2018 Andreas
THE STORY:
The 2018 vintage was a blessing of extreme focus and quality; perhaps the best since the phenomenal 2007 vintage. The growing season started with a cool April followed by a warm May, which brought on bloom. The month of June was cooler than normal, and the vintage transitioned to extremely warm temperatures during July and August. Warm days and cool nights presented the optimum ripeness and desired profile to bring us across the finish line early with a singular pick from Block R1 of our Mach One Vineyard on September 18th. The wine's complexities developed during extended maceration prior to an extended aging in mostly new French oak until bottling on March 30, 2021. A truly spectacular vintage!
Concentrated flavors of red currant, plum, tobacco, cedar, herbs and Asian spice, along with sweet violets present cohesive focus on the palate. Built with the structure commanded for multi-decade aging, the 2018 Andreas may be enjoyed with adequate care now and beyond 2035 with proper cellaring.
RELEASE DATE:
June 1, 2023
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Appellation | Horse Heaven Hills |
| Vineyard | Mach One |
| Harvest Date | 09/18/2018 |
| Acid | 5.7 g/L |
| PH | 3.78 |
| Aging | 30 months in French Oak barrels (90% new) |
| Fermentation | 30 days skin contact for richness and complexity. |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 03/30/2021 |
93 POINTS - James Suckling
"This is a rich and full-bodied red exuding notes of cocoa beans, olives, ripe blackberry fruit and a hint of graphite. Broad and powerful, with ripe, berry-soaked tannins. Drink or hold."
Gilles Nicault
Gilles Nicault left the University of Avignon with a four year degree in Viticulture and Enology. He honed his craft in the fabled hillside vineyards and wineries of Cote Du Rhone, Provence and Champagne. Then, already a vintner of rising fame, Gilles traveled to America. He wanted to see for himself if reports of outstanding noble grapes from the eastern slopes of Washington were indeed true.
His tour took him to the Staton Hills Winery of Yakima Valley in 1994 (now part of Diageo), to Woodward Canyon in 1996, and included an occasion at the Hogue Winery. He soon became part of the prestigious community of Washington enologists and winemakers.
But it was in the vineyards of southern France where Gilles developed his deep convictions regarding the science of grape growing, and the profound role it plays in winemaking.
“Wines are made in the vineyard and only an excellent relationship between grower and winemaker allows the crafting of outstanding wines that reflect their terroir,” he explains to all who ask.
Gilles has a passion for knowledge, and has shaped his career path to achieve maximum growth through exposure to new ideas. It was only natural that Gilles would want to join Allen Shoup’s state-of-the-art Long Shadows team. It is there that he is completing his search for the secrets of the world's most exceptional wines as he works alongside some of the world’s greatest winemakers. His exposure to their craftsmanship with specific grape varieties and classic wine styles allows him to perfect his own signature work.
Click on the links below to get information about our
other vintages.
2019
2018
2017
2016
