Three of Cups “Le Bateleur” Cabernet Sauvignon
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Fruit is sourced from the Heart of the Hill Vineyard which is located in the Red Mountain AVA. Soils here consist of Hezel, Silt Loam.
- “Le Bateleur means “street performer” but to Lisa and I, it is our loose interpretation of ‘the fool’ and has a little story about someone in the business who will remain nameless.”
- Red Mountain is and continues to be what Three of Cups’ believes to be the best resource for Cabernet Sauvignon in WA as it possess just enough minerality and difference in climate to distinguish it from other sites throughout the Columbia Valley.
- A blend of two clones on six year vines and barrel aged for three years before bottling. They feel this helps calm the Red Mountain tannin and brings more expressive fruit character.
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Elaboration: Tradition vinification. Fermentation in stainless steel, temperature controlled vats. Aged for 3 years in French oak (55% new).
Tasting Notes: Seared sugar, cherries, light smoke, cedar, and cinnamon on the nose. In the mouth tastes of cherry, blackberry, vanilla, cloves, black plum, dark chocolate…so much going on – yummy!
PRESS
2013 – 90 Wine Spectator
2015 – 90 Wine Advocate
2016 – “Gold” Seattle Wine Awards | 90 Wine Advocate
2017 – “Gold” Seattle Wine Awards
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Founded in 2013 by two friends (Lisa & Mike), Three of Cups is a winery based in the Artisan Hill area of Woodinville, Washington, producing limited quantities of premium wines. Lisa and Mike share a passion for wine and food and wanted to expand that beyond their friends and family.
Their fruit is sourced from vineyards throughout Washington and Oregon; predominately in the Red Mountain, Columbia, and Walla Walla Valley AVA’s. The goal is to produce wines that express the very best of the regions the grapes are source from, the conditions of the vintage year, and pair well with food or on their own by the glass. All wines are produced in small batches with careful attention to varietal characteristics using minimal intervention.
The name, Three of Cups, comes from a tarot card, which symbolizes conviviality, agreement, harmony, abundance, and friendship – all things that happen naturally with wine and carries the meaning of joyful social contact. All of which are very important to Lisa and Mike.