2017-C Pepper Bridge Red Trine Bordeaux Blend, Walla Walla Valley, Washington (750ml)   

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A ‘trine’ is defined as a close group of three, and this wine pays homage to the families of Pepper Bridge: the McKibbens, the Murphys, and Pellets. It highlights the best of the estate vineyards and is a vintage-specific blend of Bordeaux’s traditional five red grapes. The 2017 bottling is a blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 9% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Each lot was vinified separately and aged in French Oak, 41% New and 59% Neutral. Certified sustainable and Salmon Safe. 672 cases produced. Dense aromas of dark berries, bramble fruit and sweet oak. The palate delivers marionberry, dark plums and black tea with a note of caramel and a hint of cinnamon. Cellaring Recommendation: 5-7 years.

Owned and operated by three families—the McKibbens, the Goffs and the Pellets, Pepper Bridge Winery derives its name from the old military road from Fort Walla Walla to Fort the Dalles, which crossed the Columbia River at the Pepper family farm. This low-water crossing known as Pepper’s Crossing, was later replaced by the old Pepper’s Bridge in the 1800s. For over twenty years Pepper Bridge has been dedicated to establishing the Walla Walla Valley as an exciting new world wine region and are founding members of VINEA (the valley’s sustainable viticulture program).

Norm McKibben began planting grapes in Washington State in 1989 and continued planting vineyards throughout the Walla Walla Valley in the 1990s. He established several famed estate vineyards: Pepper Bridge, Les Collines and Seven Hills—the latter recognized as one of the 10 great vineyards in the world by Wine & Spirits Magazine. In 1998, in partnership with Anheuser-Busch veteran Ray Goff, Pepper Bridge Winery was founded. A year later, third-generation Swiss winemaker, Jean-François Pellet joined the team, creating distinctive, terroir-driven wines with a focus on quality and commitment to sustainability. Pepper Bridge produces Bordeaux-style wines using traditional techniques, 100% French oak and 100% estate fruit from the Walla Walla Valley AVA.