A very pleasant rendition of Merlot, this offers a reminder of why the variety was a candidate to become Washington State’s calling card variety before the film “Sideways” undercut Merlot’s popularity. It is soft in texture as expected, but with impactful fruit flavors of dark plums and berries. The tannins arrive late in the wine’s string of sensory impressions, but they offer enough grip to frame the fruit.
Winemaker Julien Fayard created this milestone bottling from the Beau Vigne collection, a distinctively luxurious Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of vanilla cedar, dark chocolate blueberries, and a hint of clove engage with firm tannins. Dried lavender wraps around the palate, soaked in Worcestershire and black tea, which anchors to the lengthy finish.
Aromas: Lemon batter, capers, honeysuckle
Glistening notes of lemon oil, marzipan, vanilla crème brulée, and apricot-washed cinnamon toast line the palate. Rich and lively, with nutmeg and breezy acidity, followed by a balanced, refined salinity on the finish.
Cigar leaf, black cherries, and sweet soil are highlighted by energetic tannins. Spiced mulberry, spearmint, Asian spices, and dark fruits are the platform for its intense and savory persona.
Aromas: peach blossom, thyme, jasmine
Fresh garden herbs integrate with a juicy, surging wave of raspberry, ginger, and pink grapefruit zest. Lithe, with a frisky, refreshing gait.
Riorret is terroir spelled backwards – but this Pinot is more forward in its elegance and texture. Tinged with iron and sweet tobacco, it reveals notes of parchment, chestnut, and white pepper.
Crystal clean palate with steely overtones. Lemon wedge inserts on a gleaming mouthfeel, with just-ripened pineapple lengthening the finish.
From the steep-sloped estate vineyard is a Pinot Noir from two original clones planted in the Middle Reach neighborhood: 70% Mt. Eden and 30% Swan. This is an opulent red with waves of fruit and floral tones. Velvet-lined rose petals are laced with raspberry, parchment, and red tea. It finishes with a whipped creamy strawberry-sandalwood juiciness.