2022 VINTAGE REVIEWS
2022 Enthusiasm Grenache, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain, 91 Points
Coming from one of the state’s most highly regarded vineyards, the aromas pop, with heaping amounts of strawberry, red plum, cigar box, whole tangerine, and cherry hard candy. Tart, medium-plus bodied flavors follow. There’s an elegant styling, with pleasing varietal correctness throughout. Decant. 13.9% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 150 cases produced.
2022 Unity GSM Blend, Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, Walla Walla Valley, 91 Points, Critic’s Choice
This is the winery’s first foray into Walla Walla Valley, and it’s a winner. Mourvèdre makes up half of the wine, with the rest equal parts Syrah and Grenache. Fruit comes from Cougar Hills, Cockburn Ranch, and Borderlands vineyards. Native yeast fermented and aged 18 months in second fill and neutral French oak, the aromas offer notes of strawberry, cigar box, brown stem, flower, freshly ground black pepper, tangerine, and plum, showing the crystalline clarity that is the hallmark of this producer. The palate is achingly pure, sleek, and flavorful. It’s delicious and a great value to boot. 14.1% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
2022 Wisdom Mourvèdre, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain
Coming from vines planted in 1990, this wine was aged 18 months in French oak puncheons (50% new). The aromas show notes of pink grapefruit, red fruit, and flower. Medium-bodied flavors follow, lighter through the middle. The variety seems hard to place. 13.9% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
2022 Sincerity Syrah, Wallula Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, 92 Points, Critic’s Choice
This is all Block 30 fruit, aged 18 months in French oak (25% new). The aromas bring notes of earthy funk, fresh flower, olive, tangerine, and plum, showing impressive clarity. Soft, palate-coating, medium-plus bodied flavors follow. There’s a pleasing feel and depth, in a deft frame that is reflective of the vintage. Light spice accents run throughout. A long finish caps it off. It’s gorgeous, all about freshness and vitality. 14.0% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
2022 Temperance Cabernet Franc, Weinbau Vineyard, Wahluke Slope, 93 Points, Critic’s Choice
In the right vintages, like this one, Weinbau Cabernet Franc absolutely sings. This is all Block 13 fruit, whole berry fermented, and aged 18 months in French oak (50% new). The aromas are fruit-forward, with notes of black currant, black raspberry, and an herbal top note. A plump, pleasing, fruit-filled, open-knit palate follows. Dark chocolate notes accent the lengthy finish. It’s unabashed enjoyment. 14.2% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
2022 Fortitude Bordeaux Style Blend, Columbia Valley, 92 Points, Critic’s Choice
This is principally Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Merlot (31%), and Malbec (22%), along with splashes of Petit Verdot (7%) and Cabernet Franc. Aged 18 months in American (25% new) and second fill Hungarian oak, the aromas offer notes of fresh green herb, flower, black cherry, and black currant, showing pleasing fruit and non-fruit characteristics. The palate is medium-bodied, juicy, and richly flavorful. The purity is outstanding. Seek it out and pair it with peppercorn-crusted ribeye. 14.1% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
2022 Vitality Malbec, Weinbau Vineyard, Wahluke Slope, 91 Points, Critic’s Choice
All of the fruit for this wine comes from Block 55 at this vineyard. It was fermented whole berry and then aged 18 months in new Hungarian (75%) and second fill French oak. It’s aromatically expressive, with notes of dark plum, cocoa, barrel spice, dried herb, leaf, bittersweet chocolate, and licorice, showing vivid clarity. A supple, flavorful, fruit-filled medium-bodied palate follows. The flavors hang on the finish. The winemaking is impeccable, with the focus on the fruit. 14.0% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
2022 Charisma Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain, 92 Points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this 100% varietal wine comes from 1994 plantings. Aged 18 months in French oak (50% new), aromas of plum, crushed flower, fresh herb, cherry, clove, and a whiff of tangerine lead to polished, directly pure flavors with vivid freshness. The finish lingers. It’s a very pretty, very compelling wine that will shine at the dinner table. Pair it with grilled peppercorn steak. 14.3% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork.
