This was fermented completely in stainless, and finished totally dry. Made from 12-year-old vines, it punches up the aromatics, and focuses on grapefruit and other citrus flavors. Good length and plenty of acid make it a crisp, food-friendly wine, and though it is not labeled dry, it tastes like it.
— P.G.
(11/1/2007)
It’s scented with a pretty mix of sandalwood, toasted cracker and blackberry jam, and the flavors follow into tart berry and black cherry. There’s noticeable acid and some interesting grace notes, suggestive of flint and gun metal. The flavors linger pleasantly in the back of the throat. This is not a fleshy merlot by any means, but it is polished and evocative…
— P.G.
(8/1/2007)
This is a full and flavorful blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. The Gris carries a bit of oiliness and balances out the grassier Sauvignon. I like the wine’s weight and detail, and its flavors of mixed grain, light herb, citrus and acid. Somehow it strikes me as a good sushi wine, one that could even handle a bit of vinegar.
— P.G.
(11/1/2007)
Sharp-edged aromatics start off the nose, but the wine takes over with good grip and texture once it hits the mouth. It fills the palate with muscular blueberry flavors, subtle, acid-driven, aromatic and textural. Woven into the fruit are some chewy leaf and earth flavors, but it’s nicely integrated. Flavors extend into and through an interesting, nicely textured finish.
— P.G.
(11/1/2007)
A lean, spicy, cool-climate Syrah, with piercing notes of herb, citrus rind and resin. The fruit is brambly and sharp, just hinting at smoked meats. Though it may become more complex and interesting with more time in the bottle, it is still very young and edgy. Give it plenty of breathing time.
— P.G.
(11/1/2007)
This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, all estate grown. Winemaker Steve Clifton handles the high (over 15%) alcohol well, and the wine feels full and balanced, but not fat or tiring. The fruit is a pleasant mix of raspberry, cherry and currant; with bright acids and firm tannins to back it up.
— P.G.
(7/1/2008)
This Cab/ Merlot blend is a class act. Estate-grown fruit is aged in a mix of French and American barrels, 90% neutral. Such restraint is rewarded; the wine tastes like fruit rather than wood, and its gentle layering of berries, plums, cherries and herb is lightly accented with chocolate and cracker.
— P.G.
(7/1/2008)
The vineyard was wiped clean in the freeze of ’04, but this fragrant, chocolatey wine suggests that it holds real potential if it can be adequately protected. Crisp cranberry and strawberry fruits are underscored with smooth, chocolatey oak flavors. The style is Walla Walla all the way; broadly accessible, smooth and seamless.
— P.G.
(4/1/2005)