Palate

This small production Cabernet displays roasted cherries and crushed rose petals on the nose, and presents a commanding profile in the mouth, structured, dark, and inviting. Graphite minerality is fleshed out by a plush and flavorful palate. Bramble berries are offset by savory tobacco and cedar. The finish is power and persistence.

Growing Conditions

July and early August were warm, with occasional heat spikes. Canopies were managed to avoid sunburn and irrigation was micromanaged. Intense cluster thinning was required to control yields. Veraison tracked 2017 in Walla Walla and was slightly ahead in other regions of the state. A brief rainfall shifted early September into cooler weather leading to two months of near-perfect weather conditions for final fruit maturity. Higher sugars were balanced against higher acid levels and wonderfully intense color and tannin extraction, big fruit flavors, and overall balanced structure. Another strong Washington vintage.

Harvest

Perfect dry harvest weather extended hang-time resulting in rich color and vibrant fruit flavors, another great vintage for Washington State. A late bud-break in mid-April was followed by a warm May with rapid canopy growth. A quick, even bloom set a uniform and healthy crop. A cool June contributed to healthy berry growth.

Aging

The wine was cleanly racked to 100% small French oak barrels, 40% new, with four rackings over 22 months.