World renowned. Washington grown.
Reserve
Horse Heaven Hills
Grand Estates
Two Vines
Winemaker
Wine Cellaring
Recipes
Find Our Wine
Buy Wine
2001 Walter Clore Private Reserve Red Table Wine
Tasting Notes
“A classic Bordeaux-style wine offering a heady nose of cherry, blackberry, cinnamon and cocoa. Fruit and oak are perfectly balanced on the palate, and the seductive chocolate, cherry, blackberry finish lingers.” - 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 Walter Clore Private Reserve was picked from Columbia Crest’s premier vineyard sites in 2001. Vineyards are located on the Wahluke Slope (50%), offering aromatics, texture and complexity and on the Horse Heaven Hills (50%), introducing balance and body.
- 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.
Vinification
- Grapes were picked by hand and crushed with 20% whole berries remaining.
- Cold soaking on the skins for two days softened tannins and intensified color.
- Fermentation on the skins lasted up to 10 days.
- Lots were pressed, blended and placed into new French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation.
- The traditional Bordeaux winemaking protocol included barrel aging for two years with barrel to barrel racking at three month intervals.
- Barrels were topped weekly during the first six months, and egg white fining occurred after 18 months.
Acclaim Highlights
- 92 pts. – Wine Spectator (2000 Vintage)
- 90 pts. – International Wine Cellar (2000 Vintage)
- 92 pts. – Wine Spectator (1999 Vintage)
- 92 pts. & Editor’s Choice – Wine Enthusiast (1999 Vintage)
- 92 pts. – Wine Spectator (1998 Vintage)
- 90 pts. – Wine & Spirits(1998 Vintage)
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.59 g/100ml
- pH: 3.69
- Alcohol: 14.4%
- Blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc