2001 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
“Intense chocolate-cherry aromatics precede a palate rich with cocoa, black cherry and vanilla. The perfectly balanced mouthfeel culminates in a long, seductive 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
- Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for the Reserve program were harvested from less than 10% of the vintage’s best vineyard sites.
- Vineyard sites are located on the Wahluke Slope offering aromatics, texture and complexity and on the Horse Heaven Hills contributing balance and body to the finished wine.
- Cabernet Sauvignon has an affinity for the growing season’s warm daytime temperatures and cooler evening temperatures. The balance between daytime and nighttime temperatures during the ripening period concentrated aromatics and enhanced complexity.
- The region’s low rainfall stressed the vines, yielding concentrated fruit with depth and variety expression.
Winemaking
- Grapes were picked by hand and crushed with 20% whole berries remaining to soften tannins.
- Cold soaking on the skins for two days extracted soft tannins and intense color.
- Twice-daily pump overs during fermentation occurred for seven to 10 days to aerate the wine and enhance aromatics and bouquet.
- Malolactic fermentation occurred in one-half new French and one-half new American oak barrels.
- After blending, the wine aged in the barrel for 24 months.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.58 g/100ml
- pH: 3.77
- Alcohol: 14.1%
- Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
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