2022 Tenor La Reyna Blanca Vineyard Chardonnay Garners Perfect Score from Jeb Dunnuck, Elevating Royal Slope AVA and Washington Wine to New Heights
July 14, 2025 (Woodinville, WA) — Tenor is proud to announce a monumental achievement in Washington State wine history: its 2022 Tenor La Reyna Blanca Vineyard Chardonnay has been awarded a perfect 100-point score by acclaimed wine critic Virginie Boone of JebDunnuck.com. This makes the 2022 Tenor La Reyna Blanca Vineyard Chardonnay the first dry white wine in Washington to achieve a 100-point score from a major international publication.
This landmark recognition further elevates the Royal Slope AVA, as the 2022 Tenor La Reyna Blanca Vineyard Chardonnay is also the first 100-point wine from the Royal Slope AVA since it gained appellation status in 2016. The grapes for this historic wine were meticulously grown by Lawrence Vineyards, renowned for their commitment to quality and unique terroir. The family has been farming the Royal Slope for over 40 years.
“We are thrilled and incredibly humbled by this perfect score for our La Reyna Blanca Chardonnay,” said Bryan Otis, Proprietor of Avallé, which produces Tenor. “We have long believed that the Columbia Valley, with its diverse microclimates and dedicated growers, is entering its golden age of winemaking. This validates years of dedication to expressing the profound potential of Chardonnay from Washington State. To be recognized as the state’s first 100-point white wine from a major publication, 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.”
The 2022 Tenor La Reyna Blanca Vineyard Chardonnay, crafted by Winemakers Alex Stewart and Hal Iverson, now stands alongside a select few benchmark wines in Washington State history that have achieved this ultimate distinction:
- The state’s first-ever 100-point wine, and first 100-point red wine, was the 2002 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the Wine Advocate.
- The first 100-point dessert wine in the state was the 2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Single Berry Select from Wine & Spirits Magazine.
- And now, the 2022 Tenor La Reyna Blanca Vineyard Chardonnay from Tenor marks the first 100-point white wine in Washington’s history, as rated by JebDunnuck.com.
“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. “This significant achievement proves our white wines deserve global attention and stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.”
The 2022 Tenor La Reyna Blanca Vineyard Chardonnay ($95) is available for purchase from the website and through select retailers. Wine lovers looking to visit in person can book a tasting at the Avallé Winemaking Studio in Woodinville, which is open Thursday to Sunday from 12 noon to 6 pm. Call 425-625-4785 to book an appointment.
About Avallé
Avallé is the quintessential way to experience the Columbia Valley in Washington State. Like a record label that empowers remarkable performers across musical genres, the Avallé portfolio is comprised of exceptional wines crafted by talented winemaking artists. Through the stewardship of our vineyards, creation of authentic wine expressions and providing immersive experiences, Avallé is committed to unlocking the potential in everything we release. The Avallé portfolio includes Matthews, Jaine, Tenor, Blackboard, Single Barrel, and From the Sky Down. Each brand is designed to highlight a different aspect of the Columbia Valley. For more information, please visit: www.avalle.us
About Tenor
Tenor showcases 100% single varietal wines from the Columbia Valley and are made in very limited quantities. Varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are made by Alex Stewart and Hal Iverson. www.tenorwines.com
