World renowned. Washington grown.
2000 Grand Estates Merlot
Tasting Notes
“Blueberry and cocoa aromas continue in the mouth. Velvety softness trails across the palate leaving a rich fruity finish.” - RayEinberger, Winemaker
Vintage
- 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 Merlot was harvested predominantely from select vineyards located on the Horse Heaven Hills (balance and complexity) and the Wahluke Slope (texture and body).
- 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 were planted north to south on south and southeast facing slopes.
Winemaking
- The grapes were pressed gently with 10% whole berries remaining.
- Fermentation lasted five days. Several fermentation regimes – rotary, stainless steel and open top – were used to extract softness, complexity and color.
- Malolactic fermentation occurred in the barrel.
- The wine aged for 14 months in an oak regime featuring new, one- and two-year-old French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels.
- Ten percent Cabernet Sauvignon contributed fruit dimension and softness to the final blend.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.58 g/100ml
- pH: 3.60
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Food Pairing
Rack of lamb, spaghetti with meatballs