Nose
Alluring, aromatic, and age-worthy, the 2018 Grand Passage invites attention from the first swirl, displaying gorgeous aromas of huckleberry, wild blackberry, blue plum, and violets with notions of bay leaf, juniper berry, and cedar leaf woven into the core of dark fruit.
Palate
The wonderful mix of sweet and savory elements continues on the beautifully structured palate, where bright acidity and velvety, mouth-filling tannins create a rich and dynamic framework for the luxurious floral and dark berry flavors.
Growing Conditions
The 2018 growing season produced one of the finest vintages of the past decade. After a warm spring that resulted in early bud break, the early summer weather turned somewhat cool ensuring slow, gentle ripening of the fruit. A perfectly timed return to warm weather in July and August spurred a final push towards ripeness.
Harvest
As we began preparing for harvest, the days were cool and rain-free, allowing us to pick each vineyard and block exactly when we wished. The resulting wines are dark and generous, balancing supple, polished textures with age-worthy structures that underscore the lush intensity of the dark-berried fruit flavors.
Winemaking
We blended the wine over two sessions, at first and second rackings, with barrel selections to finely tune the oaks at third and fourth rackings.
Aging
Aged 10 months in oak aging, 90% new oak, 10% neutral oak, 100% French oak.
