Charles Smith has demonstrated brilliantly that Washington State can produce great Rhone, Bordeaux and aromatic white wines just like France.
Our Burgundy story began with a Chardonnay called SIXTO....Golden West was born from the idea that wherever Chardonnay can grow, Pinot Noir should be able to grow as well.
There are many high-end Pinot Noirs on the market, but very few affordable Pinot Noirs that anyone can afford.
To bring truly great wine to as many people as possible.
The Golden West is the realization of that promise.
The label design references both the geography of the vineyard and the artisanal agricultural character of the wine.
Is this really a New World Pinot Noir? First there's an overwhelming mineral note, then there's precision, class and purity.
Black cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, hibiscus, wet earth - five senses are stimulated by the first sip before the complexity kicks into overdrive.
Rose petals, tarragon, turmeric, spice box, worn leather, crushed rocks.
What a surprise.
What a beauty.
Here's the "future" vineyard in your glass: Golden West Vineyards (100%) Golden West is the largest Pinot Noir vineyard in the history of Washington State.
It is located on the western edge of the Frenchman Hills, on the 47th parallel overlooking the Columbia River.
The Golden West Vineyard is a sustainably farmed single vineyard located at an elevation of 1500 feet, rooted in ancient limestone, sand and volcanic rock (the same latitude as Pommard, with well-drained soils) and a warm microclimate moderated by the Columbia River.
This property is truly an untouched gem.
Previously, the vineyards were planted with organic peas and beans, but today the vineyards produce the land in its most beautiful form: Pinot Noir.
The 2020 vintage may be the best in Washington State history.
The long growing season and warm temperatures allowed the fruit to ripen evenly and produced excellent results.
The wine is focused, rich, complex and lively.
The red wines are understated and elegant yet powerful, with incredible tension and balance.
The white and rosé wines are wonderfully rich, yet balanced with enough acidity to round out the wines.
We are excited to see how these wines evolve! Charles Smith has demonstrated that Washington State can produce great Rhone, Bordeaux and aromatic white wines just like France.
And so our Burgundy story began with a Chardonnay called SIXTO; Golden West was created from the idea that wherever Chardonnay can grow, Pinot Noir should be able to grow as well.
There are many high-end Pinot Noirs on the market, but very few affordable Pinot Noirs that anyone can afford.
Golden West is the realization of the promise we made to bring truly great wine to the widest audience.
The label reflects the Golden West terrain where the wine is grown and its artisanal, agricultural roots.
Pinot Noir is often thought of as an artisanal, low-production wine.
The layers of color on the label represent both the complexity and simplicity of the wine inside the bottle.