2020 Block 1311
Managing Partner Damon Huard: Block 1311 is the first ever vineyard designated Cabernet made by Passing Time. This beautiful 2-acre block sits about 300 feet above the Columbia River at Wallula Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills Appellation. Planted to high density with special clone 685 these young vines are producing world class fruit already that winemaker Chris Peterson wanted to let stand alone. This annual small batch offering will be a wine to follow for decades to come. Saluté to the Benches!
Tasting Notes: Sporting a saturated dark red color with hints of violet, this wine has intense aromas of dark black cherry compote, black currant reduction, licorice pastille, black olive, dark cocoa powder, and fresh pipe tobacco. On the palate, the flavors are dark and deep, featuring black fruits, wildflower, rubbed thyme leaf, and bitter chocolate. This stunning wine will benefit greatly from time in the cellar. Try it from 2028-2045.
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Wallula Vineyard "The Benches"
Aging: 80% new French oak
Production: 125 cases
97 Points - International Wine Report
"This 100% Cabernet from the 1311 Block sees approximately 80% new French oak and sports a ravishing deep shimmering purple core with a bright neon pink rim. Another stunner of a wine from winemaker Chris Peterson, this fine-grained, expansive Cabernet gifts notes of fresh boysenberry, cedary herbs, toasted allspice, eucalyptus, crushed green peppercorn, bay leaf, and dried sage - I seriously could go on for hours about the ever-changing nose on this wine. It’s fresh and lively on the palate, but in an herbal and earthy way, not in a fruit-dominant way. Perfect levels of acidity, crunchy tannins, and a supple, spicy finish complete the wine. Highly recommended. Better in 2024."
97 Points - Owen Bargreen
"Named after Dan Marino and Damon Huard’s football numbers, the incredible, 100% varietal 2020 ‘Block 1311’ comes from the Benches Vineyard, as this was stored in 80% new French oak before bottling. On the nose this shows a very classic profile from this site near the Columbia River. Creme de cassis aromas with violets, espresso grounds and huckleberry compote all combine in the glass. The palate is plush and soft, with a seamless texture. With outstanding weight and underlying tension, this beautiful wine is drinking great now and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next twenty years. But why wait? Drink 2022-2040"
94 - 96+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Block 1311 comes all from the Benches at Wallula Vineyard, and it's an utterly classic expression of Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet delivering beautiful currant and cassis fruits as well as notes of damp earth, sappy tobacco, and lead pencil. Full-bodied, ripe, and concentrated on the palate, it has solid tannins, good mid-palate depth, and a gorgeous finish."
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