2003 Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Tasting Notes
Our goal with the vineyard reserve program is to showcase the character of each estate vineyard. The Pepper Bridge Vineyard sits in the middle of the Walla Walla Valley with an annual rainfall of 12 inches. This intense, dark and powerful wine is crafted around copious black fruit flavors. Blackberries, cassis, black cherries, flowers, sage, nuances of chocolate, nutmeg and spices can be detected in this very complex aroma. This expansive wine offers an incredible blend of power and finesse with a long and persistent finish. We aged this wine for 22 months in 76% new French Oak barrels.
The Year
Although the Walla Walla Valley’s 2003 growing season was one of the warmest and driest in the past decade, our estate-vineyard grapes thrived. During the long, warm days, the grapes savored the sun and ripened to ideal sugar levels. Cool nights locked in acidity, creating well-balanced flavors. Our wines from this vintage are expressive and concentrated with silky tannins.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3% Malbec
Vineyard: 100% Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Awards & Accolades
“The 2003 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Reserve spent 22 months in 76% new French oak. It is composed of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 3% Malbec. Purple colored, it has a complex array of scorched earth, tobacco, leather, black currant and blackberry aromas. This is followed by a structured, mouth-filling wine which is surprisingly light on its feet. The layered flavors are reminiscent of a classified growth Medoc and the wine merits 6-8 years of cellaring. Drink it through 2040.”
-Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate, 94 points
