Today we share a truly unique Washington house that utilizes grapes from the famed WeatherEye Vineyard (https://www.weathereyevineyard.com). This incredible site is set on the windswept ridgeline of Red Mountain in Washington State and is planted to 30 acres of Rhône, Bordeaux, and Spanish varieties. This is absolutely extreme terroir. The vineyard ranges from 950’ to 1410’ of elevation, and has extreme slopes and soils ranging from dune sand to fractured bedrock basalt. Ryan Johnson serves as vineyard manager, having previously managed the esteemed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard for 15 years. Ryan farms this vineyard meticulously and wines from this site have a very wild appearance from the sagebrush, rabbitbrush and yarrow as well as many other native plants that can be found amongst the vines. It is incredible how the nuances of these plants can come into the wines.
You are overwhelmed by the rustic and wild character from the underbrush and surrounding plants in the wines. I was enamored by the fall releases and the spring 2024 releases are nothing short of world-class. One of the outstanding Washington Viogniers on the retail market, the 2022 Liminal Viognier (OB, 95) is bold and dazzles with its depth and flavor range. Learn more at https://www.liminalwine.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Liminal Wines.
2022 Liminal Viognier- Coming from the WeatherEye Vineyard this beautiful new 2022 Viognier comes from a parcel of land high atop Red Mountain. This is wonderfully textured stuff with honeysuckle water and hints of rosemary alongside rich honeydew melon and shades of juicy nectarine on the palate. Fresh and lithe with a smooth texture and great underlying tension, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2024-2032- 95
2022 Liminal Grenache- The 2022 Liminal Grenache is a dense and burly style of this varietal reminiscent of some of the newer vintages of Chateauneuf du Pape. Red cherry cordial, dried yarrow and sage and suggestions of smoldering earth all combine on the nose with Linzer torte accents. The palate is ultra-refined and elegant with serious texture and underlying tension. Salty and rich, enjoy this beautiful now now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 96
2022 Liminal Syrah- The 2022 Liminal Syrah is a head-turning wine coming from the WeatherEye Vineyard. Once on the nose this takes on shades of boysenberry fruits drenched in oyster sauce with pulled pork shoulder alongside fresh thyme and beef drippings. The palate is beautifully balanced, in terms of depth, flavor range and texture, showing marvelous salty and savory character. A stunning wine to consume now, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 96
2022 Liminal ‘The Barbarous Heart’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘The Barbarous Heart’ is a Southern Rhone inspired blend of mainly Grenache (48%) and Mourvèdre (37%) with the remainder Syrah. Dried provencal herbs and crushed wildflowers mark the nose alongside heady dark fruits and smoked BBQ pork ribs. The palate is dense and finesse-laden with plenty of mouth-watering acidity. A total knockout, showcasing the pretty character of Grenache with the meaty essence of Mourvèdre, enjoy this beauty now and love the next twelve plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 96