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Lot 1 : Barrel Series #3 – Northstar & WSU
2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyards: Dionysus, Bacchus
AVA: Columbia Valley
Winemakers: David "Merf" Merfeld, Joel Wright
Alcohol %: 14.2
Release Date: May 2023
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 100% French Oak for 18 months
- Winemaker David "Merf" Merfeld Northstar Winery worked closely with WSU Viticulture & Enology Program students to create this blend through science and art. This wine is produced exclusively in this vintage for the Private Barrel Auction using thoughtful selection of the finest blocks from Dionysus Vineyard and Bacchus Vineyards. These blocks face a warm western sun on the riverside slope, producing many “reserve quality” wines by many producers. A one-of-a-kind wine created for the 2022 Private Barrel Auction.
- Bright red fruit on the nose, very aromatic, raspberry, cherry, cherry jolly rancher, lush smooth elegant, balanced, hit of all spice, nice integration of toasted oak
Lot 2 : Two Vintners
2020 | Alice Merlot
Vineyards: Pollard, Discovery and Dineen Vineyards
AVA: Columbia Valley
Winemaker: Morgan Lee
Alcohol %: 14.7
Release Date: Winter 2022
- 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 100% French oak, 70% new
- As a proponent of Washington Merlot, winemaker Morgan Lee has taken advantage of this platform to create an elevated world class merlot. First introduced in our 2021 Private Barrel Auction, Alice is a wine to convert even the most loyal cabernet drinker to merlot
- Sourced from exceptional vineyards and keep separate during aging this wine is hand selected from the best barrels. Aromas of perfectly ripe crushed mixed berries, hints of thyme and bay. Supple, harmonic and palate coating with perfectly integrated tannins.
Lot 3 : Novelty Hill
2020 | Super Tuscan
Vineyards: Stillwater Creek, Quintessence
AVA: Columbia Valley
Winemakers: Scott Moeller, Andrew Januik, Mike Januik
Alcohol %: 14.4
Release Date: January 2023
- 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
- A classically styled Super Tuscan using 85% French oak and 15% American.
- Delicious spice and acid with a lifted palate coming from the Sangiovese that leads into a substantial mid-palate and finish, emblematic of Red Mountain cabernet sauvignon.
Lot 4 : Betz Family Winery
2021 | Luck of the Draw Syrah
Vineyard: Ancient Stones
AVA: The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
Winemaker: Louis Skinner
Alcohol %: 14
Release Date: December 2023
- 100% Syrah
- A distinctive Syrah site, Ancient Stones Vineyard was purchased by Betz Family Winery in 2015. This “Luck of the Draw” Syrah is a co-fermentation of three clones, Joseph Phelps, 470 and Estrella from three different parcels
- One month of whole cluster fermentation and then aged in 500 liter Francois Freres.
- A rich palate offers dark fruits; think plums, blackberries and blueberries.
But what sets this wine apart from others in our cellar is the breadth of “non-fruit” aromas. Lavender, black olive and sage show up in both the aromas and flavors.
The finish is all about savory spice with flavors green tea, hoisin sauce and cured meats.
Lot 5 : Dusted Valley
2021 | Auster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Auster Estate
AVA: Walla Walla Valley
Winemakers: Chad Johnson, Corey Braunel
Alcohol %: 14.7
Release Date: October 2023
- 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec
- An ultra exclusive release, this 2021 “Aster” Cabernet is named after the Roman God of the south wind and is grown on the Southern edge of the Walla Walla Valley at high elevation. A diversity of soil types within the vineyard creates an exceptional Cabernet that is redefining Walla Walla Cabernet.
Lot 6 : Matthews Winery
2021 | Bacchus Vineyard Estate Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyard: Bacchus
AVA: White Bluffs
Winemakers: Alex Stewart, Jesse Schmidt, Hal Iverson
Alcohol %: 14.7
Release Date: Fall 2022
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- The first wines to be released by the new winemaking team from 50 year old vines in the newly appointed White Bluffs AVA.
