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2009 Seattle Wine Awards
Double Gold Medal

Sante' Magazine
2009 Gold Star Award

Paul Gregutt's
Top 100 Wines of 2008

ESTATE GROWN — Columbia Valley

• COMPOSITION: 47.6% Cabernet Sauvignon; 47.6% Merlot; 4.8% Syrah with all grapes being Estate Grown
• pH: 3.74
• TA: 0.57g / 100 ml
• ALCOHOL: 13.5%
• PRODUCTION: 478 cases

Vintage

2003 was an ideal growing season. Spring conditions led to an even bud break and the absence of rain made for a beautiful fruit set. Summer temperatures were above average and rainfall was below average, resulting in very even and predictable ripening. Very warm September temperatures led to full ripe flavors in the fruit.

Winemaking

After picking, the Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes were gently crushed into stainless steel fermenting tanks. The skins and juice were allowed to “cold soak” for a number of days prior to the addition of cultured yeast. This process creates darker colors and enhances the ripeness of the flavors. After fermentation was completed, the finished wine was drawn off and the skins were pressed.

All of the wine was aged in small oak barrels, the majority from French forests, for 18 months. At this time, the best wines of the vintage were blended and placed back into French oak barrels for an additional 22 months of aging.

Winemaker Comments

Dark Ruby in color, this wine displays multiple aromas of cassis, spice, cocoa powder, dark berries and a hint of coffee. Lush, jammy, blackberry fruitiness is noticed immediately. This combines with vanilla, cranberry and cherry flavors. The tannins are fine grained, giving this wine a supple, elegant mouth-feel. A lingering finish of black cherry, toasted, sweet oak and a hint of coconut make this wine refined and generous.