2005 Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Tasting Notes
Our goal with the vineyard 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 generous, richly textured and smooth wine is crafted around copious dark fruit flavors. Black cherries, black currant, blueberries, spices, cloves, and nuances of chocolate 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.
The Year
The 2005 vintage started off as a big challenge because the previous year has been a freeze year with very little fruit to harvest. We spent extra effort pruning, shoot thinning and crop thinning to make sure the fruit came back evenly. Bud break started around the third week in April, and very warm, sunny days filled the summer. We had plenty of heat units to fully ripen the grapes. Then the weather cooled off a little earlier than
usual, dropping into the 80s around the end of August. This cooling-down period maximized flavor development. The wines from the 2005 vintage have terrific fruit intensity, show great natural acidity and are beautifully balanced.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
Vineyard: 100% Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Awards & Accolades
“Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon (55 percent), Merlot (39 percent), Malbec and Petit Verdot, this blend leads with scents of baked bread and plummy, dark fruit. The generous black cherry flavors are as sleek as they are deep, with warm nutmeg spice adding elegance. It feels relaxed, languorous wine to nestle into.”
-Wine & Spirits, 92 points
