Nose
Bright Cabernet Franc notes meet you right up front. Ripe red raspberry and cassis are followed closely by hints of sage brush, cocoa powder, and rose petal. Light notes of strawberry, leather, and pencil shavings also make an appearance on the finish.
Palate
Upon first sip, beautifully full red fruit mingles with savory edges to create a round yet complex palate. Velvety smooth tannins roll into a full finish.
Growing Conditions
The 2016 vintage was full of surprises, starting with the warmest April on record. Bud break happened two weeks early at the beginning of April with increasing temperatures and maturation through May and June. Temperatures peaked in early June, followed by rains in July that brought cooler weather. This allowed the vineyards to slow down and pushed harvest closer to average pick times. The cool summer months resulted in beautiful aromatics and elegant mouthfeel that are the key elements of wines from the Walla Walla Valley. With the warm start and long cool finish, picking started in late August and finished by mid-October, just before a long spell of rain.
Harvest
Vineyardss: 55% Seven Hills, 22% Pepper Bridge, 17% Waliser, 6% Octave
Winemaking
Entirely estate; certified sustainable and Salmon Safe.
Founding member of VINEA.
Aging
100% French Oak; 59% neutral, 41% new