VinePair selects 2021 Little Sister as The #13 Best Wine of 2023
“A defining wine for this region and this grape”
As one of our staff favorites, we’re not surprised but still very excited for this wine to be selected as #13 of the 50 Best Wines of 2023. Our 2021 Little Sister is 100% Merlot sourced from two of the highest acclaimed Washington State vineyards: Quintessence on Red Mountain and Red Willow in the upper Yakima Valley. The Merlot from Quintessence was planted in 2011, on a south facing slope, in soils consisting of fractured basalt and gravel with a light dusting of fine Loess. The Merlot from Red Willow was planted in 1993 on a steep westerly facing slope, in soils that combine 16”-20” of gravel mixed with calcareous clay over volcanic pumice. Like 2020, the 2021 vintage produced exceptionally low yields. Berries were remarkably small, and clusters were extremely light. This led to wines with amazing depth and intensity. Only 122 cases were produced.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, engaging aromas of dark berries, chocolate, sweet tobacco, and spice. Silky finesse and concentrated on the palate where ripe tannins intermix with juicy flavors of black cherry, violet, blueberry, spice, and leather. Delicious!
