World renowned. Washington grown.

1999 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes
“Richly packed with black cherry, eucalyptus and spicy aromatics. Concentrated fruit, cocoa and clove are joined with fine, mouthcoating tannins to yield a complex, lingering finish. This wine will benefit from holding in the cellar for five to 10 years.” -Doug Gore, Winemaker

Growing Season

• 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.
• 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 40º F-delayed harvest by a couple of weeks and allowed additional time for flavors to mature.

Vineyards

• Premier Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards located on the Wahluke Slope (53%), offering balance and structure for aging, and on the Horse Heaven Hills (47%), introducing ripe fruit and fine tannins, are selected for the Reserve program.
• Warm daytime temperature during summer months and cooler temperatures during the ripening season concentrate aromatics and enhance complexity.
• Low rainfall stresses the vines, and irrigation is applied judiciously to create concentrated varietal expression.

Winemaking

• Each vineyard source was harvested and held separately for vinification.
• Grapes fermented for seven days on the skins, with twice-daily pumpovers.
• All wine underwent malolactic fermentation in the barrel.
The wine aged in 96% new and 4% one-year-old American oak barrels for 24 months with barrel-to-barrel racking at three month intervals.
• The master blend features just 10% of the Cabernet Sauvignon initially intended for the Reserve program.

Technical Data

• Total acidity: 0.63 g/100ml
• pH: 3.58
• Alcohol: 13.5%

Food Pairings
Grilled peppercorn steak, chocolate desserts

View/Print PDF

Back to top