2015 J|R|G
Vintage Notes
Hot, hotter….hottest. This sums up the last three vintages – 2013, 2014 and 2015. 2015 was so hot from June to August that vine development was slowed down. Once temperatures get into the mid-nineties and higher (40 days from June through August!), grapevines close their stomata to conserve moisture. This is in essence an off switch. Growers left more canopy to protect fruit from sunburn and more crop to slow ripening. This compensated for the early start allowing similar pick dates to 2013 and 2014. A beautiful September (only two days over 90F) also saved our bacon just like in 2013 and 2014. The 2015’s drink more like the 2012’s combined with the 2010’s than other hot vintages like 2009 or 2013. The Cabernet Sauvignon has tremendous focus, energy and length. The tannins are fine grained and chewy. A combination of later ripening clones 4 and 6 from Scooteney Flats and clone 8 from Elephant Mountain create tension in the blend. It will need time to develop and put on weight.
Blend Details
84% Cabernet Sauvignon
16% Merlot
Appellations
53% Red Mountain
31% Horse Heaven Hills
16% Walla Walla
Vineyards
37% Klipsun
16% Canoe Ridge Estate
16% Seven Hills
15% Discovery
13% Scooteney Flats
3% Tapteil
Harvest Dates
September 10 – October 2, 2015
Aging Profiles
21 months in new (34%), single use (13%) and neutral (53%) French oak barrels
Alcohol
14.3% by volume
Release Date
Spring, 2019
Production
770 cases of 750mL bottles
Deep ruby color and lush texture with fresh, ripe plum. Showing depth, style, and composure, it’s a lovely effort from this exceptional winery.
Cabernet Sauvignon (86%) makes up most of this wine, with the balance Merlot. Aromas of spice, graphite and cherry are followed by initially subdued fruit and barrel flavors that emerge over time. It shows a sense of restraint and sophistication along with more freshness than is typically found in the vintage. Give it time to open up. (Sean Sullivan)
Refined and sleekly built, with currant and tomato leaf accents that take on richness toward fine-grained tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2029. (Tim Fish)
