Christie Kiley on April 14, 2014 0 Comments Quick Characteristics Winery: àMaurice Cellars Location: Walla Walla, WA Vintage: 2010 ABV: 14.5% Production: 578 cases Aging: 24 months in French oak (40% new) Filtration: Unfiltered/Unfined Harvest Date: 2010 – October Bottling Date: 2012 – August There is something about wine, the world of it, not just the product itself that I cannot get enough of. Every once in a while I will visit with someone, sometimes a customer, sometimes a person who has just been to a wine tasting of mine and they throw out some comment like, “I can’t imagine just deciding to study wine for the rest of my life.” Sometimes I am taken aback by such commentary and I usually just put on a straight face with a hint of a smile and reply, “Well, you’ve decided to study law (or medicine, whatever their profession) for the rest of yours… for me wine holds much of a similar degree of passion(so on and so forth…).” That usually knocks them off their [high] horse, so to speak. The thing is, why do I have to defend what I have chosen for my profession? Perhaps my livelihood does not follow in any way a ‘traditional’ path, however, it is important to me. I have to add, I probably have a lot more fun too. It is something I am passionate about and something I want to share with whoever wants to listen. Varietals Blend Cabernet Sauvignon: 46% Merlot: 31% Cabernet Franc: 23% Want to have a conversation about wine? Sure! Let’s meet for a glass. Wine, and all that encompasses the world of wine, is vast. It has depth and layers. That among so many aspects is why it is so special and worth a life’s study. These might be among the words of the winemaker (as well as some of my own) from àMaurice Cellars of the Columbia Valley in Washington. Located in a smaller valley of Mill Creek, the vines of àMaurice sit comfortably and may I say, beautifully on a southwest slope in loamy, silt soils which provide for ideal drainage. Most places will boast about their soils and unique landscape, but the Mill Creek valley really does have something special. This silt, referred to as loess, was carried by the easterly winds many a thousand year ago. The vines sit and grow in about ten feet of it. While the drainage is ideal, this type of soil allows for the rains in the winter to filter deeply. The water will sit just close enough to the surface to provide the wines with enough water supply to keep the bud break going and aid in vine growth into the early summer. Sitting at 1,450 feet above sea level the vines are just high enough to avoid any late frost damage. The valley is warmed gently with the rising sun and the lighter air will rise up to Mill Creek with cooler temperatures. This effect along with sustainable growing practices throughout the growing season makes for well-rounded fruit and fruit which will mature slowly and gradually which in turn allows for the making of well-rounded wines with character, balance and as you will see for yourself a touch of classy elegance. This wine is gorgeous and well worth planning a special occasion for among friends. The 2010 Columbia Valley Red Blend “Graves” is a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon with 31% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc. The fruit was hand-picked and fermented and pressed in whole clusters. Following fermentation, it was sent to rest in 100% French oak for 24 months. 2014 is a perfect year to enjoy this wine, though it could easily go another two years. Currently it is showing brilliant colors of ruby and pomegranate with some more earthy reflections. The aroma and perfume is intense and complex: crisp fried sage leaves, dried rose petals, tobacco, licorice and French toast. The flavors have equal depth with flavors of juicy ripe berries that make your mouth water with a nuance of masculinity of cassis and a robust finish of tart cherries and milk chocolate. By all means, do enjoy! More Wine Reviews: Las Perdices 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon from Viña Cobos 2009 Gundlach Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon Fattoria Poggerino Chianti Classico 2010
