ESTATE GROWN - Columbia Valley

Wine Data

• pH: 3.62
• TA: 0.62%
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Production: 2,014 cases (750ml)

Vintage

The 1997 growing season offered near ideal conditions, with a slightly warmer than average growing season and a long, mild fall. Our vineyard, located on a warm site along the Snake River, particularly benefited from this warm weather and produced exremely high quality red grapes in 1997. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from our estate vineyard on October 10 and 12.

Winemaking

We pressed our various lots after an eight to ten day maceration and racked the resulting wine to barrels. The wine was left in half French and half American barrels for eight months, then racked to 100% French oak for the last twelve months of aging. The French oak helps refine and adds elegance to the wine while the American oak adds spiciness. After aging, we tried blending different amounts of Merlot and determined an 8% addition would elevate our Cabernet Sauvignon to the level of complexity and spiciness desired.

Winemaker Notes

Lively nose with red currant, mint, and chocolate. The mouth is big and ripe, bursting with fruit and gently underlined by oak and spice. Our 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon is very focused and layered, offering a nice toasty aftertaste.

Accolades & Awards

Gold Medal Pacific Rim International Wine Competition Apr 2000

Silver Medal Atlanta Wine Summit Oct 1999

Silver Medal New World International Wine Competition Feb 2000

Silver Medal Florida State Fair Wine Competition Feb 2000

Silver Medal Dallas Morning News Wine Competition Mar 2000

Silver Medal San Diego National Wine Competition Apr 2000

BEVERAGE TESTING INSTITUTE 88 POINTS-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 88 POINTS-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (Mar 2000)

Winetoday.com 3-1/2 STARS. Medium-bodied, medium complexity, and medium oak. Dark ruby with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and cherry. Fresh, succulent, and supple with black cherry, cherry, and herb flavors (February 2000).