Winemaking

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At Foolhardy, we believe that good winemaking must be transparent, showcasing the energy and vibrancy of ripe grapes. Our house style is to produce vibrant and balanced wines that emphasize fruit purity and invite the drinker to take another sip. All of our wines are purposefully food friendly.

It starts with outstanding vineyards that consistently yield Cabernet Sauvignon with ripe, juicy flavors. We put in the miles throughout the growing season to meet with every farmer and walk every row. Visiting all our vineyard sources comprises a twelve-hour, 200+ mile circuit from Walla Walla. We taste and keep tasting to nail picking decisions that capture the best of the fruit, the freshness and structure.

Spare no effort in the winemaking, sorting fruit and then exhaustively tracking fermentations--the expression of fruit flavors, the development of the mouthfeel-- using gentle extraction techniques that highlight generous, soft tannins. We use judicious quantities of the finest French oak that frames the wine, lending texture without overt flavor.

Then taste and taste some more, selecting the best barrels and most expressive blends. This rigorous attention to the blending process allows us to maximize the potential of every vintage.

And of course we get help from friends, colleagues and family, who’ve encouraged, cajoled and supported us at every step since day one.