2019 IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
This is a classic Bordeaux blend that shows great palate depth coupled with a high level of finesse and elegance. The aromatics show blackcurrant, black plum, violets, iron, graphite, tar, and roasted herbs. The initial attack on the palate is penetrating as the wine gently unfolds seamlessly across the palate. One can find well delineated flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, huckleberry, violets, espresso, dark chocolate, forest floor, and cigar tobacco. The tannins have resolved into a silky profile with minimal grip. The refreshing acidity provides a high-toned lift on the long, vibrant finish. Properly cellared, the wine should reach a lovely phase of maturity in 9-11 years and provide excellent drinking for approximately 20+ years.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
The wine had a pre-fermentation maceration average of 133 hours and a post-fermentation maceration average of 121 hours. 100% Native fermentation. The wine was punched down by hand 3 times each day during macerations and fermentation. All individual wine components, including free run and press fractions, were kept separate until final blending. The oak profile is 60% new French oak puncheons (predominantly from Troncais and Alliers) and 40% neutral French oak. The wine achieved its sparkly brilliance from 3 judicious rackings, no fining agents were employed. The wine was very lightly filtered to capture any remaining lees. The alcohol is 13.9%, pH is 3.73, and the titratable acidity is 6.1g/L. Harvest dates: Various.
CASES PRODUCED 126
VARIETALS 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot
APPELLATION Kiona, DuBrul, Firethorn, Weinbau, Dionysus, PineBrake Vineyards, Columbia Valley
LABEL STORY
In 2009, we made our first in Order to form a more perfect Union. It was the third wine in three years that received a perfect rating from Rand Sealey (Review of Washington Wines). The wine is always a blend of 3-4 different varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot) and multiple vineyards (such as Dionysus, Bacchus, Weinbau, XL, Kiona, DuBrul, Wallula Gap, and Firethorn). Consistently, it ranks among our best wines.
Our father came to the United States in 1969. Our mother came in 1972. We followed in 1974 (ages 7 and 5). They made sacrifices in order to establish a life here. Our family story of sacrifice and hard work is special because it is uniquely ours. What makes it extraordinary is that our story is merely commonplace in the short history of the United States.
The wine, in Order to form a more perfect Union, honors our parents and the sacrifices they made and it honors the promise that is the United States.