While his focus often is on the Horse Heaven Hills, Walla Walla winemaker Haydn Mouat also shines here with Carménère from another of Precept’s prized estate sites — 300-acre Canyon Vineyard Ranch in the east end of the Yakima Valley. The 14 months in six French oak barrels don’t tamp down the classic Carm nose of red bell pepper, crushed herbs and underlying black cherry. Its structure is rather graceful, creamy and fruit-forward with sweet Royal Anne cherry and blackberry flavors as the focus is on blueberry acidity and baking spices because of the tannin management. As part of the Summit Series, this tier typically limited to tasting room sales and special packages.
Rating: Outstanding! — 94 points
Production: 150 cases
Alcohol: 13%
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