2009 Southern Blend

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 and its cycle is much like Cabernet Sauvignon. The trick is consistent 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 or wake up after a long winter.  At these vineyards, 90 degree days are followed by 50 degree nights and winds/river effect help temper the cold winters.  Grenache is a temperate beauty and the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and Gorge AVA will be the future of world renowned Grenache.

100% French Oak all second fills.

Varietals:

68% Grenache, 16% Syrah & 16% Mourvedre  

Tasting Notes:

“This combination of 68% Grenache and 16% each of Syrah and Mourvedre is Sean Boyd’s best blend to date (this is his third vintage). Deep ruby colored, it displays a sultry, smoky minerally nose, evocative of a South Rhone red, redolent of raspberries, cassis and garrigue (French lav- ender). The flavors are thick and penetrating, with the Grenache component imparting unctuous fruit, underlain with earth, minerals, bittersweet chocolate and licorice. On the back, the texture thickens with roasted berries and orange peel on a deep ripe tannin finish that shows fine fruit acids and a dusting of spice and pepper. 19/20 points.” —Rand Seally
Varietals: 68% Grenache, 16% Syrah & 16% Mourvedre   

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