Description

Andrew Januik Los Molinos Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre Columbia Valley 2019

The 2019 Los Molinos is a scrumptious blend of 38% Mourvedre, 34% Grenache, and 28% Syrah and sports a dark purple core with a neon light purple rim. This GSM blend focuses on a black pepper and meaty core alongside shades of fresh blackberry, black plum skin, black peppercorn, toasted earth, and sweet smokey spice. Firm tannins meld well with the black pepper and scorched earth finish.

VINTAGE

The 2019 growing season started slowly with cool temperatures extending into late spring, but the weather warmed as summer progressed and the vines achieved August veraison dates in keeping with a typical year. As a result of cooler than average temperatures earlier in the season, crops were thinned during the summer. Careful vineyard management helped support even ripening into the fall, a season marked by cooler temperatures yet again. But the grapes enjoyed the added hangtime that allowed the fruit to achieve physiological maturity, resulting in wines notable for their excellent natural acidity, concentration and flavor

VINEYARDS

Stillwater Creek, Weinbau, and Gamache are all considered to be among the preeminent vineyards producing Rhone Varieties in the Columbia Valley. These particular vineyards all have different terroir and climates, thus adding very different qualities to this complex, tantalizing wine. The limited rainfall, warm days and cool nights result in highly concentrated berries with dense skins, rich inky color, and bright acidity.

WINEMAKER

Though this is his ninth vintage as an independent producer, Andrew is fortunate enough to come from a family involved with Washington winemaking for the last 4 decades. He’s had the invaluable opportunity of learning both the science and art of winemaking from great winemakers in Washington and from many Harvests abroad. In recent years he has worked tirelessly to hone a unique style that best fits my palate and produces what I consider to be elegant and well-balanced wines. This wine is a result of many years of experimentation in all facets of the fermentation process.

Blend:
34% Grenache
28% Syrah
38% Mourvedre

Cases: 239
TA: 0.54
pH: 3.64

Barrels:
50% New French
50% Once-used French

Aging: 20 months in barrel