast Pinot Noirs Up to 93 Points

8 Outstanding West Coast Pinot Noirs Up to 93 Points

New reviews of fantastic red wines from California's Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley, …

Feb 24, 2025