Old Vines
I just did the winemaker notes for our 2008 Old Vine Merlot. “Wow!” You know there is really something special about old vines. The wines that they produce have a certain elegance about them that cannot be reproduced. At Kestrel’s Estate Vineyard, in the Yakima Valley, we are lucky enough to have Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot that were planted in 1972. It is pretty remarkable when you think about it; I was five years old and my wife had not been born yet, when these vines were planted by one of the previous owners of our vineyard. I am not exactly a newcomer to the Washington wine scene, having worked in the industry for some twenty-two years now. However, nineteen years prior to my arrival, Mike Wallace and his father-in-law had the foresight to plant wine grapes among the apple orchards of the Yakima Valley. I’ll bet they were the talk of the town. Fortunately, I am reaping what they have sewn, and produce elegant world class wines year after year from the vines that they planted so long ago.
Cheers,
Flint Nelson
Yes and I remember John’s excitement when he discovered them… They came from France… those beautiful old vines and he then cut down the old apple trees and planted more grapes to insure their future
Not only did he believe the old vines were a treasure but that the soil and weather conditions were perfect for grape growing and wine making… he treated them all like royalty buying the finest barrels and products he could find so the wine making staff could be inventive and creative. His goal to make the highest quality of wine affordable for all to enjoy.
and Bravo to Flint.. The estate Cab… formerly known as Prince… I mean two ton..lol was one of the best wines Helen and I have ever tasted….