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Growing Season Notes

2007
A warm July set the stage for an early, compressed harvest. The earlier ripening was partially offset by a higher set and yield for the whites. The chardonnay is rich and ripe. Look for peach flavors in the viogniers with moderate acidity. The reds were harvested earlier than usual with ripe flavors and good character. The syrahs are full-bodied and flavorful.

2008
Spring came late after a wet winter. There was warm weather in May and June which allowed the crop to set well. At some sites crop levels were lowered to assure high quality in an overall cool growing season. The summer weather was moderate, with few hot spells. There was nice ripening weather in September. Whites were harvested about one week later than usual, showing good intensity of flavor. There were cool spells in late September and early October, and an early frost in October in some areas, but none of our sites were affected. The reds were harvested with exceptional natural balance, and the wines show intense berry character and moderate tannins.

2009
The 2009 growing season was unusual, with some extreme events, yet produced excellently flavored white and red wines. Nature delivered a late spring, a hot summer and an early freeze. Heat spells throughout the season made this one of the earliest vintages ever. By the end of September, everything was harvested except for two blocks. This was fortunate because temperatures dropped in early October and there was a strong freeze before midmonth. Fortunately, by then only the Mourvedre remained on the vine, and it was undamaged in one of the few locations to escape freezing temperatures. The whites show rich and intense fruit flavors. The reds are showing big flavors early with rich, ripe tannin structure.

2010
The previous winter was mild and spring brought a normal budbreak, but a cool spring delayed flowering and growth. A significantly cooler season brought increased mildew and mold pressure which required additional vineyard management, and careful sorting of clusters at the winery. The cooler season brought a more “European” vintage with a reduced crop and naturally high acidity and somewhat lower alcohols. The whites have excellent flavor with supportive acidity. Less red was produced than usual. The reds have good red and blue fruit flavors with good acidity and more modest weight and alcohol.

2011
An early freeze the previous November caused some bud damage to many areas but did not affect the crop very much. There was significant damage at McKinley Springs which eliminated the crop from most of those blocks. Budbreak was late and the season got off to another slow start. The growing season was similarly cool as 2010 but the late season was dry with fine weather so the grapes could hang longer than in 2010. The reds which were produced have good concentration with bright acidity.
CDA Cellars current vintages


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2007 Alder Ridge Vineyard Syrah

"93 Points - Editors' Choice" Wine Enthusiast, December 2011

The Alder Ridge Vineyard on the southern cliffs of Horse Heaven Hills AVA produces rich, elegant fruit with classic Syrah flavors. The wine has aromas and flavors of berries, cinnamon, vanilla, and citrus peel with a smooth and supple palate and a soft lingering finish.


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Limited edition: 126 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2007 BDX

"91 Points" Wine Enthusiast, December 2011

BDX is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Grown in the Horse Heaven Hills Vineyard of Rob Andrews at McKinley Springs, it has warm aromas of tobacco, dried herbs, cassis and cherry with a smooth palate of ripe fruit wrapped in spicy cedar.


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Limited edition: 232 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2007 Boushey Vineyard Syrah

Fruit grown in the heart of the Yakima Valley by accomplished grower, Dick Boushey, provides the elegant tannin profile for this luscious Syrah. Expressive aromas of blueberry, plum and spice lead to rich flavors and a long, silky finish.

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Limited edition: 279 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2007 Opulence Syrah

This Syrah is filled with spicy notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and orange peel on the nose. Cherry, currant, and plum flavors in a firm concentrated style are balanced well by bold tannins and food friendly acidity and a lengthy finish.

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Limited edition: 362 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2008 Syrah Dessert Wine

Dark, ripe fruit flavors ooze from the rich, deep palate. Pie cherry, raspberry and chocolate are followed by gentle toasty oak and a velvety mouthfeel for a lush experience that is sweet but not cloying.

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Limited edition: 21 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2009 Cabernet Franc

This Cabernet Franc from McKinley Springs Vineyard delivers currant, black fruit, and characteristics of dried sage and fennel along with sweet tobacco aromas. Blended with 25% Merlot for balance, it is lively and full bodied on the palate.



