2012 Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Tasting Notes
Our goal with the vineyard-designated program is to showcase the uniqueness of each of our vineyards. Pepper Bridge soils yield a masculine side to our wines: power and structure with a long, persistent finish. The 2012 Pepper Bridge Vineyard is rich and complex with a bouquet of red plums, floral accents, candied black and red raspberries, and barrel spices. On the palate, it is supple with lush texture and fine depth.
The Year
Spring brought us more precipitation than usual, followed by a hot, dry summer. We experienced plenty of warm days without it being overly hot Since WSU began recording heat units, the 2012 vintage was right on track with a “perfect average.” The wines of this vintage show beautiful characteristics of fruit ripeness while remaining elegant and balanced.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 35% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot
Vineyards: 100% Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Awards & Accolades
“The only 2012 I tasted from Pepper Bridge Winery for this report (most were reviewed last year), the 2012 Pepper Bridge Vineyard (35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 28% Malbec and the rest Petit Verdot) spent 18 months in 41% new French oak. This rich, layered, forward beauty gives up lots of chocolatey dark fruits, graphite and leafy herbs to go with full-bodied richness, ripe tannin, no hard edges and impeccable balance. This was a great vintage for Washington state and this outstanding 2012 will keep for 10-15 years.”
— Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate 93 points
