Isenhower Cellars ‘Wallula Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Wallula Vineyard, also known as The Benches at Wallula, is situated in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, near the Wallula Gap, where the Snake and Walla Walla Rivers flow into the Columbia River.
- The vineyard, known for its steep basalt slopes, is situated on benches above the Columbia River, making it one of the most visually stunning vineyards in Washington.
- The Wallula Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the quality of Wallula Vineyard, blending three clones planted over 2.4 acres. Clone 7 adds power, Clone 412 contributes dark flavors and floral notes, while Clone 33 offers fruity upfront flavors and a tannic finish. Together, they create a remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon.
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (50% clone 7, 39% clone 412, 11% clone 33)
Elaboration: The grapes were hand-picked, hand-sorted, and fermented with specific yeasts for Cabernet Sauvignon. They were punched down twice daily and pressed off the skins at dryness. The wine was aged for 22 months in 100% French oak, with 30% being new oak, before being bottled unblended and unfiltered.
Tasting Notes: Black/red hue. Aromas of blackberry liquor, baked pie crust, tobacco leaf, black and red currant, dried thyme, olive tapenade, and sea salt minerality. The mouthfeel is tight on entry with a density of fruit (blackberry and currant) followed by notes of green olive and dried herbs. The finish is long and lively with gentle tannins caressed by the acidity.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Isenhower Cellars was founded in 1999 by Denise and Brett Isenhower and was the 18th winery in the Walla Walla area. The Isenhower’s, both Pharmacists, chose to leave their Colorado surroundings and corporate healthcare to follow Brett’s dream of winemaking and Denise’s dream of moving back to Washington, where they first met. Today, Denise is the General Manager and Brett is the Winemaker. For Brett, Walla Walla was an easy choice because of its beauty and the wide-open, entrepreneurial nature of the wine industry there. Isenhower Cellars is one of the few medium-sized Washington wineries that is 100% husband and wife owned and operated.
The Isenhower’s built their winery in 2002 and opened the Woodinville tasting room in 2009. They source their grapes from experienced, established growers ranging from Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Walla Walla, Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, and Oregon to the Wahluke Slope. These high-elevation farms produce beautiful juice from old vines all the way to experimental clones.
Isenhower Cellars and their growers follow a minimalist philosophy and more natural winemaking process, including low pesticides, light intervention and sustainable farming methods to achieve depth of character, lightness of touch, and an array of fresh, interesting wines.