What’s in a name
Launched in 2007, Nine Hats was inspired by Long Shadows’ team of nine internationally renowned vintners. A decade later, the portfolio now stands on its own, with a tip of the hat to those who first envisioned it.
In the beginning, there was one Nine Hats wine, a red blend created from Long Shadows’ declassified barrels to support the winemakers’ ongoing, strict selection process for their signature wines. The overwhelming success of the Red Wine lead to the expansion of the brand and Nine Hats has come out of the “shadows” to assemble a portfolio of nine uniquely sophisticated wines.
Today, Long Shadows’ director of winemaking and viticulture, Gilles Nicault, and his winemaking team are dedicated to producing Nine Hats. The wines are styled for quality and everyday enjoyment.
WINES
2015 Red Wine
50% Syrah
41% Cabernet Sauvignon
7% Merlot
2% Malbec
A multi-layered blend with complex flavors and vibrant aromas of black cherries, red currants and sweet oak spices. This wine offers a wonderfully rich and refined texture from its core of Syrah. Cabernet Sauvignon from the Benches Vineyard at Wallula in the Horse Heaven Hills provides a sturdy backbone and long, pure finish.
2014 Merlot
87% Merlot13% Cabernet Franc
Brilliant color and a delicate bouquet of blueberries and nutmeg spice lead to a vibrant mouthfeel that evolves beautifully with flavors of Bing cherries, mocha, cassis and earthy notes. The wine’s backbone marries well with it’s richness and depth to provide balance reminiscent of a right bank Bordeaux. Half of the Merlot component is from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, providing this wine with its silky tannins, and from the Walla Walla AVA for its richness. The Cabernet Franc from the Weinbau Vineyard provides elegance and balance.
2014 Syrah
This full-bodied red has a complex flavor profile with hints of sage and black olive tapenade along with dark cherry, blueberry and sweet spice. Polished tannins sail across the palate. The finish is long and lively. One third of the Syrah came from the Yakima Valley which provided elegance, while fruit from the Walla Walla Valley contributed richness and roundness. Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine its backbone. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels.2014 Malbec
The inspiration for Nine Hats came from the nine internationally acclaimed winemakers who contribute their time and talents to develop the wines of Long Shadows Vintners. Sourced exclusively from Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, this 100% Malbec displays deep color and flavors of muddled blackberries, dark cherries, baking spice and pleasant savory notes. Firm tannins make for a full-bodied wine that offers a rich and lengthy finish. Aged 16 months in neutral French oak barrels.2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rich and supple, with expressive notes of dark chocolate and cherry reminiscent of Black forest cake; lively, dark fruit; and appealing hints of oak spice complimented by a luscious mouthfeel and a long, satisfying finish. Sourced predominately from Red Mountain vineyards, this wine is true to the growing region’s reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon with plenty of backbone and vibrant texture. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels prior to bottling.2015 Chardonnay
This Chardonnay has a beautiful golden hue and displays aromas of stone fruit and yeastiness. Its creamy texture is well balanced by bright acidity and a full mid palate that provide layers and vibrancy from beginning to end. It was sourced from The Benches Vineyard (Wallula) in the Horse Heaven Hills on a steep, west facing slope. The wine underwent 100% barrel fermentation and was aged for 8 months in 100% French oak barrels (50% new).2016 Pinot Gris
Sourced exclusively from The Benches Vineyard at Wallula (1,400 feet above the Columbia River), where a constant breeze moderates temperatures to capture fresh flavors and give the wine its vibrant mouthfeel. A light squeeze of the grapes on the press and a cool fermentation is used to enhance the Pinot Gris’ racy character. Appealing floral aromas lead to flavors of apricot, grapefruit, honey dew melon and lime zest with a hint of spice. The wine’s viscous mouth feel is balanced nicely by its crisp acidity.2016 Riesling
Sourced from German clone plantings and some of the Columbia Valley’s oldest Riesling vines, this wine offers classic and distinctive Riesling character. Notes of citrus, jasmine,pear and honeydew melon combine with an appealing level of minerality and acidity to provide a fresh and lengthy finish. 
2014 Viognier
Grown on a south-facing slope of The Benches Vineyard at Wallula, the fruit for this Viognier matured in the shade of well-managed canopies. The grapes were then hand-harvested and fermented in both stainless steel and neutral oak barrels to retain the wine’s minerality and elegance. An aromatic explosion of citrus, ripe peach, tropical fruits and flowers are meshed with flavors of apricot and pineapple. Concentrated but balanced with racy acidity, the finish is spicy and long.
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Social Club
Nine Hats invites you to Be Social – a wine club for our best supporters and their love of wine. As a member of the Nine Hats Social Club, you’ll have priority access to all wine releases, including limited-edition reserve and club only wines. Additionally, you’ll receive invitations to special member-exclusive release parties and events featuring Nine Pies Pizzeria. Members also receive complimentary tastings and discounts on wines purchased through the club, tasting room and website.
We offer two different Social Club levels, and with either level you may choose to receive all red wines or a mix of red and white wines. Please click on the links below for specific club level benefits.
12 Bottles Annually – Red and White Mixed
12 Bottles Annually – Red Only
24 Bottles Annually – Red and White Mixed
24 Bottles Annually – Red Only