2016 Tres Cruces

Description

Tasting Notes

Raspberry, dark cherry, peppercorn, lots of dried red fruit notes and sweet oak on the nose. Red fruit flavors follow with some light chocolate, orange peel, and oak. A nice smooth finish.

Vineyard Source

Coyote Canyon Vineyard – Horse Heaven Hills AVA

2016 Vineyard Notes

2016 was a warm vintage in Washington State. It wasn’t as intense as 2015 but was plenty warm. The GDD (Grower degree days) compared to the 2014 vintage. Many white grapes were picked in late August, a week or two ahead of average. Some early ripening reds were next, picked about a week earlier than average. The late ripening reds started early but many were able to get some nice long hang time.

Things got started in the spring, we had lots of wet weather that helped with the early season growth. The sun was out and shining through Summer. Temperatures hovered in the 90’s but never got over 100 degrees. There was some smoke in the air but instead of causing problems it helped mitigate some of the heat. The steady warm season was very consistent, without extreme highs the grapes ripened without being stressed. It was a great vintage. 

Winemaker Notes

The Tres Cruces is a fun wine to make. Each vintage is different. We blend Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre together to try and make the best wine. Finding the balance between the grapes is fun. I want this wine to be smooth and easy drinking. The Syrah adds bold fruit and velvety finishing notes. The Grenache adds citrus and brightness to the blend. Mourvèdre is rich and peppery adding a nice touch of spice to the wine.

Awards

Platinum 2020 Wine Press North West, 96pts Best of Class 2020 International Women’s Wine Competition, Gold 2020 Cascadia International Wine Comp, Gold 2020 Critics Challenge.