In 1975, British geographer Jay Appleton proposed a hypothesis about human nature and habitat, most commonly known as the “refuge-prospect theory.” The idea is that taste is “an acquired preference for particular methods of satisfying inborn desires.” The two main desires are aimed at opportunity (prospect) and safety (refuge). This notion is the principle behind Woodinville, Washington’s Refuge & Prospect Winery, a family affair with cousins-in-laws Jason Baldwin and Josh Klakring (also found under the alias of Cartel Wine Group). According to Baldwin, he says they based their winery’s name on this geographical theory because it explains the draw to beautiful landscape of Washington wine. “The vineyard is the place we thrive in, the safe place for refuge or to prospect,” Baldwin says.
One vineyard Baldwin and Klakring seem to seek refuge and prospect in is Yakima Valley’s Two Blondes Vineyard—to the tune of five out of their six current releases. The 2012 Mortal Remains is a blend of 66 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 26 percent Merlot, 5 percent Malbec and 5 percent Cabernet Franc, aged in 80 percent new French oak for 17 months. Dark and brooding, aromatics splurge in roasted coffee beans, dark fruit of blackberries, black currants and fig with baking spices and spiked bacon looming in the back. Equally inky is the palate of dark, unctuous fruit yet juicy and approachable flavors pop with fine-grained tannins and dazzling acid, showcasing the earth and liveliness of Yakima Merlot in this Cab-dominant blend.
