A Perfect Score for Tenor Wines

Tenor Wines, located in Woodinville Wine Country, has just earned a perfect 100-point score from wine critic Virginie Boone at JebDunnuck.com. Their 2022 La Reyna Blanca Vineyard Chardonnay is now the first dry white wine in Washington state to ever receive a 100-point rating from a major international publication.

This is not a fluke or a lucky vintage. It’s the result of years of intentional winemaking, expert farming, and a vision for what Washington wine can become. This milestone confirms what many locals already know: Woodinville wine is on the rise, and it deserves global attention.

Elevating the Royal Slope and Washington Wine

Crafted by winemakers Alex Stewart and Hal Iverson, the 2022 La Reyna Blanca Chardonnay is also the first 100-point wine from the Royal Slope AVA, which gained appellation status in 2016. The grapes were grown by Lawrence Vineyards, a family-owned operation with more than 40 years of farming experience on the Royal Slope. Their commitment to quality and unique terroir shines through in this historic bottle.

“We have long believed that the Columbia Valley is entering its golden age of winemaking,” said Bryan Otis, Proprietor of Avallé. “To be recognized as the state’s first 100-point white wine, particularly from the distinct Royal Slope AVA, is an immense honor and a testament to our team’s passion and the extraordinary fruit from Lawrence Vineyards.”

A Rare Club of 100-Point Washington Wines

This Chardonnay now stands alongside a small group of Washington wines that have earned 100-point scores:

  • 2002 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – the first 100-point red wine in Washington (Wine Advocate)
  • 2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Single Berry Select – the first 100-point dessert wine (Wine & Spirits)
  • 2022 Tenor La Reyna Blanca Vineyard Chardonnay – the first 100-point white wine in state history (Jeb Dunnuck)

“This is more than a recognition for one wine. It’s a milestone for Washington,” said Kristina Kelley, Executive Director of the Washington State Wine Commission. “Our white wines deserve global attention and stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.”

What This Means for Woodinville Wine

Tenor’s achievement is a turning point for Woodinville wine and for the broader Washington wine industry, now the second-largest in the U.S. Woodinville has long been known for its tasting rooms, but this moment reinforces that it’s also home to serious production and innovation.

The Chardonnay’s notes of marzipan, white peach, and spiced oak, combined with its vibrant acidity, give it the structure to age gracefully for more than a decade. This is a benchmark wine, built with intention and purpose, and crafted to compete with the best in the world.

Experience Tenor at the Avallé Winemaking Studio

Step into the home of Tenor Wines at the Avallé Winemaking Studio in Woodinville’s Warehouse District. This intimate, thoughtfully designed space offers a personalized tasting experience that reflects the precision and elegance found in every bottle. Whether you’re exploring current releases or diving deeper into Washington varietals, the studio is the perfect place to connect with the story behind the wine.

  • Thursday & Friday: 12 PM – 6 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM

To book an appointment, call 425-625-4785 or visit tenorwines.com.

Want to discover more wineries making waves in Woodinville? Browse our Wineries & Tasting Rooms or Plan Your Visit to start exploring.