Vintage 2012

Reviews: 92 points, Wine Spectator, December 2015: "Focused, fresh and inviting, with a glow of blueberry, currant, clotted cream and gentle spice flavors. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2021."; 92 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast, November 2015: "This wine is Cabernet Franc and Merlot with just a smidgeon (4%) of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. It provides aromas of earth, high-toned dried herbs, licorice, black cherry and crushed granite. The dark fruit flavors are densely packed, surrounded by firms tannins. Drink after 2020."; 91-93 points (pre-bottling barrel sample), Wine Advocate, June 2014: "Classic Red Mountain with its black cherry, black raspberry, graphite, dried soil and notable minerality, the 2012 Artz Vineyard has a medium to full-bodied, savory feel on the palate. Made from 50% Cabernet Franc, 46% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has solid mid-palate depth and ripe tannin. Drink it over the coming 12-15 years."

Composition: Cabernet Franc 36%; Merlot 35%; Petit Verdot 18%; Cabernet Sauvignon 11%

Reviews: 91 points, Wine Enthusiast, November 2015: "Cabernet Franc (36%) and Merlot (35%) make up the majority of this blend, with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s locked-up at present with high-toned aromas of dried herbs and flowers along with cranberry and cherry. The dense, dark cherry flavors and firm, chalky tannins are tightly coiled, needing significant time to unwind. It will be best after 2019."; 90-92 points (pre-bottling barrel sample), Wine Advocate, June 2014: "Very floral, with sappy herbs, pepper, damp earth, cherry and darker berry fruit, the 2012 Red Willow Vineyard is medium-bodied, rich and concentrated, with plenty of tannin and integrated acidity. Made from 36% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, that spent 18 months in 40% new French oak, it has the fruit and texture to drink well on release, and the tannin and depth to evolve gracefully for over a decade."

Reviews: 91 points, Wine Enthusiast, November 2015: "Aromas of blackberry and raspberry liqueur meld with high-toned herbs and barrel spices on this blend of Artz, Boushey and Red Willow vineyards. The flavors are rich and pack a hefty punch, with grainy tannins backing it all up."; 91 points, Wine Spectator, August 31, 2015: "Lithe, focused and juicy, with boysenberry and currant fruit layered with mint and floral character, coming together seamlessly against refined tannins on the finish. Best from 2017 through 2020."; 90-92 points (pre-bottling barrel sample), Wine Advocate, June 2014: "Tasted out of barrel, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon should be a smoking value that delivers on all accounts. Plum, black currants, licorice, smoked meats and hints of roasted herbs all show in this full-bodied Cabernet. Showing the vintage purity and suppleness nicely, it will drink beautifully on release and have upward of a decade of longevity, possible more."

Reviews: 91 points, Wine Enthusiast, March 2015: "Hailing from an esteemed vineyard best known for its Syrah, this 100% varietal wine delivers notes of dried herbs, red fruit and milk chocolate. It displays a captivating, layered mouthfeel showing a lot of subtlety and balance leading to an extended finish."; 90-92 points (pre-bottling barrel sample), Wine Advocate, June 2014: "The 2012 Tempranillo is an excellent example of the variety and offers ample spice, cedar, toast and chocolate-covered cherry aromas and flavors to go with a chewy, savory and yet voluptuously textured feel on the palate. A blend of 100% Tempranillo that spent 18 months in 18% new French oak, it will drink nicely through 2020."

Composition: Merlot 28%; Cabernet Franc 26%; Petit Verdot 21%; Cabernet Sauvignon 15%; Tempranillo 10%

Review: 89-91 points (pre-bottling barrel sample), Wine Advocate, June 2014: "More textured than the 2011, the 2012 Exhibition is an eclectic blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo that spent 18 months in barrel prior to bottling. Value priced and delivering, it gives up ample dark berry fruit, wild herbs, underbrush and hints of flowers to go with a medium to full-bodied, sweetly fruity, straight-up, easy-drinking, delicious feel on the palate. I don’t think it will make old bones, but it will dish out plenty of pleasure over the coming 4-6 years or so."

Composition: Merlot 45%; Petit Verdot 27%; Cabernet Franc 25%; Cabernet Sauvignon 3%

Note: With the input of some talented sommeliers from the Heavy Restaurant Group, this wine was blended and bottled exclusively for Purple Café and Wine Bar in Seattle, WA.

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