World renowned. Washington grown.
2000 Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
“This is an approachable wine brimming with flavor. Apple, pear and caramel are evident in the nose and on the palate. The wine is supple with a long, lingering finish." - Doug Gore, Winemaker
Gowing Season
- The 2000 growing season yielded some exceptional wines from unusual weather patterns.
- Mild winter temperatures gave way to bud break 10 days earlier than normal.
- From April through August, warm temperatures and cloud-free skies were interrupted by two two-week stints of cool, wet weather.
- Cool temperatures modestly delayed the ripening period, but the additional hang time resulted in ideal sugar accumulation and flavor maturity.
Vineyards
- The Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested predominantly from vineyards located on the Horse Heaven Hills (balance and complexity), Wahluke Slope (texture and body), and Yakima Valley (aromatics).
- 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
- At harvest, grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with Premier Cuvée and Pasteur Red yeasts to initiate fermentation.
- During fermentation, a twice-daily pumpover regime extracted optimum color and flavors.
- The wine aged for 12 months in new and one-year-old American oak barrels. The final blend includes 10% Merlot which adds structure and finesse to the wine.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.58 g/100ml
- pH: 3.66
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot