2022 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
Our 2022 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon highlights the depth and character of our estate vineyard. It opens with generous aromas of blackberry, black currant, cherry, and a hint of cola, layered with subtle notes of toasted oak, leather, and vanilla. The palate is rich yet balanced, offering fine- grained polished tannins and flavors of dried plum, molasses, bramble berries, smoked dates, and warm spices. The finish is long and refined, showing the elegance that comes from mature vines. Crafted for those who appreciate a truly age-worthy Cabernet, this wine will continue to evolve beautifully through 2043, with peak enjoyment anticipated in 2038.
Awards
2020 Vintage: 91+ Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vineyard Designation
Our estate vineyard was established in 1968 and is situated along the foothills of the Rattlesnake Mountains in the heart of the Yakima Valley AVA. Today, we grow over 20 wine grape varietals spanning over 800 acres. Our vineyard has spectacular views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. These sunny slopes are blessed with a long growing period, extended summer daylight, and cool evenings that yield well-balanced, world‐class wines. This particular wine hails from our best Cabernet Sauvignon block, which just so happens to be the oldest that our estate vineyard produces. Old vines yield naturally smaller crop loads with darker, dense flavors. Planted in 1989, this block continuously produces some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons in the Yakima Valley. For vines of this age to still be healthy and bear fruit of such amazing quality is a true testament to the care and meticulous management of our estate vineyard.
Vintage Notes
The 2022 growing season began with a cool spring, delayed bud break, and slower early development. Vineyard teams used targeted canopy and crop management to support even ripening. By mid-summer, consistent warmth accelerated growth, leading into one of the warmest and longest autumns on record. The extended fall allowed grapes to achieve full physiological maturity, with harvest occurring roughly three weeks later than average. Without early frost pressure, the fruit enjoyed optimal hang time and increased flavor concentration. The resulting wines show ripe fruit expression, fresh acidity, supple tannins, and excellent balance—delicious now and well-suited for cellaring.
Winemaking Notes
Harvested in late October at peak ripeness, the fruit was hand-picked, destemmed without crushing, and precision-sorted via optical technology before entering small fermentation vessels. After a 48-hour cold soak, fermentation began with two selected yeast strains. Early extraction involved vigorous aeration, then tapered once the wine reached 9% alcohol to avoid over-extraction. When primary fermentation finished, the wine remained on the skins for an additional two weeks of extend- ed maceration to build structure and complexity. Only free-run wine was retained and transferred to premium French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation. Lees were stirred twice monthly for four months to enhance roundness and mid-palate weight. After eleven months of maturation, we select- ed the top three barrels for further élevage. Each matured individually for another twenty months in new French oak from Taransaud (34%), Le Grand (33%), and Berger (33%). In total, the wine spent 31 months in barrel, followed by one year of bottle aging before release. This careful, deliberate process yields a Cabernet Sauvignon with exceptional purity, structure, and longevity, crafted to stand among the finest wines of our estate.
* Produced in a Vegan Manner (No animal byproducts were used in the production of this wine)
Food Pairing
Bacon-wrapped Dates
Grilled Ribeye Steak
Mushroom Risotto
Comté or Roquefort
- Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Appellation: Yakima Valley
- Aging / Barrel Program: 24 months in 100% new French oak
- Cases Produced: 68 cases
- Alcohol: 14.1%
- pH: 3.75
- Acidity: 5.8 g/L
- Ageability: Enjoy now through 2043, with optimal maturity in 2038.