The first vintage of Ancora Imparo was produced in 2018, when John was experimenting with fermenting and aging grenache in a clay amphora vessel. He wanted to name the resulting wine, “My Experiment”. (Peggy vetoed that name thinking it might scare folks off.) Fortunately, John came across a famous Michelangelo quote from when the artist was 87 years old. When asked how he continued to improve upon his craft, Michelangelo’s answer was, “Ancora Imparo”, an Italian phrase loosely translated to “Yet I Learn”. John is busy preparing for his 27th harvest, and lives by this motto. The 2022 vintage is 100% Grenache. 80% was fermented and aged in French oak (50% new and 50% once used), the remaining 20% of the wine was fermented and aged in a clay amphora. This Ancora Imparo showcases an explosion of luscious marionberry and ripe raspberry flavors and aromas that linger throughout the palate and finish with just a hint of minerality. Yumm!

Carmenérè is a unique grape, originating in Bordeaux, but found mostly in Chile these days. We planted our Carmenérè in Margaret’s Vineyard in 2007, but John’s first vintage of Carmenérè was 2007, sourced from Seven Hills Vineyard. Our 2022 Carmenérè includes Margaret’s Vineyard Carmenérè , and Seven Hills Carmenérè from the same block we picked from in 2007. The 2022 vintage of this wine has the rich dark pepper character unique to the Carmenérè grape. Aged for eighteen months in 60% new French oak, this wine drinks beautifully now but should age well for 10+ years. Enjoy!

Perhaps the wine that best summarizes John’s winemaking style and commitment to family, each vintage of Tre Fanciulli is truly a special wine. An Italian expression meaning “three treasured boys”, Tre Fanciulli is aptly named in honor of John and Peggy’s three beloved sons – Jack, Tommy & Joe – and each son represents a grape variety in the blend. The 2022 vintage is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and 23% Syrah and is composed of 100% Red Mountain fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon from Shaw Vineyard and Merlot and Syrah from Ciel du Cheval Vineyard create a premium red blend expressing aromas of vanilla and cherry and features an incredible balance of bold red fruit, approachable tannins, and a savory, rich finish.

Showcasing fruit from two of Washington’s most notable vineyards, Ciel du Cheval and Champoux Vineyards, the 2021 Old Vine Syrah is a luscious full bodied Syrah. Fruit harvested from vines planted over two decades ago, produced a striking Syrah with excellent depth of character, approachable tannins, and bold flavors of blackberry, creme brulee, and tobacco. In the Rhône tradition, John co-fermented this Syrah with 3% Viognier to produce a deep purple wine with beautiful dark cherry aromas. The Old Vine Syrah is delicious now and pairs well with rich cuts of meat, wild mushrooms, and homemade pasta. Or raise a glass on its own and share it with those you love.

This unique blend features three of our favorite vineyards: Margaret’s Vineyard (Walla Walla AVA), Quintessence Vineyards (Red Mountain AVA) and The Benches Wallula Gap Vineyards (Horse Heaven Hills AVA). Blending these three vineyards from three different AVAs inspired the name “III”. The result is a harmonious blend of three different Cabernet Sauvignon clones: Clone 6 (Margaret’s Vineyard), Clone 7 (The Benches), and Clone 169 (Quintessence Vineyard). Inky in hue, the delicious flavors of blackberry, plum and fig run rich and deep. A touch of chocolate, espresso, and oak spice compliment the bold fruit expression. Easy to drink now, this wine will age beautifully for 10+ years. A classic Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is an example of our region’s ability to produce wines with both power and finesse.