Palate
Having a glass is like being invited into a grandparent’s study; you enter an inner sanctum of cozy, shadowed corners that cloak you in complex aromas of black fruit, bay leaf, and jasmine and settle you into a recliner of broad strapping tannins and flavors of roasted fowl and tobacco. A pensive wine that rewards attendance with a sensory revelation in each sip.
Growing Conditions
The 2015 vintage was one of the warmest growing seasons on record in Washington.
Warm temperatures continued through the spring and summer, moderating slightly into fall and extending an early harvest.
Overall, 2015 saw very favorable growing conditions, producing optimal ripening across varieties and yielding outstanding wines throughout the region.
97% of the fruit was sourced from the Wahluke Slope, one of the warmest regions in Washington state that creates big and bold wines.
Our most northern growing area, the Wahluke Slope is bordered on both the west and the south by the Columbia River and to the north by the Saddle Mountains.
Winemaking
Ripe grapes were destemmed and sorted with a cutting-edge grape receiving and separation system designed to gently deliver fruit to the fermenters, allowing for pure varietal expression and soft mouthfeel.
Gentle pumpovers were used to extract optimal flavor and color and minimize harsh tannins.
Each individual fermentation tank is tasted daily to evaluate the development of the tannins and structure and find the right moment to drain the wine from the skins.
Aging
Aged for 18 months in 72% Neutral French and American Oak and 28% New French oak.
