Christophe Baron has always loved animals. Growing up in France he fondly recalls spending time in the vineyards amongst the massive draft horses that helped till the soils. It is that childhood inspiration that led to creating one of the most coveted lineup of wines in the Pacific Northwest, Horsepower Vineyards. In his Walla Walla AVA vineyards his horses help cultivate vineyards ranging from 3,555 to 4,840 vines per acre with as little as 3' x 3' spacing—planted 1 vine per stake, or “sur echalas” in French. One of the most exciting vineyards in Washington State, the Sur Echalas Vineyard creates wines that are so profound they’re nearly impossible to describe. The struggle of the vines in these close quarters creates a remarkable tension and intensity. These stunning wines are made by Christophe and his highly talented assistant vigneronne, Elizabeth Bourcier. The wines from this vineyard are intense with a vibrant sense of minerality and they show exceptional range. Simply put, they are unlike any other wines from this region. These are wines that are vibrant in their youth but also have some great aging potential. I have visited several 2012 and 2013 Horsepower wines over the past year and have been impressed with the sterling tension intact.
One of the monumental wines I have tried all year, the 2017 Horsepower ‘Sur Echelas Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 99) is not only insanely delicious but shows unrivaled complexity and pure terroir.I was also blown away with the 2017 Horsepower ‘Sur Echelas Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 98) which shows amazing smoky tones and good richness with incredible finesse. As I stated last year with the 2016 releases, I think that these are amongst the finest Rhone style wines made in North America. Learn more about these monumental wines at https://horsepowervineyards.com/horsepowervineyards/ Here are the stunning new wines by Horsepower Vineyards.
2017 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache- The ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ -is a 3-foot by 3-foot spacing and 4,840 vines per acre, this 2 acre site is the highest density planting in the Walla Walla Valley and one of the highest density plantings in North America. The intoxicating bouquet catches you off-guard. Layers of guava puree and red cherry starburst candy combine with horse manure, green peppercorns and cigar ash with potpourri and salted meats. The aromatic range is just insanely good. Once on the mouth, the ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache offers a pillowy texture that borders on ethereal. The finesse and beautiful tension runs through the core of bright red fruits that dance with kumquat zest, cigar box, white pepper and salted prosciutto ham on the palate. While quite big on the mouth, the weightless quality of the wine is superlative. A monumental wine that is amongst the best of its kind in North America, the 2017 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 99
2017 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah- Stony, complex and utterly sensational, the 2017 Horsepower vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah borders on pefection. It is not surprising that this shows a darker aromatic profile than the Grenache with wild blackberry compote, smoked brisket, creosote and Kalmata olive tapenade that all march in unison. The palate is fresh, vibrant and full of mouth-watering acidity. Umami tones are woven together with menthol, charcuterie, smoldering stones and Hoisin sauce. With a seamless texture, good sense of richness, yet very elegant, the 2017 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah is impossible to resist in its youth but will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 98
2017 Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah- One of the new plantings by Christophe Baron, the ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ is a high density site planted to 3 acres of Syrah and 1/3 acre of Viognier. The nose is wonderfully high-toned with orange blossoms that connect with smoked meats, black olive tapenade and shades of boysenberry cordial that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with gobs of mouth-watering acidity and a seamless texture. Very pretty kirsch and Satsuma orange rind connect with roasted dates, wet gavel and seaweed on this complex palate. Finishing very long, this beautiful new wine will enjoy another eight to ten years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 96
2017 Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah- Another vineyard planted in stony terroir, ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ is a 3.5 feet by 3.5 feet planted site, totaling 3,555 vines per acre. Smoldering rocks and cigar box tones connect with dark plum and green peppercorns with Umami tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh, vibrant and incredibly delicious. Ripe dark fruits collide with minerals, seaweed, Spanish green olives and salted meats on the palate. The generous length and wonderful purity of fruit is impressive. Highly gratifying to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful new Syrah will enjoy another decade of life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2030- 96