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Limited edition: 74 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2009 Columbia Valley Syrah

From three Columbia Valley vineyards, this bold and balanced Syrah brings a combination of deep and bright Syrah fruit notes such as berries, cherries, plums, orange peel as well as baking spices, chocolate, lavender, cedar, smoke, and a trace of truffle. Barrel aging for 19 months lends a smooth and smoky finish. Great structure and fine-grained tannins promise great aging potential. This wine is delicious with beef or lamb, bacon, and spices such as cumin, coriander, and allspice.

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Limited edition: 345 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2009 Mo

This intriguing variety comes from the Horse Heaven Hills vineyard of McKinley Springs. Blended with 24% Syrah for depth and complexity, it delivers exciting flavors reminiscent of rhubarb, red grapefruit, white pepper and herbs. This easy drinking wine is medium-bodied with a smooth finish.

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Limited edition: 180 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2009 No. 6 Red

This proprietary blend combines our trademark Syrah with Bordeaux varieties to create a lush, fruity palate pleaser. Full-bodied, flavorful and approachable, it is packed with fruit flavors of cherry, plum, and berries, with a smooth yet full palate.

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Limited edition: 281 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



2009 WinemkrsCuvee
2009 Winemaker's Cuvée

Rich red wine aromas of plum and raspberry fruit are complemented by spices of clove and nutmeg, orange peel and toasty wood. The palate is full and smooth with exceptional balance, a lengthy finish and wonderful mixture of sweet and savory notes.

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Limited edition: 44 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2010 Chardonnay

Fruit from Stillwater Creek and Lonesome Springs Vineyards makes this Chardonnay an excellent expression of the outstanding terroir of Washington State. Fruit notes of nectarine, pear, bright quince, citrus peel and kiwi are complemented by aromas of toasted hazelnuts, slight butterscotch and soft toasty oak. Medium bodied on the palate with lively acidity form the cool 2010 vintage, this wine finishes with clean citrus and pear flavors with a toasty, mineral finish. Enjoy with shellfish, creamy sauces and spaghetti with sausage marinara.

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Limited edition: 217 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2010 L'Artiste

This elegant Viognier expresses the true character of the Viognier grape through 100% stainless steel barrel fermentation. Lonesome Springs, Milbrandt Clifton, Stillwater Creek and McKinley Springs Vineyards are combined to deliver flavors of apricot, pineapple, papaya, mandarin orange, and melon.

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Limited edition: 230 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2010 Scarlet Lake Syrah

Expressive aromas of blueberry, lush red berries and plum fruit combine with aromas of mocha, spice and cola leading to elegant fruit flavors and a long, silky finish. This wine is a delicious accompaniment to more delicate meats, salmon and game birds with spiced fruit sauces.

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Limited edition: 163 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2010 Viognier

Refreshing stone fruit and tropical flavors of nectarine and pineapple combine with ripe cantaloupe, toasty caramel and vanilla creating a complex and intriguing white wine with a creamy long finish. The grapes are sourced from Lonesome Springs, Milbrandt Clifton, McKinley Springs, and Stillwater Creek Vineyards.

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Limited edition: 199 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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2011 No. 6 White

Refreshing candied peach, green apple and gardenia aromas lead to a honied fruit palate. The crisp acidity balances the off-dry fruitiness of this delicious summer wine and enhances the long clean finish. A wonderful food wine, it complements Mexican and Asian foods, seafood, citrus salads with goat cheese, and fruity desserts.

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Limited edition: 137 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.



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NV Switchback Red

With vanilla, cinnamon and floral notes on the nose, the delicate tannins of this Syrah round out bright fruit flavors of strawberry-rhubarb and warm, sweet cherry with deep blackberry fruit on the palate. Long gentle finish with light smoky overtones.

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Limited edition: 671 cases
Sold by the bottle, half-case, and case.

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