2015 “THE Rocks” Cabernet Sauvignon $50
Our 2012 Rocks Cabernet Sauvignon was our flagship wine. It defined the style of wine we strive to make – rich, focused, balanced with velvety fruit, integrated oak and elegant tannic structure. When we got the chance to get this fruit again, we jumped on it. Our 2015 Rocks Cabernet Sauvignon exudes an elegant richness and focus of fruit that we only can find in ‘the Rocks’ AVA. Dark fruits are apparent on the nose and palate – black current, blackberry and a hint of eucalyptus. This wine is impeccably balanced with silky tannins from start to finish and a precise oak integration. It is the proverbial “Iron fist in a velvet glove”. By far the best Cabernet we have ever produced. This wine needs to be decanted to drink now, but some short term cellaring will be amply rewarded. This wine has more than enough structure to go 10+ years.
VINEYARD
Our “Rocks” Cabernet comes from the Seven Hills West Vineyard, part of the newly designated sub-appellation in the Walla Walla Valley AVA called The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. It is named for a unique alluvial fan resulting in rocky soils with large basalt cobblestones and is notable as being “the only AVA in the United States whose boundaries are defined by the soil type. “The rocks” facilitate the transfer of heat to deeper layers in the soil thus invigorating the vines and encouraging maturation. Unique flavors are said to result from the mineral composition, hydrology, and temperatures of the rocks.
WINE MAKING
The grapes were picked perfectly ripe in late October and meticulously sorted. The must underwent a 4 day cold soak, followed by a long and slow primary fermentation. The wine was barreled for a 22 month elevage in 66% new French Oak. 22 % was aged ‘sur lie’ for mid palate texture and mouth feel.
WINE FACTS
Varietal: 100 % Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
Vineyard: Seven Hills West Vineyard
Aging: 22 Months in 66 % new French Oak ( 22% ‘sur lie’)
Alcohol: 14.9 %
pH: 3.7
TA: 5.9
Production: 75 Cases
Release: May, 2018