Airfield Estates Spitfire Red
WHY WE LOVE IT
- 100% Estate Grown. Sourced from reserve tier blocks on the estate vineyard.
- Full-bodied Super Tuscan style blend of 55% Sangiovese and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon.
- The wine can be enjoyed in its youth, or can be cellared for many years to come.
Varietal: 55% Sangiovese, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon
Elaboration: The Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were harvested at optimal maturity, destemmed, and sorted using an optical sorter before fermentation in small 2-ton fermenters for 14 to 16 days. After pressing, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrels, with lees stirred twice a month for 3 to 4 months to enhance the mouthfeel. Each varietal was aged separately for ten months in French oak before blending and aging for an additional eleven months, totaling 21 months in 100% French oak (55% new, 40% 2-year-old, and 5% neutral).
Tasting Notes: Boasts captivating aromatics of fresh raspberry jam, dried cranberry, black cherry, and hints of seared leather. The palate unfolds layers of fresh pomegranate, acai berry, and cola interwoven with a touch of smoked cedar plank. Brisk acidity lends a bright yet harmonious balance, leading to a polished finish characterized by lush tannins, a rich medley of red and dark fruit, and exquisite notes of toasted oak.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Airfield Estates is a fourth-generation vineyard in Yakima Valley, Washington, run by siblings Marcus Miller and Lori Stevens. Originally a WWII training base, the site was sold to the Miller family for $1 after closing in 1944. H. Lloyd Miller secured funding for the Rosa Canal Project, enabling irrigation for the vineyard. In 1967, Don Miller, their grandfather, planted test varietals, leading to over 20 commercial varieties by 1971, making it Washington’s oldest AVA.