2017 Pepper Bridge Vineyard

2017 started out cold. Three arctic fronts rolled in, the last one bringing with it temperatures dipping to -10 in the coldest areas. Spring continued colder and wetter than normal, which actually benefited the vines by giving them time to repair tissue damage from the winter cold. By the beginning of June, temperatures warmed nicely but never got too hot. There were only a handful of days that flirted with 100 degrees. The first week of August was slated for above 100 degree days but was saved by a haze that kept temperatures at least 10 degrees cooler. Pick times were right on track and resulted in normal crop size. In terms of quality and flavor, 2017 was a very good year indeed.

Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.

“A blend of 53% Merlot with 23% Malbec and the remainder Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ is a beautiful effort from this warm vintage that brilliantly combines poise and richness. Once on the nose this takes on layers of rip red and dark fruits with menthol and chocolate tones that all take shape in the glass. The sense of freshness and tension is wonderful here as dark currants and pipe tobacco combine with blackberry cordial and Turkish coffee with herbal undertones on the palate. With gratifying length, this outstanding new wine will cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years.”

– Owen Bargreen, 93 points

92 Points, James Suckling | Wine Enthusiast