Force Majeure

Red Mountain Estate Épinette Blend 2017

Red Mountain

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Épinette is a Right-bank Bordeaux-inspired blend, and was named after an avenue in Libourne that leads to Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, the home of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Épinette is also the name of a musical instrument akin to a piano, as well as a word for pine tree, which is a fitting nod to Washington state. The wine itself is a blend of primarily Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, proportions of which change depending on the vintage.

Vineyard

Estate managed from steep, rocky slopes at high elevations (960-1,230 feet). The Bordeaux varietals are grown on lower parts here, with high amounts of loess providing drainage before the dense bedrock of basalt. West/Southwest exposure, all harvest done manually.

Winemaking

Fermented in concrete and stainless steel with free-run juice. Aged in 60% new French oak for 22 months. 53% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

Tasting Note

“Pungent scents of blackberry, cassis, licorice, minerals, graphite and bitter chocolate, with a hint of violet lift. Then plush, savory and deep in the mouth, with the Merlot creaminess to the fore. Very broad, concentrated flavors of dark berries and graphite minerality saturate the palate and blow past the wine’s substantial, dusty but fine-grained tannins on the long back end.” – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Appellation

Red Mountain

Farming

Practicing Organic

Suggested Retail Price

$110

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer