World renowned. Washington grown.
2000 Two Vines Merlot Cabernet
Tasting Notes
“Generous blackberry and raspberry notes waft from the glass and are reintroduced on the palate. The oak aging yields a supple mouth feel.” -Doug Gore, 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
- 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
- Individual lots were harvested and held separately for vinification.
- Grapes fermented on the skins for five days. The young wines were pressed from the skins and placed into a rotation of new and one- to four-year-old French and American oak barrels.
- Every lot was sampled after 12 months of aging, and a master blend of 82% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon was created.
Technical Data
- Total acidity 0.58 g/100ml
- pH 3.59
- Alcohol 13.0%
- Blend 82% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon