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750 ml Columbia Valley - Washington, USA Item No.: 2885 $30.00		Save 10%

ABOUT THE WINE

2006 Byzance
Southern Rhone-Style Red Blend

The 2006 Byzance blend is the third vintage to contain three of the major grapes found in the Southern Rhone Valley of France.  The Mourvedre grape a relative newcomer to Washington vineyards brings a certain rustic character to the wine, making it more reminiscent of a Chateauneuf du Pape.  Deep garnet in color, the aroma brings you onto a sun baked hillside surrounded by scents of dried cherries, rose petals, bay leaf, white pepper and clove spice. Balanced for food and age-ability, the wine has dark fruit and spice flavors which linger on the palate.

Outlook Vineyards                       Grenache   25%  Yakima Valley
Lonesome Springs Vineyards    Grenache  15%  Yakima Valley
Stone Tree Vineyards                  Grenache   8%  Wahluke Slope
Ciel du Cheval Vineyards          Grenache   8%  Red Mountain
Elerding Vineyards                      Grenache   5%  Yakima Valley
  Total  Grenache  61%  

Stone Tree Vineyard                  Syrah   13%  Wahluke Slope
Outlook Vineyard                       Syrah    8%  Yakima Valley
  Total  Syrah   21%

Stone Tree Vineyard                  Mourvedre  18%  Wahluke Slope

Analysis at Harvest   Dates: Sept 14 - Oct-19 2006   
Average Brix  24.8  
Average TA      0.53%
Average pH     3.71   

Analysis at Bottling  Date: August 2008
Residual Sugar   0.2%
TA                    0.60%
pH                     3.63
     Alcohol 14.2%

Case Production: 940 cases
Release Date: May 2009

Brian D. Carter
Winemaker

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Dark ruby-colored, the nose delivers pepper, sage, underbrush, black cherry and blueberry.  Lush on the palate, the fruit is succulent and there are already hints of complexity.  Well balanced and lenghty, it should evolve for another 1-2 years and drink well for a decade.