The 2015 vintage was one of the warmest growing seasons on record in Washington state. Warm temperatures continued through the spring and summer, moderating slightly into fall and extending an early harvest. Overall, 2015 saw optimal ripening across varieties and yielded outstanding wines throughout the region.

More than half of the fruit came from our Cold Creek Vineyard, one of the oldest and warmest sites in Washington. Planted in 1972, the low yielding old vines of Cold Creek Vineyard produce small clusters and small berries, resulting in intense varietal flavors and deep color. The balance of the fruit came from vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.

Ripe grapes were destemmed and sorted with a cutting-edge grape receiving and sorting system designed to gently remove green material from the grapes, allowing for pure fruit expression and soft mouthfeel. The juice was inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity. Each fermentation lot is tasted daily to evaluate the evolution of the tannins, modify extraction techniques and find the right moment to drain the wine off of its skins.

We craft our Ethos Reserve Cabernet to showcase the power and richness of Washington fruit combined with Old World elegance. Our 45-year-old Cold Creek Vineyard makes up more than half of the blend and provides the wine’s power and structure. This is the most complex of our Cabernets and offers layers of ripe blueberry fruit with silky tannins. Pair with prime rib, bleu cheese, recipes with rosemary and thyme, or chocolate desserts.