Mullan Road Red Blend

Mullan Road Cellars is a journey into Washington winemaking led by Dennis Cakebread of Cakebread Cellars. Drawn by the high quality of wines and the camaraderie of the Walla Walla wine community, Dennis and winemaker Aryn Morell worked with the famed Seven Hills Vineyard on the southern edge of the Walla Walla Valley appellation as well as vineyards in the soon-to-be-recognized Royal Slope appellation to craft this powerful yet elegant Bordeaux-style Red Blend.
90 POINTS
Wine & Spirits
2013 vintage
92-94 POINTS
eRobertParker.com
2013 vintage
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HARVEST NOTE
While the 2013 growing season was the second warmest on record, it was surprisingly gentle on our vineyards. Budbreak came two weeks earlier than normal although normal is getting harder and harder to define these days. While warm temperatures throughout the season were occasionally disrupted by June rains and a few heat spikes in July, the cooler weather in September helped our fruit reach optimal maturity and balance. We use grapes grown at several different vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley, including the famed Seven Hills Vineyard in Walla Walla, and both Stillwater Creek Vineyard and the Lawrence familys Corfu Crossing Vineyard outside Royal City an area that should soon (we think) be designated as the Royal Slope appellation.
TASTING NOTE
Our 2013 vintage Red Wine Blend is showing slightly bolder flavors and body than our inaugural 2012. This wine highlights explosive aromas of blackberry, black plums, dried strawberries and a beautiful black tea/juniper berry potpourri. The palate is dense, yet polished, and features big silky tannins. Elegant textures and a long, lithe finish will have this wine aging nicely for the next 7 to 10 years.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs well with any red meat on the grill, pork tenderloin, heavy cheeses and grilled vegetables.
TECHNICAL DATA
GRAPES: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
APPELLATION: Columbia Valley, Washington
PH: 3.79
ACIDITY: 0.58 grams/100 ml
ABV: 14.3%
AGING: 16 months in 40% new French and American oak barrels
POINTS OF DISTINCTION
An elegant and age worthy blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec
Fruit comes from prime vineyards in the soon-to-be-recognized Royal Slope appellation along with the famed Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley appellation
Wine made by WA native Aryn Morell, who has extensive experience in the Columbia Valley as well as with high-profile Napa wineries

Region Description

The Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the largest in the state of Washington. It includes the Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Walla Walla, and Horse Heaven Hill AVAs within its boundaries.