2015 Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Tasting Notes
Black and blue fruit are interwoven with touches of bramble and cedar in this expressive vintage, 2015 Pepper Bridge Vineyard. Delicate notes of violet and chocolate covered cherries add depth to the aroma. On the palate, fresh plumb and tart cherry are center stage with black tea, cocoa powder, and black pepper rounding out the flavors. The tannins in this powerful blend are ever present but seamless, making this vintage a real crowd pleaser.
The Year
The 2015 growing season is the latest in a trend of being the warmest on record for our valley. Bud break occurred at the end of March, which is about a week earlier than usual. High temperatures peaked at the end of June and were steady throughout the course of the summer. A cooling trend arrived as the grapes began to go through veraison, allowing them to ripen perfectly. For the first time ever, harvest began in August and was followed by optimal weather patterns for the remainder of the year.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 46% Merlot, 31% Malbec, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyards: 100% Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Awards & Accolades
“The 2015 Pepper Bridge Vineyard from this terrific estate checks in as a blend of 46% Merlot, 31% Malbec, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in 29% new French oak. Its saturated purple color gives way to a ripe, medium to full-bodied effort that gives up plenty of black cherry and plum fruits intermixed with notions of tobacco, lead pencil, and incense. With good complexity and ample charm, drink it over the coming 10-12 years, and I suspect it will keep even longer.”
— Jeb Dunnuck, 92 points
