It was a beautiful Wednesday evening and I was seated at the table with Passing Time co-founder Damon Huard and winemaker Chris Peterson. We chatted NFL and Husky football as we tasted through the thrilling lineup of 2024 wines.
“’24 is going to be a really great vintage” said Peterson, as he described this warm vintage with few heat spikes. “I think you are going to see amazing quality across the board” he said as we tasted the amazing future release wines.
Over time Passing Time has gained prominence for producing some of the best Merlot in Washington state. “I think this is our best Merlot” said Damon and I have to agree that this 2024 is up there with the finest Merlot wines in the state.
What began with the 2012 vintage, Passing Time is now been in business for more than a decade. I was amazed by the new lineup. I tasted these wines on two occasions over two days. Do not miss out on the otherworldly 2024 Passing Time ‘Block 1311’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is once again a perfect wine made from the Wallula Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. This masterclass has a dense black fruit core that pushes blue fruit character and is utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience. Learn more about this famed boutique winery at http://www.passingtime.com Here is my reviews of the future release 2024 Passing Time wines.
2024 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- All Merlot this vintage from the Columbia Valley, this is primarily sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Stored in 60% new French oak this opens with black cherry and milk chocolate alongside sagebrush notes. The palate is velvety and soft with a refined mouthfeel and great earthy undertones. Concentrated and powerful, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 96
2024 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Red Wine- The 2024 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Red Wine is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) with a small amount of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Mainly from the Lady Hawk and Seven Hills Vineyards, this offers kirsch cordial and creme de cassis notes alongside Cuban cigar notes on the nose. The palate is plush and refined with terrific flavor density. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2024 Passing Time ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Mainly sourced from two blocks at the Seven Hills Vineyard, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 20 months in 70% new French oak before bottling. This comes off fat and round on the mouth with a dense mouthfeel and refined tannins. Blueberry compote, loamy soils, dark currants, pencil lead and shades of black licorice combine with dried herbs on the palate. Drink 2026-2044- 97
2024 Passing Time ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 Passing Time ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon was mainly sourced from the Klipsun Vineyard as well as the Red Mountain and Heart of the Hill Vineyards. Jet black in the glass, this offers tar and tobacco leaf alongside shades of graphite and beautiful black florals that all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and delicious with a seamless mouthfeel and serious power, with underlying tension. This has to be the best Passing Time ‘Red Mountain’ made yet. Drink 2026-2050- 98
2024 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 8% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc blended in. Very inky in the glass, this opens with violets, tar and dark chocolate shavings alongside sweet pipe tobacco on the nose. The palate is silky and refined with a silky texture and refined mouthfeel. This comes up velvet and soft, as this is up there with the finest Horse Heaven Hills bottling by Passing Time that I have tasted. Drink 2026-2050- 98
2024 Passing Time ‘Block 1311’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The one wine out of the lineup from a single vineyard, the ‘Block 1311’ is a barrel selection wine from the Wallula Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. This is only farmed at 1.7 tons an acre. Inky in the glass, this opens with a gorgeous melange of black rose petals alongside tar, anise, creme de violets and hints of fresh sage. The palate is utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience with a massive core of black and blue fruits. The blue fruit character offers plenty of exotic appeal. Irresistible and world-class, grab this total heavyhitter while you can. Drink 2026-2052- 100