In reviewing the 2013 vintage, it became clear to us that this years’ Père de Famille benefitted noticeably from what we describe as “The Tale of Two Vintages”. Following a warm growing season with an early start, the weather cooled down in mid September allowing additional hang time for our classic Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot (4% of the blend).The Merlot vineyards destined for Père de Famille enjoyed steady warm weather from bud break, through verasion, and into an early September harvest. They showed all the density, richness, and generosity one would expect from such a warm season, (the warmest since 2003) with extra dimensions of aromatic complexity that has come to exemplify the 2013 vintage.

Just as we finished picking the Merlot blocks, the weather cooled down. This cooling slowed down the ripening for Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot: the extra time on the vine brought complexity and character to both varieties. The cooler weather also preserved the vital acidity of the grape and freshness in the wines, while allowing the tannin to ripen further. The result is a wonderfully integrated mouth feel, layers of fruit, with tension and dramatic length.

The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (89%) gives the 2013 Père de Famille a vibrant, ruby-purple hue. The breadth of aromatics is exciting, expressed as red currant, blackberry blossom, crushed herbs, and leather, with creamy bay leaf, thyme and star anise notes. The palate is dense and penetrating, offers an elegant, vibrant structure, with a finish that reflects red fruits and spice. This vintage of Père de Famille is quite unique, with the readiness of a warm vintage, but the aromatics and aging ability of a cool growing season.

Blending Detail and Aging Profile

Blending Detail:

• 89% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 7% Merlot
• 4% Petit Verdot

Barrel Program:

• 100% New French Oak Barrels

Aging Profile:

• Serve cool, 60-62°F
• Drink: 2016- 2025+

AVA & Vineyard Detail:

• Columbia Valley 

Acclaim

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Barrel Sample: (92-94)
"More approachable than the 2012, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pére de Famille has a full-bodied, sexy, yet still focused and pure style to go with pretty and expressive notes of red plums, cassis, black raspberries, violets, graphite and spring flowers. It has a great finish and sweet tannin, and while it has plenty of fruit, I suspect it will firm up once in bottle and require short-term cellaring."