World renowned. Washington grown.
1999 Grand Estates Merlot
Tasting Notes
“Washington Merlots offer concentrated varietal expression, and this wine is no exception. Ripe raspberry, blueberry and coconut are the dominant aromas. Intense berry, mocha and vanilla bean flavors are evident in this well-structured wine that concludes with a supple finish.” - Doug Gore, Winemaker
Vintage
- Mild winter temperatures preceded a typical mid-March bud break.
- An atypical cool, cloudy weather pattern held from mid-April through July resulting in lighter fruit set and lower grape cluster weights./li>
- Mid-August temperatures warmed and a pattern of warm, cloud free days continued through October. The disparity between daytime and nighttime temperatures during this time –— as much as 40ºF –— delayed harvest by a couple of weeks and allowed additional time for flavors to mature.
Vineyards
- Columbia Valley vineyards are seated east of the Cascade Mountain range.
- Up to 14,000 feet high, the mountains effectively block eastward-moving wet weather systems from the Pacific Ocean.
- Just 6 to 8 inches of rainfall reach the growing region annually. Vineyards are 100% drip irrigation.
- The soils have low fertility and low water-holding capacity, allowing precise control of vine growth patterns.
- Vines are planted north to south on south and southeast facing slopes.
Winemaking
- Individual lots selected from key vineyard sites throughout the Columbia Valley were held separately, crushed and fermented on the skins for seven days.
- A portion of the lots underwent extended skin contact lasting six to 12 days.
- The wine was racked by gravity flow into a rotation of new to five- yearold French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and 13 months aging.
- The master blend includes 5% Cabernet Sauvignon to add balance and complexity to the palate.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.57 g/100ml
- pH: 3.64
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- Blend: 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon