Cowhorn 'Spiral' (Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier) Applegate Valley 2024 (750 ml)

 17% Marsanne / 40% Roussanne / 43% Viognier

This is our version of a Rhône white blend - and a crowd favorite. Each varietal was picked at peak ripeness, and fermented separately in neutral french oak. Once primary and secondary fermentations finished, the wines had four months aging on lees before being carefully racked to go into bottle. Each varietal brings a unique character to the table, creating a balanced, crisp, well rounded white blend that can be enjoyed on numerous occasions.

The 2024 growing season began particularly slowly, resulting in a bud break nearly three weeks later than average. However, a decadently warm May accelerated canopy growth and allowed flowering to occur on time. This rare combination of cool early-season conditions followed by warmth, coupled with a relatively moderate summer and early fall, yielded wines with especially expressive aromas and textures, lower alcohol levels, and lovely acidity.

The Spiral is a thoughtfully composed blend of our estate’s white varieties: Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Its aim is to present the freshest expression of each selection, woven together with bright aromatics and a lively, acid-driven mouthfeel. Each variety and block is hand-harvested along a continuum of ripeness, then pressed, settled, and fermented in barrel without yeast or other additions. The wine is assembled and sulfured just before bottling.

This year’s Spiral displays aromas of yellow peach, apricot tart, Opal apple, yuzu, kumquat, and tangerine skin. The texture offers breadth and suppleness through the mid-palate, finishing with a thirst-quenching vibration of acid and tannin.

Cowhorn Vineyard - Biodynamic Wines
In southern Oregon in the Applegate AVA near the city of Jacksonville, this a grape growing region dating back to 1870.

Committed to Organic and Biodynamic principles since its inception in 2002. Demeter certified since 2008.

The 117-acre estate is a testament to diversity, featuring a terroir and climate ideally suited for growing Rhône varietals. 

25-acres under vine, predominantly Syrah, and then Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne.

 What sets Cowhorn apart is our holistic approach to winemaking. We adhere to biodynamic principles, employing organic and biodynamic farming practices in the vineyard, and nurturing a diverse ecosystem that promotes the health of the land and the vines. 

Winemaker:  Vince Vidrine
An ambitious winemaker with extensive experience, Vidrine is focused on producing wine at the highest level of quality. Until recently, he was the Associate Winemaker at critically acclaimed Domaine Serene Winery in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. In addition to his role as a critical leader for Domaine Serene in Oregon, he has provided significant support to Château de la Crée, their Burgundy estate in the Côte d’Or of France, which produces wines from celebrated vineyards in Chassagne-Montrachet, Volnay and Puligny-Montrachet, Pommard and Santenay.

Previously, Vidrine was the Assistant Winemaker for Brittan Vineyards in McMinnville, Oregon which consistently produces wines that score over 90 points by important wine critics for both Brittan Vineyards and Winderlea Wines. Robert Brittan, who Vince considers one of his winemaking mentors, designed the new Irvine & Roberts state-of-the-art winery, currently under construction on the estate. Brittan will remain involved in the project on a consulting basis.

Tech Sheet