The Aerialist

The use of the Columbia Valley AVA suggests that these grapes were grown on the north side of Red Mountain, beyond the official AVA, and part of the astonishing new plantings at WeatherEye. It’s a 70/30 Roussanne/ Marsanne blend, aged 16 months in 30% new French oak (including a 500L puncheon). It’s aromatic with floral, slightly soapy notes. Big in the mouth, packed with a jumble of citrus, peach and melon fruits, it gently opens into layers of linalool, vanilla and herbal tea around the core fruit. It’s a unique take on this type of blend, and further confirmation that the extraordinary work done by WeatherEye viticulturist Ryan Johnson is paying huge dividends.

- Paul Gregutt

The 2022 Liminal The Aerialist White Wine is an expressive blend of 70% Roussanne and 30% Marsanne, aged for 16 months in a mix of 30% new French oak. This striking wine immediately captivates with an aromatic medley of honeyed pear, Meyer lemon, and grilled pineapple, interwoven with hints of chamomile, crushed stones, and a touch of toasted hazelnut. On the palate, its depth and precision shine, offering layers of golden apple, tangerine zest, and a whisper of fennel that add intrigue to its rich yet lively profile. A vibrant acidity lifts the wine, balancing its textured, medium-to-full-bodied frame, while a subtle salinity underscores its mineral backbone. As the wine unfolds, notes of brioche and beeswax emerge, adding further nuance to its evolving complexity. The finish is long and polished, carrying a refined interplay of fruit, spice, and structure.

- Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

A blend of young mangos and apricots is complemented by hints of chamomile, sweet butter and confectioner’s spice as the 2022 Aerialist WeatherEye Vineyard comes to life in the glass. This splashes across the palate, wonderfully fresh and pure with mineral-inflected white pit fruits and hints of savory spice. The 2022 cleans up beautifully, crisp and long and also classically dry with a floral resonance that lingers.

- Eric Guido, Vinous

This has a floral and fragrant nose of honeysuckle, apricots, chamomile and lemon curd. Some almonds and cedar, too. It’s full-bodied, layered and textured, with some tannin hints. Long and rich finish. 70% Roussanne and 30% Marsanne. Drink from 2026.

- James Suckling

Another rockingly good white in the making, the 2022 The Aerialist is mostly Roussanne yet includes 30% Marsanne. It has terrific aromatics of ripe lime and pineapple with a kiss of background bitter green almond and subtle mineral-like aromas and flavors. Concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and vibrant, with a great finish, it's beautiful stuff.

- Jeb Dunnuck

From the various plots in the WeatherEye Vineyard atop Red Mountain and above the elevation of the AVA designation, the intensely ripe Aerialist blends Roussane with 30% Marsanne. Spiced and alluring on the nose with cardamom, toasted chamomile flowers, and elements of poached stone fruits and white pepper. The palate is intensely concentrated. Savoury with blended spices, beeswax and white tea that buoy intense riper stone fruits and a barrel-influenced element of nutmeg that takes us through the finish.

- Clive Pursehouse, Decanter