Standing apart from the surrounding hills, Red Mountain’s southwest facing slopes encourage the grapes to ripen and develop their deep, dark skin color. It is during the fermentation process that these thick, sun-ripened skins reveal the distinctly lush textures and flavors locked inside. A Bordeaux style blend of bold character, Thick Skinned represents everything that Red Mountain has to offer.
Separate handpicked lots from Kiona’s “Heart of the Hill” vineyard are fermented in 3-5 ton fermenters. Each varietal is barrel aged in 50% new French oak for 6 months prior to blending. The wine is then returned to barrel for an additional 12 months of barrel aging. After bottling the wine is given a minimum of 12 months bottle age before release.
Tasting Notes:
This Washington red features bold character, showing depth of dark berry fruit and finished in French oak barrels for 24 Months allows the wine to gain supporting flavors of toast, vanilla, cedar and a hint of smokiness. The nose is dominated by cocoa dipped dark berry and cherry fruits complimented by the tones of vanilla and coconut. The palate provides plenty of bright cherry followed by hints of chocolate and caramel covered toast. Tannins are firm, yet conformed, nicely coating the palate. A wine that is as elegant as it is bold.