World renowned. Washington grown.

2000 Reserve Chardonnay

Tasting Notes
“Melon, apple and butter aromas precede integrated flavors of cream, butter and apples. The finish is lingering and seductive.” - Ray Einberger, Winemaker

Growing 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 Reserve Chardonnay was harvested from Columbia Crest’s own Estate vineyards located on the Horse Heaven Hills.
• The vintage’s balance between warm daytime temperatures and cooler evening temperatures concentrated aromatics and enhanced complexity.
• The appellation’s low rainfall stressed the vines, yielding concentrated fruit with depth and variety expression.

Winemaking

• Vineyards were picked by hand, and pressed gently.
• The juice was cold settled for two days. The wine was racked off the solids and into new Burgundian-style barrels.
• Barrel fermentation lasted for two weeks followed by malolactic fermentation.
• The wine aged in the barrel for 14 months.
• Weekly hand-stirring occurred throughout aging.
• Lots were blended just before bottling.

Technical Data

• Total acidity: 0.55 g/100ml
• pH: 3.70
• Alcohol: 14.0%
• Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Food Pairings 
Creamy lobster bisque, grilled salmon, assorted cheeses

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