Tasting Notes:

• Aromas of dusty wild blackberries, roasted plum, and blackberry compote mingle with savory notes of smoked meat, wet earth, and a touch of iron and minerality.

• On the palate it’s richly textured, medium-to-full bodied: flavors of black raspberry, currant, ground pepper, spring flowers, and darker floral tones like violet. 

• Tannins are building and firm, balanced by good acidity and minerality. Needs a few years in the cellar to fully unwind.

Why It’s Special / What Makes It Desirable:

• Vineyard & Terroir: The “The Tribe” site sits in Walla Walla’s Milton-Freewater area, on basalt-rich, stony soils. That gives it savory, mineral-laden character and a strong sense of place.

• Craft & Aging: Spent ~15 months in neutral French oak—this helps the wine retain its fruit purity and express vineyard character rather than oak.

• Critical Acclaim: Very high ratings across reviewers — often in the high 90s — reflecting complexity, purity, and age-worthy potential.

 Drinking & Pairing Suggestions

• Best Drinking Window: While enjoyable now (especially with decanting), this wine will likely shine more from ~2028 onward and continue developing for a decade or more. 

• Food Pairings:

  • Grilled or roasted red meats (lamb, ribeye)

  • Game meats (venison, duck)

  • Rich mushroom dishes, earthy sauces

  • Charcuterie and smoked meats