Winemaker Chris Upchurch Introduces Hero Twins Barrel Select and Launches Heart of the Hill Collaboration with Kiona’s Scott Williams
Benton City, WA, March 3, 2021 – Established in 2007 by Chris and Thea Upchurch, Upchurch Vineyard has, from the outset, been dedicated to exploring and sharing the remarkable wines crafted on their small plot of land on the southwest corner of Washington’s Red Mountain. “When we started, I wanted to return to a focus on small production and extreme attention to detail with a single vineyard,” notes Chris Upchurch. “And today, as we approach the release of our 10th vintage, I can say honestly that we did it and it worked.”
With over 400 ratings of 90+ for his wines at DeLille Cellars and Upchurch Vineyard, Upchurch is recognized as one of Washington State’s pioneering winemakers, dedicated to creating wines of the finest quality and pushing the boundaries of his craft. “At Upchurch, we focus on combining contemporary clonal research and modern sustainability practices with traditional old-world methods and techniques.”
This fall, Upchurch will introduce the Hero Twins Cabernet Sauvignon. “This wine will be a true exercise in precision, comprised of a barrel selection from specific rows within a single block that yield the quintessential expression of the vintage. The name Hero Twins comes from Mayan folklore; it’s the story of the genesis of the Sun and the Moon, the ideal link to these two barrels tied so closely to the magic of nature and the importance of warm sunny days and cool moonlit nights on Red Mountain.”
Upchurch has also announced the launch of his Heart of the Hill Vineyard wine, a collaboration with Scott Williams, owner and manager of Kiona’s acclaimed Cabernet vineyard at the center of the AVA. “I have worked with Chris for over 30 years. We relish the opportunity to collaborate on a new project together,” noted Williams.
“It is hard for me to believe that we are releasing a 10th vintage of our UV Cabernet”, remarked Thea Upchurch. “When Chris first found this plot of land and showed it to Dick Boushey, our Vineyard Manger, it was just a dream we had. Today, it’s a family business and a passionate endeavor for all of us.”
“While the first 10 years have been incredibly challenging and rewarding, I’m exceptionally eager for our next chapter,” says Chris Upchurch with a smile. “Who knows what the future holds, but I’m eager to find out.”
Upchurch Vineyard on Red Mountain Opening April 1
Upchurch Vineyard plans to open officially for the season April 1 for tastings and visits. Hours will be Thursday – Sunday 11am-5pm, by appointment only, and other days by advanced request.
Upchurch Vineyard Hero Twins Barrel Select
100% Cabernet Sauvignon; 50 cases produced; $135/bottle suggested retail price
Tasting Notes – Focused floral aromas and ripe black currant complement an inviting, textural palate with gentle oak influence. This fine-tuned selection of barrels yields a complete and balanced wine that exemplifies the purity of Clone 2 Cabernet from Upchurch Vineyard in the Southwest corner of Red Mountain AVA.
Winemaker
As the founding winemaker and a partner at DeLille Cellars since 1992, Chris Upchurch has crafted some of the finest and most award-winning wines in Washington State. He is the only winemaker to produce two Washington State brands to receive 5 stars (outstanding) in Robert Parker’s Wine Buyers Guide, for both DeLille Cellars and Doyenne.
Vineyard
Upchurch Vineyard is dedicated to sustainable farming and is certified by L.I.V.E. (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), a non-profit organization that promotes and certifies sustainable vineyard practices. It is also certified “Salmon Safe” which is a program to protect Pacific Northwest water sheds and the wildlife that thrives within them.