2016 J|R|G
Vintage Notes
Bud break in 2016 was a good two weeks ahead of schedule. This can be a good thing if you are worried about ripening a large crop or it can be problematic if the weather turns nasty during bloom resulting in poor fruit set (reduced crop yield) or even worse, a late spring frost can turn beautiful light green shoots into crispy corn flakes. Luckily, the weather cooperated and we made it to Mother’s Day (the traditional end of “winter” in the Columbia Valley) without any frost events. The rest of the vintage was characterized by very moderate temperatures through June and July and a hot/cool pattern in August. This moderate weather combined with the early start resulted in our earliest harvest-to-date. 2016 is a great year for Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. The JRG is comprised of a large percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as some whole cluster fermented Merlot and a little Petit Verdot, which serve to fill out the 3rd quarter of the palate. The 2016 wines have the tannin density of the 2012, the concentration of the 2013 and the fruit purity of the 2015. I can’t wait to see how these wines develop over the next 20 years.
Blend Details
88% Cabernet Sauvignon
9% Merlot
3% Petit Verdot
Appellations
43% Horse Heaven Hills
37% Red Mountain
20% Walla Walla
Vineyards
37% Klipsun
34% Discovery
20% Seven Hills
9% Canoe Ridge Estate
Harvest Dates
September 12 – October 5, 2016
Aging Profiles
20 months in new (32%), single use (21%) and neutral (47%) French oak barrels
Alcohol
14.3% by volume
Release Date
Spring, 2020
Production
832 cases of 750mL bottles
This wine is consistently one of the bests values in the state. The aromas show notes of raspberry, black cherry, melted butter, graphite and flower. Polished, rich but well in check fruit flavors follow. It has a compelling sense of poise and structure. (Sean Sullivan)
Refined and well-built, with vibrant currant and black cherry flavors, accented by smoky herb and spice notes. Finishes with medium-grained tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2029. 832 cases made. (Tim Fish)
Containing 9% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the Cabernet-dominant 2016 JRG is a multi-appellation blend coming from Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain and Walla Walla Valley. Opening with a bold and juicy nose, the wine offers cherry reduction, plum compote and blackberry jus. Medium to full-bodied, the wine overdelivers at this price and is delightfully balanced and generous, showing well-managed tannins across the mid-palate and ending with a long, lingering finish. The wine spent 20 months in 32% new French oak then rested for another 22 months in bottle before release. This is an excellent wine, crafted with thoughtful winemaking practices, and it’s a screaming deal. Buy it now before the price goes up. Just under 10,000 bottles produced. (Anthony Mueller)
