Cold Creek
Cold Creek Vineyard is located in central Washington, east of Yakima and south of the Columbia River and Wahluke Slope. The site was originally planted in 1973 on a gentle south-facing slope which enjoys one of the longest and warmest growing seasons in the Columbia Valley appellation. Cold Creek is an ideal site for growing grapes, from the 30-year-old stressed vines planted in light, silty, well-draining soils to the long, hot days and cool nights during the growing season. With roughly five inches of annual rainfall at the site, the fruit from these tough vines have the power and concentration that only comes with age. The old vines naturally produce low yields and small berries, which creates bold wines with intense flavors.
Canoe Ridge is located on the ridgeline high above the Columbia River Gorge at the south end of the Columbia Valley appellation. This distinctive microclimate is ideally suited for growing Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Being situated on a wide expanse of the Columbia River, temperatures are more moderate here in the summer and winter than other parts of the Columbia Valley appellation. The sandy loam soils on Canoe Ridge range in depth from 18 inches to five feet, which allow vine roots to drill deep for nutrients while providing excellent drainage.
This hillside vineyard was planted in 2002 by Gary and Chris Figgins, Owner/Winemakers of the Walla Walla Valley’s oldest, continually operating winery—and arguably one of the state’s most renowned—Leonetti Cellar. Located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, this 27-acre site is sustainably farmed and VINEA* certified. There is just two acres of the vineyard planted in Syrah, and we work closely with the vineyard team to grow grapes that will produce an elegant, Northern Rhône-style Syrah.
The Syrah is planted on its own rootstock in Walla Walla silt loam soil, with effective rooting depth in excess of 12 feet. The rows are placed on a 30 degree northeast-southwest orientation to balance morning and afternoon ripening. All fruit from this vineyard is hand picked and cropped at low levels of less than three tons per acre. Along with the Syrah, we also receive a small amount of Viognier, which is co-fermented to add a crisp floral component and enhance color extraction.
Located in the Cottonwood Glen area of the eastern edge of the Walla Walla Valley, nearly on top of the Oregon state line, Pepper Bridge Vineyard was planted in 1991 by Norm McKibben. Beginning with just 10 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this vineyard has grown to over 190 acres and includes numerous other varietals. The soils are deep silt and loam, and the vines are planted on elevated terrace islands formed by ancient slackwater drainage from the Walla Walla River at about 900 feet elevation.
These islands sit above the valley floor which maximizes air drainage. Vertical shoot positioning of the vines maximizes sun exposure. The vineyard utilizes drip irrigation, with season long moisture monitoring to maximize fruit quality and vine health. Wines made from Pepper Bridge Vineyard have distinct characteristics, such as earthiness, black pepper, notes of eucalyptus and intriguing floral components. Pepper Bridge Vineyard is also sustainably farmed and VINEA certified.* Always a late ripening site, we can count on this vineyard year after year for its balance and classic Walla Walla profile, evident in both the aromatics and palate.
We currently source Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from this vineyard.
This 240 acre vineyard is located in the Yakima Valley appellation just outside of Prosser, and was originally planted in 1990 for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Minick is a cooler site than what we find in the Walla Walla Valley. However, the arid microclimate and soil diversity (wind blown and sandy loam soils) produces extremely aromatic Syrah, which finds its way into our Columbia Valley blend. Wine made from this vineyard is easily identified by bold, old world gaminess, with a hint of orange peel in the nose. These recognizable aromatics combine with naturally high acid levels to enable us to produce classic Syrah.
Located just four miles west of Milton-Freewater on the edge of the Walla Walla Valley AVA you’ll find Seven Hills Vineyard. The original plantings date back to 1981 and have expanded to over 200 acres of premium wine grapes used by the top wineries in the state and valley. The soils are silt loam, which is a wind-blown glacial loess that is geologically young and full of minerals. The vineyard reaches 1200 feet in elevation, making it one of the higher vineyards in the valley which helps protect it against the occasional hard winter freeze. The vineyard is sustainably farmed and VINEA certified, and its wines exude both power and finesse. Hallmark aromatics include wild herbs and subtle hint of minerals.
In the fall of 2006 we acquired 27 acres at the very top of the ridgeline above the existing Seven Hills Vineyard. At just over 1,300 feet, the elevation provides the most amazing views of the entire Valley, and also minimizes the risk of winter freeze damage.
Waliser Vineyard is an estate property of Beresan Winery. Owner Tom Waliser is a well-respected grower, winery owner and vineyard consultant in the Walla Walla Valley (he also manages Pepper Bridge Vineyard).Waliser Vineyard was established in 1997 “in the rocks,” of the southern most region of the Walla Walla Valley appellation. Located on an ancient bed of the Walla Walla River, the soils are a mixture of cobblestone, silt and sand. At an elevation of 950 feet and 3% northern slope, the vineyard receives annual rainfall of just 10-12 inches. The vineyard uses a dual system of drip and sprinkler irrigation to optimize the seasonal needs of the vines.
We partner with Waliser Vineyard for Cabernet Franc used in our Bordeaux-blend, Interlude. Cabernet Franc contributes to the early approachability of our blend, offering earthy aromatics, a delightfully fruit-full flavor profile and a silky mouth feel.