Barnard Griffin Rob’s Red Blend 2021, Washington

2021 was a hot one. “We relied upon the knowledge and hard work of our growers to keep the grapes alive through this unprecedented heat. Water regimens had to be locked in and canopies situated so that the grapes had a modicum of relief from the blazing sun. Once we made it through summer, heat moderated, and things were fairly straightforward through the end of harvest. The intense heat contributed to smaller, more concentrated berries with less tonnage to go around – which in the end will make for some truly interesting, small lot wines. Reds will have a dense color and concentration. This is a blend of 36% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Pumpovers 2 times daily; pressed at 103% sugar; peak fermentation temperature 85 degrees. Aged 14+ months in barrel using European upright oak tanks. Tasting notes: On the palate, rich black cherry and plum fruit leads the parade followed by a solid core of mouth coating dark berry flavors. A wonderful underpinning of mocha, toasted oak and vanilla notes complements the youthful, full-bodied texture of this delicious red blend.