World renowned. Washington grown.
2002 Grand Estates Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
“An enticing bouquet of apple, melon and caramel is reborn on the palate where it is balanced enticingly with sweet oak flavors. The finish is seductive and lingering.” - 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 large, fully mature berries.
- Fruit quality was excellent, marking the 5th consecutive quality vintage.
Vineyards
- Premium vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley are sources for Columbia Crest’s Grand Estates program.
- 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
- Chardonnay lots went direct to press as whole berries, and the juice was held at 50 degrees in stainless steel tanks for two days.
- The settled juice was placed into a combination of 60% American and 40% French oak barrels and inoculated with one of three yeasts.
- The juice fermented up to 28 days at 55 degrees in barrel, and then was re-inoculated to begin malolactic fermentation.
- All barrels were stirred by hand each week for six months.
- Blending occurred after a total of nine months in the barrel.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.50 g/100ml
- pH: 3.31
- Alcohol: 13.60%
- Residual Sugar: 0.41 g/100ml
- Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Food Pairings
Lemon pepper chicken, New England clam chowder, chef salad