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.

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.

Aging

100% French Oak; 59% neutral, 41% new

Harvest

Vineyardss: 55% Seven Hills, 22% Pepper Bridge, 17% Waliser, 6% Octave