The first vintage of Ancora Imparo was produced in 2018, when John was experimenting with fermenting and aging grenache in a clay amphora vessel. He wanted to name the resulting wine, “My Experiment”. (Peggy vetoed that name thinking it might scare folks off.) Fortunately, John came across a famous Michelangelo quote from when the artist was 87 years old. When asked how he continued to improve upon his craft, Michelangelo’s answer was, “Ancora Imparo”, an Italian phrase loosely translated to “Yet I Learn”. John is busy preparing for his 27th harvest, and lives by this motto. The 2022 vintage is 100% Grenache. 80% was fermented and aged in French oak (50% new and 50% once used), the remaining 20% of the wine was fermented and aged in a clay amphora. This Ancora Imparo showcases an explosion of luscious marionberry and ripe raspberry flavors and aromas that linger throughout the palate and finish with just a hint of minerality. Yumm!

John always knows he is on the right track with our Bramble Bump Red blend when Peggy tastes it early-on and tells him that it is as good as our Founders Reserve. Our 2021 BBR features Carménère from both Seven Hills Vineyard and our estate vineyard, Margaret's Vineyard. John and the winemaking team strove to make a wine that is rich, smooth and delicious that can be enjoyed right away (it will age nicely, but drink up and we think you will see why). This wine is considered Columbia Valley AVA because the grapes come from several sub apellations including Walla Walla, The Royal Slope, and Yakima Valley. The flavors are representative of the name of the wine; Brambly, dark fruit and a beautiful hint of black pepper from the Carménère. Enjoy!

A quintessential Rhône Blend, the 2022 Thirty-Six Degree is driven by Grenache. The wine is a beautiful reflection of its dramatic growing site, perched on a thirty-six degree slope at the top of Red Mountain. Aromas of raspberry and cherry delight the senses. On the palate, the red berry expression is balanced with structure and an earthy minerality characteristic of fruit grown on this rugged and rocky site. Syrah and Mourvèdre lend depth and hints of spice and pepper. Well integrated tannins create an appealing finish making this a lovely red wine to enjoy on its own- while also pairing so well with a variety of dishes. Try it alongside a hearty vegetable stew, potato gratin, or roasted pork loin.

Carmenérè is a unique grape, originating in Bordeaux, but found mostly in Chile these days. We planted our Carmenérè in Margaret’s Vineyard in 2007, but John’s first vintage of Carmenérè was 2007, sourced from Seven Hills Vineyard. Our 2022 Carmenérè includes Margaret’s Vineyard Carmenérè , and Seven Hills Carmenérè from the same block we picked from in 2007. The 2022 vintage of this wine has the rich dark pepper character unique to the Carmenérè grape. Aged for eighteen months in 60% new French oak, this wine drinks beautifully now but should age well for 10+ years. Enjoy!

The 2022 Cabernet Franc showcases the very best of the two blocks of Cabernet Franc grown on Margaret’s Vineyard. Margaret’s Vineyard fruit is sustainably grown and meticulously managed and that is reflected in the quality of wines produced. The 2022 Margaret’s Cabernet Franc possesses the hallmark attributes of a classic Bordeaux style, single varietal Cab Franc. We think you’ll be wow’d by the rich raspberry and pomegranate aromas and flavors, subtle green pepper and flint on the nose and finish, and tannins that evolve throughout the wine. Enjoy this very special wine!