Notes from the Winemaker
 

Fall 2011

Here we are again, looking at another harvest season. 2011 was shaping up to be even cooler than last year but has shown some good changes since early July to put us in a good spot for healthy fruit. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and pray for the sun god to stay with us and hope Mr Freeze stays far away from the west coast until the end of harvest. Cool vintages prove to have very balanced acidity and fruit depth without the “over the top” alcohols from hot vintages.

Speaking of cooler vintages, the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc released in June was an absolute hit. The crisp, cool, clean flavors earned it an ‘Editor’s Choice’ Award & 91 Points from the Wine Enthusiast!

This year we have been as busy as ever doing tastings, pouring at charity fundraisers, and enjoying our traditional events such as Red Wine & Chocolate and our Annual Summer Party.  We have been involved in many charitable events including the Detlef Schrempf Foundation, JDRF, the Auction of Washington Wine, and The Washington Wines Festival just to name a few.

2009 was a warm long growing season and gave us all kinds of great barrels to work with. This fall you will taste our 2009 Little Bear Creek reminiscent of the 05/07 style, and our ever-popular 2009 Columbia Valley Syrah. In November our 2008 Indomitable will be available, already receiving 91 points in the Wine Spectator!

As always, we will be hosting our 4th Wine Club Appreciation Party in early December. Per usual, library wines will be flowing, awesome foods shall be eaten, and we’ve planned some new aspects to make for a great day!

This summer we bottled 8 different wines including our first ever G.S.M (Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre), our next 100% Cabernet Franc, and also our first 100% Petite Verdot! These wines will be available first come first serve beginning in February of next year. Don’t let what happened to the Double Vision happen to you as it sold out over the release weekend!

 

Cheers,

Sean Boyd
Winemaker