2022Reserve Cuvée
2022Reserve Cuvée
61% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec
This wine displays a dark, shadowy garnet hue. The nose unfolds with aromas of warm berry cobbler, rich kirsch, ripe black plum, delicate lavender, dark black fig, and the mineral coolness of wet graphite. The palate presents notes of cola, intense black cherry, volcanic rock minerality, crème de violette's floral sweetness, and the dry richness of cocoa bean. The mouthfeel is full-bodied, yet surprisingly buoyant, showcasing the vintage's characteristic density without heaviness. The finish lingers with sandalwood's exotic warmth, black currant intrigue, and the decadent richness of German chocolate cake.
12-15 days in stainless steel, spending a total of over 30 days on skins before being barreled down. Aged 21 months in 100% new French oak
15.1%
950
Now - 2040
Awards & Accolades
"A rich Merlot-based, Pomerol-inspired blend with 18% Cabernet Franc, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Malbec, the 2022 Reserve Cuvee is textured with a velvety grip. Brooding black cherry cola presents as deeply concentrated and full-bodied, accented in dried herb, tobacco, leaf, and leathery saddle. Grapes are sourced from 44% Red Mountain (Red Mountain Vineyard, Two of Us, Quintessence), 44% Royal Slope (Solaksen, Scarline), and 12% Horse Heaven Hills (Wallula Gap). The good bones show beautiful aging potential of 20-30 years."
98 points, Virginie Boone, jebdunnuck.com
"...The entry is powerful and compact, delivering layers of wild blueberry, elderberry compote, and mission fig, interwoven with iron, clove, and charred rosemary. Tannins are grippy but polished, giving structure to the wine’s muscular core. Hints of graphite, burnt orange peel, and baking spice add further complexity as the wine moves through a long, savory finish. Despite its depth and concentration, there’s clarity and drive - each element feels carved and purposeful. This is a bold, age-worthy red blend that rewards patience, and while already compelling, it will reveal far greater nuance with a few more years in bottle. Highly recommended."
97 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
"Its black fruit and graphite aromas head straight to the part of the brain that regulates pleasure, escorted by notes of cigar box, violets and bittersweet dark chocolate. Powerful tannins match with juicy acidity to back the wine's black cherry, orange zest, thyme, clove and cedar flavors. CELLAR SELECTION"
96 points, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast
"“The 2022 Reserve Cuvée is distinctly savory, with a bouquet of dried black cherries, blueberries, sweet herbs and a dusting of cocoa. Seductively round and pliant, velvety to the core, this possesses a cool-toned acidity and ripe red and black fruits that saturate toward the close. Serious yet sexy, the 2022 finishes with extreme length yet also poise, as fine-grained tannins drench the senses and hints of sage fade slowly. This is a beautifully balanced and complete blend of 61% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Malbec, which is refined in 100% new French oak for twenty-one months.”"
95 points, Eric Guido, Vinous
"The blends on the reserves are never formulaic, and change with each new vintage. Here it’s 61% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Malbec – a big change from the 50/40/10 blend of 2021. In the context of the big, dark, bold house style this veers slightly toward elegance, with scents of orange peel accenting a complex weave of cassis, coffee and charred cedar. Tannins are broad and astringent, and somewhat dampen the fruit through the finish. With plenty of aeration it opens up just fine."
95 points, Paul Gregutt, Northwest Wine Guide
"“Dark and inky in color, this shows bramble-berries, plums, toasted spices and hazelnuts with a touch of tar. Plush and broad-shouldered, it’s full and deep on the palate, with compact and velvety tannins that run evenly through the palate. Long finish. 61% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Malbec. Try after 2026.”"
94 points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
"The flagship blend features dark fruits and a forest character, with black mountain fruits. This is a Merlot-dominant blend, characterised by black plum and elegant spice on the palate. The Merlots were pulpy, which meant the juice-to-skin ratio was higher; it's fleshy, juicy, and big. Sourced from six sites, including three on Red Mountain, Royal Slope and the Wallula Gap, all playing a part."
94 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter
