2023 VINTAGE REVIEWS
2023 Enthusiasm Grenache, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain, 91 Points
All of the fruit for this wine comes from Block 3, planted in 2003. It was aged 18 months in second fill and neutral French oak. The aromas are brooding, with notes of red fruit, cherry, and spice, with the fruit showing a touch of dryness. The palate brings plump, full-bodied red fruit and cranberry flavors along with a textured feel. An exceptionally long finish caps it off. 13.8% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 175 cases produced.
2023 Unity GSM Blend, Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, Walla Walla Valley, 93 Points, Critic’s Choice
This wine is a blend of fruit from Cougar Hills and Borderland vineyards, both located in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. It was native yeast fermented and aged 18 months in second fill and neutral French oak barrels. The aromas draw you into the glass, with appealing but brooding notes of dark plum, black pepper, citrus rind, and red fruit. The palate is full-bodied, fresh, and exquisitely balanced. There’s impressive intensity. The finish sticks around for a 30-count. It’s beautiful, showing a compelling mixture of restraint, intensity, and balance. One glass demands another. 14.0% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 236 cases produced.
2023 Wisdom Mourvèdre, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain, 94 Points, Cellar Stocker
Coming from a block planted in 2000, this wine was aged 18 months in French oak puncheons (66% new). The aromas are arresting, with notes of black cherry, kirsch, dried flower, and spice that show delineation and purity. The palate brings intensity, richness, depth, and laser focus. There’s also impressive freshness. Cranberry and cherry notes hang on the long finish, easily 30 seconds if not longer. If you’re looking for a vivid, pure, intense, yet balanced look at Columbia Valley Mourvèdre, look no further. Best after 2028. 14.0% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 166 cases produced.
2023 Sincerity Syrah, Wallula Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, 94 Points, Critic’s Choice
Coming from Block 30, this wine was aged 18 months in second fill and neutral French oak. The aromas are commanding, with notes of kirsch, black cherry, underbrush, and violet. In the background, there are olive and spice notes. The palate delivers abundant intensity and richness, along with texture and freshness. However, what truly separates this wine is its near-perfect balance, seamlessness, purity, and 45+ second finish. It’s a ‘Wow!’ wine that shocks the senses. Decant. 14.1% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 250 cases produced.
2023 Temperance Cabernet Franc, Weinbau Vineyard, Wahluke Slope, 91 Points
This is all Block 13 fruit. It was whole berry fermented and aged 18 months in French oak (40% new). The aromas bring notes of raspberry, red currant, cranberry, and cherry, all very red fruit focused. Beyond that are notes of flower and herb. The palate boasts soft, sumptuous fruit flavors. There’s pleasing freshness throughout. It’s a very pretty example of Franc. 14.1% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 125 cases produced.
2023 Fortitude Bordeaux Style Blend, Columbia Valley, 91 Points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of Merlot (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Petit Verdot (18%), and Malbec. It was aged 18 months in American and French oak (27% and 18% new, respectively). The aromas lead with notes of red plum, berry, and raspberry, all very fruit forward. The palate delivers on that promise, with medium-plus bodied cranberry and red fruit flavors. There’s a pleasing feel and precise balance that extends through the finish. It’s engaging and classy. Give it additional time in bottle or decant. 14.2% alcohol. Micro-agglomerated cork. 225 cases produced.
2023 Vitality Malbec, Conner Lee Vineyard, Columbia Valley, 92 Points, Critic’s Choice
100% varietal, this wine was whole berry fermented and subsequently aged 18 months in equal parts Hungarian (50% new) and second fill French oak. The aromas are expressive, with notes of plum, red fruit, whole tangerine, and a touch of wood spice. The medium-plus bodied flavors are fresh, vital, and exquisitely pure. There’s pleasing tension from the acidity. Pair it with herb-roasted pork tenderloin topped with a light citrus glaze. 14.1% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 100 cases produced.
2023 Charisma Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain, 91 Points
Coming from vines planted in 1994, this wine is 100% varietal. It was aged 18 months in American and French oak (60% and 20% new, respectively). It’s aromatically expressive, with notes of coffee, dark chocolate, cherry, and cranberry. The palate is pretty and polished. A persistent finish caps it off. 14.4% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 125 cases produced.
