World renowned. Washington grown.

2000 Reserve Merlot

Tasting Notes
“Blackberry and chocolate aromatics are pronounced. The palate offers a balance between blackberry and cocoa. This is a classic Washington Merlot with fruit-forward appeal and a lingering velvety texture in the mouth.” - 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

• Less than 10% of the vintage’s best vineyard sites were harvested for Columbia Crest’s Reserve Merlot.
• Vineyard sites are located on the Wahluke Slope (50%), offering aromatics, texture and complexity and on the Horse Heaven Hills (50%), contributing balance and body to the finished wine.
• The balance between the growing season’s warm daytime temperatures and cooler nighttime temperatures, particularly during the ripening period, concentrated aromatics and enhanced complexity.
• Low rainfall stressed the vines, and irrigation was applied judiciously to create concentrated varietal expression.

Winemaking

• Grapes were picked by hand and crushed with 30% whole berries remaining.
• Cold soaking on the skins for two days extracted soft tannins and intense color.
• Fermentation, including twice daily pump overs, lasted for seven to 10 days, depending on the lot.
• Free-run wine was placed into new French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging.
• Barrel aging lasted for 22 months.

Technical Data

• Total acidity: 0.60 g/100ml
• pH: 3.62
• Alcohol: 14.0%
• Blend: 100% Merlot

Food Pairings
Beef, lamb, grilled salmon, hearty pastas

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