Growing Conditions
Mission Hills Vineyard (Locati Cellars Estate), Walla Walla AVA
Locati Cellars’ estate vineyard is located in the famed Walla Walla Valley AVA in the state of Washington. The vines were planted 5 feet apart in soil that consist of sand, silt and gravel deposits which were delivered by the Missoula floods 10-12,000 years ago. The Missoula floods brought favorable topography and soil for all types of agriculture. The grapes were planted in 2006.
Harvest
Bud break arrived early, about a month before the typical schedule due to a warm spring. The summer was very hot and dry with growing degree days for the year shattering records. The harvest was early, hot, and under estimates due to reduced berry water. Acidity remained in the grapes, but sugars were high. In the end, the 2015 wines are tasting wonderful, and we are pleased with the results.
Winemaking
Our fourth Estate Barbera to date, the vines have reached full production and are producing wonderful fruit. This wine opens with ripe strawberry, black cherry, and just a touch of cigar tobacco on the nose. Softer on the palate than previous vintages, this wine is restraint and finesse with raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry fruits knit together by soft tannins and moderate acidity. 3.64 pH and 6.5 g/L of titratable acidity. Drink now through 2030. 18% new oak. 18% New oak
71% Clone 2, 29% Clone VCR-15
