Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures Here at L’Entrata we ofter just that, and to experience is a selection of seasonal small plates. I cook with wine and sometimes even add it to the food.
30 cases produced – May 2022
Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 12% Merlot 3% Malbec
Aging: 20% new French oak 225Ls.
AVA: Columbia Valley
Alcohol: 13.9%
Vintage:
The 2019 vintage was warm to hot overall but late snow added significant moisture to the soil in March and April. The early growing season was plagued by high mildew pressure and substantial canopy growth. The vineyards continued to push new growth well into the summer as many vineyards went without watering for significant periods of time. Fall was moderate although we had an early frost that affected a number of vineyards.
Wine:
The fruit was picked at night to maintain freshness. Once at the winery the fruit was cluster and berry sorted and fermented in 97% stainless steel and 3% concrete tanks. Aged for 26 months in 20% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting note:
Vibrant notes of blackberry, plums, black currant, vanilla bean and raspberry liquor. Swirling adds pressed black fruits, raspberry puree, cocoa powder and sassafras. The palate is ripe and polished with a complex mixture of black fruits, black tea spice, juicy acidity and silky tannins.
30 cases produced – May 2022
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Aging: 100% new French oak 228L barrel.
AVA: Columbia Valley
Alcohol: 13.7%
Vintage:
The 2019 vintage was warm to hot overall but late snow added significant moisture to the soil in March and April. The early growing season was plagued by high mildew pressure and substantial canopy growth. The vineyards continued to push new growth well into the summer as many vineyards went without watering for significant periods of time. Fall was moderate although we had an early frost that affected a number of vineyards.
Wine:
The fruit was picked at night to maintain freshness. Once at the winery it was cluster and berry sorted and then fermented in 88% stainless steel and 12% concrete tanks. A blend of three clones; 667(50%), 777(38%) and Pommard(12%). It was then aged in 100% new French oak 228L barrels for 26 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting note:
An intense nose of sweet fruits and savory nuance. Dried plums, sandalwood, kola nut, garrigue, black tea and blackberry compote. Swirling adds iron, chai spice and black cherry extract. The palate is medium bodied, filled with black fruits, spice and an intensely mineral driven finish. The tannins are ultra fine and carry this light in color but intense Pinot Noir to an incredibly long and complex finish.