REININGER Winery

Washington

2018

WSU Cougar VII

Horse Heaven Hills

$35 USD

Release Price

Drink Window

14.4%

ABV

3.86

pH

6.2

TA

RS

Nose

Any AIR RAID quarterback would be proud to sling this WSU VII Cabernet Sauvignon, dark-fruit cherry bomb, by REININGER. Intense scents of macerated black cherries, plum, blackberry and black currant line up at scrimmage with judicious oak and floral notes at wideouts.

Palate

The snap delivers a balanced attack revealing an opulent texture, velvety tannins with vaulting acidity that elevates the brutish cherry, red-plum and dash of nimble cassis. Elegant floral-oak spice waltzes in perfect harmony, from goal line to goal line, with sumptuous black-cherry high stepping it to the house.

Growing Conditions

Phinny Hill, Stillwater Creek & XL Vineyards

The WSU Cougar VII is primarily sourced from Phinny Hill Vineyard, one of the most picturesque spots in the Horse Heaven Hills, overlooking Champoux Vineyard and the Columbia River. Reininger is one of the first wineries to source fruit from
Phinny Hill. This 100-acre vineyard sits atop a sun-drenched hill of rare cobble-filled soils left over from the Missoula Floods during the last Ice Age. The rocky soils and eastern-facing slopes provide great soil and air drainage for the vines, especially the predominantly planted Bordeaux grape varieties. The vines are east-facing, and receive plenty of heat and good hangtime.

Harvest

2018 graced the Horse Heaven Hills with an ideal growing season. A cool spring followed by hot
summer months, preceded moderate daytime fall temperatures with cool nights. This scenario
created a wonderful hurry up and wait harvest that delivered small berries, moderate yields, and
beautifully balanced fruit with intense fruit character.

Bottling

July 2020

Aging

71% French, 19% American, 10% Russian

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