South Sound winemaker Josh Stottlemyer works with hand-harvested grapes off vines planted in 1993 for this project. The crop load of less than 3 tons per acre shows dedication, as does the investment in a 20-month barrel program of 50% new French oak. The pick date of Sept. 25 meant the fruit came in at 26 Brix, and this bottling — released in late October 2015 — is showing beautifully already. Aromas of horehound, black cherry and blackberry include sweet tobacco and white pepper notes. Inside, the drink is lush, focused and stunning as it targets black currant, mocha and sweet herbs. Superb mouth feel offers pomegranate acidity and allows for a late grip of tannin as the black currant and cherry flavors circle back. Stottlemyer suggests serving this with a dry-aged ribeye.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 110 cases
Alcohol: 14.8%
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