Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc; Selection: We made the initial blend at first racking, following harvest, with rigourous
barrel selections at subsequent rackings.
Winemaker Notes
While the first swirl offers enticing red fruit aromas of plum, raspberry and Bing cherry, as it opens up, deeper elements of blackberry and cassis are revealed, along with hints of savory bay leaf, juniper berry, graphite and crushed rocks. On the palate, this wine is classically structured, with a lush entry and expansive, mouth-filling tannins framing the voluptuous red and black fruit flavors. As it draws to a close, hints of sarsaparilla, vanilla and cream emerge, mingling with the rich blackberry flavors for a long, resonant finish. Made from old-vine blocks planted in 1994, 1998, and 2003. Fermented in small, open-top stainless bins, with daily punchdowns by hand.
Production
2018 offered near-perfect growing conditions from bud-break until the end of harvest. After a warm April, and an early budbreak, May and June turned cool, providing ample time to prune the vines through careful shoot selection. July and August brought a return to classically warm Washington weather, without any noteworthy heat stress. From the beginning of September onwards the weather was ideal for harvest, with no rain, and sunny days with temperatures ranging from the high-70s the low 80s. A slightly warmer than-average year overall, 2018 was an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon vintage, yielding impeccably balanced wines with depth, energy and beautiful fruit intensity.