2021 ALLEROMB – LA GRAN FLOR

82% Malbec from 100% Sunset Bench Vineyard

12% Merlot from 100% Boushey Vineyard

6% Cabernet Sauvignon from  100% Ranch at The End of The Road Vineyard

Red Mountain AVA, Washington

Harvest Dates - 9/13/2021 - 9/20/2021

Fermentation: 100% in concrete tanks. Aging: 28 months in 100% New French oak 265L.

Vintage:

In 2021 we saw an early bud break due to a dry winter and warm start to spring. We had cold nights early in the season that threatened frost damage across the Columbia Valley but warm to hot early season growing conditions led to a smaller crop than usual. There was tremendous heat in late June with temperatures peaking in the range of 110-118 degrees Fahrenheit and continuing for nearly 3 weeks. Yields were low and in the case of Sauvignon Blanc quality was high due to a beneficial cooling later in August and into the early fall. Color overall on reds was significantly less than the previous decade but Washington typically has an abundance of anthocyanin so wines will still be well colored but less so than previous and post vintages.

Wine:

The 2021 La Gran Flor is predominantly from Red Mountain, showing the ripeness of the AVA with the aromatics and elegance the La Gran Flor is known for. Sunset Bench sits high on the hill just below Taptiel, overlooking most of west Red Mountain. The small amount of Cabernet is from Ranch just up the hill and a new addition in Merlot came from the Boushey vineyard in the Yakima Valley, adding raspberry and juiciness to the fore-palate.

Tasting notes:

Intense notes of blackberry, black currant, boysenberry, spring flowers, singed vanilla bean and fig paste. Swirling adds sweetness and depth with raspberry ganache and light barrel spices. The palate is silky and vibrant, with complex and juicy black fruits, leading the way to a spice filled and chalky finish.