The flagship wine at this emerging producer in the Walla Walla Valley’s Southside District draws more from the 7-acre estate Eleanor Vineyard surrounding winery than the prior vintage, a blend that was dominated by owner Dennis Murphy’s basalt-influenced Octave Vineyard in the vaunted SeVein development. While Cabernet Sauvignon (59%) and Merlot (19%) again drive the bottling dedicated to Murphy’s grandmother Eleanor Caprio, the Malbec (15%) and Cabernet Franc (7%) are grown at Octave, which means the majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Merlot used in this came from the clay and loam soils of Eleanor Vineyard, established in 2005. The 18 months in 35% new French oak barrels remain the traditional regimen, and the youthful profile still carries some thumbprints similar to the 2017 Eleanor with dusty and dark blue fruit. It’s led macerated black cherry, sandy tannins that pick up some chewiness and a juicy blueberry/pomegranate finish. Enjoy with the Caprio Italian meatballs in a pomodoro sauce that are prepared in the winery’s kitchen.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 798 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Leave a Reply