Walla Walla, Washington, USA – January 16, 2018 – Continuing with the vision to remain solely focused on the Walla Walla Valley AVA, Doubleback, a Walla Walla winery founded by former NFL Quarterback and Walla Walla native, Drew Bledsoe, has acquired its fourth estate property, Lefore Vineyard. Lefore is located in Walla Walla’s new sub-appellation, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, known for the rounded stones that cover the surface of the soil and exist throughout its profile.
Doubleback has sourced grapes by contract from Lefore vineyard, which was planted in the late 1990’s, since 2010 and considers its Cabernet Sauvignon a key blending component in its flagship wine. Bob Lewis and George Killian of the Portland, OR area, agreed to sell the 28 acre vineyard after working together for some time. Doubleback is looking forward to continuing and improving upon the great quality foundation of the property and the move represents a long-term goal of being fully estate grown.
The winery has three other vineyard holdings in Walla Walla and each represent a unique soil, elevation, or micro-climate in the valley. McQueen, the original vineyard, was the first to be planted in the Sevein development on the Southwest corner of the AVA, has a higher elevation and is planted in almost pure fractured basalt. Bob Healy, the second estate and named after Drew’s late father-in-law, is also part of the Sevein development but planted on a different aspect and lower down the hillside where the vine roots can gain deeper soil. Flying B vineyard was planted in 2016, lies on the eastern end of the valley and is the site of the soon to open Doubleback winery facility and tasting room. The new Lefore property seems to be a perfect fit to further bring a unique profile to Doubleback’s vineyard and wine portfolio. The winery currently owns 155 acres with 61 of those being planted and has plans to plant an additional 10 acres this spring between McQueen and Flying B.
“We have long been impressed through blind tastings of this vineyard site and have watched it slowly take over our cellar as a perfect blending component to McQueen in particular and as a truly distinct vineyard site to add to our portfolio. We cannot be more excited to be continuing to raise our level of quality in our wine growing and ultimately our wines for Doubleback and Bledsoe Family Winery. The potential of these properties inspires us constantly and allows us to make better wine in a natural and authentic way.” – Proprietor, Drew Bledsoe, & Winemaker & GM, Josh McDaniels
Facts about Lefore Vineyard:
AVA – Walla Walla Valley
Sub-AVA – Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
Acres – 28
Elevation – 970 feet
Soil type – Freewater Very Cobbly Loam
Rainfall – 10-12 inches
Trellis – VSP
Planted varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet franc, Merlot
About Doubleback:
The vision at Doubleback has remained constant from the beginning – to make world-class wines that are the truest possible expression of our estate vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington State. Doubleback is located at 3853 Powerline Road in Walla Walla, Washington. Please contact the winery with any questions by calling 509-525-3334 or by emailing info@doubleback.com