- Complex, intense, and focused, this expression of Sauvignon Blanc is unrestrained, a true exhibition of Washington on display. 10 months in barrel with frequent lees stirring to elegantly package the fruit with hefty body and structure. This singular example crafted for the Auction of Washington Wine Private Barrel Auction expresses both richness in texture, ripe citrus and tropical fruit, yet balanced with brightness and minerality. The precision and depth of this wine can only be accomplished through vine age and distinct terroir.
- Fermented in a 600L French Oak barrel for 10 months
Lot 7 : Canvasback Winery
2020 | Estate Longwinds Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Estate Longwinds
AVA: Red Mountain
Winemaker: Brian Rudin
Alcohol %: 14.5
Release Date: Summer 2022
- 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot
- 100% French Oak
- Longwinds vineyard has a southwest facing aspect, deep sandy loam soils and an extended growing season, planted in 2014 on a Red Mountain site that had never been farmed, so no residual herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers in these virgin soils.
- A beautiful example of what Red Mountain can produce, opulent and precise red fruits, redolent of ripe strawberry, bing cherry, damson plum and maraschino. Accented with intriguing notes of sagebrush and bay leaf, the bouquet lifts readily from the glass. On the palate, juicy red fruits repeat, with depth of flavor and extraordinary finesse.
Lot 8 : L’Ecole № 41 Winery
2021 | Block Selection Blend
Vineyard: Estate Seven Hills Vineyard
AVA: Walla Walla Valley
Winemakers: Marcus Rafanelli and Marty Clubb
Alcohol %: 14.5
Release Date: May 2023
- 75% Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Block 6 Merlot
- French oak
- This unique Seven Hills Block Selection Blend reveals a Cabernet-driven style with beautiful cassis fruits as well as tobacco leaf, plum, wet stone and graphite. These care to the palate, where the full bodies wine is focused, concentrated, while at the same time warm and elegant, with a texture marked by ripe tannins, completed with a powerful, flavorful finish
- Crafted from carefully selected varietal blocks, this Cabernet-driven blend from our Estate Vineyard benefits from the structure and character of the oldest Cabernet parcel, block 2, rounded out with beautiful fruit notes brought by block 6 Merlot. The wine typifies this renowned vineyard’s characteristic cedar and lush powerful fruit and structure.
Lot 9 : Brian Carter Cellars
2020 | Francophile
Vineyards: Dineen, Olsen, Klipsun, Willard Family
AVA: Yakima Valley
Winemaker: Brian Carter
Alcohol %: 14
Release Date: January 2023
- 57% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aromatic, good varietal character with floral notes. Touch of oak. Balanced acidity, soft tannins. Will age for a decade.
- This is the fourth Private Barrel Auction edition of “Francophile” a Cabernet Franc based Bordeaux-Style blend. Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest Varieties planted in Washington. Source of the Cabernet Franc fruit is the Dineen Vineyard in Rattlesnake AVA.
Lot 10 : Aquilini Wines
2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyards: Aquilini Elite, Canyons, Blackwood Canyon
AVA: Red Mountain
Winemakers: Atelier Melka, Tyler Tennyson
Alcohol %: 14.7
Release Date: Summer 2022
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 28 Months in 100% French Oak (60% new)
- A one-of-a-kind micro lot, this is a blend of the three best 2019 Cabernet barrels.
- Expressive aromatics expressing both lush dark fruit as well as more savory qualities
- The palate shows wonderful integration of ripe fruit, cedar, savory herb balance against oak spice. The mouth feel and texture has great tension expressing both power and grace.
Lot 11 : Walla Walla Vintners
2021 | Sangiovese
Vineyard: Cut Bank Estate Vineyard
AVA: Walla Walla Valley
Winemaker: Derrek Vipond
Alcohol %: 14.5
Release Date: Spring 2024
- 100% Sangiovese
- Dark Red fruit, brown herbaceous, and floral nose. Palate is dense and dark, shows traditional Sangiovese tannins and acid tension. The finish is long and smooth.
