Cadence, Bel Canto, Red Mountain, Washington, USA 2006

The 2006 Bel Canto represents Cadence's first estate effort. With water rights secured, the duo at Cadence finally planted vines in 2004. This wine from ‘third-leaf’ fruit is stellar, tasted 17 years after being harvested from the young vines at the Cara Mia vineyard. The resulting wine defies convention and shows the panache and depth that are hallmarks of classic old-vine wines. Bright and fresh florals mingle with green tea leaves, eucalyptus and charred earth. The palate is fresh and lush, a delicacy of layers revealing blue and blackberries and spiced red plums, accented by mineral notes of graphite and crushed basalt, the hallmark of Red Mountain.