Black forest cherry, crème de menthe, rich blueberry. Ripe damson plum, pipe tobacco, black licorice. Cassis, cocoa powder, and silky blackberry converge seductively with hazelnut and espresso in an impressively restrained yet thoroughly decadent display. Iris and sweet violets provide a layer of perfumed aromatics aided by complex herbal tones of wild sage and mint. Notes of French vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove reveal elegant baking spices that play wonderfully with a delicious impression of chocolate. Sandy soil and dark minerality round out the brooding and mysterious attack with a firm nod to terroir. Overtly dense and serious yet brimming with elegance, balance, and class; showcasing a delightfully cerebral side within its robust and powerful package. Full bodied with pronounced chewy tannin and beautifully elevated acidity. This 2016 Estate Red Mountain Reserve by Kiona Vineyards is a captivating and stunningly expressive red from Washington State.

As the original grape grower in Washington's Red Mountain appellation and still one of its largest producers, Kiona Vineyards is uniquely positioned to shape wine that accurately represents the spirit of this tiny yet formidable region. This bottling, crafted by Kiona Vineyards using an intricate blend of 53% Cab Sauv/28% Merlot/11% Petit Verdot/3% Carménère/3% Cab Franc/2% Malbec sourced from their estate vineyards within Red Mountain, brilliantly captures the power and grace this appellation has become famous for. While quite ripe, textured, and even teetering on lush this wine possesses impressive structure and energy that keep it squarely in balance. It tastefully ties in a pleasant helping of oak that provides a seductive sheen without overpowering the character of fruit or terroir. This is an outstanding wine that brilliantly showcases Red Mountain's charms.