- Grown at 1500 feet in the foothills of the blue mountains. Our Estate Sangiovese provides a unique expression of Washington State Sangiovese. Our growing season is longer, acid is retained, and the color is exceptionally dark. This wine will be aged 24months in neutral French Barrels.
Lot 12 : Owen Roe
2021 | First Among Equals Cabernet Sauvignon
AVA: Yakima Valley
Winemaker: David O'Reilly
Alcohol %: 14.5
Release Date: Spring 2022
- 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec
- Classic Yakima Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from renowned Dubrul Vineyard, handled beautifully through a team effort lead by the “first among equals” David O’Reilly. Blended with 5% Malbec from Owen Roe Estate Vineyard, Union Gap.
- This gorgeous cabernet leads with aromas blackberry, mountain huckleberry and hints of leather, more blackberry and blueberry on the palate with lingering notes of sage and lavender all wrapped up in exceptionally silky tannins to finish.
Lot 13 : Col Solare
2021 | Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Col Solare Estate
AVA: Red Mountain
Winemakers: Darel Allwine, Stephanie Cohen
Alcohol %: 14.7
Release Date: Spring 2024
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Fermented in a 600L French Oak barrel with 10% stem inclusion, showing increased intense depth and structure.
- The Estate Vineyard was planted in 2007 and the orientation, spacing, and density were matched with the site to ensure uniform ripening and fruit quality.
- The Col Solare Estate Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of black cherry, spice and dried fruits with hints of currents and anise that carry over onto the palate. The wine has integrated, plush tannins that lead into a long lingering finish.
Lot 14 : Seven Hills
2020 | Seven Hills Rhone Blend
Vineyard: Seven Hills Winery Estate
AVA: Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
Winemaker: Bobby Richards
Alcohol %: 14.5
Release Date: Summer 2022
- 70% Grenache, 30% Carignan
- Neutral French Oak
- A passion project for winemaker Bobby Richards, who loves Rhone varietals, these grapes were picked from our estate vineyard at perfect ripeness.
- Pronounced aromas of fresh mountain strawberries, earl gray tea and floral bouquet with hints of cardamom and wet stone. Plush and juicy mouthfeel with flavors of strawberry, grilled plum with hints of white pepper, fresh herbs and minerality.
Lot 15 : Dunham Cellars
2020 | Merlot
Vineyards: Weinbau, Kenny Hill Estate, Lewis Estate
AVA: Columbia Valley
Winemaker: Rob Campisi
Alcohol %: 14
Release Date: Fall 2023
- 100% Merlot
- The wine opens with layers of red and blue fruit: cherry, plum, currant and blueberry.It has vanilla, spice and dried fruit flavors on the palate. Structured with medium tannins and toffee sweetness on the finish.
- Crafted from our best Columbia Valley sources of Merlot, this wine is a great showcase of this classic Bordeaux varietal and how well it shines in the Columbia Valley. With aromas of complex fruit and spice on the palate along with structured medium tannins, this will be something to enjoy on release but will age gracefully.
Lot 16 : Barrage Cellars
2020 | Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Quintessence
AVA: Red Mountain
Winemaker: Kevin Correll
Alcohol %: 14.5
Release Date: Spring 2023
- 85% Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Boushey Vineyard Merlot
- Clone 2 Cabernet Sauvignon from Quintessence Vineyard in Red Mountain AVA, aged in a premier French Barrel set aside specifically for this private selection.
- This Cabernet is to be aged for longer than usual to help refine the big Red Mountain tannins.
- Big red fruit with hints of mocha, spice and tobacco. This wine is very well balanced with a great polished tannin finish.
Lot 17 : Leonetti Cellar
2019 | Red Blend
Vineyards: Loess Vineyard, Mill Creek Upland
AVA: Walla Walla Valley
Winemaker: Chris Figgins
Alcohol %: 14.6
Release Date: Fall 2022
- 60% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Leonetti has never commercially produced a Malbec dominant wine (except for the 2021 PBA!), so this is a special, unique blended offering. Often making its way into the Leonetti Reserve blend, they planted the first Malbec in 2002 in Loess Vineyard and have been thrilled with the results ever since. Rounding out this blend is Cabernet Sauvignon from the best blocks in our Mill Creek Upland Vineyard.
