The 2017 Los Molinos offers intense, bright red fruit aromas with a hint of orange blossom, along with concentrated purple fruit flavors and a silky, textured mouthfeel. Look for notes of minerality and lively acidity on the finish.

This dark magenta wine’s nose has beautiful high notes of raspberry and mineral. The well-structured body is supple in the front, showing notes of cassis and earth throughout the palate. The long, textured finish is framed by strong tannins. Drink from now until 2033.

Vineyards & growing season

Lady Hawk and Champoux Vineyards are two of the finest vineyards that Washington State has to offer, and both clearly represent the uniqueness of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Lady Hawk, owned and operated by Judi and Paul Champoux, is a very small parcel of land with less than five acres planted, all of which is Cabernet Sauvignon. Luckily there are no other wineries that receive grapes from this meticulously managed vineyard, thus leading to a truly one of a kind wine. Champoux Vineyard, which is located adjacent to Lady Hawk, produces beautifully supple and complex wines, many of which have become the most famous and highest rated to come out of Washington State.

The Columbia Valley has seen a shift from cooler vintages in 2010 and 2011 to the three warmest vintages of the last ten years in 2014, 2015, and 2016. In 2016, an early bud break was followed by warm temperatures from spring through fall. Although quite warm, it was an even growing season without some of the extreme temperatures of 2015. This has led to very balanced wines, showing great acidity, which are drinking great at an early age.

A beautiful violet wine that offers aromatics of cassis, blackberry and cocoa. The textured layers show flavors ranging from pepper to dark cherries. The finish is long and brimming with bright
acidity and fine tannins. Enjoy this wine from now until 2037.

Vineyards & Growing Season

The Columbia Valley saw a shift back to a more moderately warm year in 2017 after a couple of years with record-setting heat. A wet, cool spring delayed bud break but warm weather in the summer brought the ripening back to a normal schedule. Moderate fall temperatures led to ideal conditions for small berries and clusters with intensity and plenty of acidity.

Ciel du Cheval, Obelisco, and Quintessence Vineyards, all located in the Red Mountain AVA, are three of my favorites. These particular vineyards always express the terroir of Red Mountain especially well. The rich soils, dependable air drainage, and limited rainfall result in highly concentrated berries with dense skins, rich inky color, and daring complexity.