2011 Riesling
Washington State is one of the few places on Earth that excels at growing the classiest white grape of all: Riesling. This fact has been well known in the State for decades and as a consequence some of the oldest vinifera plantings happen to be Riesling. One of the finest old vine Riesling vineyards is the excellent Upland Vineyard near Sunnyside. These vines have become entrenched with their environment and therefore yield some the best expression of Washington State Riesling available. Our 2011 Riesling is made with the utmost respect for the fruit. Our goal is to best convey the vines’ complex story without any obstructions. This means no oak, fining or cold stabilization was used during winemaking. Aromas of citrus, apricot and nectarine are followed by noticeable minerality and a long finish that is quite dry and perfectly balanced by the excellent acidity. One hundred and seventy cases produced.
2009 Tinto
In 2009 we incorporated new Tempranillo and Graciano blocks custom planted and farmed for Pomum, including the very first Ribera del Duero Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo) clones imported from ITACyL in Spain. These were planted in a steep gravelly south facing site in Upland Vineyard within the newer Snipes Mountain AVA. As in previous vintages the core of our Tempranillo selection comes from the cooler Elerding Six Prong Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. The dark crimson wine is showing its Spanish roots with meaty and gamey aromas reminiscent of the bold wines of Ribera del Duero. There is plenty of dark cherry, spice, and a slight herbal undertone. In the palate we find spice and luscious fruit surrounded by noticeable tannins, signaling good aging potential and a lingering finish. Decant if opened in the near term, otherwise enjoy from mid 2013 through 2020.
2009 Syrah
In 2009 our sourcing of Elerding Syrah came to us from Dr. Elerding’s magnificent Desert Block in the Yakima Valley AVA. This constitutes a definite step forward in quality with one of the best Syrah sites in the State. The remainder of the blend comes to us mostly from two blocks in the outstanding Upland Vineyard within the recently approved Snipes Mountain AVA. Pomum's Syrah is aromatically intense with smoke tar and game aromas. Ripe but still refreshing the wine is well balanced on its pass through the palate. The extended barrel aging and our increased used of 500 liter Puncheon barrels is apparent with an alluring chocolate and toast note and added complexity. The wine is impeccably structured and exhibits prominent but well rounded tannins with considerable length. Decant if opened in the near term, otherwise enjoy from mid 2012 through 2020. Two hundred and twenty cases produced.
2008 Shya Red
In the relatively cooler 2008 vintage our signature Shya Red shows its signature captivating aromas of high toned red fruit with freshly crushed berries, cherry and sweet spice. The elegant and expressive mouth-feel is lush and long with flavors of tart cherries and caramel with a mouth-watering green brush stroke. The tannins are well structured signaling good aging potential. Aerate aggressively if consumed young. Otherwise best from 2013 on.