ENSEMBLE welcomes in 2010…
Our ENSEMBLE family thanks our many customers, especially our “Allocation List” members, for their continued support of our wines over the last year. We also thank the many volunteers who helped us bottle, rack, top, crush, punch down, press, and—of course, TASTE!
As ENSEMBLE welcomes in 2010 we look forward to another successful year of making terrific wine, blending Three Vintages to produce that trademark Bordeaux Blend we all love.
January is always a quiet month at the winery, with “topping” up barrels being the only “physical” activity happening. This is good for the winemaker, as his body has a chance to recover from crush. The 2009 vintage was one of our best at ENSEMBLE, with our many vineyards fruit coming in early, with bright/concentrated flavors and dark/rich colors. All wine is through Malic Acid conversion, racked, and now aging in barrels waiting for our Spring blending trials.
The big news is that we crushed a small amount of Chardonnay to produce a unique Blanc de Blancs Champagne, (methode Champenoise). At some point in the next couple of years our Allocation List members will have the exclusive right to purchase the 80 or so cases made. So far, all looks good!
Release Number Four– now released, has been steadily moving out the door. It shows our trademark “style” of exotic spice and dark cherries framed by elegant French Oak tannins with a stylish, and long finish. If you are on our Allocation List you have likely already picked up your wine, or had it shipped. If not please contact us so we know your plans for pick up or if you need us to, we can ship. We have attempted to contact all our Allocation List people, so if you have not heard from us our contact information is not working!
Our ALLOCATION LIST is still OPEN– just download our ALLOCATION REQUEST FORM and get signed up for our future releases. Production remains at around 400 cases so availability will continue to be extremely limited. Our “List” continues to fill up, with now over 500 members. (Are you on the “List”??). No payment is due until wine is picked up or shipped.
Stay warm, and come visit us anytime. We look forward to seeing you this year. Just call the winery for a tasting appointment (509-525-0231). Thanks,
Craig Nelsen, Winemaker
Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker
Melissa Nelsen, Cellar Rat
Michelle Nelsen (W. WA. Sales)