Garnet red color with dark reflections. Aromas of blackberries, vanilla, and coffee. After swirling, notes of black cherries, plums, and sweet spices emerge. The taste is well-balanced with its fine tannin structure and nicely integrated acidity. Balanced and fairly long finish.
Its full-bodied yet mineral style pairs excellently with red meat and grilled dishes in general, but also with lamb, ostrich, venison fillet, and dishes featuring mushrooms are fitting combinations.
- climate
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Warm climate with exceptional rainfall. The annual precipitation here is approximately equal to that of the Gobi Desert. The main sources of inevitable irrigation are the Columbia River and its tributaries, as well as groundwater layers in the soil. Wind plays a significant role here, blowing hard and almost continuously, which reduces the likelihood of diseases and pests.
- soil
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87% Horse Heaven Hills: The soil in Horse Heaven Hills is mainly composed of sandy loam, which originated from the erosion of granite (Loess). 13% Columbia Valley: A mixture of sandy loam soils and volcanic rock.
- vinification
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91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 1% Syrah. After gentle pressing, the grapes are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperature. Then, the wine further matures in a blend of 20% new and 80% used French oak barrels for 15 months.