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2001

The 2001 Nebbiolo is Wilridge’s fourth vintage of this grape varietal from Klipsun Vineyard. 2001 is the first vintage in which the wine was made entirely from the superior Lampeia clone. Over the years, the wine has become more like its counterparts from Northern Italy, expressing the same nose of violets and rose petals one finds in the best Barolos, Barbarescos, and Gattinaras (all of which are made from Nebbiolo grapes). Wilridge winemaker Paul Beveridge will showcase this wine at an international Nebbiolo symposium in Valtellina, Italy in 2004.

Vineyards: Wilridge obtains all of the Nebbiolo grown at the prestigious Klipsun Vineyards in the new Red Mountain Appellation of Washington State. Recently, Klipsun was named one of the top 25 vineyards in the world by Wine & Spirits magazine. Over the years, we have worked with vineyard manager Fred Artz to control the yields of this prolific vine through unique trellissing, irrigation limitations, strict pruning regimens, and extensive green harvesting. The 2001 Nebbiolo is the first to be made entirely with the superior Lampeia clone.

Winemaking: The grapes were picked on October 6 (rather early for this late ripening variety) at 25.3° brix, .81 TA and 3.32 pH. The grapes were hand harvested, delivered to the winery in a refrigerated truck, and hand sorted at the winery. The wine was aged for 15 months in 2 and 3 year old French oak barrels. 136 cases were bottled June 12, 2003.

Winemaker Comments: “Nebbiolo is the King of Italian red grapes but is relatively rare in the United States. In Italy, Nebbiolo is the vine behind the great Barolos and Barbarescos of the Piedmont region. Each year, my Nebbiolo comes closer and closer in style to its Italian counterparts, but with a distinctive Northwest fruitiness. I think my 2001 Nebbiolo is very similar to my 1999, which was awarded 91 points by the Wine Enthusiast magazine. Both wines have a deceivingly light color in relation to their flavor and tannin levels. Try my Nebbiolo with your favorite Italian foods, especially any dish with truffles."

Tasting Notes: Brick red in color. The aroma is classic Nebbiolo, with violets and rose petals in the nose. The wine is rich and flavorful, with robust tannins and hints of tar on the finish. The wine is enjoyable young for the delicious fruit aromas, but also has the stuffing to age for several years.

Status: Available

Elephant Mountain Vineyard is located high on a South-facing slope of the Yakima Valley beneath the mountain of the same name. The vines grow in a natural amphitheater that preserves the sun’s warmth and helps the grapes ripen fully. The 2001 Syrah is reminiscent of a Cote Rotie from the Rhone Valley, with intense, concentrated fruit flavors and smoky, rich aromas of ham or bacon. Wilridge commissioned French-born Seattle artist Isa D’Arleans to design a unique label for the new wine.

Winemaking: The grapes were picked on September 28 at 23.7° brix, .61 TA and 3.75 pH. The grapes were hand harvested, delivered to the winery in a refrigerated truck, and hand sorted at the winery. The wine was aged for 15 months in 2 and 3 year old French-oak barrels. 214 cases were bottled on June 12, 2003.

Winemaker Comments: “Syrah may be my favorite red grape and I have been looking for a good source from Washington State for several years. I think I found it at Elephant Mountain. The sun-baked slopes of the vineyard remind me of the Rhone Valley’s Cote Rotie, and the wine is similar to Cote Rotie in style – with a rich, almost smoky flavor. This wine tasted great within weeks of harvest and will only get better with time. Enjoy it with hearty winter fare such as stews and roasted meats."

Tasting Notes: Inky red, almost purple in color. The aroma is classic Syrah, with intense fruit and smoky notes reminiscent of bacon or ham. The wine is rich, flavorful, and concentrated. It could be cellared for at least ten years; but why wait when it tastes so good now?

Reviews: “Recommended” Wine Press Northwest

"Varietally expressive nose combines game, gunflint, licorice, pepper and smoky oak. Sweet and supple, with layered flavors of smoky red berries. At once creamy and peppery, in a Northern Rhone style. Finishes with firm but sweet tannins. Intriguing Washington State Syrah." -- Stephen Tanzer

Status: Limited Availablity

Winemaker Comments: “I only make a Mélange in years where I think there is more to the vintage than can be expressed solely by my single-vineyard bottlings. The 2001 Mélange represents a return to the roots of my original Mélange (1994) and consists of a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's intended as a food friendly wine to go with everything from grilled fish to a lean steak.”

Tasting Notes: Cherry red in color with medium body. The aroma is redolent of currents and raspberries. The wine exhibits good structure while also being eminently drinkable now or over the next three years.

Status: Available

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