Rose' 22
The 2022 Rose' is here! This is a Cabernet Rose' that you wont forget. This Rose' is 100% Cabernet. It has all of the traditional flavors of a Rose', but being made from Cabernet, those flavors are amplified. Beautiful balance with the perfect level of acidity. Big fruit flavors, yet dry with a smooth mouthfeel. This is the white wine for red wine drinkers.
Winemaker:Ken Abbott
AVA: Red Mountain
Blend: 100% Cabernet
Case Production:185
Alcohol:13.9% vol.
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
Residual Sugar: .1%
Aging: Stainless Steel
Tasting Notes: Pretty and translucent light strawberry color. It is very rare that Cabernet is picked specifically to make Rose’ but that is what we do here. The Rose’ gets a few days exposed to skins at a very low temperature. The first smell of the wine reveals fresh strawberry, watermelon and a jolly rancher candy-like quality without the sweetness. On the palate, the mouth-feel is full yet dry. The first tasting notes you experience are strawberry with some citrus acid. The center of the palate opens up to more strawberry, tart cherry, watermelon and slight vanilla. The finish carries through with the same fruit and slowly fades to an almost almondy like tail. It is enough to make you smile. The Rose’ flavors you expect are richer and stronger, yet as refreshing as you would want them to be.
Harvest: This fruit is 100% Cabernet and 100% Obelisco specifically picked for our Rose’ It is not the byproduct of any other wine and is never watered down. The 2022 harvest was flavorful and abundant. A lot of terroirs had trouble meeting the sugar levels winemakers want, but Red Mountain always makes it a bit easier. The Cabernet picked specifically for this Rose’ was picked about 2-3 weeks earlier than the normal Cabernet production while the acids were higher with fresh tartness perfect for Rose’. On Red Mountain, the flavors developed in the grapes very early and long before sugar was at the levels most wineries desire. It was an overall cool harvest season which stunted sugar production. We did not feel the stress of a lot of winemakers who wanted to reach certain sugar levels, as we felt the chemistry was great and the flavors were fantastic. It was just going to be a lower alcohol year. The yield was great in 2022 and much better than the previous 2021 harvest which was the lowest yield on record for Red Mountain. Flavors and concentrations shined through and 2022 should be a fantastic year. Red Mt is a step above other AVA’s with more depth and complexity. The minerality and flavors of Red Mountain are definitely unique.
| Download Wine Notes |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Varietal | Cabernet |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Cabernet |
| Appellation | Red Mountain |
| Vineyard | Obelisco Estate |
| Designation | Red Mountain |
| Harvest Date | 09/07/2022 |
| Residual Sugar | .1 |
| Alcohol | 13.90% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 05/09/2023 |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
Obelisco Estates Vineyard - Red Mountain
Characteristics
- Elevation: 762-871 feet
- Acres: 30
- Scooteney silt loam
- Warden silt loam
The main 30 acre vineyard, designed and planted for the sole purpose of producing intensely complex, elegant and rich red wines, is located on the southwest facing slope bathed in sunlight throughout long daylight hours, with cool nights and the moderating effect of the Yakima River below. Obelisco Estate vineyard is perfectly situated to grow world class grapes noted for their structure, acidity and intense varietal character. The vineyard is one of the most intensely planted vineyards in the Northwest.
The vineyard is located in the Red Mountain terrior which is known for some of the best growing conditions for Bordeaux varietals in North America. The unusual soil depths and ideal cumulative maturation time are un-matched in Washington.
Ken Abbott
As the GM, I carry on the family tradition of producing wine at Obelisco with my Aunt Betsy and as a steward of the family’s style of wines. In honor of Doug who was the founder with Betsy, I and my amazing team at Obelisco carry on the love to help people “Celebrate Life.”
As the winemaker, it is important to carry on the tradition that was impressed upon me by my uncle. We strive to make intense varietals that stand out with their characteristics and don't let you forget that you are drinking a premium wine.
Wine that is big with lots of flavor, yet with approachable elegance, is the goal. I am always looking for ways to improve while staying within the family style that we love. Incremental adjustments each year to maintain the quality have become the norm. We have to be a little inconsistent in our methodology every year, since the harvest is different every year. This way we can keep our wines strung together in the style that we love.
