Palate
This blend is created from varieties grown at Cold Creek vineyard that are traditionally used to make Port. Instead of fortifying the grapes for a sweet wine, these are fermented to create a dry red wine. The result is an interesting duality; the Touriga Nacional (56%), Tinto Cão (7%) and Tinta Madeira (5%) grapes bring an earthy depth to the wine while the Souzão (32%) layers acidity with bright fruit on top.
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.
Planted in 1973, the south-facing Cold Creek Vineyard is a warm, dry site with high heat accumulation.
The low yielding old vines produce small clusters and small berries, resulting in intense varietal flavors and deep color.
The site’s weak, loamy sand and gravel soils with low-water holding capacity produce moderate crops and concentrated grapes.
Cold Creek Vineyard is LIVE and Salmon Safe certified.
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 100% neutral French and American oak barrels.
