B. Leighton Gratitude 2018
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Blend: 70% Mourvédre, 25% Grenache, 5% Syrah (co-fermented)
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Checking in as 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, and the balance Syrah, the 2018 Gratitude Olsen Brothers Vineyard has a beautiful, incredibly perfumed nose of ripe red fruits (strawberries, framboise, currants) as well as loads of spice, sandalwood, herbes de Provence, and white pepper. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it brings plenty of richness yet is a more elegant, ethereal expression of Mourvèdre offering polished tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length. I'd be thrilled to drink a bottle. It should evolve for 10-12 years with no issues.
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James Suckling
Delicious GSM blend with plenty of blackberry, walnut, black-pepper and light licorice character. Medium body, creamy tannins and a juicy finish. So delicious to drink. 70% mourvedre, 25% grenache and 5% syrah. Drink now.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache and 5% Syrah, the 2018 Gratitude Olsen Brothers Vineyard is instantly impressive in the glass with high-toned, red fruit aromas that waft with a spiced, floral essence. It offers elements of sweet red peppercorn, succulent red cherries, plum blossom and cinnamon alongside roasted herbs and sakura. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is nimble, complex and delightfully structured, with energetic acidity and balanced, succulent tannins. The wine concludes with a long, lingering and ever-evolving finish that somersaults with persistence across the aftertaste. The grapes were co-fermented using native yeast, and the wine rested for 20 months on the lees in neutral French oak puncheons. Only 7,644 bottles were made. I’m going back for another sip. Bravo; it’s absolutely delightful. Rating : 93+
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Brennon Leighton is the Director of Winemaking and Viticulture at Charles Smith Wines where he oversees all viticulture, vineyard relations and winemaking for all Charles Smith brands, including K Vintners, Charles Smith Wines, ViNO, SIXTO, Wines of Substance and Casa Smith. Considered to be one of the best winemakers in the state of Washington by wine critics and connoisseurs alike, Leighton has nearly 20 years of experience in winemaking and viticulture.
Leighton grew up in Santa Cruz, California and moved to Seattle when he was a 21-year-old punk rocker, who exclusively drank cheap beer and whiskey. He was first introduced to wine while employed at a high-end restaurant and decided, at the age of 25, to go to college and earn a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California at Davis.
Prior to working at Charles Smith Wines, Leighton worked in vineyards in California, eventually returning to Seattle to work for Chateau Ste. Michelle and later as Head Winemaker for Efeste. After first meeting in the early 1990s, Leighton and Charles Smith reconnected, and Smith hired Leighton as a consultant to help with his well-known wine, Kung Fu Girl Riesling. Two years later, in 2012, Charles Smith hired Leighton as the winery’s full-time Winemaker, and partner in his new Chardonnay project – SIXTO. Leighton’s thoughtful, kind, and intense passion for wine made him perfect for the job. In 2014, Leighton was promoted to Director of Winemaking and Viticulture where he now manages all vineyards and winemaking teams.
In 2012, Leighton created B. Leighton Wines to showcase the world-class terroir of Washington State. B. Leighton Wines are authentic, classic and alive. The wines have received 90+ points by wine critics such as Wine Spectator and Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, who most recently noted, “If you haven’t heard of Brennon Leighton, now’s a good time to fix that!”
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
As the first recognized wine-growing region in the Pacific Northwest, Yakima Valley is centrally located within Washington’s vast Columbia Valley. The region also includes Washington’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, Otis Vineyard, planted in 1957, and Harrison Hill Vineyard, planted in 1963. Yakima Valley contains three smaller sub-regions: Rattlesnake Hills, Red Mountain, and Snipes Mountain and is ideal for both red and white wine production. In fact, Yakima Valley is Washington’s most diverse region, boasting more than 40 different grape varieties over about one hundred miles.
The cooler parts of the valley are home to almost half of the Chardonnay and Riesling produced in the state! Both are made in a wide range of styles depending on the conditions of the vineyard site.
But its warmer locations yield a large proportion of Washington’s best Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The finest Yakima Valley reds are jam-packed full of red cherry, currant, raspberry or blackberry fruit, as well as cocoa, herb, spice and savory notes, and exhibit a supple texture, great body, focus and length.