“Complex layers of aroma and flavor. Black raspberry, forest floor, Allspice and velvet theater drapes from the nose. Wild mushroom, limestone, suede and earth engulfs the palate that is full, elegant and precise as a rare Swiss timepiece.”
The 2019 vintage was on the cooler side as it started slow with later-than-usual bud break and continued on to be fairly moderate throughout the year. Some vineyards had issues with an October freeze a bit earlier than usual, but our high-elevation vineyards have great air drainage which allows us to extend the growing season late into October without freeze. This yielded fantastic ripening and some awesome wines with incredible balance and character. Overall, we are excited about the wine produced in 2019, which has brought us more finesse, incredible flavors and lovely balance.
Varietal Breakdown: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Washington State
Vineyard(s): Golden West Vineyard (100%)
Production: 4.6 tons per acre | Native yeast | 30% whole cluster, 70% whole berry fermentation | 36 days
on skin | 30% new French oak barriques | 11 months barrel-aged on lees
Wine Analysis: 5.5 g/L titratable acidity | 3.84 pH | 13.5% alcohol | No residual sugar
“This is a toned and phenolic pinot with dried strawberry, chocolate and tile character. Earthy. Fullbodied, yet bright and vivid. Punchy and refined at the same time. Plenty going on at the finish. A new wine. Drink now or hold.”
“A new project by the team at K Vintners being headed up by Charles Smith and Brennon Leighton, Golden West will focus on Pinot Noir from cooler climate, higher elevation sites in the Columbia Valley. Classic Pinot Noir notes of black cherries, forest floor, autumn leaves, and spice all flow to a beautifully textured, medium-bodied, seamless wine that has present tannins, outstanding balance, and a great finish. It’s easily the best Pinot Noir I’ve tasted from Washington State. Talk about value.”
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