World renowned. Washington grown.
2000 Two Vines Merlot
Tasting Notes
“Just-picked aromas of raspberry and black cherry introduce a plush balance of fruit and oak in the mouth. Berry and subtle cocoa flavors linger on the palate.” -Doug Gore, Winemaker
Growing Season
- Mild winter temperatures gave way to bud break 10 days earlier than normal.
- Temperatures were warm during April and May, though the weather turned cool and wet, a pattern that held through mid- June.
- July and August produced warm weather and cloud-free skies, though cool temperatures returned in late- August which modestly delayed the ripening period.
- Additional hang time contributed to the ideal sugar accumulation and flavor maturity.
Vineyards
- 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
- Each vineyard source was harvested and held separately for vinification.
- After pressing, the must was inoculated with Premier Cuvée and Pasteur Red yeasts to initiate fermentation.
- Fermentation lasted five days, and during this period a twice-daily pumpover regime was followed.
- The wine aged for eight months in French (50%) and American (50%) oak barrels.
Technical Data
- Total acidity 0.58 g/100ml
- pH 3.60
- Alcohol 13.50%
Food Pairings
Grilled salmon, sausage pizza