Named for the Ferrelli family patriarch, this is our flagship Cabernet Sauvignon.
WINEMAKING NOTES
100% Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon
Four years ago, we transitioned our old vine Cabernet Sauvignon to a single-grower program sourced from the newly formed White Bluffs AVA. Returning this wine closer to its roots, the 2022 is unfined and unfiltered. Sourced from some of Washington State’s oldest vineyards, including Bacchus, Sagemoor, and Dionysus Vineyards, we co-ferment this Cabernet Sauvignon for a unique, robust profile. The specialized oak program enhances the mouthfeel, providing excellent length and roundness to the tannins. Barrel aging in 60% new oak from Seguin Moreau, Boutes, and Garronnaise cooperages adds complexity.
TASTING NOTES
The 2022 Big Papa opens with heavy, aromatic notes of dark fruits and spice. Its signature big, bloody, and earthy profile includes bold flavors of herbaceous black currant and plum. The finish is long and enduring, making it an ideal pairing for red meats and bold flavors. This wine will age well, with peak drinkability around 10 years from vintage.
VINEYARD
White Bluffs AVA, Washington State
The White Bluffs AVA offers a unique terroir, characterized by cooler nighttime temperatures, which allow for a longer growing season. Soils consist of windblown silt over ancient lakebed sediment, with an annual precipitation average of 6 inches. The elevation spans from 600 to 900 feet on a southwestern slope with soft rolling knolls, providing a warm site with excellent air drainage. Sagemoor Vineyard, established in 1972, is a significant part of this AVA, including over 1,300 acres across six vineyards near the Columbia River in Pasco, WA.
ANALYSIS
- Alc: 14.0%
- pH: 3.8
- TA: 0.58
Past Accolades
- 2021 - 92 PG; 91 JS
- 2020 - 95 JD; 90 WS
- 2019 - 94 JD; 93 VINOUS; 93 IWR
- 2018 - 91 JS; 92 JD; 94 IWR; 94 OB
- 2017 - 91 VINOUS; 92 WE; 93 JD
- 2016 - 94 OB; 91 JD