World renowned. Washington grown.
2002 Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
“Cocoa and black cherry aromatics precede flavors of cherry, strawberry and caramel on the palate. Supple and seductive with harmonious oak integration, this wine trails into a balanced finish.” -Ray Einberger, Winemaker
Growing Season
- The growing season began with cool weather that modestly delayed bud break and fruit set.
- Consistent and ideal weather conditions from mid-summer to early fall, with daytime to nighttime swings spanning as much as 40 degrees, were perfect for fruit maturation.
- Grape clusters were compact with fully mature berries. Fruit quality was excellent, marking the 5th consecutive quality vintage.
Vineyards
- The Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested predominantly from vineyards located on the Horse Heaven Hills (texture and body) and the Wahluke Slope (ripe fruit character, 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.
Vinification
- Grapes were crushed with 10% whole berry remaining.
- Fermentation lasted 6 days on skins to extract optimum fruit and textural components.
- Blending occurred immediately after fermentation.
- Malolactic fermentation occurred in American oak barrels.
- The wine barrel-aged for 14 months.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.58 g/100ml
- pH: 3.67
- Alcohol: 13.50%
- Blend: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc