World renowned. Washington grown.
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