 Experts like Jancis Robinson have noted that Washington state consistently produces white wines of exceptional quality, specifically mentioning those of the Sémillon variety.Merlot was one of the first major "vinifera" varieties to garner international attention for the state with its distinctive earthiness and structure that can be very different from the softer, plusher styles found in California.However the Merlot vine is very sensitive to frost and after significant damages during major winter freezes in 1996 and 2003, more vintners turned their attention to the hardier Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.