2016 Limited Release Zinfandel

2016 marks the most complex Austral to date with 5 varieties in the blend: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, and Counoise. Couple this with utilization of winemaking techniques such as stem inclusion and concrete fermentation, and it’s like baklava in a bottle, there’s so many sensory layers.

The Jonté is a natural dancer. Ten percent barrel ferment provides the rhythm while aromas of green apple and white flower flitter into lively citrus and snap peas. The palate twirls between rich tangerine and tropical guava. Harmonized flavors and lush textures give this wine an elegant, long finish.

Sometimes it's great just to give it your best shot with one mixed fermenter! This entire blend is a co-fermentation of one of our best Merlots (76%) and our one jammy block of Malbec (24%). The Merlot had to hang out awhile and wait for the Malbec to be perfect, but it is worth the wait. Enjoy!

By Adding 12% Syrah to our Cinsaut fermentation, we brought it to a whole new level. We retained the bright strawberry, anise, citrus, and characteristic freshness of Cinsaut, yet added depth and softness that make the wine more versatile and smooth.

Merlot can sometimes be overshadowed by other varieties, but this one is no shrinking violet. With bold, dense tannins, saturated, deep color, and pronounced flavors of dark fruit and exotic spices, this merlot displays the extravagance and complexity that can only be achieved in Washington.

This stunning vineyard sits on a south-facing wind-swept slope high above the Columbia River. The vines are planted in soils of flood deposits that are more than 10,000 years old. Complex and elegant wine with focused flavors and silky elegant tannins.

Cold Creek Vineyard is where I spent my formative years learning about growing grapes. It was an honor to have a young block of Cabernet dedicated to me upon my retirement. The wine from “my block” showcases vibrant ripe berries, violets and a long, rich finish.

The color is deep purple with ruby highlights. Decadent, boysenberry compote and graham cracker aromas are complimented by juicy, jammy fruit flavors. A very warm vineyard site provides a luscious, smooth mouthfeel followed by a silky, soft finish.

This Cabernet Franc reveals its darker savory side with layers of black and dried fruit playing against graphite and leather. It's ample, round tannins give it bold structure and a delicate suggestion of woody spices marry well with this lightly oaked wine and are accentuated in the finish.