The 2016 vintage in Washington was the largest by record. "King Kong" sized clusters surprised winemakers and vineyard managers alike, arriving at twice their suspected cluster weights. Quality and volume corresponded to endow a vintage with as much volume with commensurate quality.

2017, in contrast, has picked out between 10-15% lighter than in years past. The wines are showing more delicacy and feminity in the early stages, Qualitatively speaking, this may be the best Merlot and Syrah crop since the stellar 2012 vintage.

For producers looking to invest in Washington wine, the 2016 vintage provides ample opportunity. It may be a good bet to invest in greater inventory from 2016 to supplant the shortfalls and higher pricing sure to come out of the 2017 vintage.