Lot 18 : Mullan Road Cellars
2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Solaksen
AVA: Columbia Valley
Winemaker: Aryn Morell
Alcohol %: 14.4
Release Date: January 2023
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- A hand selected Cabernet Sauvignon from cooler vineyard sites ensuring perfect acidity to support the intense characteristics of Cabernet.
- This complex Cabernet Sauvignon wine reveals sultry aromas of muddled red fruits, raspberry, and dried strawberry with hints of light baking spices. Swirling brings up notes of crème brûlée with black tea, mocha, and cocoa powder. The palate is round and polished, with black currants and plum puree accented by vanilla bean and balanced by fine tannins. Hints of dark chocolate and pressed berries linger on the finish.
Lot 19 : Januik Winery
2020 | Quintessence Vineyard Bordeaux Blend
Vineyard: Quintessence
AVA: Red Mountain
Winemakers: Andrew Januik, Scott Moeller, Mike Januik
Alcohol %: 14.4
Release Date: January 2023
- 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot
- Typical of Quintessence vineyard, this wine shows both great depth and liveliness. Despite the warmth of the vineyard and AVA this wine has bright acidity and great balance.
- Januik’s winemakers have fallen in love with Quintessence Vineyard over the last decade and feel that it is one of the pre-eminent vineyards in the country for Bordeaux varieties. This 100% Quintessence, 100% Cabernet showcases the vineyard perfectly
Lot 20 : DeLille Cellars
2020 | Harrison Hill Cabernet Franc
Vineyard: Harrison Hill
AVA: Snipes Mountain
Winemakers: Jason Gorski, Nick Bernstein
Alcohol %: 14.4
Release Date: Spring 2023
- 100% Cabernet Franc
- The wines from Harrison Hill are typically floral, nuanced and restrained, with a classic, refined structure. This one-of-a-kind Cabernet Franc offers varietal notes of tobacco, currant and fresh herbs, with expressive fruit and an elegant structure.
- Harrison Hill has been the source for DeLILLE CELLARS vineyard designated wine for over 25 years. Traditionally, Cabernet Franc from this tiny, lauded 5-acre site on Snipes Mountain is utilized to support the venerable 1962 planting of Cabernet Sauvignon, which leads that cuvee. For the first time, wine from these Cabernet Franc vines, now nearly 30 years old, is available only via the 2022 Private Barrel Auction.
Lot 21 : Sleight of Hand Cellars
2021 | Syrah
Vineyard: Lewis Vineyard
AVA: Yakima Valley
Winemakers: Trey Busch, Jerry Solomon and Keith Johnson
Alcohol %: 14.5
Release Date: Fall 2022
- 100% Syrah
- This wine, aged in concrete, shows classic Syrah notes of roasted meats, black pepper, and is loaded with red raspberries and plums. Terrific acidity will allow this wine to age gracefully for a decade at the minimum. This wine is for serious Syrah lovers.
- Lewis Vineyard, one of the top vineyards in WA State for Syrah, has been the base for Levitation Syrah since the winery started in 2007. In 2018, the 2015 Levitation was named as one of the Wine Spectator Top 100 wines in the world, and the 2017 Light Years Syrah (100% Lewis) received 97 points from Jeb Dunnuck.
Lot 22 : Woodward Canyon Winery
2020 | Red Blend
Vineyard: Woodward Canyon Estate
AVA: Walla Walla Valley
Winemaker: Kevin Mott
Alcohol %: 14.5
Release Date: Spring 2023
- 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 22 months in two-year-old oak
- The structure and body of the Merlot combined with the sublet fruit of Caberent Franc make this wine nuanced and balanced. With proper cellaring, this wine should age well for ten years or more.
- Inspired by Right Bank wines, this blend was fermented with native yeasts in small stainless steael tanks and punched down twice a day. The use of neutral oak allows the varieties and vineyard to shine through.
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