Our estate vineyard is in development in the Walla Walla Valley. As we wait for those young vineyard blocks to produce fruit, we source grapes from select vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley and Columbia Valley AVAs. Winemaker Virginie Bourgue works closely with each grape grower and our selected blocks from their vineyards to assure top quality fruit for Cadaretta.

Our 2006 Syrah contains grapes from three vineyards:

The Pepper Bridge vineyard is located in the Walla Walla Valley. The original 10 acres were planted in 1991. Soils are Walla Walla Silt Loam, a wind-blown glacial loess that is young and full of minerals.

The Stone Tree vineyard is on the Wahluke Slope near Mattawa at the foot of the Saddle Mountains. The vineyard is planted on a south-facing slope at 940 to 1250 feet above sea level, and has shallow, well-drained soils.

The Alder Ridge vineyard was planted in 1997. The site overlooks the Columbia River which tempers the climate so it's cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The vineyard also has good air drainage, excellent sun exposure, and volcanic soils that produce intense fruit flavors.

Cadaretta Syrah has dark cherry aromas that open into layered earthy complexities, with inky, cured meat notes. Flavors of cherry and spice lead to silky tannins and a lingering finish with earthy undertones. This finely balanced wine opens with aeration, and is a great match with food, especially grilled meats and Northwest salmon.

Varietal Composition: 100% Syrah 

Grape Sources: 48% Pepper Bridge Vineyard (Walla Walla Valley), 26% Stone Tree Vineyard (Wahluke Slope), 26% Alder Ridge Vineyard (Horse Heaven Hills) 

Appellation: Columbia Valley 

Cooperage: 16 months in 50% new oak; 71% French, 22% American, 7% Hungarian 

Total Acidity: 5.7g/L 

pH: 3.93 

Alcohol: 15% by volume 

Bottling Date: February 14, 2008 

Release Date: June 1, 2008 

Production: 4,236 bottles, packed 6 x 750 ml