2020 Red Wine Estate

Chris Figgins of Figgins Estate, as well as Leonetti and Toil (in Oregon), has once again produced one of the vintage's top wines from his high-elevation estate vineyard. The property lies above the Missoula flood line, meaning its terroir is more volcanic than sedimentary. Issues with smoke in 2020 forced the winery to reduce macerations and use barrels with the lowest amount of toasting possible. This, along with a severe selection of juice that made it into the final blend, resulted in a wonderfully characterful, charming, yet still classically structured wine. Moreover, the property's second wine, the 2021 Figlia, punches well above its weight class. This is typically a wine to appreciate on the young side, yet the 2021 has the balance to mature beautifully. Last but not least, in the coming year, readers can look forward to the opening of a new winery and tasting room located at the estate vineyard. Fans of Washington and Bordeaux blends, take note: this is a property to keep firmly on your radar.