2016 Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Tasting Notes
The initial aroma of the 2016 Pepper Bridge Vineyard is rich with dark plum skin, black cherry, brambles, and a hint of dark chocolate. Seductive notes of cedar and purple lilacs mix with mint and slate undertones. The palate of the wine is dense and full of dark fruits and pepper. Silky tannins and striking acidity provide this vintage with a surprising and enjoyably bright finish.
The Year
The 2016 vintage was full of surprises, starting with the warmest April on record. Bud break happened two weeks early at the beginning of April with increasing temperatures and maturation through May and June. Temperatures peaked in early June, followed by rains in July that brought cooler weather. This allowed the vineyards to slow down and pushed harvest closer to average pick times. With the warm start and long cool finish, picking started in late August and finished by mid-October, just before a long spell of rain. The cool summer months resulted in beautiful aromatics and elegant mouthfeel that are the key elements of wines from the Walla Walla Valley.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 48% Merlot, 26% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: 100% Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Awards & Accolades
“The 2016 Pepper Bridge Vineyard is based on a blend of 48% Merlot, 26% Malbec, and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up all in French oak, 43% being new. This deep ruby/purple-colored effort offers lots of ripe red and black cherry fruits as well as graphite, chocolate, leafy herbs, and flowery incense. It’s beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, has a silky texture, and a great finish. The texture as well as purity are first rate, and this terrific effort can be drunk today or cellared for 10-12 years.”
-Jeb Dunnuck, 93 points
92 Points, James Suckling
