2007 Southern Blend
Details at a Glance
Blend: 55% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
Bottled: August 22, 2008
Brix: 24.5° brix
Acidity: 6.7 g/l
Ph: 3.78 pH
Total Production: 400 cases
Cases Remaining: 0 cases
Prices: $35/bottle $378/case
Sandy soils, High winds whipping off the Columbia River and 40 degree diurnal temperature shifts make this arguably the best spot in Washington state for Grenache. Raspberry, Boysenberry, Cinnamon, Crème Brule, with hints of Anise and Tobacco.
Grapes for this wine come entirely from the rugged southern slopes of Horse Heaven Hills. Sandy soils, high winds whipping off the Columbia River, and 40 degree diurnal temperature shifts make this arguably the best spot in Washington state for Grenache. Sandy soils add minerality. High winds increase skin density, creating massive tannins that need to be controlled. And, the diurnal shift helps shut the grapes down so they don’t explode with sugar.
Grenache needs heat to ripen in Washington State. The trick is consistant heat, day after day, followed by cooler temperatures, night after night. Too much heat and the grapes ripen too quickly. Conversely, too much cold and the grapes won’t ripen. At this vineyard, 90 degree days are followed by 50 degree nights. Balance is the key to most things in life.
100% French Oak all second fills.
Varietals:
55% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
Tasting Notes:
Lighter in color, bright red raspberry, blackcurrant, licorice, mocha, spice, and minerality with a bright long finish.