Mission Codename Hitmaker
Washington is the next frontier for most impressive reds of all kind, with a momentous reputation for Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah. Of all the winemakers that were instrumental in building this status, Charles Smith is one of the top names with many “cult” wines under his belt with massive 98-100 point reviews. He is, by definition, a hitmaker. Literally, as he managed rock bands prior to rocking the wine world with his whimsically artful labels and bold wines within. “One thing I brought with me from the Rock and Roll days was my attitude” he says, and what better grape than Columbia Valley grown Primitivo, aka. Zinfandel, to showcase that with!
This scrumptious red is faded ruby with a translucent brick-orange luminosity, easy and pleasing on the eyes. The redolent nose if jam-packed with boysenberry preserve, plum, dusty bramble, sandalwood, and nutmeg. Suave and sexy on the palate, with exploding blueberry, licorice, spice, rosemary, and vanilla flavors. Straightforward, while hedonistic, it’s lush with outstanding texture on the long finish. Delicious as a meal on its own, thanks to this Primitivo summer grilling just got more fun, from apple sausages to corn on the cob to peppers.
Primitivo is what Zinfandel was called before it snuck into Italian emigrant Missionaries’ sacks as cuttings and made its way to the Americas. Primitivo gets its name from the monks who tended this varietal, as they noticed it was one of the first to ripen amongst their vines. Known for its rich and vibrant color, aromas and flavors of zesty cherry and spice, Primitivo is best enjoyed young, however, this wine can and does improve with cellaring as well. There is a “catch” with these incredible values crafted by Rockstar Winemaker Charles Smith, which is availability. They are there the minute you look but gone the next, production is small, demand is huge. We’re lucky to be able to offer this secured allocation to you, while it lasts.
Here’s what the wine press has to say.
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast - “Coming from a vineyard that is increasingly establishing its prominence, fruit-forward aromas of plum, boysenberry, dried herb, spice, and moist earth are followed by saturated sumptuous blue and red-fruit flavors. It’s undeniable in its appeal at a price that can’t be beat.”
90 Points - Wine Advocate - “Coming from a notable vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, the 2015 Primitivo Northridge Vineyard is another downright irresistible red from this label. Offering up loads of ripe, jammy berry fruits, flowers, spice and hints of incense, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, no hard edges, lots of sweet fruit and a weightless, elegant and gulpable texture. This beauty has class and is well worth drinking!”
What the Winery Says
2015 'Casa Smith' Porcospino Northridge Vineyard Wahluke Slope Primitivo
- Winemaker
- Charles Smith
- Varietals
- 100% Primitivo (Zinfandel)
- Vintage
- 2015
- Appellation
- Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington
- Yield
- 3.9 tons/acre
- Fermentation
- 100% whole berry, 37 days on skins
- Total Acidity
- 4.8 g/L
- pH
- 3.83
- Alcohol
- 15%
- Aging:
- 18 months in 50% new French oak