World renowned. Washington grown.

1999 Reserve Syrah

Tasting Notes
“A powerful, sensual wine that demonstrates remarkable character and finesse from start to finish. The nose is a melange of raspberry, pepper and vanilla. A wild berry or “brambly” character is noted on the palate. Ample tannins and concentrated fruit join on the middle palate where they linger along with the smoky finish.”” -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

• 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 are 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 on their skins for 8-10 days in small open top fermenters.
• The cap was gently punched down up to four times daily to enhance color and flavor extraction.
• After fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in 100% French oak barrels.
• During the 14 months of barrel aging, the wine was racked by gravity flow at three month intervals.
• A master blend of each vineyard lot is created after aging.

Technical Data

• Total acidity: 0.64 g/100ml
• pH: 3.67
• Alcohol: 13.0%

Food Pairings
Grilled salmon, hearty beef stew, roast leg of lamb

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