It’s more than the knowledge of varietals, or how to coax the vines to greatness. It’s more than desire, or passion or even the blessings of perfect soil, wind and sun. It’s having a winemaker from Bordeaux who takes an artisanal approach to vineyard management. It’s finding the illusive balance of tradition and innovation. More than all of that, it’s something the Aquilinis have always lived by: “We can make 100,000 bottles. Or we can make something special.” MORE
The Aquilini family purchases 535 prime acres within the highly-prized AVA, Red Mountain in Washington State.
59 acres are singled out for an ambitious, singular vision to create one of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignons.
Specializing in limited-production Cabernet Sauvignons, Philippe Melka is appointed to lead the journey to an elite Cabernet.
The first vines go into the ground in thirty 2-acre micro-blocks, cultivated by hand, with the goal of expressing each unique terroir.
220 cases are bottled and released from the 2014 vintage, in bottles echoing Aquilinis' simple, hand-crafted approach to winemaking.
Our 91 pt Sauvignon Blanc and 96 pt Cabernet reinforce our belief that this region is capable of producing some of the world’s best wine.
Where a wine comes from is just as important as who’s making it.
Maybe it’s the extreme temperature shifts — cold at night, blazing hot during the day — that lead to a more intense, more refined and complex flavor. Perhaps it’s hand-picking each grape — no stems, no leaves, nothing over- or under-ripened to interfere with perfection. It might also be Red Mountain’s gentle slope that creates its natural drainage, protecting precious root systems from mildew.
One thing is undeniable: the Red Mountain AVA is blessed with a confluence of growing conditions that winemakers dream of.
Geologically speaking, the region was formed around 20,000 years ago, the result of receding glacial floods and severe weather that deposited a combination of nutrient-rich soil and layers of sand and silt — perfect for growing grapes. Situated in the far corner of Washington’s Yakima Valley, Red Mountain is quickly making a name for itself by consistently producing award-winning, 95 to 100 point vintages.
Red Mountain is a blessing to those fortunate enough to practice their art in such a place — where the land’s inherent nature is a gift to winemaking. Marry that with the Aquilini’s blend of traditional and modern methods, an old-world reverence for the land, and a time-honored process that values craft and quality over speed and volume, and the potential for legendary wines is boundless.
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of exceptional quality and unique character. Nurtured by hand and the caress of Red Mountain, it’s a blend of old world artistry and new world science, revealing the character of a potentially great Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep. Ripe. Delicious.
A sophisticated and elegant structure not always found in a Sauvignon Blanc. Born of the same climate and soil as our Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers structure and complexity yet freshness on the palate. From its aromatic nose to its lingering finish, this elegant wine is one to savor.
The 2017 Family Blend will age beautifully, but is so delicious now that temptation may prove irresistible. Either way, this wine romances with lush berries, chewy espresso, and a beguiling softness, offering all the pleasure of Cabernet with a bit of bounce from Petit Verdot.
Andrew has since worked with over 25 different grape varietals in Washington and 25 different clones within varieties.
From would-be pilot to expert winemaker, Even’s path to Aquilini was anything but a straight line.
With experience in both wineries and vineyards, Maayan brings a dynamic array of talents to the Aquilini team.
Philippe has served as winemaking consultant for some of the most highly regarded properties around the world.
