2024 Stratus

 

55% Roussanne 30% Marsanne 15% Viognier | 45.8 cases produced

Destiny Ridge Vineyard | Horse Haven Hills AVA | Columbia Valley, Washington

Imagine, if you will, dark berries, not merely fruit, but existential questions, bursting forth like miniature philosophical debates. Its rich, full body is less a wine characteristic, more a comforting blanket of “yes, the universe is vast and uncaring, but at least we have Syrah.” Aromas of dark plum mingle with hints of orange and blueberry, a sensory paradox that raises unsettling questions about whether or not fruit is merely a construct. Perfect for any food that requires a wine with the personality of a well-traveled raconteur.

Drink When

It's a lazy Sunday afternoon, the sun is shining, and you're curled up on the porch with a good book. You want a wine that's as relaxing and enjoyable as the moment itself.

Enjoy With

The city, a glittering pinball machine of urban delights, hummed beneath the benevolent reign of its most bodacious duo: MRV and Butternut Risotto. MRV wasn't just a wine; he was a liquid Zen master, a swirling vortex of peach blossoms and subtle spice. Butternut Risotto, his creamy compadre, was a culinary guru, a purveyor of warmth and nutty bliss. Together, they were less a couple, more a cosmic collision of flavor, a gastronomic supernova. Tonight, their anniversary (or "Flavor-versary," as they called it), was being celebrated at "Chez Gusteau." MRV, chilled to the bone and practically vibrating with anticipation, swirled in his glass like a miniature galaxy. Butternut Risotto, lounging nearby like a saffron-tinged cloud, radiated pure comfort as his creamy embrace and nutty undertones intertwined with MRV's rich texture and hints of roasted hazelnuts, creating a flavor fugue so exquisite it made the other diners weep with joy (or maybe it was just the onions). It was a love story told through taste buds, a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best pairings are the ones that surprise you, like a white wine and a risotto that were clearly meant to be together in this crazy, delicious universe.

750 ML, 13.2% ABV

Copious Notes

These grapes were harvested October 2nd, which can be late for white grapes, but our vineyard partner at Alexandra Nicole likes to keep fruit on the vine as long as possible to create a more complex wine. It was foot stomped prior to pressing and left on the skins overnight to extract tannins. We kept the temperature low and had an extra long fermentation (over 2 months) that included partial Malolactic fermentation. Post fermentation the wine aged in neutral oak for 6 months.

Washington’s 2024 vintage is shaping up to be one of exceptional quality. Despite a cool start, the growing season delivered beautiful fruit with vibrant flavors. We are seeing tremendous balance in both whites and reds, indicating wines with depth and complexity. This means that when you choose a 2024 Washington wine, you can expect a delicious expression of the varietal, with vibrant fruit, balanced acidity, and a long, satisfying finish.

Looking for a white wine that's both complex and approachable? Try our Stratus blend.

  • Forget Chardonnay's polite afternoon tea. This Viognier is its edgy cousin, the one who shows up with a leather jacket and a motorcycle. Same creamy vibes and complex depths, but with a floral twist that'll make your taste buds do a double-take.

  • Pan-seared scallops with vibrant spring asparagus and peas, drizzled with a bright lemon-butter sauce, create a fresh and flavorful counterpoint to the richness of our full-bodied Viognier.

  • This Grenache Rosé knows what it's doing. Pale salmon? It's a classic. Crisp and dry? It's got standards. Red berries and citrus? It's got taste. Just chill it and let it work its magic. It's got this.

  • Watermelon feta salad + this rosé = perfect summer snack. Sweet, salty, refreshing – it's all there.

  • Ripe peach, honeysuckle sweetness, and a delicate hint of almond blossom sneak up on you, followed by a refreshing acidity that's like a palate cleanser in disguise. The finish? Let's just say it's a satisfyingly long dad joke that lingers.

  • This MRV and butternut squash risotto are a total power couple. The creamy texture and sweet earthiness of the risotto are a dream with the wine's richness, and the sage adds a fresh herbaceous note that brings out the wine's floral vibes.

Our Wine club is our life blood

Right, so, this wine club. It's how we keep doing that thing we do with the grapes, you know, the one that results in those... wines. At its core, is an act of shared artistry, a quiet exchange between maker and drinker. It allows us to offer you, our most devoted patrons, a glimpse into the intimate workings of our craft, the behind-the-scenes moments of inspiration and perspiration. Your participation in the wine club has a direct impact on our ability to thrive, helping us pursue our passion and keep this dream alive.