The Wines
The Pacific Northwest is not only a very special place that offers a large variety of scenery, climate and wildlife but is also opportune for agriculture like wheat, orchards, hops and of course wine grapes of vitis vinifera. After producing many different wines in Washington, my French roots and the undeniable potential to make world-class Rhône wines in the Columbia Valley lead me towards producing a Rhône style terroir-driven wine; Côté Nicault. I currently produce two wines. The first is my GSM, a blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache that has layers of New World richness and brightness with the complexity of Old World sophisticated balance and depth. The second is my “Full Disclosure” that is 100% Grenache and only produced when conditions are perfect for showcasing the characteristics of this varietal.
Drawing on my unique experience making wine alongside an All-Star team of winemakers at Long Shadows Vintners, I have used different winemaking techniques to further enhance each variety in this blend. The Mourvèdre is fermented in large French oak barrels then aged in a French concrete egg to fully highlight its backbone and spiciness. The Syrah is fermented in a 1.5 ton fermenter then aged in 500 liter French oak vessels to enhance its dark savory notes. The Grenache undergoes whole cluster native fermentation to capture its delicate perfume.
Since 1994, I have explored the diverse terroir of the Columbia Valley in search of the best sites. While I have made Côté Nicault wines from different vineyards over the years, I ultimately landed on sourcing and building long term relationships with growers from the Red Mountain AVA. The winemaker / grower relationship creates a true sense of place in my wines and ensures the highest quality year after year.
There are three (3) ways you can purchase Côté Nicault wines
2021 Côté Nicault GSM
32% Grenache ~ 33% Syrah ~ 35% Mourvèdre
$85/bottle
Tasting Notes: Crafted with careful attention and a deep passion for making wines that reflect the varietals and the land, this Red Mountain GSM reveals an aromatic profile that speaks to the unique terroir. Dominant notes of ripe black currant and succulent figs gracefully intertwine with delicate hints of crushed white pepper, imparting a savory depth to the bouquet. The palate mirrors this complexity, offering a harmonious balance of richness and refinement. A velvety mouthfeel delivers a symphony of flavors, with sage and plum emerging as the focal point, creating a seamless blend of fruit-forward elegance and savory umami. This Rhône-style blend unfolds with remarkable depth, its intricate layers unfolding beautifully. A lingering finish of subtle peppercorn spice adds an exquisite nuance, elevating the overall experience to a sublime crescendo.
Vintage: The 2021 vintage will be remembered for low yields and extreme temperatures stretching from late June to the beginning of July. The early summer heat wave was followed by ideal weather, with warm days and cool nights extending well into October. The combination of low yields and extra hang time allowed the grapes to reach full physiological maturity, resulting in a vintage marked by balanced wines with great concentration and flavor.
Winemaking: A thoughtful blend of fermentation and aging techniques was employed to cultivate the layered complexity of Côté Nicault. To enhance the wine’s texture and viscosity, one-third of the grapes were whole-cluster fermented, allowing the natural essence of the fruit to shine through. The Mourvèdre was aged in a terra-cotta amphora, a nod to Old-World tradition, capturing the grape’s savory depth and enhancing its earthy character. Meanwhile, the Grenache, aged in 500L oak barrels, contributed a bouquet of delicate, perfume- like aromas. The Syrah, with its deep, dark fruit profile, was matured in a mix of new and used French oak barrels, imbuing the wine with layers of spice and complexity. After 18 months of careful cellaring, the blend was meticulously assembled, bottled, and allowed to age for an additional two years, ensuring its release at the peak of perfection.
Vineyards: The 2021 GSM is a true expression of the Red Mountain AVA, embodying the rugged beauty and distinct character of this exceptional terroir. Sourced primarily from the Red Heaven Vineyard, a southwest-facing site with ideal conditions, this wine captures the essence of the land. The vineyard, perfectly suited to Rhône varieties, imparts a depth of flavor and complexity that speaks to the unique conditions of this remarkable corner of the world. Each grape reflects the boldness and elegance of Red Mountain, creating a wine that is as unforgettable as the place it comes from.
Alcohol: 15.1%
Production: 345 cases
"On the nose this takes on layers of dark currants and scorched earth with fresh sage and Mandarin orange zest. The palate walks a tightrope between smoked meats and charcuterie alongside bright citrus zest, wild strawberry, and cran-pomegranate flavors."
- 97 points, Owen Bargreen
2020
Full Disclosure - Grenache
100% Grenache
$90/bottle
Tasting Notes: Displaying a deep and alluring garnet hue, this wine shows intense notes of figs and black currants with a touch of crushed black pepper. Hints of sagebrush and wild thyme add an element of intrigue, reminiscent of the distinctive Grenache varietal characteristics. Bright fruit, indicative of the area’s cool nights, provides a lively lift, ensuring balance and freshness. The subtle undertones of cocoa nibs and clove add layers of complexity while the opulent, velvety texture and vibrant character lead this wine to a long lasting, succulent finish.
Vintage: The 2020 growing season was marked by low yields, a hot summer, and extended fall hang time that produced spectacular wines with outstanding flavors, texture, and vibrancy. After a typical bud break in mid-April, May temperatures were moderate. The weather cooled in June, then warmed in July and August, with a few heat spikes along the way. Just when it seemed harvest would be rushed, ripening conditions decelerated in Washington and photosynthesis slowed enough to avoid high sugar accumulation and protect the acidity in the grapes.
