2012 J|R|G
Vintage Notes
The 2012 vintage was a big relief to all our growers. Normal is good when it comes to growing things. We got the heat when we needed it in July and August to keep berry size small, and then it cooled off from the end of August all the way to the third week in September with not a single heat spike to avoid any raisining. Then, to top it all off, it stayed warm through the third week in October. What more could you ask for? Muscular tannins and superb concentration characterize the 2012’s. Some of the best (although it is hard to beat the 2010’s) and most structured wines to date. These wines benefit from decanting and will reward those patient enough to cellar until 2022 and beyond.
Blend Details
71% Cabernet Sauvignon
25% Merlot
2% Malbec
2% Petit Verdot
Appellations
50% Red Mountain
41% Horse Heaven Hill
5% Walla Walla
4% Rattlesnake Hills
Vineyards
43% Klipsun
26% Canoe Ridge Estate
15% Alder Ridge
7% Tapteil
5% Seven Hills
4% Elephant Mountain
Harvest Dates
September 21 – October 22, 2012
Aging Profiles
21 Months in new (26%), single use (26%)
and neutral (48%) French oak barrels
Alcohol
14.5% by volume
Release Date
Fall, 2015
Production
593 cases of 750mL bottles
Cabernet Sauvignon (71%) makes up the majority of this blend, which also includes Merlot (25%) and pinches of Malbec and Petit Verdot. Complex aromas of potting soil, green pepper, graphite, herbs, blackberry, licorice and barrel spices are followed by focused black-fruit flavors with light coffee accents. (Sean Sullivan)
Firm, focused, generous and expressive, layering blackberry, licorice, floral and spice notes into a smooth beam, lingering easily. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Best from 2017 through 2022. 593 cases made. (Harvey Steiman)
A Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend that includes 25% Merlot and smaller amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot, the 2012 JRG is a charming, medium-bodied, easy drinking effort that has lots of red fruits, wild herbs and scorched earth aromas and flavors. It’s a solid step back from the straight Cabernet, yet is still a solid Bordeaux blend from Washington and a good value. Drink bottles over the coming 5-6 years. (Jeb Dunnuck)
