This project was created by two experienced winemakers, Andy Ferguson and Alex Stewart. The name, Piolet, is French for ‘ice-axe’; a reference to their shared love of mountaineering. Andy is a former winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle, and both he and Alex previously worked at the iconic Quilceda Creek winery. For their own passion project the pair source grapes from some of the finest vineyards in Washington State. Their limited production is quickly snatched up by avid collectors who’ve discovered Piolet Vintners primarily through word of mouth.The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc were harvested from a single block of vines within the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. For vinification Alex and Andy used 100% barrel fermentation and 12 months aging in 65% new French oak puncheons. Pale straw yellow in color, on the nose you find fruit aromas of pineapple, papaya, lemon and passionfruit. Crisp acidity and city fruit flavors are complemented by subtle hints of baking spice and vanilla. This is a richer and more textural style of Sauvignon Blanc.
