While the 2016 vintage of this Left Bank Bordeaux-inspired blend could have been labeled Cabernet Sauvignon, this bottling doubled the influence of Merlot to 32%, and the source of that Merlot shifted from famed Champoux in the Horse Heaven Hills to another stalwart site — Klipsun Vineyard on Red Mountain. Champoux continues to contribute much of the Cabernet Sauvignon, but this time, another Red Mountain site – Shaw-managed Obelisco — factored into that part of the blend. The constant from 2016 to 2017 is Weinbau on the Wahluke Slope, which is responsible for the Cabernet Franc (8%). The significant investment in new French oak barrels for 21 months is apparent from first whiff as nutmeg and mocha lead to cassis and lime zest. Those scents are realized on the palate where refined tannins slowly blossom into a finish of blackcurrant.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 195 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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