2022 Mustang
Tasting Notes
Our 2022 Mustang is a medium-to-full-bodied Rhône-style blend that masterfully unites the essence of its three varietals – Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Enticing aromas of black plum are layered with notes of orange blossom, savory hints of smoked game, and a touch of mineral earthiness. On the palate, exotic flavors of red cassis, soy sauce, warm spices, and a touch of white pepper unfold with captivating complexity. A velvety finish lingers with rich dark berry notes, seamlessly intertwined with the elegance of toasted French oak.
Awards
2021 Vintage:
90 pts. Decanter
89 Points, Vinous
Vineyard Designation
100% estate grown.
Vintage Notes
The 2022 vintage in the Yakima Valley was a bit of a roller coaster. A mild winter extended into spring with early frost periods and winter-like conditions in April. The cool spring delayed bud break by a few weeks and caused delayed growth in the vineyard as we moved into summer. Each vineyard block was meticulously managed to ensure a ripe crop by harvest. We lowered clusters per vine and allowed for more sunlight exposure. By mid-July, temperatures finally started warming up and led to record growth in a short amount of time. Fortunately, warm summer temperatures extended into fall, helping to lengthen the growing season and allowing the grapes to continue to ripen. Harvest ended up being delayed approximately three weeks from a typical year. We gratefully did not experience any fall frost events, so the grapes had extended hang time on the vines to achieve optimal ripeness and excellent flavor development. Overall, the 2022 vintage displays ripe flavors, bountiful fruit aromas, and balanced acidity. The wines can be enjoyed in their youth, or they can cellar for many years to come.
Winemaking Notes
All varietals in this blend were sourced from reserve-tier blocks on our estate vineyard, carefully farmed for low yields to concentrate flavors and achieve optimal ripeness. Each varietal was harvested at peak maturity, destemmed without crushing, and sorted using an optical sorter before fermentation in small stainless steel bins or concrete tanks. Concrete fermentation enhances complexity, minerality, and fruit-driven aromas. We meticulously managed the fermentation process to ensure expressive aromatics and a silky palate. Early fermentation focused on extracting vibrant color and aromatics before alcohol development, followed by gentle extraction to achieve a lush, velvety texture. After fermentation, the free-run wine was separated, and the skins were gently pressed. Aging took place in 500L French oak barrels (80% new, 20% second-use). Large format barrels allow the complex fruit notes in the wine to be the star while creating a nice balanced touch of oak in the wine. During the first three months, biweekly lees stirring softened the wine and added roundness. Overall, the wine aged 20 months in French oak, followed by a final month in concrete tanks to elevate aromatics and refine mouthfeel before bottling.
* Produced in a Vegan Manner (No animal byproducts used in the production of this wine)
Food Pairing
• Red wine-braised short ribs with root vegetables
• Venison steak with garlic and herb butter
• Smoked BBQ pork ribs
• Creamy wild mushroom risotto
• Bleu cheese with honey fig jam
• Grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant with balsamic glaze
- Varietal Composition: 49% Syrah, 37% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre
- Appellation: Yakima Valley
- Cases Produced: 531
- Alcohol: 14.3%
- pH: 3.86
- Acidity: 5.6 g/L
- Ageability: Now through 2038, with optimal maturity anticipated in 2032