2021 Block 1311
Managing Partner Damon Huard: Block 1311 is the first ever vineyard designated Cabernet made by Passing Time. This beautiful 2-acre block sits about 300 feet above the Columbia River at Wallula Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills Appellation. Planted to high density with special clone 685 these young vines are producing world class fruit already that winemaker Chris Peterson wanted to let stand alone. This annual small batch offering will be a wine to follow for decades to come. Saluté to the Benches!
Tasting Notes: notably dark in color, with aromas of black currant, blackberry liqueur, rubbed Herbes de Provence, Black Forest cake, fresh pipe tobacco, and licorice pastille. Very large-scaled and deep on the palate, leading with dark milk chocolate, crème de cassis, lightly toasted savory herbs, and hardwood charcoal. Like no other Cabernet around, this special wine can be enjoyed with decanting over the next few years, but will really strut its stuff in the following couple of decades.
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Wallula Vineyard "The Benches"
Aging: 75% new French oak
Production: 100 cases
99 Points - International Wine Report
"Fruit that comes from a small block of the Wallula Vineyard, the Passing Time Block 1311 Cabernet, starts with a more brooding and rich structure and displays a dark purple and garnet core with a lighter purple rim. The boisterous nose features aromas of boysenberry, cassis, blue plum skin, wet earth, baking spice, and freshly laid tar. Showing a bit tight right now, this is going to be a serious wine with 5-10 years of age and will drink well over the next 20 years with proper cellaring. One of the best Passing Times wines I’ve ever experienced and one of the best from Washington State. Only 100 cases were made. Highly recommended and editor’s choice. "
99 Points - Owen Bargreen
"The ‘Block 1311’ is named after Dan Marino and Damon Huard’s jersey numbers, as this wine was entirely sourced for the Wallula Vineyard which neighbors the Columbia River. Pillowy and soft, this is seamless stunning wine that is meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. Creme de violette, asphalt, cassis, Arabica bean and blueberry compote flavors all magically combine with stony and salty soil components. Texturally downright ethereal, this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon will deliver drinking enjoyment for another twenty years. But why wait? Drink 2024-2048"
96-98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"Coming all from the Wallula (Benches) Vineyard, the tiny production 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Block 1311 is a darker, more masculine-styled release offering assorted black and blue fruits, notes of asphalt, violets, and crushed stone, full-bodied richness, and a tight, focused, yet incredibly elegant profile. It’s going to handsomely reward 4-6 years of bottle age and have three decades of longevity."
95 Points, Cellar Stocker - Northwest Wine Report (Sean Sullivan)
"This 100% varietal, reserve-style wine is a consistent standout, with a distinctive, identifiable profile that exquisitely blends Cabernet’s fruit and herbal elements. Aged in 75% new French oak, effusive aromas of plum, dried and fresh green herb, bittersweet chocolate, pink peppercorn, and flower lead to supple, polished, exquisitely proportioned, sophisticated fruit and barrel flavors. A long, long, harmonious finish caps it off. It’s a singular offering of Cabernet, winning on its under-stated grace, beauty, and balance. Make no mistake though, there’s power too, particularly once it gets going. Enjoy from 2028 to 2040. 14.7% alcohol. Natural cork. 100 cases produced."