2014 La Côte Patriarche- Large Format

  The story of La Côte Patriarche is intimately linked to the story of the Syrah grape in Washington. When Mike Sauer (Red Willow Vineyard) and David Lake (Columbia Winery) made the prescient choice to plant the State’s first Syrah vines at Red Willow in 1986, neither of them could have imagined the far-reaching impact of their decision. Washington produces some of the most profound Syrah in the world and approximately two-thirds of the state’s plantings trace their origins to this original block. We’ve been fortunate enough to use this original planting as the sole source of La Côte Patriarche since 2007.

Red Willow Vineyard’s location is unique, with no other vineyards nearby, down a lonely road in the far western reaches of the Yakima Valley. The Sauer family share a dedication to their craft that is clearly displayed in the quality of their grapes and the meticulous farming methods they employ. Over the past eight seasons, the character of this block has been remarkably consistent: blackest purple, brooding aromatics, and a vibrant, deep flavor profile. In 2014, the arrival of our first concrete tanks offered us the chance to experiment with a new fermentation vessel for La Côte Patriarche with the goal of adding new dimensions of texture and aromatic profile.

The 2014 La Côte Patriarche shows the wine’s hallmark traits: a deep black-magenta color, a palate of vibrant blue fruits, and subtle aromatic notes of thyme and lavender. For the second season in a row, 500-liter barrels were used to maintain fresh fruit character and lower oak influence. The new concrete fermentation vessels lend roundness to the blend and length to the finish. The result is a brooding and youthful La Côte Patriarche with superb structural integration and fine texture.