February 2018 Domestic Wine: 2013 Floating Rock Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills, Washington
Fine Wine Source Wine
February 2018
Floating Rock (Hyatt Vineyards):
Hyatt Vineyards was established by Leland and Lynda Hyatt in 1983. Evolving from a modest Estate vineyard surrounding the Winery, Hyatt Vineyards has grown to 180 acres in four separate sites all within 3 miles of the original plantings. Each of the four different vineyards: Cherry Hill, Three Rocks, Roza Ridge, and the original Estate Vineyard display significantly distinct soils, elevation and exposure. Varietals include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling, Black Muscat and Zinfandel. From the Winery’s first release in 1987, awards, medals and very favorable press have followed consistently year after year.
About:
The wines produced by Hyatt were essentially 15,000 years in the making! It started with the Missoula Flood during the last ice age when an ice dam broke in Western Montana and created cataclysmic floods that flowed west into the eastern part of Washington and redeposited fertile soils as well as granite boulders and rocks. When the first vineyard was cleared many years ago, it was full of those boulders as well as massive amounts of rocks and was a huge undertaking. Thanks to those massive ice-age floods, today the vineyards consist of rich, light loam soil (with a few of those pesky rocks scattered about) providing the perfect structure for quality grapes. “I had the pleasure of speaking with Hyatt’s winemaker, Marty Johnson, about the vineyards and the direction the winery is headed. The fruit sourced from Rattlesnake Hills is also used to produce their Estate Wine, Roza Ridge, sold exclusively at the winery (for a higher price point!). Marty joined the Hyatt Team in 2016 and this particular vintage was produced by Steve Hovanes, who is no longer with Hyatt. Fortunately, Floating Rock is continuing as a brand; however, more fruit is being allocated to the Roza Ridge lineup. There is currently no designated Michigan distributor for Floating Rock, but I plan on keeping in touch with Marty to see how that progresses. We have acquired the remaining inventory of the 2013 Floating Rocks wines, and don’t sleep on these…they won’t last long! You are already familiar with how delicious the Syrah is, the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Red Blend are just as fine…Stock up while supplies last!!!”
Cheers!
-Matt
Varietals:
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot Aged 18 Months in American Oak
Alcohol:
14.3%
Tasting Notes:
Fruit aromas of tart cherries and strawberries lead into a palate of red fruit mostly pie cherries and tones of light vanilla. Bracing tannins hold up well to red meats and creamy cheeses. The wine departs with a subtle floral finish.
Food Pairings:
Paired with braised red meats with complex reductions, this wine enhances the many flavors of haute cuisine. But it is also quite comfortable alongside a tray of charcuterie and pungent cheeses or grilled meats.
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts:
Ripe, rich and loaded with complexity. Great mouth feel and a long lingering finish. Enjoy with juicy red meats!