Producer Profile
Double Canyon
Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, USA

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Double Canyon

Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, USA

Show-stopping Cabernet Sauvignon that is not a show-off

In 2005, Crimson Wine Group set out on a mission to create sustainably grown, exceptional wines with complexity and distinction, from the top quality areas of America’s wine regions. In Horse Heaven Hills they found the best terroir to grow Cabernet Sauvignon and thus invested in planting the 90 acres that now form Double Canyon Vineyard, named for two ravines that run through the property. Double Canyon perfectly captures Horse Heaven Hills AVA potential for the Bordeaux varietal, with elegant and structured wines that keep receiving rave reviews and accolades.

Location: Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, USA

Total area under vine: 36 hectares

Low Input Viticulture and Enology (LIVE) Certified

Website: www.doublecanyon.com

Our pick of the best wine from this producer: Cabernet Sauvignon

Interesting fact: Double Canyon opened the doors of a brand new winemaking facility just in time for the 2017 harvest. The winery was built with the help of a team of experts in order to meet both technological and sustainability high-end standards. The building is also part of the Washington State University’s new wine research facility.

Double Canyon Wines

Experts identify it as one of the regions with greatest potential to grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills is characterised by a dry desert landscape influenced by the moderating effect of the Columbia River, along which it sits. The continuously blowing winds provide a natural drying effect that controls yields and disease pressure and therefore the area is particularly suited for sustainable, chemical-free viticulture. Although it is one of Washington state’s warmest appellations, the river’s cooling effect allows for an ideal diurnal-nocturnal temperature shift that promotes optimal phenolic ripeness and balanced acidity.

It’s in the heart of this privileged terroir that Double Canyon Vineyard was planted in 2007, with a careful selection of Bordeaux varietal clones.

With a density double that of the region’s standard to promote plant competition and naturally reduce yields, Double Canyon produces pristine fruit, with flavour complexity, depth and concentration. This is the fundamental raw material that goes into the precise wines – namely Cabernet Sauvignon – the estate produces without using enzymes, fining agents or additives. Combining the technical knowledge and artistry of vineyard manager Will Beightol and winemaker Kate Michaud, the team at Double Canyon has been able to build a range that is rich and powerful without being overwhelming or unnecessarily showy.