World renowned. Washington grown.
2003 Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon
Red Wine Steal of the Year - Sunset
Good Value - Wine & Spirits
Tasting Notes
“Cocoa and black cherry aromatics proceed a subtle and harmonious oak and fruit balance on the palate. This supple, luxurious wine trails with a seductive cherry chocolate finish.”
-Ray Einberger, Winemaker
"Our picks, Cabs under $15" - Sunset
"10 recommended wines for $10 or less" - Consumer Reports
Click here to learn about other stunning and delicious wines from Columbia Crest Grand Estates
Growing Season
- Vintage 2003 began with a typical bud break in early April.
- Bloom followed in early June. Warm, dry weather conditions during this phase (the start of fruit maturation) contributed to the uniformity of berry maturation at the end of the season.
- High heat accumulation during late summer created excellent ripening conditions.
- Very modest precipitation in August and September cooled the vineyards and slowed the ripening process.
- At harvest, vineyards across the Columbia Valley had excellent physiological maturity and flavor development across varietals.
Vineyards
- 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 berries remaining.
- Fermentation lasted 7-10 days on skins to extract optimum fruit and textural components.
- Blending occurred immediately after fermentation.
- Malolactic fermentation occurred in American and French oak barrels.
- The wine barrel-aged for 14 months.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.57 g/100ml
- pH: 3.74
- Alcohol: 13.5%