Washington rising

Living for all intents and purposes in the epicentre of California wine, I find it less than easy to consistently explore America's other wine regions, let alone immerse myself in them. Tasting wines from elsewhere in the country takes a special effort, but often pays great dividends.

My recent trip to Washington State served to remind me of this fact. I came away (in truth as I always do from my irregular Washington forays) terribly impressed with the region's wines and their potential. In point of fact, I have come to believe that on a dollar for dollar basis, the...