This initial question raised by this vintage of Père de Famille is how this wine, with such a depth of color, texture and weight of the New World retains its aromatic complexity and balance of the Old World.  The answer isn’t precise, but is a reflection of a remarkable Columbia Valley vintage, plus small changes in maturation and the varietal concentration of the final blend.  Its inky purple color, muscular structure and plush texture all point to its New World origins.  But the
aromas of pure, layered black fruits, graphite, crushed rock and lavender (think St. Julien?) lead me back to the Old World. 

The 2012 Père de Famille has the highest level (90%) of Cabernet Sauvignon that we’ve ever used in this wine.  Add to that the high concentration of Red Mountain grapes (84%), deep and structured, and it yields a wine as generous as any Cabernet we’ve made.  It showed such density in barrel that we added three months barrel aging to resolve the tannins and body.  It’s weighty and yet balanced, fleshy yet fine grained, powerful yet polished.  And unabashedly
Cabernet Sauvignon, with its black currants, anise/thyme, savory mouth feel and dusty finish.  Its dimension and
precision indicate long aging ability, but you might be
tempted far earlier.

Blending Detail and Aging Profile

Blending Detail:

• 90% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 6% Merlot
• 4% Petit Verdot

Barrel Program:

• 100% French oak barrels
• 65% new oak
• 35% one fill (one year neutralized oak), for 16 months

Aging Profile:

• Best from 2025- 2050

  Serve cool, 60-62°F

AVA & Vineyard Detail:

85% Red Mountain

Acclaim

Wine Enthusiast: 95pts 

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 93-95pts (barrel tasting)

More Cabernet dominated, the 2012 Pere de Famille incorporates 6% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. This knockout effort has masculine, earthy notes of black currants; smoke, graphite, crushed rock and dusty soil to go with a full-bodied, powerful and focused feel on the palate. -Jeb Dunnuck