Winemaking: The Grenache is carefully hand sorted and placed in a two-ton fermenter with 50% whole-cluster to conduct the fermentation, a technique that emphasizes the development of black olive tapenade and viscosity to the wine. After 3 weeks of skin maceration, the grapes were pressed off and then aged for 18 months in a 600-liter French Oak barrel. The use of the large format barrel gives the wine complexity and mouthfeel with a subtle impact from the oak. The influence of whole-cluster fermentation and aging in large format French oak barrels elevates the wine to a new level of artistry, providing a sensory experience that pays homage to both the land and the craft of winemaking.
Vineyards: The 2020 Full Disclosure embodies the very soul of the Red Mountain AVA, capturing the rugged beauty, distinctive terroir, and bold flavors that define this remarkable corner of the world. Sourced primarily from Red Heaven Vineyard, a southwestern facing site, the vineyard is ideally suited to growing Grenache with outstanding character and flavor.
Alcohol: 15.5%
Production: 69 cases
2021 Full Disclosure -Mourvèdre
100% Mourvèdre
$90/bottle
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Full Disclosure showcases the remarkable varietal character of Mourvèdre, a grape typically blended with Grenache and Syrah. For this wine, it stands on its own, hence the name. In the glass, the wine is a deep, dark color, offering aromatic notes of plum, black olive and cracked peppercorn. Ripe plum and cassis unfold on the palate alongside garrigue, a French term that describes the savory character of the low-lying shrubs that grow wild in Provence. The mouthfeel is firm yet silky, with great richness and vibrant acidity. Earthy undertones and hints of hickory smoke add depth, leading to a beautiful, long finish that echoes the wine’s layered flavors and complexity.
Vintage: The 2021 vintage will be remembered for low yields and extreme temperatures stretching from late June to the beginning of July. The early summer heat wave was followed by ideal weather, with warm days and cool nights extending into October. The combination of low yields and extra hang time allowed the grapes to reach full physiological maturity, resulting in a vintage marked by balanced wines with great concentration and flavor.
Winemaking: For the 2021 Full Disclosure, Gilles’ daughter Suzanne stomped grapes for half of the lots that underwent whole cluster fermentation in a 2-ton tank. This technique gently releases the juice and enhances the wine’s black olive tapenade character and mid-palate viscosity. The must was then held on the skins for 21 days with regular punch downs. A portion of the wine was aged in terracotta amphora, a breathable vessel more porous than concrete, allowing Mourvèdre’s savory character to shine, with the remaining wine aged in 500L large format French oak barrels for 18 months.
Vineyards: Red Heaven Vineyard is a southwest-facing site perched on a Red Mountain hillside. Mourvèdre grown here loves the vineyard’s constant breeze, and the location allows grapes to achieve full physiological maturity, resulting in a wine that captures Mourvèdre’s full varietal expression.
Alcohol: 15.9%
Production: 84 cases
2022 Full Disclosure
Grenache & Mourvèdre
52% Grenache - 48% Mourvèdre
$90/bottle
We are offering the 2022 Côté Nicault Full Disclosure, a co-fermentation of Grenache and Mourvèdre, solely to our Côterie Bons Vivants club members. If you're interested in obtaining this powerhouse wine, we currently have 5 spots available in the Côterie Bons Vivants club. Space is limited, and once these are filled, additional enrollments will be placed on a waiting list. To reserve your membership, please email Annika.
Tasting Notes: This co-fermented Grenache and Mourvèdre from Red Mountain is a seamless union, where the ripe, seductive fruit of Grenache meets the darker, more brooding depth of Mourvèdre. The nose teases with blackberries, plums, and hints of leather, tobacco, and earth – each note playing its part in a perfectly balanced affair. On the palate, the vibrant fruit of Grenache gives way to Mourvèdre’s savory grip, with layers of dark chocolate, wild herbs, and a soft smokiness. The tannins are smooth yet firm, creating a harmonious structure that lingers with a touch of spice and minerality. This wine is the perfect marriage of fruit and earth, light and dark – an unforgettable, sensual experience.
Vintage: Despite a challenging season, the 2022 vintage produced beautifully elegant wines with intense color and flavor. A cold, wet spring delayed growth until late June, when sudden warmth triggered rapid shoot development, requiring extra vineyard care, including a severe thinning of all the clusters lacking behind in maturation. By early September, cool temperatures raised ripening concerns, but record-high heat from late September through October provided the necessary hang time for full physiological maturity.
Winemaking: Co-fermenting the Grenache and Mourvèdre together enhances aromatic complexity and structural integration, allowing the bright red fruit and floral tones of Grenache to intertwine seamlessly with Mourvèdre’s dark fruit, earthy undertones, and muscular tannin profile. Fermenting in 33% whole-cluster provided viscosity and black olive tapenade.
Vineyards: Sourced primarily from the southwest-facing Red Heaven Vineyard, this site’s ideal conditions bring depth, intensity, and complexity to the wine. Perfectly suited for Rhône varieties, the rugged beauty and distinct character this site imparts bold structure and refined elegance, embodying the essence of this extraordinary terroir – powerful, expressive, and unforgettable.
Alcohol: 15.1%
Production: 71 cases