Echolands Winery Celebrates Second Consecutive Platinum Win at Decanter Awards
In an extraordinary display of excellence, Echolands Winery of Walla Walla, Washington, has once again captured the Platinum Award at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards. Competing against approximately 17,000 wines from around the globe, Echolands' Cabernet Franc Blue Mountain Vineyard 2023 stands out as the only Washington wine to receive this coveted recognition. The wine, which scored an impressive 97 points, has proven its quality by achieving the same score for two consecutive years.
Winemaker Brian Rudin, who has been at the helm since 2023, played a pivotal role in crafting this exceptional vintage. His extensive experience and understanding of the nuances of winemaking have evidently paid off, with Decanter's judges noting the Cabernet Franc's luscious profile: "Very tender and giving on the palate with heady pencil-shaving tannins and gentle herbaceous acidity, creating a harmonious, engaging whole."
This year marks the 23rd edition of the Decanter World Wine Awards, renowned as the world's largest and most influential wine competition. A panel of 245 elite international judges, including a notable 24 Master Sommeliers and 63 Masters of Wine, meticulously evaluated an impressive range of wines from 58 countries. This rigorous process not only highlights the credibility of the awards but also underscores the premium quality of Echolands' offerings.
Before joining Echolands, Rudin, who previously worked with Canvasback (part of the Duckhorn portfolio), took over the winery's 28-acre Taggart Estate Vineyard on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley, and the 26-acre Echolands Estate Vineyard across the border in Washington state. His innovative approach and keen attention to detail have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what wines from this renowned AVA can achieve. Rudin explains the finesse required for Cabernet Franc grown in Washington state, indicating that the balance between herbaceous tones and complex spices is crucial as the grapes reach maturity: "We saw a little more muscle develop on the normally lithe frame of Blue Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc."
Also noteworthy is Echolands' Riesling Block 01 from the Frenchman Hills Vineyard 2024 vintage, which earned an impressive 96-point score, marking it as the only white wine from Washington state to achieve such a distinction at this year's judging. This further showcases the diverse talent and quality emerging from the region, as only two Rieslings in the entire USA earned a spot at this elevated level.
Founded in 2018 by respected wine expert Doug Frost—an unparalleled figure who holds both Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles—and investor and conservationist Brad Bergman, Echolands Winery continues to raise the bar in wine production. The success of the winery is a testament to the dedication towards showcasing the beauty and individuality of Walla Walla's terroir, promising even more remarkable wines in future releases. With the celebrated recognition from Decanter, Echolands Winery solidifies its place as a golden standard in the wine industry, leading the way for local winemakers and exciting wine enthusiasts globally.
Winemaker Brian Rudin, who has been at the helm since 2023, played a pivotal role in crafting this exceptional vintage. His extensive experience and understanding of the nuances of winemaking have evidently paid off, with Decanter's judges noting the Cabernet Franc's luscious profile: "Very tender and giving on the palate with heady pencil-shaving tannins and gentle herbaceous acidity, creating a harmonious, engaging whole."
This year marks the 23rd edition of the Decanter World Wine Awards, renowned as the world's largest and most influential wine competition. A panel of 245 elite international judges, including a notable 24 Master Sommeliers and 63 Masters of Wine, meticulously evaluated an impressive range of wines from 58 countries. This rigorous process not only highlights the credibility of the awards but also underscores the premium quality of Echolands' offerings.
Before joining Echolands, Rudin, who previously worked with Canvasback (part of the Duckhorn portfolio), took over the winery's 28-acre Taggart Estate Vineyard on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley, and the 26-acre Echolands Estate Vineyard across the border in Washington state. His innovative approach and keen attention to detail have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what wines from this renowned AVA can achieve. Rudin explains the finesse required for Cabernet Franc grown in Washington state, indicating that the balance between herbaceous tones and complex spices is crucial as the grapes reach maturity: "We saw a little more muscle develop on the normally lithe frame of Blue Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc."
Also noteworthy is Echolands' Riesling Block 01 from the Frenchman Hills Vineyard 2024 vintage, which earned an impressive 96-point score, marking it as the only white wine from Washington state to achieve such a distinction at this year's judging. This further showcases the diverse talent and quality emerging from the region, as only two Rieslings in the entire USA earned a spot at this elevated level.
Founded in 2018 by respected wine expert Doug Frost—an unparalleled figure who holds both Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles—and investor and conservationist Brad Bergman, Echolands Winery continues to raise the bar in wine production. The success of the winery is a testament to the dedication towards showcasing the beauty and individuality of Walla Walla's terroir, promising even more remarkable wines in future releases. With the celebrated recognition from Decanter, Echolands Winery solidifies its place as a golden standard in the wine industry, leading the way for local winemakers and exciting wine enthusiasts globally.
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