We welcome the 2021 and 2022 vintage releases.
In 2021 the weather was warm with record heat that challenged our growers in many ways but in the end the results are incredible. This vintage show very distinct profiles highlighted by concentrated fruit and flavors that I find quite thrilling.
In 2022 we had a completely different animal. The weather started out cool and warmed up a bit in the summer but then cooled significantly in late August and September. A warm Indian summer in October helped bring home a perfectly ripe vintage with balance and freshness. The wines are beautiful.
Right Blend
The Right Blend is my ode to the Right Bank of Bordeaux where Merlot is the dominant grape with Cabernet Franc typically playing a supporting role and bringing depth and spice to Merlot’s plush fruit. As one of my flagship wines I put a lot of love and attention into this wine every vintage. It is always Merlot forward with varying percentages of Cabernet Franc and on rare occasions some Cabernet Sauvignon and or Petit Verdot.
Left Blend
The Left Blend is my ode to the Left Bank of Bordeaux where Cabernet Sauvignon is king and Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and occasionally Malbec playing supporting roles and bringing depth and depth and complexity. As one of my flagship wines I put a lot of love and attention into this wine every vintage. It is always Cabernet Sauvignon dominant with varying percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This wine ages very well and the first vintage – 2009 – is just starting to peak in 2025.
Ciel de Cheval
Ciel de Cheval vineyard is one of the founding wineries on Red Mountain and the Holmes family has managed this vineyard for generations to become one of the best known and most acclaimed on the mountain. The fruit from this vineyard is always a key component of my flagship wines but on occasion I need to highlight the vineyard expression itself and so I make this wine to show off just how great this site is. It is always considered one of my best wines.
I source from this vineyard:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
This wine typically contains all three varietals.
Sauvignon Blanc
Artz vineyard Sauvignon Blanc has been a staple of my offerings from the beginning in 2008. My rows are on the edge of Red Mountain overlooking the Yakima river and this gives them a cooler site in a hotter region to grow in. These grapes are always the earliest harvested and sometimes the first harvest in the entire state.
I call this “summer sunshine in a glass” because of it’s fresh bright notes and complexity. It pairs nicely with food or a hot summer evening on the back porch.
96 Cedars®Red Wine
This wine is always a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot to which we started adding a touch of Malbec for added spice and complexity in 2018.
The wine is made for earlier enjoyment and I call it my “Tuesday night” wine because we all need a good bottle for the middle of the week 🙂
Auclair Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
Heart of the Hill vineyard is starting to become well known and for good reason. Scott Williams of Kiona, farms this vineyard. I’ve gotten Cabernet Sauvignon from this site since 2012 and made this wine most years. It is always age worthy and stands the test of time quite well. Occasionally I may add a touch of Petit Verdot from the same vineyard for added interest.
Auclair Artz Vineyard Syrah
Only made in 2 vintages – 2018 and 2019. My foray into Rhone varietals. Both wines were/are fantastic but my love is Bordeaux
Auclair Cabernet Franc
Once in a blue moon the Cabernet Franc demands its own wine. I’ve only made this wine twice so far – 2013 and 2019. It’s fantastic. Seek it out.
The Old Vines Series
We have been searching Red Mountain to discover hidden gems and are now working with the oldest blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot on the mountain. Old vines are the wise and experienced vines. They have seen it all and now know it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality and the grapes show it. There is just another level that these older vines reach once they’ve reached 40 years old. In Bordeaux, the first growth chateaus don’t use any vines younger than 40 to make their top wines. These wines are always limited production and the very best I make.
Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon
Kiona Vineyard Original plantings from 1975/76
This is Cabernet Sauvignon in all it’s elegant glory. Rich, layered, complex but not at all in your face screaming for attention. Instead it invites you in to seduce your palate with its beauty and charm. You will find the glass empty and wonder how that happened and remember the experience long after it’s gone.
Old Vine Merlot
Kiona Vineyard Original plantings from 1975/76
Merlot that will leave you wondering why you ever loved any other grape. The structure, complexity and shear joy in drinking this wine will convert you to Merlot if you don’t already love this noble grape. My first wine in 2008 was a Merlot and I’ve loved it for years. This wine takes it to the next level.
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