Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A fine expression of the special strengths of the DuBrul vineyard. The fruit is pure and juicy, a riot of blueberry, blackberry and cassis. There is a focused thread of fresh herb and as the nose expands the baking spices kick in beautifully. A wine to study and explore; it can continue to evolve for hours, if not days.
Cellar Selection -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Creative Impulse, a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot from the DuBrul Vineyard, was reviewed one year ago as a barrel sample. It was naturally fermented and aged in 60% new oak. Deep purple in color, it displays an expressive, already complex bouquet of sandalwood, truffle, earthy minerals, incense, violets, black currant, and blackberry. In the glass it reveals a silky texture, ample fine-grained tannins, impeccable balance, and a lengthy, pure finish.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
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.