Joel Gott Washington Red Blend

Appellation

Washington – Columbia Valley

Barrel

75% New American Oak
25% 2-Year-Old-American Oak

To craft a well-balanced red wine, we sourced fruit from the Horse Heaven Hills appellation within the larger Columbia Valley AVA. Known for its warm, dry climate and consistent breezes, Horse Heaven Hills provides ideal conditions for growing renowned red grapes. The warm and windy climate produces fruit with thick skins, enhancing the wine’s structure, tannins, and complexity, resulting in more concentrated flavors. The well-draining sandy loam soils encourage deep root systems, contributing to the overall balance and richness of the wine. Sourcing fruit from the larger Columbia Valley AVA allows us to craft an elegant, well-balanced blend.

Throughout the Columbia Valley, the 2023 growing season began with a cool spring, followed by a warm, temperate, and extended summer with no heatwaves. Exceptional fall temperatures allowed the fruit to reach optimal ripeness, with good concentration and well-balanced sugars and acidity. We harvested the fruit in mid-October during the evening and early morning to help preserve its varietal characteristics.

After fermentation, the wine was aged in 75% new French oak and 25% 2-year-old American oak to complement the flavors and tannins of the wine and soften the mid-palate.