World renowned. Washington grown.
Reserve
Horse Heaven Hills
Grand Estates
Two Vines
Winemaker
Wine Cellaring
Recipes
Find Our Wine
Buy Wine
1998 Reserve Red
Tasting Notes
“This is an opulent, elegant wine that will reach maturity well into the next decade. Integrated aromas of intense fruit, cocoa and smoke extend across the entire palate, concluding in a lingering statement of balance and refinement.” -Doug Gore, Winemaker
Growing Season
- 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 45-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.
Winemaking
- Grapes were crushed and fermented separately for 8 days on the skins.
- A gentle pump-over regime during the fermentation process amplified extraction of color and flavor components.
- After racking to new French oak barrels, the wine was inoculated to begin malolactic fermentation.
- Egg white fining occurred after one year in the barrel.
- The wine aged in the barrel for 24 months with barrel to barrel gravity flow racking occurring every three months.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.57 g/100ml
- pH: 3.60
- Alcohol: 13.8%
- Blend: 51% Cabernet, 49% Merlot