CYMBAL 2022 Sauvignon Blanc
Columbia Valley, Washington
VINEYARD
The 2022 Cymbal Sauvignon Blanc combines four distinct vineyards to create a layered, complex wine. McNary Vineyard, overlooking the Columbia River in the Horse Heaven Hills, grows Sauvignon Blanc that balances richness and vibrancy. Gamache and Boushey Vineyards deliver the wine’s beautiful acidity, along with citrus, lemongrass and kumquat aromas and flavors. Bacchus Vineyard, a warmer site planted in 1972, lends ripe passion fruit character to the finished blend.
Vintage Notes: Despite unusual growing conditions that kept growers and winemakers on edge throughout the season, the 2022 vintage will be remembered for producing beautiful, elegant wines with intense color and flavors. Spring was cold and wet, with the weather refusing to warm until late June. When temperatures finally increased, shoot growth was explosive, requiring extra care and effort in the vineyards. By early September, it became clear that yields would be large, causing concern about ripening as temperatures remained unseasonably cool. However, by late September, the weather warmed significantly. Record-high temperatures stretched into late October, providing the extra hang time the grapes needed to finish ripening and develop full physiological maturity.
CELLAR
Handpicked grapes were gently whole cluster pressed to ensure bright aromatics. After settling for 2-3 days, the juice was moved to one of four fermentation vessels, where it remained for six months before blending. A cement egg and stainless-steel tanks were used to preserve the wine’s liveliness and minerality. Neutral French oak barrels allowed the aromatics to develop fully, and new French oak (25%) was used to enhance texture and richness, while lifting fruit flavors across the mid-palate.
ACCOLADES
92 points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous Media
90 points – Jeb Dunnuck