World renowned. Washington grown.
2001 Grand Estates Merlot
Tasting Notes
“Blackberry and threads of raspberry and cocoa aromatics continue onto the palate. Velvety soft in the mouth, the Grand Estates Merlot offers a complex, seductive balance of fruit and toasty oak on the lingering finish.” - Ray Einberger, Winemaker
Growing Season
- Bud break occurred in mid-April, approximately one week later than a typical year.
- The vines thrived during excellent growing conditions in May and early June, and bloom occurred on time (mid-June).
- Above normal temperatures in July and August advanced ripening, and ideal temperatures in September and October (70s to 80s during the day; 40s to 50s during the night) allowed for excellent hang time and flavor maturity.
Vineyards
- The Grand Estates Merlot is harvested from vineyards located predominantly on the Horse Heaven Hills (texture and body) and the Wahluke Slope (aromatics and complexity).
- 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
- The grapes are pressed gently with 10% whole berry remaining.
- Grape lots fermented on skins for up to five days. Several fermentation regimes, including rotary, stainless steel and open top, were used to extract softness, complexity and color.
- Malolactic fermentation occurred in the barrel, to enhance softness and complexity, and in stainless steel, to maintain fruit intensity.
- The wine aged 14 months in one- to three-year-old French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels.
- Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon contributed softness and further fruit dimension to the final blend.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.53 g/100ml
- pH: 3.65
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Blend: 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Food Pairings
Rosemary grilled chicken, lamb chops