Nose
This vintage emits enticing aromas of wild fruits – blackberries, blueberries, black currants – with scents of black roses, pipe tobacco, lavender, violets, and spiced incense. The pure varietal flavors are infused with licorice, dark cocoa, French roast, and cobblestone and loam minerals.
Palate
The back palate reveals pressed berries, roasted hazelnuts, crème de cassis, blueberry preserves, kidskin, light oak (18% new), and ground charcoal, followed by a long, long, juicy ripe tannin finish. Shows varietal purity throughout. (Rand Sealey, Review of Washington Wines)
Growing Conditions
Following the record heat in the 2015 growing season, the 2016 vintage began with a mild winter and early start. Bud break was two weeks ahead of schedule and by the end of May, we seemed to be on pace for one of the warmest vintages on record. Mother Nature had other things in mind. Starting in June, temperatures fell more towards the average and this cooling trend continued for most of the summer. The subsequent cooler fall temperatures allowed longer hang times helping to balance out the fruit’s acids, tannins, and phenolic compounds.
Appearance
Deep ruby-crimson colored.
