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Horse Heaven Hills
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1998 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
“This debut Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is firmly structured and attacks the senses with complex flavors and supple mouth-feel. Dense cherry and eucalyptus are layered with American oak toast, clove and cocoa. Black cherry and mocha cross the palate and linger long and lushly.” -Doug Gore, Winemaker
Vintage
- Early growing season temperatures were mild and bud break commenced in April.
- Hot, dry weather held in July, producing small clusters of small, powerfully flavored berries.
- Warm temperatures continued through August, which slowed ripening and allowed additional hang time.
- Traditional 30-40-degree day-to-night temperature swings held September through the conclusion of harvest in mid-October.
Vineyards
- Reserve program grapes come from 20-year-old vineyards with low crop levels.
- Vineyards are seated in proximity to the Columbia River which provides moderating effect on temperatures in winter and summer.
- Vines were planted north to south on south and southeast facing slopes. Soils are sandy loams to sandy silt loams.
- Average rainfall totals 6” to 8” annually with 90% falling during dormancy. Vineyards are 100% drip irrigation.
Vinification
- Each vineyard source was harvested and held separately for vinification.
- Grapes fermented for six days on the skins with frequent pumpovers to ensure optimal extraction, and then the wine was racked into American oak barrels.
- Malolactic fermentation occurred in the barrel.
- The wine aged for 26 months with weekly hand topping and barrel to barrel racking every three months.
- Barrel lots were evaluated and 10% were selected for the master blend.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.57 g/100ml
- pH: 3.72
- Alcohol: 14.1%