Nose
This very dark wine has classic Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon elements of cassis, pine tar and cedar, crushed red and black fruits, cranberries, and bright, high-tone floral notes.
Palate
The palate is lush and fat yet elegant, balanced by wonderful acidity, and finishes with perfectly ripe tannin that carries the wine across the palate.
Growing Conditions
As 2005 eased from winter into spring, Mother Nature made the news as she left us with very dry soils and the Blue Mountains with little snowpack heading into the growing season. The vintages drought made for thrifty vines with small, intensely flavored, and colored berries. After a typically hot and dry summer, the harvest weather was generally cooler than normal, extending the clusters hang time and allowing us to pick at perfect maturity. 2005 may well prove to be THE landmark vintage for Washington wines. ’05 is also the first year we’ve harvested fruit from our Loess estate vineyard – and what a great year to debut grapes from this special site on the hillside east of the winery – its contribution to the blend is very exciting for us.
