As part of our August Washington Wine Month spotlight on great Washington wineries, I wanted to introduce a Horse Heaven Hills winery that utilizes estate fruit. Founded in 2006, Coyote Canyon sources from the Coyote Canyon Vineyard, which has a southeast facing slope and a canyon (Coyote Canyon) in the center of the vineyard which many smaller facing aspects that help to create smaller micro-climates.
The new red wine releases from this winery were particularly impressive, coming from the excellent 2012 and 2013 vintages. Head winemaker Justin Michaud has a vast experience in the industry, previously working for Kim Crawford in New Zealand as well as Goose Ridge in Washington State. His red wines showed a wonderful texture and mouthfeel. Look to his 2013 Coyote Canyon Tempranillo (WWB, 90) which is one of the better Washington Tempranillo bottling that I have sampled in the past year, as the earthy and red fruit tones show wonderful range. Even better was the 2012 H/H Estates ‘Michael Andrews’ Reserve Red Wine (WWB, 92) which is largely a Cabernet based wine and shows a beautiful mouthfeel alongside ripe dark fruit flavors. Learn more about this Horse Heaven Hills winery at http://coyotecanyonwinery.com Here are the great new wines by Coyote Canyon.
2016 Coyote Canyon Rose- Made from Barbara sourced from the Coyote Canyon Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, this wine opens with a bright bouquet of pink grapefruit blossom, guava and ripe strawberry. Lively and showing a touch of sweetness, this wine has red cherry, guava puree and strawberry flavors. Drink 2017-2020- 89
2016 Coyote Canyon Albarino- Showing some moderate sweetness, this wine begins with ripe nectarine, red apple and citrus blossom aromatics. Juicy peach, and golden delicious apple flavors sit alongside some good acidity, as this comes off slightly cloying. Drink 2017-2020- 88
2013 Coyote Canyon Tempranillo-Showing a dark core, this Tempranillo wine opens with pipe tobacco, red cherry, dill and orange rind aromas. The wine has a round and generous mouthfeel, leading to rich flavors of red cherry preserves, sage, red raspberry and blood orange. Downright delicious now, this is a wine for the short-term. Drink 2017-2022- 90
2013 Coyote Canyon Sangiovese-Lovely citrus and red fruit aromas instantly hit you. The mid-palate weight is really excellent, as is the wines smooth texture. Red cherry, sandalwood and milk chocolate shaving flavors complete this excellent bottling. Drink 2017-2022- 90
2012 H/H Estates 'Michael Andrews' Reserve Red Wine- This excellent wine is largely old block Cabernet (planted in 1994) with smaller parts Tempranillo and Graciano. The wine was aged in small American oak barrels prior to bottling. Black tea, black raspberry liquor and cigar box aromatics entice. Smooth and showing nice poise, this wine moves into silky flavors reminiscent of black cherry jelly, coffee grounds, sagebrush and hints of orange rind. Intriguing and generous, enjoy this excellent wine over the next seven plus years. Drink 2017-2025- 92
2012 H/H Estates 'H/H Buck' Reserve Syrah- This wine was named after one of the largest bulls ever farmed in North America. Showing a deep core, the Syrah wine starts with aromas of sagebrush, milk chocolate, Earl Grey tea and black olive tapenade. Plush, smooth and beautifully rounded out, the texture impresses. Black cherry, black olive and smoked pork shoulder flavors finish this delicious Washington Syrah wine. Enjoy this wine over the next seven years. Drink 2017-2024- 92