No Longer Available

March 2011 Release

RHONE STYLE

MARSANNE-VIOGNIER-ROUSSANNE      

Washington & California vineyards

18 LITRE FORMAT

Our first release of a Rhone-style white was our Yakima Synergy II, released in March '09. This new blend of Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne is presented in an 18 litre format.   This allowed us to increase total juice content by 12% imparting even more natural character to the finished wine

The 3 juices used all come from our Washington vineyards and they have been supplemented with Marsanne from California.

The varietal mix for this release will be fine-tuned compared to our earlier release. In blend option1, total Marsanne content is increased slightly but reduces as a percent total of varietal content to  64%; there will be a minor reduction in Viognier, accounting for 20% of the named varietals while we double the amount of Roussanne taking it to 16% of the varietal content.  Another blend under study utilizes more Viognier and less Marsanne and also shows great promise. 

Trials using specialized yeast show a greatly enhanced aromatic profile. At this point, further trials are ongoing to ensure that this yeast can be utilized in all field situations without complications.

Whatever the final decisions on yeast and varietal mix are, the product released will give a more pronounced character from the get-go and even more longer-term aging potential.  This wine will benefit from at least 6 to12 months in the bottle.

Co-fermentation of the feature varietals creates a wine that shows pear, melon, white peach, subtle tropical notes, a hint of citrus, delicate spice and an over-riding floral impression. All of this is wrapped within a lush, almost creamy texture with just enough acidity to vividly define the lengthy finish. The wine finishes completely dry.