Central Washington Wines Earn Spots on Wine Enthusiast’s 2026 Top Picks for Aging

Several wines from Washington’s Columbia Valley have earned places on Wine Enthusiast’s 2026 Top 100 Cellar Selections, a list of bottles recommended for aging. The Columbia Valley AVA, which spans central and southern Washington and includes areas such as Yakima, Prosser, Red Mountain and Walla Walla, is the state’s largest wine-growing region.

DeLille 2023 Harrison Hill Bordeaux-Style Red Blend

Recommended for drinking from 2027 to 2042, DeLille Cellars’ red blend scored 94 points and placed No. 85. Wine Enthusiast described it as an elegant, nimble blend, with notes of cherry, balsamic and cedar. A 750-milliliter bottle is listed for $110 on DeLille’s website.

Passing Time 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon earned 97 points and ranked No. 49. Its tasting notes include ripe Rainier cherry, orange peel and tobacco. The wine can be enjoyed now or cellared through 2040. Passing Time, co-owned by former Miami Dolphins quarterbacks Damon Huard and Dan Marino, lists the bottle for $110 online.

Dossier 2022 Halo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Dossier’s Cabernet Sauvignon received 98 points and landed at No. 13. Recommended for drinking in 2040 or later, it was described as lemony and velvety, with an elegant texture. A 750-milliliter bottle costs $225 through Dossier. The winery is owned by former Seattle Seahawks player Sidney Rice and Yakima developer Tim Lenihan.

Cimento 2022 Cimentare Malbec

Also featured on the list is a nearby Oregon wine: the Cimento 2022 Cimentare Malbec, from Milton-Freewater. It scored 98 points and ranked No. 4, with a recommendation to drink it in 2045. Tasting notes include blueberry jam, baked bread, coriander and violets.

Only 831 bottles were produced. The wine is listed online, but buyers must log in to try to purchase it.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!